Where to Stay in Barcelona: 6 Areas & Hotels w. Price (2024)

Hola traveler, welcome to your ultimate guide on where to stay in Barcelona! I lived in Barcelona for 5 months, plus did tons of real estate research, so I can say I know the best neighborhoods pretty well by now.

In this guide, I share the 6 best areas to stay for tourists. I cherry picked top-rated hotels in every neighborhood and sorted them by price, plus divided all the areas by interest, so you can literally book your favorite spot in seconds! Oh, and read carefully for insider tips on transport and must-visit attractions!

The Gothic Quarter or Old Town is the best place to stay in Barcelona for first-timers. It’s the heart and soul of the city, plus it’s walkable to other central areas and the beach.

Make sure to book your hotel in advance, though! Barcelona is a tourist hotspot (you already know that), and the good hotels with best prices are quickly gone!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Here is the short list of the best hotels in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter:

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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Which area should you choose?

Check out this Barcelona neighborhood map that will help you visualize all the areas I’ll talk about in this post:

• Where to stay in Barcelona for first time: Gothic Quarter
• Best area to stay in Barcelona near the beach: La Barceloneta
• Best central place to stay: Eixample
• Where to stay with kids: Poblenou
• Best place to stay for culture: Montjuic
• Where to stay for architecture: Sagrada Familia

1. Gothic Quarter (Old Town) – where to stay in Barcelona for first time

Welcome to the Old Town of Barcelona, the most charming and touristy area of all! Also known as the Gothic Quarter due to the medieval Gothic architecture surrounding it, this is the place to be if you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time!

In the local language (which is Catalan, by the way, but Spanish is also widely spoken), this area is called Ciutat Vella (Old Town) and Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter).

FUN FACT: Barcelona’s history and culture is Catalan, belonging to an autonomous community living in Northeast Spain and Southeast France. Their language is different from Spanish (but strongly related to it), and there are also different traditions, holidays, and even dishes compared to those in the rest of Spain.

Barcelona’s vibrant streets and boulevards, like La Rambla (map, stretching from Placa Catalunya all the way to the beach), with tons of shops, cafés, and museums will keep you busy day and night. It’s really appealing to the youth and there’s always something going on. You can even just sit on one of the benches and people watch!

Just a short walk from La Rambla, you’ll get to Mercat de la Boqueria (map), Barcelona’s signature market, and the magnificent 13th-century Barcelona Cathedral (map).

If you’re into food markets, you’ll find another great one in the El Born sub-district, just a short walk away (map). By the way, explore this area too for cool museums (like the Picasso Museum) and nightlife spots.

What I love most about the Ciutat Vella neighborhood is its authenticity. It really lives up to its name “gotico”! The narrow alleys and cobblestone streets will awaken the inner artist in everyone!

And since Barcelona is so crowded at times, I recommend this post for tips on how to skip the lines to the most famous attractions in town, and this one to find some unique things to do that very little travelers know about!

In terms of getting around, you can walk to most places in the Old Town and beyond! And there’s a wide network of public transport. Metro, bus, bikes, and scooter sharing services (like Lime, Bolt, or Cooltra) are all great, although buses can be late. Basically, you can get anywhere in Barcelona in 30 minutes!

LOCAL’S TIP: Get a T-usual ticket for transport if you stay longer (like 30 days), or the T-casual one valid for 10 trips on all public transport in the city! For passes related to tourist attractions, check out our detailed article covering the topic. HINT: Go City has the best value for money.

Luxury (€250 and up)

• Hotel The Serras – This 5-star hotel is a dream come true for all tourists! Even Pablo Picasso lived in this building! Now you can enjoy the infinity rooftop pool, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and beautifully decorated rooms!
• The Wittmore – I love the elegant design of the rooms at this hotel, which offers amazing city views! The adults-only hotel features an outdoor swimming pool where you can catch scenic sunsets or enjoy your meal from the on-site restaurant.

Mid-range (€150 – €250)

• Catalonia Portal de l’Angel – Set in a 19th-century building, this hotel offers an outdoor pool, great breakfast options, and lots of nice spots for shopping and dining around. Their rooms are simple yet super chic, and some even have city views!
• Catalonia Avinyo – Enjoy your coffee by the rooftop pool of this hotel, which has bright and modern rooms! The accommodation also offers a delicious breakfast and a fitness center. 

Budget (up to €150)

• Hostal Benidorm – Here’s a great and affordable place in the Gothic Quarter that is set within walking distance from the beach. The rooms are clean and modern, and you can even stay and relax in the lounge area.
• Onix Liceo – A budget hotel that has spacious rooms with a flat-screen TV. When you’re not out and about, chill by the pool or on the terrace.

2. La Barceloneta – best place to stay in Barca for the beach

Want to spend as much time at the beach as possible? Then there’s no better place than La Barceloneta!

That’s right, here you’ll find a long coastline with fabulous beaches where you can enjoy the Spanish sun and swim all day!

I spent a lot of time exploring this area and hanging around at the beaches, and I can tell you right away – rather avoid the central beach in Barceloneta (map)! It’s so crowded and unpleasant to swim in. You’ll find far less crowded and beautiful beaches nearby like Nova Icaria (map), Bogatell (map), and others. 

You’ll also find a lot of nightclubs and a casino towards the end of Barceloneta (bordering Poblenou) in the Port Olimpic area, including some of the best clubs in Barca like the Opium (map).

The Barceloneta area has an excellent bus connections to the rest of the city, plus it’s really close to cool attractions like Ciutadella Park (map) and Arc de Triomf (map) which border the Gothic Quarter.

Another great thing about this area is that you’ll find many seafood restaurants along the beach where you can taste authentic Spanish and Catalan cuisine. Think gazpacho, paella, tapas, sangria, and many other delicious foods and drinks!

Barceloneta is also a great spot for families as it has such fun attractions as the Aquarium Barcelona and the Barcelona Zoo, which are some of the best things to do with kids in the city! Just make sure to choose a hotel away from the nightlife-oriented Olympic Village if you’re staying with kids!

Luxury (€250 and up)

• W Barcelona – This hotel is Barcelona’s landmark and one of the best places to stay for luxury! You can notice its sail-like structure from afar! The accommodation offers a spa center where you can relax, a fab infinity pool, and rooms with breathtaking views of the beach!
• Sofitel – An amazing 5-star hotel in the Olympic Village, just between Barceloneta and Poblenou. Sofitel screams luxury, has 2 amazing pools, and 2 seasonal cocktail bars. A great place to stay for couples interested in nightlife!

Mid-range (€150 – €250)

• H10 Port Vell 4* Sup – An excellent value for money by the port in Barcelona, this 4-star hotel has an outdoor pool, a nice lobby, a gym, and a 24/7 front desk. The rooms are basic and can fit up to 3 guests.
• Som Nit Born – This is a beautiful guest house, only a 10-minute walk from the beach, located in the middle of a wide range of tapas bars and restaurants!

Budget (up to €150)

• Hotel 54 Barceloneta – Enjoy the marina views from your room at this hotel that comes with a modern design, a terrace, and a bar where you can chill after a day at the beach!
• Barceloneta Beach & Sight Apartment – An amazing beachfront apartment for 3 people, with a fully equipped kitchen and a cute living room area. A great value for money!

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3. City Center (Eixample) – a central place to stay in Barcelona 

The city center of Barcelona borders the Gothic Quarter, and it’s the place to stay to explore the urban (and slightly hectic) side of Barca. If you’d rather focus your trip on shopping and active sightseeing in a busy area, you’ll find everything you need in Eixample!

Bordering the 2 areas (City Center and Old Town), you’ll find Placa de Catalunya (map), which is the ideal spot for shopping. I stayed in Eixample for 2 months, and I found it quite noisy and expensive (the restaurants stay busy up until around 1 in the morning!). However, it was super convenient for getting around. 

It’s a great area to explore on foot (all of Barcelona is super walkable, so make sure you’ve got comfy shoes). 

There’s also a direct Aerobus line from here (in Placa Catalunya) to the airport, but also a lot of cool attractions. Think homes designed by Gaudi, Casa Batllo and La Pedrera! All of them are located on the same street, Passeig de Gracia (map), so it’s really easy to explore them!

Eixample district was built on a grid system called a “superblock.” It is called that because it has a geometrical superblock shape (check it out on Google Maps), and it was designed by some of the best city planners in the country!

This geometrical superblock is basically cut diagonally by Avenue Diagonal (map), this large street that takes you to Camp Nou (map), Barcelona’s iconic football stadium.

FUN FACT: Everything in Barcelona opens late (especially in the summer), and most locals eat their dinner with the sunset. This can even be around 10 PM! So don’t be surprised to see restaurants packed with diners late at night – it’s how we roll in Barca!

In terms of accommodation, as you’d expect, most options in the City Center are luxurious, making it the perfect place for those who want to splurge on this holiday. 

NOTE: Beware of pickpockets in Barcelona! They are so professional here, and they’re known for stealing in the middle of the day. Don’t flash jewelry, and make sure your bags are always secure and closed when walking. Its especially important on the metro!

Luxury (€250 and up)

• Ohla Eixample – When I said that Eixample has some of the best boutique and luxury hotels in the city, I wasn’t kidding! During your stay here, you will be spoiled with a heated outdoor pool, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and gorgeous, spacious rooms!
• Monument Hotel – Set in Enric Batllo’s house from the 19th century, just a 5-min walk away from Casa Batllo and La Pedrera, this hotel offers a Michelin-starred restaurant, elegant rooms, and a spa center!

Mid-range (€150 – €250)

• Ona Hotels Mosaic – An amazing hotel with air-conditioned and spacious rooms with a private terrace! Located in a historic building in the heart of Rambla Catalunya, the hotel is also very close to Gaudi’s houses, Passeig de Gràcia, and tons of tapas bars.
• HCC St. Moritz – This modern hotel boasts super comfy rooms with lots of space! You’ll also find a restaurant that serves breakfast and a bar. By the way, staying here means you’ll be close to unmissable attractions.

Budget (up to €150)

• Rodamon Barcelona Hostel – Set in a 19th-century building, this hostel offers simple rooms and dorms with access to a communal lounge area and kitchen. A great place to make international friends!
• 360 Hostel Barcelona Arts & Culture – Here’s another good hostel with nice rooms and access to a shared kitchen and a terrace. This hostel is super close to Placa de Catalunya, one of Barcelona’s main squares.

4. Poblenou – where to stay in Barcelona with kids

Poblenou spreads just North of Barceloneta, and it’s separated from it by the Olympic Village (I mentioned this sub-area in the Barceloneta section above). If you’re traveling with kids and want a peaceful place to sleep, consider booking a hotel here!

This is a quieter part of Barcelona with tons of parks for the kids to run around, lovely beaches, and plenty of apartments. It’s just the opposite of the chaos and noise of La Rambla and other central places!

The Poblenou district is a bit further from the center compared to the previous areas, but you’ll still be less than 30 minutes away from it all! You can literally walk to the beach and the nice restaurants and there are still tons of things to do here.

Think nice museums, theaters (like the Sala Beckett, map), and iconic international restaurants and tapas bars (El 58, map, is a must-try for tapas). 

Between the beach and the accommodations, you’ll find a large green area with parks, skate areas, and a sports beach, all of which are ideal for an outdoorsy vacation! In general, Barcelona’s residents have a very active outdoorsy lifestyle, you’ll find people on the streets, in the parks, and in cafés all day long! It’s one of my favorite things about living in Barcelona! Don’t be surprised if you see rollerbladers, runners and cyclists along the promenade.

This area is appealing to families, but not only. A bit closer to the City Center, you’ll also find the most iconic nightclub of all Barcelona, Razzmatazz (map)!

NOTE: Buy bottled water for you and the kids in Barcelona. Lately, most of Spain, including Barcelona, is struggling with water restrictions due to the lack of rain. If the trees around you seem dry, it’s partly because the authorities must choose which trees to water – yes, the situation is that bad!

Luxury (€250 and up)

• Hotel Arts Barcelona – One of the best boutique hotels on the border between Barceloneta and Poblenou, right on the beach, that stands up with its cool outdoor pools, panoramic city views, and incredible spa where you can relax after a day of exploring the town!
• The Level at Melia Barcelona Sky – This upscale hotel with large family rooms is located on Avenida Diagonal in Sant Marti, so it’s a bit further from the beach, but it’s still an excellent luxury option in the area. With its outdoor pool with plenty of sun loungers around, a lavish spa and a gym, it’s the perfect place to enjoy yourself during your stay in Barca!

Mid-range (€120 – €250)

• Hotel Paxton Barcelona – A lovely 4-star hotel with a modern design, a gym, beautiful rooms (some overlooking the pool), and a convenient location near the metro. A perfect hotel to stay in Barcelona for families with small babies (they offer cots for free).
• Acta Voraport – Exceptional value for money, free breakfast, and modern rooms are only some of the perks of staying in this iconic hotel. They have an outdoor pool and an excellent location just a short walk from the beach.

Budget (up to €120)

• Jacobs Inn Barcelona – An iconic hostel suitable for single travelers, families, and anyone in between! Just an 8-minute walk from the beautiful Bogatell Beach, this hostel also has excellent service and clean rooms.
• Holiday Inn Express – There’s no going wrong with Holiday Inn Express in Barcelona. Clean, modern, and conveniently located, this hotel mostly caters to solo travelers, but they also have family rooms.

5. Montjuic – best part of Barcelona to stay for views + culture

Montjuic is one of my favorite places to hang around in Barcelona. It’s a hilly area located some 5 km (3 mi) South of the Gothic Quarter, and it’s a great spot to base yourself if you’re into cultural and outdoor exploration. 

The hilly area is home to Montjuic Castle and Museum (map), the iconic magic fountain (although at the time of writing its not working working), and scenic sunset spots. 

INSIDER TIP: Take a cable car to the top of the hill and chill during sunset in the Salts terrace bar (map)! It’s one of my favorite spots for sunset watching in Barcelona!

Montjuic is connected to Poble Sec, a sub-area at the foot of the hill that has most of the accommodation and cultural (but also gastronomic) attractions in the district. 

You can catch big-name international musicals at Teatre Victoria (map) or Teatre Condal (map) or enjoy a burlesque show at El Molino Theater (map), all of which are within walking distance from each other! And if you’re into dancing the night away, Sala Apolo (map) is a great spot.

The Parallel Avenue (map) that runs through the area (where all the theaters are) has excellent metro connections as well, so it’ll be easy to move around Barcelona from here!

PRO TIP: Time your visit for the first Sunday of the month. A lot of the major museums in Barcelona are free, including the Montjuic Castle! Otherwise, the entrance fee is €12.

Luxury (€200 and up)

• InterContinental Barcelona – The only 5-star hotel in the area awaits with a fabulous outdoor swimming pool, a lovely rooftop terrace, 2 restaurants, and the friendliest staff. They have plans that cover both breakfast and dinner, so you’re almost getting a full board with this one!
• INNSiDE by Meliá Barcelona Apolo – This 4-star property is the 2nd most luxurious option, although I’d place it in the mid-range-to-luxury category. They have simple rooms in multiple sizes and categories, making them suitable for most types of travelers.

Mid-range (€100 – €200)

• Grums Hotel & Spa – An excellent 4-star hotel for an urban explorer. This place has a cute indoor pool, very accommodating staff, and a delicious breakfast included in the price.
• Hotel Concordia – A very modern 4-star accommodation with a small outdoor pool, beautiful rooms, and a gym on-site. Sip cocktails in the daily bar or enjoy a meal in the on-site restaurant!

Budget (up to €100)

• Paral-lel – Cozy, clean, and modern rooms at affordable prices, and a great location close to the City Center and Montjuic. There’s also a great breakfast included in the price!
• Casa Vaganto – Great place to stay in Barcelona for couples traveling on a budget. The hotel has the cutest wall décor in rooms, daily housekeeping, and free Wi-Fi.

6. Sagrada Familia – where to stay in Barcelona for architecture lovers

New York has the Empire State Building, Paris has the Eiffel Tower, and Barcelona, well… Barcelona has Sagrada Familia (map)! This architectural masterpiece is the ultimate landmark of the city and probably the first thing a lot of you will want to see. 

Since this cathedral is enormous (it covers around 440,000 square feet and its central tower is 170 meters or 557 feet tall), it can take multiple days to really explore it in detail, especially if you’re interested in architecture. Why not pick a hotel nearby and come to explore a new part of it every day, or admire it from the terrace of your room?

The area around Sagrada Familia also has a lot more to offer. It’s a touristy place with TONS of brunch places, so it’s also very lively (although not as much as the city center). My favorite was Kala Brunch (map), try their brunch burger, its to die for!

FUN FACT: Brunch is a huge thing in Barcelona, especially on Sundays. People will flock to the many brunch places in the city and socialize over a delicious meal and drinks. And the area around Sagrada Familia has some of the best brunch spots in Barcelona! If you’re ever in doubt about which restaurant to head to, you can’t go wrong with Brunch & Cake (map). 

You’ll be further from the beach here, but that shouldn’t be an issue ifa beach vacation isn’t your priority in Barcelona. You can always grab a metro and chill there one day if you like!

Finally, Sagrada Familia is the closest area in this post to Parc Guell, another iconic place in the city I’m sure all architecture nerds (and not only) will want to see!

Luxury (€170 and up)

• Radisson Blu – A 4-star hotel just a few steps from the cathedral with a terrace that overlooks it! Enjoy beautiful views of Sagrada Familia as you eat breakfast, or take a dip in the on-site pool and enjoy the spa!
• The Hoxton – This 4-star hotel is technically in Poblenou, but it’s still a 20-minute walk from Sagrada Familia and has the most romantic views of the cathedral from its terrace! Definitely worth the shot if the Radisson Blu is booked for your dates.

Mid-range (€90 – €170)

• Sercotel Hotel Rosellon – This cozy 4-star hotel comes with fantastic views of Sagrada Familia, plus it has the nicest staff who can help you find tours for sightseeing the area. This is one of the most popular hotels near Sagrada Familia, so make sure to book in advance.

Budget (up to €90)

• Sant Jordi Hostels Sagrada Familia – The most affordable hostel near Sagrada Familia with a really cool vibe, ideal for meeting fellow travelers. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, heating and AC, and individual lockers.
• Ibis Barcelona Centro – A cozy hotel with daily breakfast, within walking distance from the cathedral, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk. They also have family rooms and allow pets on the property!

👑 Luxury price:	€280
🏨 Mid-range:	€150
🛏️ Budget:	€90
📍 Best area:	Gothic Quarter
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Hotel The Serras
💵 Mid-range hotel:	Catalonia Avinyo
👛 Best budget hotel:	Hostal Benidorm

BONUS 1: Best apartments in Barcelona

Maybe you’re the type of tourist who prefers a cozier, homey feeling when they’re traveling (like me!), or maybe you’re traveling with a group of friends?

In that case, I have a treat for you: a list of the best apartments in Barcelona! 

I already ordered them from most to least expensive, so all you have to do is book your favorite!

Luxury (€200 and up)

• Architect’s Flat – A flat-designed space, owned by a prominent architect in the Art Nouveau style, so stylish! Plus, the host is so friendly and will help you with anything you need during your stay in Barca!
• Up Suites Bcn – You’re going to love this apartment set in Eixample that has such a modern design, spacious rooms, a kitchen, and a living room area with a TV where you can relax.

Mid-range (€100 – €200)

• Zen Studio – Such a gorgeous apartment with great style! Perfect for 3 guests, the accommodation has all the amenities you need, including a kitchen and a TV!
• CB88 – Offering classic decor, this apartment in Eixample comes with 2 bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen where you can cook for yourself (and spare some money)!

Budget (up to €100)

• Cozy Room – Enjoy this cozy place in the center of Barcelona with 1 double bed and a fully furnished interior. The room is located on the 3rd floor of a building, and it’s reachable by lift.
• SUNNY TERRACE Flat – A chic apartment in Gracia perfect for 4 people. It has a cozy interior design, and a lovely garden where you can have your meals or just chill in the sun!

BONUS 2: Best hotels near Barcelona El Prat Airport

Whether you have an early flight, a layover, or you just need to be close to the El Prat Airport, then you might consider booking a hotel near it!

The airport is located around 20 min by car from the City Center if there is no traffic. There is also a metro in the airport that’ll get you to the City Center in 40 minutes.

• BAH Barcelona Airport Hotel – Set 1.5km (less than a mile) from the airport, this amazing hotel offers quiet rooms where you can relax, an outdoor pool, and 2 on-site restaurants. Free shuttle service provided!
• Ciutat del Prat – Such a great place that offers a free shuttle bus and a delicious breakfast! The accommodation is 4 km (3 miles) from the airport and has family rooms.
• Airhostel Barcelona Airport – Are you traveling on a tight budget but still looking for accommodation close to El Prat? This is one of the cheapest places to stay closer to the airport with an affordable shuttle service!

FAQs about the best places to stay in Barcelona

Final words on the best areas to stay in Barcelona

So glad you stayed until the end of this guide on where to stay in Barcelona!

It was long, but we covered so much in this Barcelona city overview! From the best neighborhoods in town to top hotels, I even threw in the most amazing apartments in Barcelona and great hotels near the airport!

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options? Then check out my 2 favorite hotels in town; maybe it’ll help you decide:

• The Wittmore – one of the best boutique hotels in the heart of Barcelona, with an outdoor pool and rooftop terrace
• Catalonia Avinyo – enjoy the Spanish sun by the rooftop pool of this hotel, which has a great location and a bar

On that note, I do recommend booking your hotels in advance! Barcelona is super popular (especially in July/ August), and trust me, the good ones will sell out fast!

Don’t hesitate to ask me questions in the comments section below! I’ll be happy to help you out! 

Happy exploring,

Kathryn

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