Where to Stay in Barcelona (& Where NOT to)

Catalan delicacies, neo-Gothic structure, sandy seashores, rugged mountains, and a colourful historical past. Did we point out Catalan delicacies? Barcelona, Spain has each cause to be excessive on the listing for journey bucket lists. 

The town is a mix of influences, there may be the general Spanish tradition however tucked alongside proud Catalan tradition. There’s a lengthy historical past of independence claims, civil struggle and unrest. Combine this in with an enormous migrant and expat neighborhood and also you discover a mix of cultures, cuisines, languages and kinds. 

Possibly you wish to keep within the coronary heart of the previous city and Gothic structure, or do you wish to expertise the mix of metropolis and seaside in Barceloneta? It might be that you’re extra of an uptown kinda particular person and wish to keep within the coronary heart of Eixample, surrounded by towering buildings, countless buying alternatives and Gaudi round what looks like nearly each nook.

Both manner, we’ve the perfect of the barrios (neighborhoods) laid out so that you can determine for your self!

This information was written by Sensible Wanderlust’s Head of Electronic mail and Affiliate Advertising Natalie Collins, Barcelona resident, avid metropolis explorer and fellow Cava lover. Take it away, Natalie!

Psst:  In search of extra issues to do in Barcelona throughout your journey? We’ve obtained a submit about our favourite food & wine tour in Barcelona, which we extremely advocate. We even have extra posts on travel in Europe.

Psst: Obtain the strolling tour to seek out all of the hidden spots from a Barcelona resident!

Barcelona Journey Suggestions

Earlier than we dive into the barrio round-up, listed here are a couple of suggestions that can assist you put together to your journey to Barcelona.

• Be aware of the season: Barcelona splendidly experiences all 4 seasons, so don’t assume it’s heat year-round. Winter will get chilly and damp! The perfect months for vacationers are the Spring (late March to early June) and Autumn (late September to early November) months. Temperatures are snug, and town parks and tree-lined avenues look lovely. Additionally means fewer thick winter layers to pack!
• Put together a couple of Spanish phrases: Barcelona is in Catalonia, a Spanish area with a historical past of independence claims from the Spanish state. True Barcelona locals are sometimes fiercely Catalan, with Catalan as their first language, Spanish second and English coming someplace after that if wanted. So you’ll do higher with both a primary grasp of Spanish and even some Catalan – don’t simply assume you may get away with English, though most vacationer locations do converse English!
• Keep secure: Pickpockets are an enormous drawback in Barcelona, and the locations I like to recommend avoiding are the worst locations you’re more likely to encounter thieves. Don’t go away your cellphone on a desk, hold your valuables in a cash belt, don’t journey sporting an expensive-looking watch and hold your bag both tied to your chair or in your knee. At all times be vigilant! 
• Eat all of the foods and drinks all of the cava: Catalan and Spanish delicacies is scrumptious, with numerous contemporary hearty elements, good olive oils and little tapas plates. There may be additionally the Basque affect with some nice pintxo eating places, which is my favourite method to eat! Cava can also be made within the area so respectable cava prices little or no. Take a food and wine tour when you can to expertise it multi function afternoon.
• Don’t name it Barca: Locals and long-term residents get actually sniffy about Barca/Barna. The right abbreviation is Barna; Barca is the soccer staff. I nonetheless really feel bizarre calling it Barna so simply keep on with Barcelona.
• Convey snug strolling footwear: The town is extremely walkable however components of it are hilly and you’ll cowl much more floor than you understand whereas gawking on the structure. So pack respectable footwear will hold your toes pleased and benefit from the stroll! To assist, we’ve obtained a Barcelona self-guided walking tour – and we’ve additionally obtained recommendations for the perfect strolling footwear for journey. Listed below are our favourite journey footwear for men and for women.
• Completely different areas even have completely different hyperlinks to different components of town: The metro system is great and pretty straightforward to navigate however when you favor to keep away from utilizing it or buses then you’ll want to base your self strolling distance to the belongings you wish to see or no less than on the identical metro line to keep away from a number of stops and modifications. An space could also be quarter-hour away in a taxi however takes 45 minutes by metro or bus, so take into accout the place you wish to be in relation to the place you wish to keep. 
• Keep away from short-term residence leases: The housing market in Barcelona has been monopolized by vacationer leases, driving costs up a lot larger than is inexpensive for residents and creating plenty of scams and disparity. Accommodations had been badly affected by the pandemic so that they deserve the help quite than grasping property house owners who would quite go away an residence empty as a substitute of renting it for an inexpensive value to a neighborhood. There are even new legal guidelines limiting vacationer licenses and you’re now not allowed to lease a room short-term, so don’t contribute to the housing disaster, be a accountable vacationer, and keep in a resort!
• In case your check-in and check-out occasions don’t sync up along with your must roam the streets and also you want a spot to retailer your baggage, try LuggageHero: This service helps you discover a secure place to maintain your baggage whilst you’re operating round so that you don’t stand out like a blatant vacationer! Use the code PRACTICALW for two hours of free baggage storage on us.

The place to Keep in Barcelona

Barcelona is damaged up into separate neighborhoods known as barrios, every with its personal distinct character, vibe and attraction. To the uninitiated, chances are you’ll battle to know the place to go and what to do, however don’t fear, I obtained you lined!

As with many cities, there may be additionally an enormous financial variation. Strolling alongside Passeig de Gràcia you’ll see buyers swinging baggage from Gucci, Versace and Saint Laurant, after which step down La Rambla simply 10 minutes away and discover quirky low-cost hippy retailers promoting handmade crafts, knock-off clothes and avenue meals. Barcelona is that sort of place!

This provides to the allure of town, you’re all the time only a brief stroll or turning a nook away from discovering one thing utterly completely different and discovering a hidden gem. Which does make looking down meals and souvenirs actually enjoyable – the whole lot your coronary heart needs could be present in Barcelona! 

Outdated Metropolis: El Born & Gothic

The previous a part of Barcelona is the very first thing that involves thoughts for many vacationers after they consider Barcelona, and it’s true it’s the most charming a part of town. Stuffed with previous winding streets, lovely historic buildings, church buildings, lovely eating places and hidden options round each nook. 

That is the place you will discover Barcelona Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, Arc de Triomf, La Rambla, and a complete host of different well-known landmarks. It truly is the perfect place to remain in Barcelona for a primary go to.

Nevertheless, you do want to choose fastidiously as some streets are a little bit shadier than others, some are noisy, and people cute winding streets aren’t as enjoyable to remain in when you don’t see daylight out of your resort room window. 

This barrio has nice transport hyperlinks to the remainder of town and is a brief stroll to the seaside, with components of it opening out onto the marina at Port Vell so that you get views of the blue Mediterranean Sea. The realm can also be extra open to vacationers so that you usually tend to discover a place to seize a espresso and a pastry if you’re an early morning kind of particular person. 

That is additionally the perfect place to base your self if you’re planning on taking our Self-Guided Walking Tour of Barcelona. Many of the tour covers this space and can also be the place you end so you’re a brief stroll again to your resort afterward.

The place to Keep in El Born & Gothic

There are a combination of expensive accommodations on this space in addition to some severely funds hostels. Beneath are a few of our favorites:

• Hostal Fernando is a type of good types of hostels with clear, brilliant rooms. It additionally overlooks Església de Sant Jaume, which is a fairly, previous church. Historical past in your windowsill! 
• For one thing a little bit fancier Barcelona Hotel Colonial is correct within the coronary heart of Gothic in a wonderful colonial constructing, a brief stroll down the road takes you to Port Vell Marina and a visit in every other course takes you thru medieval streets. 
• If you wish to keep as shut as doable to the eccentric La Rambla then the May Ramblas Hotel is the one for you. It’s situated just a few doorways down a facet avenue from La Rambla and can also be the identical avenue you head right down to get to the Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi. 

Barceloneta / Seashore

For these wanting extra for the seaside vibes then Barceloneta is for you. This barrio is a small space made up of completely aligned streets so it’s nearly not possible to get misplaced. To at least one facet is Port Vell, to the south is the seaside, head north to El Born and east to Villa Olympica, the Olympic village from when Barcelona hosted the 1992 summer time Olympics. 

Barceloneta correct is a good place to really feel you’re staying proper on the seaside with out lacking out on that Barcelona previous metropolis allure. The buildings aren’t essentially as fairly as different components of town however the seaside ambiance is sort of year-round. 

You’ll discover chiringuitos (seaside bars) open from Spring to mid-Autumn and there are all the time folks skateboarding and curler skating down the cycle paths alongside the entrance, so be careful as you stroll! 

The place to Keep in Barceloneta / Seashore

There are a couple of bigger accommodations on this space as you’d anticipate with it being beachside however the costs are wildly costly. Take a look at the well-known landmark resort The W, lovely and epic views however out of funds for many vacationers! You may nonetheless catch the views at their rooftop cocktail lounge and nightclub, when you can snag a desk! 

• Whereas technically not in Barceloneta it’s simply throughout the street from the place the barrio begins, the Hotel Oasis has a tremendous rooftop pool and terrace and appears out in the direction of the marina. From right here you may entry El Born, Gothic and Barceloneta in only a brief stroll. 
• Hotel 54 Barceloneta is correct on the entrance overlooking the marina and steps away from the seaside, this could be my choose if going for the seaside resort choice. The rooftop bar can also be like a little bit backyard paradise, excellent for resting after a protracted day of exploring.
• For a extra funds room, the Sea Hostel is a good choose for dorm room-style lodging, additionally it is subsequent door to a restaurant, Buenas Migas, that does fairly wonderful pastries. Get up early, seize a espresso and pastry for a dawn stroll alongside the seaside.

Eixample

Welcome to Eixample, the realm that you just’ll see most in aerial pictures of Barcelona, these excellent crimson sq. blocks and streets aligned to OCD ranges. This a part of town is the place the well-known avenues of Diagonal and Passeig de Gracia run by way of, it’s the place the designer retailers are and can also be the bigger of the districts in Barcelona. 

The roads are additionally very driveable, apart from the irritating crimson gentle cease/begin system which does make visitors heavier right here. However most accommodations have respectable sound insulation so you may keep away from visitors noise so long as you retain your home windows closed.

This space is charming for its typical Barcelona model with lengthy avenues, Guadi’s spectacular buildings, and delightful balconies. You’ll discover Casa Batlo and Casa Mila, Plaza Catalunya to the south, Casa de les Punxes and plenty of different architectural beauties. Strolling round this space you’ll simply hold stumbling into one other lovely constructing after one other, and when you get onto a rooftop someplace you’ll see much more. 

The buying can also be unimaginable right here with the whole lot from high-end designer shops, to excessive avenue buying, to impartial boutiques. If you wish to store with out having to stroll far to drop your baggage again on the resort, that is the place to do it. 

This space can also be rather well related with public transport, the buses run recurrently and there are plenty of metro stations in addition to practice stations at each Passeig de Gràcia and at Plaza Catalunya. 

The place to Keep in Eixample

As you’d anticipate there isn’t any scarcity of accommodations in Eixample, from simpler budgets to luxurious high-end accommodations. Listed below are some fo the perfect ones:

• Once I first arrived in Barcelona I booked into Hostalin Barcelona Gran Via and it’s the place I like to recommend associates to remain for an awesome worth resort. The workers was a dream throughout my keep, the rooms are brilliant and cozy and it’s canine pleasant!
• For bougie fanciness proper on Passeig de Gràcia with the views to match the Hotel Royal Passeig de Gràcia is a good selection, and although the worth is a little bit larger it’s not eye-watering. You might go all out for a collection with a personal terrace or simply benefit from the rooftop terrace which is equally beautiful. 
• If you wish to exit your resort to the odor of contemporary bread and pastries then you’ll want to guide Praktik Bakery, with rooms as contemporary because the bread and a brief stroll to Diagonal. Simply be certain to not hang around and go discover (hehehe)!

Sagrada Família

The place else to remain in Barcelona aside from near the long-lasting Basílica de la Sagrada Família! If that is your major cause for visiting Barcelona, and no person will decide you whether it is then that is the place to remain. You may meander across the cafes within the space, sit in parks surrounding the basílica and usually gaze on the unimaginable work of Antoni Gaudí. 

Admittedly the restaurant decisions aren’t the greatest, and aside from the Sagrada itself, the structure isn’t the prettiest in Barcelona, however it’s tremendous near Eixample and straightforward to get to different components of town. 

There’s a nice churro cafe price indulging at and Avinguda Gaudí is ideal for strolling alongside, stopping at cafes and sipping an Aperol spritz below the shade of the timber. 

The place to Keep in Sagrada Família

After all, if you’re staying on this space then you definately completely want a resort with views of the basílica, which aren’t the most cost effective rooms within the metropolis however there are some well-priced accommodations price checking into. 

• Sensation Sagrada Família has serviced residences with a wonderful shared roof terrace overlooking the long-lasting church. Right here you may get the bonus of a personal residence whereas nonetheless having the chance to get pleasure from a shared area with fellow vacationers.
• For a resort choice, the Sercotel Rosellón has brilliant rooms, an awesome breakfast and a roof terrace with solar loungers pointing at Sagrada, an iconic method to spend a day when you ask me!

Gràcia

In search of a hidden boho artist vibe? Then Gràcia is your spot. Till the nineteenth century, this was an impartial city and residents are sometimes long-term locals and pleased with their neighborhood. 

Now the realm is stylish and stuffed with impartial retailers, boutiques, and cafes. Plaça de Sol is a central level the place folks hang around to socialize, drink and indulge within the bakeries and gelato retailers close by. 

This space is comparatively near Passeig de Gràcia however appears like a distinct world to the designer shops and busy avenue. The streets are largely pedestrianized and there’s a extra eclectic combine of individuals strolling the streets. 

The realm can also be recognized for its festivals, historically every neighborhood has its personal mini-festivals however the one in Gràcia is extensively often known as the perfect. Streets are lined with decorations and stalls, with some streets working in competitors for the perfect decor. Though bear in mind when you go to in the summertime throughout these festivals you shouldn’t anticipate any peace and quiet, the events can go on all night time! 

The place to Keep in Gràcia

This isn’t a primary selection amongst vacationers so you’ll really feel such as you’ve hit a little bit hidden gem, and accommodations are usually a little bit cheaper too. 

• Hotel Ronda Lesseps is a cute resort with a wonderful inside courtyard backyard hooked up to the resort bar. Additionally it is only a 15-minute stroll to a different of Gaudí’s iconic designs, Parc Güell. Benefit from the peace hidden away from the bustle of town on this little oasis.
• A extra upmarket choice with a rooftop pool is the Catalonia Park Güell resort, costs aren’t vastly completely different however it’s barely extra outdoors the central a part of Gràcia. Rooftop swimming pools in accommodations are an actual deal with however they do get busy so bear in mind to order a solar lounger to your afternoon poolside. 

Canine-Pleasant Accommodations in Barcelona

If you’re like the remainder of Crew Sensible Wanderlust and are a proud canine proprietor you can be happy to listen to that Barcelona is a good place to journey along with your furry greatest pal. 

Most eating places are accommodating, plenty of retailers have water bowls outdoors for passing canines and it isn’t unusual to see canines becoming a member of buying journeys. My canine loves coming buying, it normally means getting numerous love from retailer attendants, treats and new locations to smell. 

Actually most locations you may deliver your canine with you, much more so if it’s a smaller canine. Nevertheless, simply bear in mind that in the summertime months (from Could to October) canines aren’t allowed on the principle seashores so you’ll have to discover the dog beach simply outdoors the principle metropolis middle. 

Once I arrived in Barcelona with my pup I booked right into a dog-friendly resort and I’ve a couple of associates who’ve additionally completed the identical. A number of accommodations are used to canine companions and accommodate them fairly simply. So when you journey along with your little pal these are the perfect locations to remain.

• Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella: This resort is correct reverse Ciutadella Park, which is by far top-of-the-line parks for canines within the metropolis. Mornings and evenings are a hub for canine house owners with pups taking part in on the grass collectively, and there’s a kiosk within the park for human refreshments. The resort can also be a brief stroll to the seaside and throughout from El Born, completely positioned for exploring town. The resort itself is gorgeous, it’s designed to merge nature with native structure and elegance, and the bar space is spacious and overlooks the park. There may be additionally a beautiful out of doors space to get pleasure from an aperitif.
• Hotel Balmes: An actual gem of a resort, they really have a particular package deal for canines, Keep & Canine. This treats your pup as a particular visitor with its personal mattress, meals and water bowls, treats and snacks and toys, and housekeeping can also be delicate to their particular guests. There may be additionally an African artwork assortment all through the resort, a backyard and a pool. 
• Hostalin Barcelona Gran Via: This resort has 2 places not too removed from one another, as talked about after I arrived in Barcelona I stayed on the Gran By way of resort and it was really unimaginable. The rooms are clear and spacious, and the workers are wonderful and really accommodating. The identical vibe can also be at their different resort Diputación, each are in Eixample and rather well situated for accessing the remainder of town. 

The place To not Keep in Barcelona 

Barcelona as a complete is fairly secure and there are few areas to keep away from, these are normally simply sure streets quite than complete areas and it’s extra of simply being conscious quite than anticipating to be robbed. You hear horror tales and sure they do occur however if you’re an skilled traveler and hold your wits about you, you’ll be effective. It helps to bear in mind that Barcelona has plenty of poverty and the typical wage completely doesn’t match the price of residing and housing right here. 

There may be additionally a big impoverished migrant inhabitants and homeless folks in sure areas, if this offends you then higher to keep away from town completely as nobody space is best than others. 

Apart from that, there are some areas of town which are simply not price staying in, and I’ll clarify the place and why.

Raval

Usually while you hear tales of pickpockets, you’re listening to tales of Raval, which is situated to the west facet of La Rambla.

The realm is charming in its personal manner, however I wouldn’t advocate it for vacationers. There are some nice eating places tucked away and a few actually enjoyable bars however strolling dwelling in the dead of night is just not advisable. 

• The place to Keep as a substitute: If you’re nonetheless searching for the quirky previous city model that components of Raval have then keep in Gothic as a substitute. You’ll nonetheless have the identical tourist-friendly hustle and bustle and loads of previous buildings to marvel at however much less of the after-dark issues. May Ramblas Hotel is effectively situated for La Rambla with out the night security challenges.

Sant Gervasi-Galvany

Sant Gervasi-Galvany is up within the hills of town and could be very residential. Housing could be fairly costly right here and the boutiques and cafes cater to a distinct clientele than what most vacationers can be involved in. 

It’s near the hills of Tibidabo, Barcelona’s highest peak, and the views throughout town could be beautiful however transport hyperlinks aren’t nice so it is going to be a protracted stroll or a number of metro and bus stops to get to the place you wish to be. 

• The place to Keep as a substitute: Shut by is Eixample, this has the identical metropolis residential vibe however with extra allure and simpler entry to the remainder of town. Additionally contemplate Gràcia for a similar causes. Praktik Bakery offers you that very same native vibe however in a greater location.

Sants Montjuïc

Should you hunt for lodging that’s easy accessibility to the airport then that is the primary neighborhood to have a look at, additionally it is near the long-lasting Montjuïc which is great to discover. You can even go see the fountain present at Plaza Espanya. 

Nevertheless, to get anyplace you will want to leap on the metro or practice, it’s effectively related however if you wish to stroll to the remainder of town you’ll have fairly a protracted stroll. It’s a quieter space to remain in however the fixed want to make use of the metro can gradual you down.

Additionally as it’s a major transport connection level it does are usually actually busy within the stations, which might get overwhelming if you’re determining get to the place you wish to be.

• The place to Keep as a substitute: For simple entry to the airport look near Plaza Catalunya. The metro cease is central so will get you the place you’ll want to be in addition to the Sants cease does. Additionally it is a major level for the airport shuttle buses to begin from, which is by far the best method to get to the airport fairly cheaply. Praktik Bakery once more is rather well situated for ease to journey.

The place to Keep in Barcelona: Abstract 

That’s numerous data! So to wrap it up right into a bite-size piece, right here we’ve an at a look abstract:

• The Greatest Areas to Keep in Barcelona: Go for the Outdated Metropolis or Eixample for traditional Barcelona vibes.
• The Greatest Accommodations in Barcelona: Greatest choices are Barcelona Hotel Colonial, Hostelin Barcelona Gran Via and Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella, any of these will make your keep iconic. 
• The Greatest Canine-Pleasant Accommodations in Barcelona: Once more one other vote for Hostelin Barcelona Gran By way of and Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella. Can not beat these for canine lovers!

So why aren’t we recommending any AirBnBs? In brief, AirBnB and brief time period residence leases have screwed the housing market in Barcelona, in addition to many different cities world wide. Discovering an precise dwelling within the metropolis is an actual drawback and the costs have been pushed so excessive by vacationer leases that the typical particular person can’t afford them. Legal guidelines have now restricted vacationer licenses however this hasn’t completed a lot to cease the issue that was already created. So that you don’t contribute to the very actual housing disaster within the metropolis, we advocate you to be a responsible traveler and select to remain in accommodations as a substitute, which had been after all closely affected by the pandemic and deserve all of the vacationer love once more. 

That ought to provide the greatest concepts of the place to remain so you may plan the remainder of your journey! While you’re within the starting stage don’t overlook to enroll in our Self-Guided Walking Tour of Barcelona to get a downloadable information to discover town!

Which space would you want to remain in? Is there a sure a part of Barcelona you’re most enthusiastic about seeing? Tell us within the feedback under

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