Where To Stay in Barcelona

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
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

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Various busts on display at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
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Best Art Galleries in Barcelona

Barcelona’s cultural wealth would be nothing if not for its many celebrated artists and artistic movements. Famous for its rich diversity of architecture and its output of such renowned figures as Antoni Gaudí, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, the Catalan capital is brimming with fantastic examples of creative expression. To honor and preserve the works of its famous artists, Barcelona is full of museums and art galleries exploring their art, inspirations and lives in great detail. While it may be tricky to keep count of the city’s many cultural hubs, we’ve put together this directory of some of the best art galleries in Barcelona for you to mix into your itinerary. Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) Housed within the impressive halls of the Palau Nacional in Montjuïc, the MNAC boasts a collection of a thousand years of visual art from throughout the Catalonia region. Standing as the largest and most significant museum in Barcelona, the MNAC features the world’s largest collection of Roman frescoes and the most important collection of Catalan art. Exhibitions cover various different forms and eras of artistic expression, from religious art to civil war propaganda. It also offers an insight into the evolution of art movements throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as neoclassicism makes way for realism and the region’s celebrated art nouveau movement of modernism. Museu Picasso Spread across five Gothic palaces within the popular Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, the Museu Picasso is home to one of the world’s most complete collections of Pablo Picasso’s works. The museum prides itself on providing a key insight into the artist’s early life and career, having spent his formative years studying in Barcelona. With a collection of more than 4,000 pieces donated by various aristocrats, other Barcelona museums and Picasso himself, exhibitions vary throughout the year to explore different aspects of the painter’s life, inspirations and art style. Fundació Joan Miró Dedicated to the celebrated Catalan artist Joan Miró, this modern art museum was established by Miró himself in 1975. Widely considered one of Barcelona’s most influential artists, with examples of his art visible throughout the city today, Miró donated the majority of his works to the Fundació in the spirit of making art publicly available. Now one of the most significant attractions atop Montjuïc, the Fundació is home to over 10,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, carpets and other such pieces. The museum serves to honor the life and art of both Miró and other comparable modern artists, such as Joan Prats, Kazumasa Katsutas and Miró’s own wife, Pilar Juncosa. Museu d'Art Contemporani (MACBA) Situated in Plaça dels Àngels in the Raval district of Barcelona, the MACBA serves as both a contemporary art gallery and a statement to the cultural and political importance of artistic expression. Initially established in 1959 by art critic Alexandre Cirici Pellicer, one of the museum’s earliest exhibitions, ‘Art and Peace’, was set up in 1963 in indirect protest of the Franco dictatorship. While this political provocation brought a brief end to the organization, the project was revived in 1985 by the then Minister of Culture of Catalonia. It wouldn’t be until 1995, however, that the gallery was officially opened to the public, after decades of changes in political policies and ownership. With a primary focus on the latter half of the twentieth century, the MACBA showcases contemporary art in its many forms and from various different prominent names. Exhibitions change every three to six months to showcase different painters, sculptors, filmmakers and other contemporary artists, along with various events, conferences and workshops to complement them. CaixaForum Opened in 2002 in the restored Casa Casarramona clothing factory at the foot of Montjuïc, CaixaForum is considered to house one of the most important collections of contemporary art in Europe. The museum is owned and sponsored by the Caixa banking foundation, and serves as their proprietary social and cultural center. Originally constructed by celebrated Catalan architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, the building itself stands as a monument to the Catalan Art Nouveau movement of Modernism. Caixa’s acquisition of the site allowed for its restoration and extension, preserving its original style while also incorporating more modern stylistic features. Over 800 permanent exhibits showcase the works of prominent contemporary artists such as Anish Kapoor and Tony Cragg, while an additional three rooms house temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Previous exhibitions have explored the works of Salvador Dalí and various specific aspects of the contemporary art world as a whole. Museu del Modernisme de Català Perhaps the most famous art movement to come out of Barcelona, and indeed Catalonia as a whole, is the Catalan Art Nouveau movement known as Modernism. Perpetuated by such creative visionaries as celebrated architect Antoni Gaudí, the works of modernist artists can be found scattered throughout much of the city. The Museu del Modernisme is located on Carrer de Balmes, close to the Universitat de Barcelona. In maintaining its character, the building itself was built in the modernist style in the early twentieth century, originally serving as a factory and residential complex. Featuring over 350 works by 42 artists of multiple different disciplines, it houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture and other artworks created in various forms of the modernist style. Museu Can Framis Established in 2009 within a former factory building in the hip Poblenou district, the Museu Can Framis is home to the contemporary art collection of the Fundació Vila Casas. The museum features some 300 works by artists born or residing in Catalonia from the 1960s onwards. Its photography exhibition is the only exception to this rule, showcasing the works of both local and international photographers. The museum hosts a series of temporary exhibitions throughout the year with a specific focus on individual artists. One exhibition per year is reserved for the Fundació Vila Casas open art competition, within which the winner has the opportunity to showcase their work. Centre d'Art Santa Mònica Built upon the former seventeenth-century Convent de Santa Mònica a little ways off La Rambla, the Centre d'Art Santa Mònica stands as a celebration of art as a whole. Its diverse exhibitions cover all artistic disciplines from design and photography to performing arts and music. The museum showcases various different traveling exhibitions, from artists both local and international. As such, its collection never remains the same, offering a wholly unique experience every few months. Its main focus is to provide an exploration of creative expression and innovation, whether through architecture, literature, design, gastronomy, music or any other artistic medium.
Robert Heaney
gothic quarter
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Things to do in The Gothic Quarter Barcelona

Vacationing in Barcelona this year? Why not sample the cultural delights of the city's Gothic Quarter? There are so many things to do in Barcelona's older areas, so get reading and get picking! Here's our guide to the best things to do in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. Including: Check out the Cathedral Take a walking tour of the area A taste of the Jewish Quarter Eating out Watering holes and more! Cathedral de Barcelona Let's kick off this historical and cultural extravaganza with one of Barcelona's most grandiose landmarks. Barcelona Cathedral, or 'Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia' to its friends, is a gothic cathedral that towers over the Gothic Quarter like some kind of cathedral. Dedicated to one of the two patron saints of Barcelona, Eulalia of Barcelona, who it's said became a martyr during the Roman occupation of the city. Both outside and in, it's hard to deny its beauty. After you've admired all that Middle Ages architecture, you can head to the top of the cloister for some of the best views in the city. Just make sure you're on your best behavior when you visit. As one of Catalonia's most sacred places, any hijinks will be heavily frowned upon. Oh, and dress appropriately. God doesn't like skin on show, it seems. Gothic Quarter Walking Tour If you want to get your bearings, explore the Gothic Quarter, and learn all about its history, why not take a guided tour? With over 2000 years of history dripping from each corner of the neighborhood, you'll need a well-versed guide to make the most of it! Learn about the Plaza del Rey and its Palace of Viceroy, as well as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar. Walk up the bustling Ramblas and sample the Catalan delicacies within the famous Boqueria Market. We recommend tucking into some cured Iberian ham, paired with a refreshing glass of cava. But really, all of the market's offerings are available to you, so pick what you please. Not only will this tour give you the lay of the land, but you'll pass plenty of hidden bars and local restaurants you can go back to once the tour's concluded. Easily one of the best things to do in The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, especially for newbies! Old Jewish Quarter Experience The Jewish have a rich history in Barcelona, dating back hundreds of years. In fact, there's a neighborhood of the city named after them. Why not take your exploration of the past into the future with a 3D Virtual Reality Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter? Head to the "Call Barcelona Shop" and take a trip back to the Golden Age. Exchange your voucher at the meeting point to visit the Major Synagogue, the oldest one in Spain, and learn about its history. Then, use the self-guided map to explore the Jewish Quarter's most remarkable sites. Plaça Sant Felip Neri As with many locales, some of the best cultural landmarks can be found off the beaten path. So take the road less traveled by tourists, and visit Plaça Sant Felip Neri. It's a residential square that may seem pretty eventless but, in fact, is quite the opposite. During the Second World War, a bomb detonated in the Plaça Sant Felip Neri, killing 42 people, most of whom were children. In fact, you can still see the shrapnel damage present at the bottom of the nearby church's walls. Nowadays, this cozy area has a fountain, school, and a hotel with an upmarket restaurant inside. How things have changed. Plaça de la Generalitat While you're in the area, why not check out the beating heart of Barcelona's political scene? At the Plaça de la Generalitat, you'll find Barcelona's City Hall, as well as the Catalan government palace. On Sundays, you can even venture into City Hall and explore it for yourself. And, if you're lucky, you may catch a group dance performance or other types of street performers in the big square in front of the building. Grab a bite to eat If all that exploring has given you hunger prangs, then you're in luck. Barcelona's Gothic Quarter has some fantastic restaurants to discover. At L'Antic Bocoi del Gòtic, you can chow down on delicious authentic Catalan dishes made with locally-sourced produce from the nearby markets. Sitting down to eat within its stone walls is quite the delight. Or, if you're in the market for Tapas, head to Gourmet Sensi. With a wide variety of tapas dishes featuring meat, fish, or vegan options, as well as the welcoming, English-speaking staff, it's a great place to sit for a bite to eat if you don't want to embarrass yourself with your broken Spanglish. Alternatively, if you'd rather go meat-free, check out La Cereria. Tucked away off the beaten path, you'll find a world of vegetarian and vegan delights waiting to be sampled, all surrounded by the quirky decor and a brilliant drinks menu. And get a drink while you're at it! And if you want a nightcap to put a bow on the evening, or simply want to explore the Gothic Quarter's brilliant bar scene, check out our recommendations below! If you're in the mood for a snug, romantic cocktail bar, check out Sub Rosa. This cozy joint has fashionable red lighting, a Mediterranean take on speakeasy decor, and a host of well-made cocktails to choose from. If you want something a little bigger, louder, and less refined, go visit Bar Manchester. This British-themed bar has a whole host of cheap beers on draft, happy hour deals, and a playlist of 80s and 90s British indie rock on rotation. And finally, if you like a little entertainment with your drinks, head to Craft Barcelona. Along with bar snacks and a burgeoning beer menu, you can also sit down and enjoy live music from local artists, as well as the occasional comedy show if you fancy a tickle. And that's our guide to the best things to do in The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona!
Dom Bewley
Barcelona summer events
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Things to do in Barcelona in Summer

The flowers have long since bloomed, the days have gotten longer, and that lovely yellow ball in the sky shows its face a lot more often. Yes, that's right, the season of summer is upon us - time to ditch the between clothes and go full shorts and skirts. And, as you humans often do in summer, you'll likely be planning your vacation. Well, where better to plan your sunny stay than stunning Barcelona? It's brimming with fascinating culture, great food, and a wealth of summertime fun to experience. So, what events await you in Barcelona this summer? This is our list of the best things to do in Barcelona in summer. Featuring: Walking Tours Beaches Parks Music Festivals Summer Events   Take a Walking Tour Given the amount of culture you'll find in the city, why not pair it with the warm weather by taking a walking tour? It's the best way to fill the brain with knowledge while filling the body with that sweet vitamin d. Walking tours are some of the best events you can find in the summer, and there's plenty to choose from! Given Gaudi's prominence in Barcelona, entire walking tours are dedicated to his work. You could also take a tour of the Ancient Market district and sample some delicious morsels while you're at it. Alternatively, find out about Barcelona's rich history on a tour of Old Town and the Gothic Quarter. Did you know you can trace the city's history all the way back to the Romans? If you didn't, it's time to take this tour! Or, if you're looking for something a little more spooky, explore Barcelona's grittier past with a walking tour of Raval. It's not for the faint of heart, mind you, with haunted orphanages, vampire houses, and an abandoned hospital all part of the trip. And finally, if you're looking to escape the sun after a scorching day, check out the Picasso Museum Tour, which explores one of the world's most famous artists, his history, and the inspiration for his thought-provoking pieces.   Hit the Beach For many of us, summers mean one thing - a trip to the beach! Nothing quite beats the perfect mix of sand, sea, and sky. Thankfully, Barcelona has the beach lovers covered, offering a wide selection of options depending on your preference. There's Barceloneta, the city's most famous beach, for those who like to add a little fiesta to your seaside siesta. Or, if you're looking for a more relaxing lounge on the sand, try Mar Bella, which also offers a host of watersports for you to try out. Want a good mix of both? Sant Sebastia is just for you; its footfall pales in comparison to Barceloneta, but you'll find a host of bars and restaurants to explore. There are even kid-friendly beaches like Nova Icaria that provide ping pong, volleyball, and beach tennis to keep those little ones busy. Plus, the zoo is just a stone's throw away. There are even more to choose from, so find one that suits you and get beaching!   Explore a Park Of course, in the likely event that summer is here, one of the best ways to make the most of it in Barcelona is to go for a nice walk. And where better to stretch those legs than at a park? They're the best place to escape the busy city life, and Barcelona has tons on offer. For the culturally-minded, there's Park Guell, which Gaudi himself designed. If you've never seen his designs in person, why not do so under the sun? For the more adventurous of you, there's Horta Labyrinth Park with its colossal maze. Or, if you want to cool off a bit, head to Ciutadella Park and see the magnificent fountains and water features. Built on a 19th Century military outpost, there's plenty of old architecture to find and places to grab a bite if you need to refuel. Or, for a more fancy stroll, head over to Pedralbes Gardens, situated in the palace of the same name. Since the Spanish royal family moved out in the 1930s, the imperial gardens have been open to the public. Mesmerizing. Barcelona has many green spaces that demand exploring, so see which takes your fancy, grab a hamper with some snacks and refreshments, and head out!   Check out a Music Festival Some of the best events you can attend in summer are music festivals and, thankfully, Barcelona has plenty of those too! The city's most famous one is arguably Primavera Sound, which caters to many different music listeners. Featuring an eclectic mix of rock, pop, rap, blues, and more in between, it's a great one to check out if variety is your spice of choice. Check out Primavera Sound from 2-12 June. Or, if you prefer your beats sequenced and your melodies electronic, there's Sonar Festival. Known across Europe as one of the best electronic festivals around, Sonar is a must-visit for the shape-throwers among you. From 16-18 June, you'll have the chance to see some of the world's biggest DJs spin the best tunes, attend workshops and explore visual art shows. It's not just about the music; it's about creativity too. And, finally, head over to the imperial gardens in Jardins Pedralbes for an open-air music festival that mixes up-and-coming artists with radio mainstays. Not only will you appreciate the tunes, but you'll also appreciate the surrounding gardens!   Attend a Summer Event Let's round this list with some of Barcelona's best summer events! Every June, the city's Pride festival brings good vibes and the party spirit. Expect live performances, exhibitions, and, of course, the parade. Corpus Christi is a 600-year-old festival that brings religious spectacle to Barcelona every year. Attendees will see processions of giant religious figures and mythical Catalan animals. Or, spend your Summer Solstice in the city with Nit de Sant Joan! Fireworks, picnics, music, and partying through the night. What more could you want? And that's our list of the best events to see in Barcelona this summer! Whatever you do, make sure you pack a big bottle of sunscreen and some water to stay hydrated!
Dom Bewley

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