Heading to Barcelona but not sure where to stay? We get it. Finding a nice hotel at a great price in the right area can be difficult and stressful. But you’re in luck! We asked our local guides to list their favorite areas and places to stay, so you can choose the right hotel based on your budget and what you want to do in the city. Here’s where to stay in Barcelona.
Pro Tip: Planning your trip to Barcelona? It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post along with our Barcelona Guide for more planning resources, our top Barcelona tours for a memorable trip, and how to see Barcelona in a day.
Where To Stay in Barcelona: Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
Barcelona is an amazing cosmopolitan city filled with a vibrant art and culture scene. The main attraction is the Sagrada Familia—the stunning cathedral that’s still under construction today.
There’s a lot more to discover! Experience a patriotic sardana dance with locals who continue to embrace their heritage. If you have conversational-level Spanish, you might enjoy learning some of the Catalan dialect as Barcelona is in the heart of the Catalunya region.
Art lovers are in for a treat! Enjoy the Picasso Museum and Antoni Gaudi’s Park Güell, which is one of the most beautiful private parks and a unique experience. Excited to visit? Let’s decide where to stay in Barcelona. Choosing the perfect area can make or break a trip, so we’ve broken down this article into our top four areas to help you choose the right neighborhood in Barcelona. In each area, you’ll find our top hotel picks at every price point.
Not ready to book a tour? See the best Barcelona tours to take and why.
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Bari Gothic Quarter
The Bari Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is arguably the most desirable area to stay in the city, which is why it gets so much foot traffic. It’s close to many of Barcelona’s most popular attractions and has tons of great restaurants—another reason why people love it.
The Gothic Quarter shares a border with La Rambla and El Raval (listed below), and it’s my favorite area to hang out in Barcelona during the day because of all the action. Staying in the Gothic Quarter comes at a higher cost, but Barcelona is far less expensive than other cities like Paris or Rome.
I love staying in the Gothic Quarter if I’m just traveling with my wife as we like to shop and go out for drinks at night. The area has some cool hotels, which is why many travelers have the area at the top of their list. Be aware that the area can be a bit seedy at night, but it’s safe enough to enjoy during the day.
Why I love the Gothic Quarter:
- Amazing historic feel
- Great restaurants and nightlife
- Great for younger crowds
- Close to the beaches of Barceloneta
Top attractions in the Gothic Quarter:
- La Rambla (shared with El Raval)
- Barcelona Cathedral
- Picasso Museum
- Citadel Park
- Placa Reial
Best hotels in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter:
- Hotel Neri Relais & Chateaux: €€€ | 5 Star | Medieval Luxury—Really Cool!
- Ohla Barcelona: €€€ | 5 Star | Great Rooftop Pool
- H10 Cubik: €€ | 4 Star | Great Rooftop Pool and Excellent Prices
- Hotel Duquesa de Cardona: € | 4 Star | Rooftop Pool and Harbor Views
Not ready to book a tour? See the best Barcelona tours to take and why.
Eixample
If I’m headed to Barcelona with my family, I prefer to stay in Eixample. The entire neighborhood is nice and there are some super posh areas too. It’s far enough from Ciutat Vella that the busy nightlife doesn’t bother us, but it’s ideally located for exploring the city on foot.
As you can see in the map above, the Eixample district is massive. So, my recommendations for staying in Eixample refer mostly to the areas around Passeig de Gràcia between Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça Cinc d’Oros. It’s close to the Gothic Quarter border, so you get the best of both areas.
Pro Tip: “Eixample” is pronounced eye-SHAM-plah.
Why I love Eixample:
- Slightly more low-key than Ciutat Vella (Family Friendly)
- Passeig de Gracia shopping
- Upscale and spacious hotels
- Clean with beautiful architecture
Top attractions in Eixample:
- Casa Milà
- Casa Batllò
- Sagrada Familia
Best hotels in Barcelona’s Eixample neighborhood:
- Monument Hotel: €€€ | 5 Star | Super Posh and Modern
- Cotton House Hotel: €€€€ | 5 Star | I’d Stay Here
- Hotel Condes de Barcelona: €€ | 4 Star | Modern, Clean, and Contemporary
- Axel Hotel Barcelona & Spa: €€ | 4 Star | Adults Only
- Royal Passeig de Gracia: € | 4 Star | Incredible Value
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Sagrada Família Guide for more resources.
El Raval
El Raval is another area that’s full of life and things to do. It’s a great Barcelona neighborhood for younger travelers, couples, and the more adventurous tourists. If you like to party and aren’t bothered by evening nightlife, then this is definitely the place for you. You can always ask if your preferred hotel has great soundproofing too.
You’ll find a lot of university students here, so you can expect a growing foodie scene too. This is also home to a great arts scene plus a contemporary art museum and a harbor where you can find medieval boat replicas. Talk about old meeting new!
Why I love El Raval:
- Great nightlife
- Close to the Gothic Quarter
- Great restaurants for foodies
- Bohemian arts scene
Top attractions in El Raval:
- La Rambla (shared with Bari Gothic)
- El Gatto de Bottaro
- La Boqueria Food Market
- Bar Marsella (Hemingway and Picasso loved this bar—it opened in 1820)
- Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
Best Hotels in Barcelona’s El Raval Neighborhood:
- Bagués Barcelona Hotel: €€€ | 5 Star | Good Value and Location
- Hotel Catalonia Ramblas: €€€ | 4 Star | Spacious Rooms | Rooftop Pools
- Hotel Barceló Raval: €€ | 4 Star | Great Price
La Barceloneta
La Barceloneta is the place to be if you prefer an active nightlife, beach vibes, and chill days. You’re not too far from the main attractions in the Gothic Quarter or Eixample, but you can be right on one of several beaches. La Barceloneta is known for delicious seafood restaurants that have the freshest fish available since it’s also where you’ll find the harbor.
There are a few family-friendly beaches to enjoy, as well as a clothing-optional beach if that appeals to you. Definitely stop in at a chiringuitos (beach bar) for a refreshing drink to enjoy on your lounge chair.
But if you’re looking for a little activity, then rent a bike and pedal along the beach bike bath and find the Christopher Columbus statue. For a laid-back vacation in Barcelona, the beaches of La Barceloneta are a top place to stay.
Why I love La Barceloneta:
- Gorgeous beaches
- Barcelona harbor
- Fresh seafood restaurants
- Tons of clubs and nightlife
Top attractions in La Barceloneta:
- The beach
- Christopher Columbus statue
- Family-friendly or clothing-optional beaches
- Beach bike paths
Best Hotels in Barcelona’s Beach Neighborhood:
- W Barcelona: €€€€ | 5 Star | Iconic Hotel in Barcelona
- Pullman Barcelona Skipper: €€€€ | 5 Star | Incredible Rooftop Pool
- Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel: €€ | 5 Star | Best Value and Location
- H10 Port Vell: €€ | Good Value | Stylish Hotel
Not ready to book a tour? See the best Barcelona tours to take and why.
