Where To Stay in Barcelona

UPDATED DECEMBER 2024
By Dom Bewley
barcelona neighborhoods

If you're planning a vacation in Barcelona, you may already have a pretty good idea of what to expect. Delicious food, warm temperatures, and heaps of wonderful Mediterranean architecture bring millions to the city every year. But where are the best places to stay in Barcelona? Well, we've committed to key research just for you. So read on, and find out where is the best place for you to stay in Barcelona!

Including:

  • Plaza de Catalunya
  • Barri Gotic
  • El Raval
  • El Born
  • Eixample
  • and more!

 

Plaza de Catalunya

If you want to be in the thick of the Catalan capital, then look for a place in Plaza de Catalunya. Right in the center of Barcelona, it gives you a great jumping-off point to travel from as you explore.

You'll be surrounded by high street shops, markets, coffee houses, places to eat, and things to do, so really, it's the perfect place to set up a basecamp if you've never visited Barcelona before.

La Boqueria, one of Barcelona's best and oldest markets, is a short walk away, so if you're staying in an Airbnb and you need fresh food, it should be your first port of call every morning. And museums like MACBA, or Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona, are right around the corner

 

Gothic Quarter

Looking for something a little older with a touch more atmosphere? Barcelona's Gothic Quarter is, predictably, one of the oldest parts of the city. Wandering its streets, you'll see untouched architecture that dates back to the Middle Ages. It's a more old-school, slapdash approach to city planning you won't find in many other tourist cities.

You'll find plenty of markets here, as well as local restaurants and family-owned stores. A far cry from Plaza de Catalunya's high-street affair, but you'll find things in the Gothic Quarter you won't find anywhere else on Earth.

As far as things to do, Güell Palace, one of Gaudi's earliest buildings, is right nearby. So go look at it, take pictures aplenty, and bask in its brilliance.

 

El Raval

The city's multicultural heart, El Raval is one of the most fun districts in the city. Brimming with bars, clubs, and live music, if you want the full Catalonian experience, not many places do it better.

Fresh food lovers or general deal-seekers should go check out Mercat de Sant Antoni for all their bartering needs. And, if the language barrier isn't an issue, there are also a slew of theaters putting on myriad shows for you to enjoy. Photo-lovers also owe it to themselves to snap a pic of the famous El Gat de Botero, an enormous bronze cat statue by revered artist Fernando Botero.

 

El Born

What was once home to the ruling classes of old Barcelona has now blossomed into a lively neighborhood while still keeping much of the architectural splendor of the past.

Alongside all the history, you'll find local shops and restaurants that'll open their doors to you. As for entertainment, you're a bit spoiled for choice here. Besides the numerous local art galleries, you can also visit the likes of the Picasso Museum and see some of the world-famous painter's works, or go for something more modern thanks to the Moco Museum, which showcases eye-opening modern art from Banksy and other genre heavyweights.

If you want a taste of local life with a few extra frills, El Born has got you covered.

 

Eixample

Right off of Plaza de Catalunya, you'll find Eixample, one of Barcelona's more bustling neighborhoods. One of the city's biggest districts, you'll find plenty of touristy delights within its formidable borders.

While it contains more restaurants, bars, and cafes than you'll visit in a lifetime, its crowning jewels are perhaps two of Gaudi's most famous works, Casa Battló and La Sagrada Familia. The mind-blowing buildings are two of the city's biggest tourist attractions, so prepare to queue if you do visit.

Besides all that, you'll find the city's biggest flea market, called Mercat Els Encants, where you can pick up pretty much anything. And you'll be a short walk from La Ciutadella Park. If you fancy it, take a Segway tour of the park to see the sights in a more unusual fashion!

 

Passeig de Gracia

One of the fancier parts of the city, Passeig de Gracia is Barcelona's very own mini-Manhattan. Grand old mansions, opulent shopping, and designer-draped denizens are all on display.

If you wish to mimic the class of the locals, you'll have plenty of opportunities to, thanks to the myriad designer stores and luxury labels on offer. And, for the culture vultures, check out the Placa de Catalunya, a beautiful central square full of sculptures, and another of Gaudi's famed works, La Pedera.

 

La Barceloneta

Want a little sand and sea with your stay? Why not pitch your tent around La Barceloneta, the city's seaside district?

Of course, the highlight of the neighborhood is undoubtedly Barceloneta Beach. It's the city's most popular beach for a reason, thanks to its proximity to the city center, a load of seaside bars and restaurants selling fresh fish, and the many watersports people can take part in.

In fact, other than the Museu d'Historia de Catalunya, where you can learn all about the city's rich and long history, nearly everything else is beach or ocean-related. However, given how close the city's amenities are, it's still more than worthwhile to stay there and simply travel into the heart of Barcelona when you want to see and do touristy things. After all, nothing quite beats a sea view in the morning!

 

La Vila Olímpica

And finally, we end our recommendations for where to stay in Barcelona with a more modern site. La Vila Olímpica was once the Olympic Village during the 1992 Barcelona Games, but has since evolved into its very own neighborhood, with bars, restaurants, and beaches ripe for a vacation destination!

A stone's throw from the Barceloneta seaside, while many consider it to be part of that neighborhood, it's developed something of its own identity in the decades since the Olympics.

With its goldilocks placement between the beach and the city center, it could be the perfect place to set up your basecamp! And you'll hardly say no to the amenities on your doorstep either!

And those are our recommendations of where to stay in Barcelona!

If you need a good choice of accommodation then you can browse hotels in Barcelona for a range of hotel options in the city.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

interior
Blog

Sagrada Familia Interior

A monolith to Christianity, the Sagrada Familia is one of Catalonia's most iconic sights. If you're visiting Barcelona, and want to know more about it, read our guide to the brilliance of the Sagrada Familia, including the wonderfully-crafted interior! Image courtesy of Stock Holm/Shutterstock What is the Sagrada Familia To put it simply, La Sagrada Familia is a temple that was designed by world-famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It was considered his Magnum Opus, but he was unable to finish it before his death more than 100 years ago. To this day, the monument has yet to be finished, with work continuing as you read this very sentence. Probably. Unless you're from the future? In which case, are flying cars any good? We've been waiting a long time for them. The History of the Sagrada Familia The idea for La Sagrada Familia popped into existence in the late 19th century when businessman Josep Bocabella visited the Vatican. It left such an impression on him that he hoped to recreate its magnificence in Barcelona, itself a very Catholic city. So, with his idea and no understanding of architecture, he approached some experienced builders and pitched it to them. Renowned Catalan architect Francisco de Paula del Villar accepted the challenge, and drew up plans for a classicly Gothic monument to Christianity. However, after the crypt was finished, creative disagreements with one of Bocabella's assistants led to him walking away from the project only a year after construction had begun. Then, Bocabella approached Gaudí, who had already made a name for himself in the city. Gaudí accepted, and got to work on redesigning the entire project. Unfortunately, the size and scope of the project would outlive both Bocabella and Gaudí, and damage to the latter's plans due to the Spanish Civil War led to a fifteen-year-long recovery job. Since then, work has restarted, with many famed builders assuming the mantle of lead architect. And after over a century since the project began, it's nearly complete! The Sagrada Familia Interior As soon as you see the Sagrada Familia, you'll understand why it's taken so long to complete. Its massive, intricate spires are quite unlike anything else on Earth. While it towers over nearly everything in the city, Gaudí demanded its tallest spire never supersede Montjuic Hill. A devout Catholic, he felt that no structure should ever exceed that of God's own making. However, once you step inside its magnificent walls, it's like being transported into another world. A breathtaking mix of Gothic sensibilities and Gaudí's love of naturalism, every inch was intricately designed to celebrate the stories and figures of the Bible, as well as Mother Nature. A short glance at the church's massive columns will inevitably evoke thoughts of gazing up at huge tree trunks. Image courtesy of Luciano Mortula - LGM/Shutterstock Given how many colors we see in nature, it's no surprise that Gaudí was quite the fan. Nearly all of his works are dripping in various colors and hues, and the Sagrada Familia is no different. Its massive stained glass windows fill the interior with beautiful mixes of reds, blues, yellows, and greens. Many techniques ensure that light focuses on specific parts of the Sagrada Familia interior. More strongly colored windows sit near the ground, while clearer ones further up, which ensures the impressive ceiling is bathed in light and draws your attention. At different times of day, the placement of the sun will dramatically affect the look of the church's inside, so you may want to visit it at more than one time during the day to see the difference! Then, there's the church's apse - the half-dome that usually sits above the altar. The Sagrada Familia's apse was Gaudí's first port of call after putting his own final flourishes on the half-done crypt. With its gaping windows letting in tons of natural light, grapevine-laden canopy, and its cross-topped altar, it's a magnificent sight and worthy of more than a few snaps. You'll also notice the apse's walls feature angels shedding tears. They must like it too! Seven chapels branch off from the apse, and two spiral staircases wind their way up the façades like two giant stone snails! Speaking of the crypt, you can see how different the original design was when compared to the unique techniques applied throughout the rest of the Sagrada Familia interior! Familiar but no less stunning mosaic floors are laden with vines, roots, and other flora. Even though Gaudí already had a mind for nature in his work, it's likely he used these designs as a jumping-off point when redesigning everything above ground! Gaudí and Bocabella remain the only two people to be buried here, which is appropriate considering their importance to the project. Given its utter brilliance, it's no wonder that the Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona's most popular tourist destinations. Rather than risk missing out or queuing for hours, why not book a guided tour of this magnificent building and learn all about it from someone a lot more clever than we are! Image courtesy of Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock Gaudí's workings up close Unlike his peers, Gaudí preferred creating to-scale models rather than relying on blueprints. What a guy. And that's good for you too, because you can also visit the Sagrada Familia museum and see many of his models up close for yourself! While much of this burnt during the aforementioned civil war, the pieces that were used to restart the project are now contained within the museum. Inside, you'll find models of the spires, many parts of the interior, as well as photos, drawings, and other artifacts from the last 150 years. Well worth a visit, simply for the scale of some of these models, which easily tower above our measly human frames. And that's everything you need to know about the Sagrada Familia interior! Enjoy your stay, and remember to take as many photos as possible!
Dom Bewley
Avinguda Diagonal from above splitting Barcelona in two
Blog

2 Days in Barcelona

While exploring a city as large and culturally rich as Barcelona in a short span of time may seem an intimidating task, it’s actually perfectly doable once you put together a solid plan of everything you’re genuinely interested in seeing. Whether you’re passing through for a couple days or looking to take a weekend city break, two days in Barcelona should be plenty of time to see a good portion of what the city has to offer. Covering everything from the city’s stunning architecture to its complex history, we’ve put together our own suggested itinerary to take you on a whirlwind tour of the beloved Catalan capital. The itinerary below includes a mix of sightseeing, museums and shopping destinations. Feel free to take suggestions as inspiration and mix-and-match them with the attractions and activities that most interest you. Use the suggested visit timings to help decide how best to lay out your trip. Day 1 - Sightseeing What better way to acquaint yourself with Barcelona than by packing your first day full of the city’s best sights? As a city famous for its mix of gothic and modernist architecture along with the unique labyrinthine design of its streets, it’s only fitting that you get a taste of these right away. Park Güell – One of renowned modernist architect Antoni Gaudí’s most famous works, this park is most well-known for its central Monumental Zone. From the mosaic salamander at its entrance to the sea serpent bench encircling the main terrace, this eccentric space is a perfect place to start your day. Recommended visit: 1h – 2h Sagrada Familia – The Belle of Barcelona’s ball, this yet unfinished basilica is truly a sight to behold. Take some time to explore the rich architectural mastery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your own, or book onto a guided tour for a full insight into the site’s artistic, cultural and historic significance. Recommended visit: 1h – 1h30 Avinguda Diagonal – One of Barcelona’s most popular and important streets, Avinguda Diagonal runs diagonally through the city, cutting it in two. A vast array of stores and restaurants are dotted throughout the length of the avenue. Recommended visit: 45m Casa Milà – Also known as La Pedrera (‘the stone quarry’), this modernist building was the final residence designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. As per its nickname, it’s most famous for its rough-hewn exterior façade, somewhat resembling an open stone quarry. Recommended visit: 15m – 1h30 Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller and Casa Lleó i Morera – This trio of modernist buildings are widely considered the most important on Barcelona’s famous Illa de la Discòrdia, or ‘Block of Discord’. Showcasing the masterpieces of Barcelona’s prominent modernist architects Antoni Gaudi, Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, these buildings are eccentric in design both inside and out. Recommended visit: 15m – 2h Plaça de Catalunya – Considered to be Barcelona’s city centre and the meeting point of both the old and modern city, this square is a favorite for social gatherings thanks to its wealth of shopping outlets and restaurants. Recommended visit: 15m – 2h La Rambla – Perhaps the city’s most famous street, La Rambla spans from Plaça de Catalunya all the way to the Columbus Monument on the seafront. You’ll find a vast array of streetside cafés and souvenir stands across the length of the street. Recommended visit: 30m – 2h Mercat de la Boqueria – Often considered one of the best markets in the world, this historical market houses all sorts of fresh, local produce along with stands to get yourself a hearty lunch while on the go. Recommended visit: 45m Plaça Reial – Particularly popular in the evening, this square is home to a whole host of bars, restaurants and some of Barcelona’s most famous nightclubs. Why not finish your day here with a fresh dish of Catalan cuisine and a glass or two of the local region’s renowned wines? Recommended visit: As long as you want Day 2 – Culture Your second day in Barcelona – should you choose to follow our itinerary – will take you on a cultural tour of the city and the local region. If art, music and history are up your alley, then the following are sure to give you a real kick. Palau de la Musica Catalana – A true marvel of modernist architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been host to a magnificent array of musical performances since 1908. Bask in its colorful exterior from outside, book onto a guided tour of the venue, or even attend one of its legendary musical performances for yourself. Recommended visit: 1h – 3h Gothic Quarter – Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter sits immediately north of La Rambla and houses some of the city’s best sights. It’s worth spending a decent period of time here to explore everything the historic streets have to offer. Recommended visit: 2h Barcelona Cathedral – Known officially as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, this immense structure is a case study in Gothic Revival architecture. It’s expertly-crafted neo-Gothic façade makes way to a somewhat more unassuming yet nevertheless still imposing interior common to traditional Catalan churches. Recommended visit: 30m – 1h30 Museu d'Història de Barcelona – If you’re a history buff visiting Barcelona, this should be your trip’s Mecca. As the name might suggest, the MUHBA will take you on a tour of key points throughout the city’s history, from as recent as the Spanish Civil War to as far back as prehistory. Recommended visit: 3h – 5h Museu Picasso – Housing over 4,000 of Pablo Picasso’s works, this museum possesses one of the world’s most complete collections of the famous Spanish artist’s paintings. Recommended visit: 2h Carrer de Salomó ben Adret – At the heart of the Gothic quarter, this street is replete with charming bars, restaurants and cafés. A perfect rest stop to draw a close to your whirlwind trip. Recommended visit: As long as you want Getting Around Our recommended attractions are listed in such an order to allow you to easily walk from one to the other, though most are also within short walking distance of transport hubs should you prefer to take public transport. Alternatively, a Bus Turístic will also allow you to hop on and off along a similar route while offering an audio commentary of the sights along the way.
Robert Heaney
Cropped image of two women wearing bright Desigual clothes against blue background
Blog

Shopping in Barcelona

  Sights, sunshine... whilst there’s no shortage of reasons to visit the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, shopping in Barcelona is pretty high on the list. As well as being home to some of the best markets in Europe, the city boasts one of the biggest open-air shopping routes. The Barcelona Shopping Line covers five whole kilometers of retail paradise, winding from Port Vell to uptown Diagonal, along La Rambla, through the historic centre and into the Eixample district. So whether you’re a determined shopaholic, a savvy souvenir hunter or simply browsing in between gazing at Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces, you might want to save some room in your suitcase. From bijou boutiques to big name brands, discount designer-wear to the locals’ favourite deli, let us help you pack your bags...with bargains! Best markets in Barcelona Barcelona’s markets are famous the world over with food, fruit and vegetables, art, books and bric-a-brac piled high for your delight. Why not join the Ancient Markets Walking Tour to drop in on a few of them, whilst exploring the ancient streets of the Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter)?   Mercat de la Boqueria Barcelona’s famous market, La Boqueria, is a must-do destination for visitors. Enter through its distinctive Art Deco arch from La Rambla and your senses go into overdrive. Crowds of locals and tourists jostle amid rainbow fruit and vegetable displays, brightly coloured smoothies, open-mouthed fish, zingy spices and mountains of meat, cheese, chocolate and much more. Once you’ve selected your savoury souvenirs - or picked up perfect picnic ingredients - perhaps you’ll pause at one of the food trucks for a churro dipped in hot chocolate or a chilled glass of Cava?   Mercat de Sant Antoni Over in the Eixample District, outside stalls sell clothes and homewares whilst, housed in an impressive steel structure that spans an entire block, you’ll find more tempting displays of fresh fruit, veg, meat and seafood. On Sundays the market transforms into a magnet for memorabilia collectors - second-hand books, stamps, coins, comics and magazines are all on offer, alongside vintage clothing, handmade homewares and hand-crafted jewellery.   Mercat dels Encants Meanwhile, at Barcelona’s famous flea market, remember that one person’s trash is another’s treasure! Amid the random rubbish keep your eyes peeled for gems amongst the second hand clothes, books and especially furniture. This chaotic temple of sustainability is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Get there early for the best bargains at the 8am auctions, then pop back at midday when unsold items are reduced! Mercadillo de la Plaça de Sant Josep If you’re in the market (see what we did there) for some art to remind you of the beauty of Barcelona, this small but perfectly formed market is made up of Catalan artists, their easels nestled in the shadow of the church. From watercolours to oils, their work covers every style and medium - and sometimes they are joined by musicians or fortune-tellers to add to the boho vibe. Go see.   Best shopping streets in Barcelona Of course, if sifting through stalls is not your scene there are many, many stupendous stores! But where to start? Here’s a retail rundown of some of Barcelona’s best shopping areas for high street names, designer boutiques and more besides. Plaza de Catalunya is not only the city’s main square and meeting point but a buzzy retail hub. Just off the square, Calle Pelai is packed with fashion stores, whilst a giant neon thermometer hanging over Portal del Angel shows you it’s a shopping hot-spot for European fashion chains including Zara, Pull & Bear, Benetton, H&M and Berska. Look out for quirky independent stores too - and delicious snacks including turrón (a kind of nougat) and artisan ice-cream.   Paseo de Gràcia (Passeig de Gràcia in Catalan) is one of Barcelona’s most elegant promenades, home to both designer stores and high street names, as well as distinctive Art Nouveau buildings including Antoni Gaudi’s visionary Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Running parallel, the equally lively Rambla de Catalunya is also packed with high end stores - not only clothes but beauty products, electronics and unique furniture. Both streets run into Avenida Diagonal, the place to be for international luxury brands including Calvin Klein, Armani, Versace and Gucci.   To the south of La Rambla, the Raval district is popular with those seeking alternative shops. Vintage lovers should head to Calle Riera Baixia and look out for ethnic, Goth and handmade clothes on Calle Tallers. Nearby Sant Antoni sees less tourists but boasts some of the best book shops in Barcelona. For the best boho vibe however, head to the oldest parts of the city. The narrow winding streets of El Born and the Barrio Gòtic are packed with not only upmarket stores but independent shops selling antiques, books, handmade clothes, hats, cutlery and gifts galore.   Best for designer bargains Barcelona is full of big name brands but to bag some at a fraction of the usual price you’ll need to hop on the bus to La Roca Village, part of the same outlet group as London’s famous Bicester Village. This fantastic designer mall, just 30 minutes from the centre, is designed to look like a Spanish town centre, with Gaudi-style mosaics and colourful plants but savvy shoppers come for the discounts not the decor, enjoying savings of up 60% off usual retail prices. Grab your credit card and run amok in almost one thousand boutique stores featuring Spanish fashion and luxury brands like Desigual, Loewe and Balenciaga - and international names including Prada, Burberry, Gucci and Jimmy Choo.   Best shops for souvenirs FC Botiga Since FC Barcelona is one of the world’s biggest football teams, fans won’t want to miss their chance to pick up memorabilia featuring the famous red and blue colours. Take the tour at Camp Nou, Europe’s largest football stadium, then visit the FC Botiga Megastore to pick up and personalize some team kit. You’ll find three whole floors crammed with Barcelona football shirts, scarves, hats, balls, boots and signed team photos. There are several more official FC Barcelona stores around the city, including in Barri Gòtic and Eixample. See what you can score. La Capell Part of the Collegi de Arquitectes in the Gothic Quarter and originally opened as a bookstore dedicated to architecture and art, this is now a fabulous three-storey gift store of uniquely designed souvenirs from Barcelona. The mural outside was designed by Picasso and the gadgets, toys, jewellery, stationery, furniture, homeware and gourmet gifts inside are equally original.   Best for chocolate lovers From handcrafted bon bons to hot chocolate to churros and even a chocolate museum, Barcelona is heaven for chocolate lovers. Pasteleria Escriba is one of the most famous chocolate shops in Barcelona. Its flagship store in the Antigua Casa Figueras has been open on La Rambla since 1906 and its edible murals, chocolate sculptures and spectacular displays are as intricate and popular as the building’s unique facade. Xocoa For a more contemporary take on chocolate follow your nose to over 15 Xocoa boutiques around the city. At Petritxol Xocoa, the original store in the old city, you’ll find a cafe, bakery and endless irresistible creations presented in super chic packaging. Look out for chocolate beauty products, exotically flavoured chocolate bars including orange, rosemary, Jamaican pepper and green tea and, even better, chocolate beer!   Best department store If you still don’t know where to find what you’re looking for, make tracks for El Cortes Inglés; after all it’s hard to miss the huge brutalist concrete building looming over the Plaça de Catalunya. It’s much prettier inside though, with 9 endless floors of...well everything you can think of... from fashion to furniture, kitchenware to a cosmetics floor to die for. You’ll either find just what you need or, should you be overwhelmed by the sheer scale of availability, maybe just take the lift to the top floor, enjoy the view of the square and plan where you’ll go next - with Go City.
Jo Cooke

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon