Barcelona's neighborhoods are characterised by narrow streets, colourful buildings and incredible modernist architecture.
With its incredible history, delicious tapas bars, Catalan art and old city charm, there's something for everyone to explore.
We've compiled a list of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona to visit during your next trip.
El Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
The Gothic Quarter is one of the old est Barcelona neighborhoods you can visit and one of the city's most popular tourist destinations.
The winding streets are lined with beautiful squares and charming churches, perfect for exploring.
Don't forget to see the famous Barcelona Cathedral (Cathedral of Santa Eulalia), the Roman Temple of Augustus and the intriguing Picasso Museum.
In addition to the cathedral, the Gothic Quarter is also home to the Palau de la Generalitat and the Plaça del Rei, and the Picasso Museum.
The neighborhood is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and shops where you can relax during your stay in Barcelona.
There are several great places to stay, including Hotel Casa Camper (a stylish boutique hotel near the ever-popular Las Ramblas), the 5-star Hotel Mercer, near the Barcelona Cathedral, and the Hotel Antic, a 17th-century building in the heart of the neighborhood.
The Gothic Quarter is the best neighborhood for first-time visitors to the city to stay in, with plenty of exciting restaurants, bars and sites to explore.
El Raval
One of the most iconic Barcelona neighborhoods to visit is El Raval, just west of the Gothic Quarter.
El Raval is known for its bohemian, multicultural atmosphere, art galleries, trendy cafes and bars.
El Raval's main attractions include the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Sant Pau del Camp Monastery, and the Joan Miro Foundation.
However, if you are visiting El Raval, you need to take a stroll through the city's most famous street, La Rambla.
This tree-lined promenade runs through the city centre, connecting Plaça de Catalunya in the north to the harbour in the south.
Las Ramblas is always bustling with street performers, vendors and lively shops, making it the perfect destination for taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
One of the most famous landmarks on Las Ramblas is the Gran Teatre del Liceu, which is one of the largest and most famous opera houses in Spain.
The street is also home to several other popular tourist attractions, including the Palau de la Virreina, the Mercat de la Boqueria, and the Columbus Monument.
El Raval is a friendly Barcelona neighborhood with many popular hotels to choose from, including the Hotel Sant Agusti (within walking distance of the Gothic Quarter's many attractions) or the Hotel Viento 10, an eco-friendly hotel with a rooftop terrace that offers great views over the old city.
El Born
El Born is a hip neighborhood located just to the east of the Gothic Quarter, with charming cobbled streets, high-end shopping, good restaurants, cocktail bars, and historical landmarks to explore. Visitors to El Born often stop by thee the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar for a photo op.
While most visitors to Barcelona come to see the amazing architecture by Antoni GaudÃ, don't skip the Palau de la Musica, a 2200-seat art nouveau music palace at the top of El Born.
This impressive building was designed by modernist Lluis Domenech I Montaner and is the only theatre in Europe illuminated entirely by natural light.
One of the best hotels to stay in El Born is the contemporary Hotel Barcelo Raval, near the Gothic Quarter, or the Hotel Sant Pere Mes Baix, a historic boutique hotel near all of the major metro stops and a great location to start exploring Barcelona.
Grà cia
Each Barcelona neighborhood has its own character and personality, and Grà cia is definitely an extrovert.
The area is home to many bars, live music, festivals and cultural events that attract young people from all over Barcelona.
Here you can see some of GaudÃ's most famous designs , including the Park Guell, the Casa Vicens, and the Casa Batlló.
Stay at Hotel Casa Gracia, a boutique hotel with a great location near Park Güell, an open-air museum, or the Hotel Omm, which is a stylish, contemporary hotel a stone's throw from the city centre.
Eixample
Eixample is one of the newer Barcelona neighborhoods, built on a neat grid pattern characterised by wide avenues, enlarged corners, and long straight streets designed to let in light and ventilation.
The city planners demanded a certain number of markets per street, which makes it a great spot for sampling local produce.
Here you'll find the famous Passeig de Grà cia, a prestigious avenue featuring high-end boutiques and department stores.
You'll also see many of GaudÃ's famous buildings here, including the Sagrada Familia and Casa Milà .
There are fewer tourists here, which makes this the best neighborhood for visitors that want a little peace and quiet.
Try the Hotel Mandarin Oriental, a 5-star hotel that's just a short walk to the Passeig de Gracia, or the Hotel Casa Fuster.
Whether you're looking to explore the city's architecture, take in a show, or simply relax and enjoy the shopping and dining options, the Eixample neighborhood is for your stay in Barcelona.
Montjuic
Montjuic a neighborhood located just to the south of the city centre and is known for its nightlife and entertainment scene.
There are a few notable attractions to see, including the Montjuic Castle, the Fundacio Joan Miro, and the Magic Fountain.
The Magic Fountain is a stunning light and sound show that takes place in the evenings.
The fountain was built for the 1929 World Exposition and is made up of over 3,000 jets of water that are choreographed to music and coloured lights, creating a mesmerising display.
The neighborhood is also home to several parks, including the Parc de Montjuic, which offers stunning views of the city and the harbour.
One of the most popular hotels in the area is the Hotel Barcelo Sants or the Hotel Atenea Calabria, a charming boutique hotel near the Magic Fountain.
La Barceloneta
La Barceloneta is located along the city's coastline and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. La Barceloneta is known for its traditional fisherman's houses and its lively atmosphere.
There are several beaches to enjoy, including Barceloneta Beach, which is one of the most popular beaches in the city.
Here, you can relax and soak up the sun or enjoy water sports and other outdoor activities.
One of the most popular hotels in the area is the Hotel W Barcelona, which is a 5-star hotel with a great location right on the beach with nightly fire pits and barbecued dinners.
Another option is the Hotel Arts Barcelona, which is a stylish, modern hotel with a great location near the city centre.
El Clot
El Clot, in the northeast of the city, is often overlooked by tourists, but it's a great place to stay.
The neighborhood is home to the Parc de la Ciutadella, one of the largest parks in the city, and the Barcelona Zoo, which is one of the oldest zoos in Europe as well as several notable educational institutions, including the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, which is one of the leading engineering universities in Spain.
The best hotel to stay in during your visit is the Petit Palace Bristol, which is a 3-star hotel with a great location near Ciutadella Park, or Hotel Barcelona Catedral, which is a 4-star hotel with a great location near the Barcelona Cathedral.
El Clot is a neighborhood that offers a quiet and peaceful escape from the busy streets of central Barcelona and is a great place to visit for those looking for an affordable, low-key alternative to the city's more tourist-oriented neighborhoods.
Every single one of these neighborhoods offers something different and exciting for you to explore, so consider your location carefully when booking your next trip.
You might also be interested in these attractions in Barcelona:
- Barcelona in October - April 19, 2023
- Barcelona In September - April 19, 2023
- Barcelona in August - April 19, 2023