Where to Stay in Barcelona

Our Favorite Barcelona Hotels

The hotel website and check available rates for 9Hotel Cesàri on Booking.com • 4-

  • Emma (elegant pizza place; thin Roman-style crusts; international craft beers)

• 3-star: Praktik Rambla
• For Couples: Hotel Bagues
• For Families: Grand Central
• The hotel with a pool is Grand Central
• ― Near the coast: Hotel Arts
• With Private Pool: Residence
•

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The Best Areas to Stay in Barcelona

We love Barcelona. It’s a major city but its historic center is compact, walkable, lively, and an absolute pleasure to explore.

Since hosting the 1992 Olympics greatly boosted its tourist (and cruise ship) industry, Barcelona has become one of Europe’s most popular cities. Unless you visit in mid-winter, expect it to be extremely active, with parts of La Rambla frequently resembling Times Square on New Year’s Eve. What draws crowds more than anything else is the architectural legacy of Antoni Gaudí, the king of Catalan Modernism: Park Güell, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà (La Pedrera), Palau Güell, and above all the mesmerizing Sagrada Família are all fantastic must-see attractions. The good news is that it’s relatively simple to lose the crowds, whether in the winding streets of Barri Gòtic or on the slopes of Montjuïc, and there is a huge supply of accommodation to suit every budget.

We find it useful to conceptualize Barcelona as three distinct regions. At its core is the Ciutat Vella, the antique city, comprising the narrow paths, crumbling towers, and plazas of the Barri Gòtic, El Born, and El Raval neighborhoods. Surrounding this is the “New City”: the Eixample, built in the nineteenth-century on a more orderly grid structure. Beyond this are the vast expanses of modern suburbs built up after World War II. Many of the top hotels in Barcelona and top hotels for families are located around the upscale Eixample neighborhood, though central Barri Gòtic and El Born also have their share of 4 and 5-star accommodations. Gràcia and Poblenou both have a good selection of family-friendly accommodation, though the two neighborhoods are farther away from most of Barcelona’s attractions.

Barcelona Neighborhoods

Many of our favorite activities in Barcelona are located centrally, but some require a brief metro ride, so your chosen neighborhood to stay in will impact what you can see and how you get there.

All the central Ciutat Vella (Old City) districts of Barcelona are extremely atmospheric, but can be crowded by tourists during the day and can seem a little uneasy at night. Barri Gòtic is Barcelona’s historic and geographic center, a 20-minute walk from numerous attractions and most other neighborhoods of interest. A romantic tangle of medieval streets and plazas, this part of the city has been inhabited since Roman times and is home to the city’s Gothic cathedral. It also attracts the tourist crowds, and with good reason: it offers excellent dining, shopping, and numerous places to stay.

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Some quality hotels situated near or on La Rambla include: Hotel Bagues,Hotel 1898,Praktik Rambla,Casa Camper,Sonder DO Plaça Reial,Aparthotel Arai,Ramblas Apartments

La Rambla, the iconic pedestrian path of Barcelona, divides Barri Gòtic and the artistic, developing neighborhood of El Raval. Previously one of the roughest parts of town, gentrification has mostly relieved El Raval`s negative reputation though its independent spirit remains visible in eccentric shops, private boutiques, and bars.

East of Barri Gòtic lies El Born, another winding network of medieval lanes renowned for attractions ranging from the cerebral Picasso Museum to the family-friendly Chocolate Museum. Tapas bars and boutiques fill this area as well as expansive Ciutadella Park dividing El Born from trendy Poblenou.

Directly northwest of the Old City lies Eixample (meaning “addition” or “extension”), the spacious, upscale neighborhood distinguished by its bright, tree-lined boulevards in stark contrast to the Ciutat Vella`s darker, narrower roads. Here visitors will find most of Barcelona`s striking Modernist buildings such as Gaudi`s Sagrada Familia as well as the city`s premium shopping areas. At the southwest edge of Eixample sits the sub-neighborhood Sant Antoni, a foodie locale abundant with contemporary tapas bars, fusion eateries, and lively nightlife.

Further northwest, between Eixample and the hills, is Gràcia – a village within a city. A largely residential area populated with young families and creative types, it’s home to Gaudi’s well-known Park Güell.

The trendy neighborhood of Poble Sec stretches across the base of Montjuïc hill and is adjacent to El Raval south of the Avinguda del Paral·lel, lined with restaurants and lively bars. Aside from a street full of tapas bars, Poble Sec itself has no attractions to speak of, but it makes an ideal base for exploring Montjuïc’s stellar art museums and hilltop fortress via cable car and on foot.

Montjuïc (meaning “Jewish Mountain”) is a beautiful hilltop named after the Jewish graveyard established here during the medieval era, connected to the city by funicular and cable car. The hilltop has a relatively level and mostly park-like area filled with lush botanical gardens, art museums and a 17th century fortress, all providing sweeping views over the port. There are few hotels and eateries on Montjuïc; it`s a very tranquil place. The nearest cluster of lodgings and restaurants is in Poble Sec.

From Montjuïc, a second cable vehicle travels across Barcelona`s yacht harbor at Port Vell, connecting to Barceloneta, a previous fishing town renowned for its seafood-heavy appetizers and restaurants, as well as Barcelona`s most lively beach. Barceloneta is also an easy stroll from both El Born and Barri Gòtic, making it convenient to combine sightseeing in Barcelona`s center with a day at the coast.

Further northeast along the coast and bordering Barceloneta is El Poblenou – all contemporary architecture, lively nightlife, and beaches (it has five.) While Poblenou is quite distant from the city’s major attractions, it`s well-suited if you`re seeking a beach holiday combined with clubbing extensively.

Getting Around Barcelona

While it’s relatively simple to explore Barcelona’s historic center on foot, it’s a large city and you’ll need to utilize its excellent public transportation system to go further out. The system includes the metro (subway), trams, and buses, with integrated single tickets (€2.40) and 24-hour tickets (from €10.50) valid throughout. For visitors, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card provides unlimited journeys on public transport in Barcelona for consecutive periods of 2, 3, 4, or 5 days, such as trips to Barcelona-El Prat Airport.

  • Chicago Theater Week – A 10-day event that highlights the various performances across Chicago through discounted tickets for over 100 shows. During this festival, theater enthusiasts can experience everything from plays and musicals to operas staged on both large and small scales.

Bicycle rental is obtainable through conventional retailers for instance Barcelona Rent a Bike (bikeshare scheme Bicing is accessible solely to locals). With over 200 kilometers of dedicated bicycle paths, Barcelona can be a pleasant location to ride, although navigating the slim, crowded streets of the old city can be troublesome on a bicycle.

The Best Places to Stay in Barcelona

  • Best Luxury Hotels in Barcelona
    Cotton Residence • The Palace • Barcelona Counts • Mandarin Eastern
  • Best Boutique Hotels in Barcelona
  • To Hua Hin – Public transportation to Hua Hin from Suvarnabhumi Airport takes around three hours and costs three hundred five baht by bus. Buses leave from and arrive at the Hua Hin bus terminal located at soi 96 as well as from level one, gate eight of Suvarnabhumi Airport (accessible via escalators from the arrival area). For hired vehicles, Welcome Pickups is a trusted choice and provides sedan cars, SUVs, and large vans (capable of accommodating up to twelve passengers) between two thousand seven hundred to three thousand nine hundred baht. There are individuals offering rides in the airport that you can negotiate down to around one thousand five hundred baht but these people do not have licenses so you risk falling victim to scams – or worse. A taxi to Hua Hin from the airport would cost around two thousand baht. Returning from Hua Hin to the airport by taxi should be approximately one thousand two hundred baht.
  • Best Barcelona Beach Hotels
    Hotel Arts Barcelona • W Hotel Barcelona • H10 Port Vell Hotel • Sofitel Barcelona Skipper Hotel • Hotel 54 Barceloneta
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels in Barcelona
    The “Hostal Oliva” Hostal Oliva, “Ciutat de Barcelona” Ciutat de Barcelona, and “Praktik Rambla” Praktik Rambla, “Chic & Basic Born” Chic & Basic Born are among the recommended places to stay in Barcelona
  • Best Hostels in Barcelona
    The hotels Fabrizzios Terrace,Onefam Batlló, and Ítaca Hostel are highly recommended options located in Barcelona
  • Best Barcelona Hotels for Families
    The Aparthotel Arai and the Grand Hotel Central as well as the Eurostars Grand Marina are options to consider

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Best Areas in Barcelona for…

  • Prime districts in Barcelona for sightseeing include Barri Gòtic, Eixample, and Poble Sec.

    • If exploring medieval lanes to lose yourself among and admire the city’s oldest architecture appeals to you, then Barri Gòtic is the place to explore. If being near Barcelona’s Modernist masterpieces, including the Sagrada Familia interests you more, then Eixample should be your destination. Admirers of contemporary and classical art may wish to consider Poble Sec for its proximity to the art museums both on Montjuïc and in El Raval.

  • Top Neighborhoods in Barcelona for Nightlife: Poblenou/Port Olimpic, Barri Gòtic, El Raval, El Born, Eixample
    There isn’t a solitary prime spot in Barcelona for nightlife; rather, numerous neighborhoods cater to the city’s night owls. If pursuing serious clubbing, head out of the center to Poblenou and Port Olimpic for beachside mega-clubs that party until sunrise. Fun spots include CDLC,Opium, world-famous Pacha, and Shôko. Further north in Poblenou is excellent Razzmatazz

    Known locally as `Beerxample` due to its wide variety of craft beer bars, Eixample has plenty of upscale tapas and cocktail spots as well. For beer, check out BierCaB,CocoVail Beer Hall, and Conesa Beer, or visit Slow Barcelona for club nights and La Whiskeria for cocktails. Barcelona’s main LGBT nightlife area is also located here (the so-called “Gaixample”), with most gay-friendly bars and clubs on Carrer de Villarroel and Consell de Cent.

    The Born, Barri Gothic, and edgier El Raval (with La Rambla in between) all have congregations of energetic tapas bars that serve any taste and stay open until the late hours of the morning, as well as cocktail lounges. Top spots include Boadas Cocktails and The Wild Rover, one of the many Irish pubs around here. The clubs and live music venues around Placa Reial attract a young global crowd: Jamboree,Sidecar, and Los Tarantos (for flamenco). In El Raval we like the cocktails at Bar Makinavaja and the clubnights at Moog.

  • Top Districts in Barcelona for Cuisine and Dining: Eixample, Barceloneta, Barri Gòtic, El Born, El Raval

    Nearby in Savannah is Pedro St. James, a beautiful 17th century plantation dwelling full of period furnishings and authentic Caymanian artifacts. It’s also renowned as the islands’ “Birthplace of Democracy” owing to a meeting held here in 1831 to form the first elected parliament of the territory. The area around the house is known for its poinciana trees, which blossom a bright red from late-May to early-August. Staying here offers a genuine contrast with Seven Mile Beach, as it still feels like an old Caribbean town, with rustic beaches (Coe Wood Beach and Governor Russell Beach) and very few visitors. You’ll need to rent a car, though, and your options for dining will be fairly limited without a drive into George Town.

    Barceloneta is renowned for its seafood offerings (esteemed restaurants like Can Solé and La Cova Fumada). Barri Gòtic and El Born feature a balanced mix of lively tapas bars, ranging from traditional to contemporary (notable spots like Bodega La Puntual,El Xampanyet, and ELDISET), as well as elevated fusion locales. El Raval has several trendy restaurants, along with vegetarian alternatives and notable tapas bars. The Boqueria Market near La Rambla is justly popular for its wide variety of food and snack stalls (arrive early to circumvent biggest crowds).

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  • Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona for Families: Barri Gòtic, El Born, Gràcia, Barceloneta
    Barri Gòtic appeals to families as it’s highly central, very walkable, and near to many attractions. El Born is comparable in this regard, with the extra benefit of having the Parc de la Ciutadella next door, containing the city’s zoo and open spaces for the kids to run around. Barceloneta is excellent if wanting to be close to the beach and attractions in downtown Barcelona, while Gràcia is a tranquil neighborhood where local families with kids can interact in the many tiny parks and plazas – and its Park Güell is particularly fun for children.
  • Most Romantic Neighborhood in Barcelona: Barri Gòtic
    Montjuïc would be ideal for those seeking romantic seclusion, magnificent views, and hilly, landscaped gardens to explore leisurely. Eixample, with its walkable wide boulevards lined with stunning Modernist architecture and home to some of Barcelona’s most luxurious hotels, is another excellent option. But for those looking for tiny, atmospherically lit streets, beautiful plazas to sip a drink, cozy boutique hotels, and medieval splendor, Barri Gòtic’s is the best choice.
  • Most Suitable Neighborhoods in Barcelona for Those Visiting for the First Time: Barri Gòtic, Eixample
    For a first visit to Barcelona, wanting to stay near premier attractions makes sense. Eixample is ideal for Modernist buildings including the magnificent Sagrada Familia cathedral. Exploring the heart of the city from Barri Gòtic is suitable also, as it provides easy access on foot to El Born, El Raval and Eixample, and a quick metro ride to sights further out on Montjuïc and Gràcia.
  • Best Neighborhood in Barcelona for a Local Atmosphere: El Raval or Gràcia
    Dynamic, unconventional, and ethnically diverse, El Raval is Barcelona’s counterculture neighborhood with a highly distinctive character. Previously notorious as the city’s former red-light district, it still retains some of its past edginess, though these days it’s more known for its art, youthful ambiance, and independent shops. Gràcia is the best place to escape the tourists, with its tranquil plazas and cafés full of locals and an appealing small-town atmosphere.
  • Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona for Beaches: Barceloneta, Poblenou
    Barceloneta has the beach closest to the city center of Barcelona, within easy walking distance from La Rambla. It’s also Barcelona’s longest beach, frequented by families. Poblenou has a string of five clean beaches, segregated by breaks in the coastline; these further from the other attractions of the city, though.

  • Best Neighborhood in Barcelona for Walkability: Barri Gòtic and El Born
    Barri Gòtic’s network of tiny streets and lanes, many closed to vehicles, is truly enjoyable to explore on foot and get lost in, with much of Barcelona’s beautiful, centuries-old architecture waiting to be discovered along the way. That said, El Born, Barri Gòtic’s neighbor, is another extremely walkable part of the Old City, and much of it also pedestrian-prioritized.
  • Safest Areas of Barcelona
    Barcelona`s safest areas tend to be the most affluent neighborhoods, such as Eixample, Poble Sec, and Poblenou. Though many of Barcelona`s neighborhoods are usually risk-free to stroll during any period of the day, it`s wise to be cautious of pickpockets in particularly crowded spots.
  • Unsafe Areas of Barcelona
    Parts of El Raval and the Sants district surrounding the train station north of Montjuïc remain best avoided at night. Moreover, steering clear of tiny, secluded streets in Barri Gòtic and El Born after dark and sticking to well-lit paths with greater foot traffic proves wise. Opportunistic pickpockets frequent La Rambla and La Boqueria marketplace, and pockets of El Raval, El Born and Barri Gòtic can take on an animated atmosphere in the evenings due to bachelorette and bachelor parties. While safer than in the past, El Raval still experiences a relatively high crime rate, drug activity and sizable homeless population – remain vigilant of electronics like phones that may easily get snatched.

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The 9 Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona for Tourists

1. Barri Gòtic & La Rambla

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If you’re aiming to stay in the core heart of Barcelona, you can’t get more central than the medieval Barri Gòtic – the city’s historic center. Amid the narrow, twisting lanes of the Gothic Quarter, you’ll find a dense concentration of tapas bars, restaurants, and small boutiques – particularly along Carrer dels Banys Nous. Some charming plazas like arcaded Plaça Reial exist, and beautiful landmarks like the Pont Gòtic on Carrer Bisbe, where remnants of Roman ruins peek out from Baroque and Gothic buildings.

The Gothic Quarter borders the southwest by La Rambla – Barcelona`s famous (and largely pedestrianized) boulevard, perpetually crowded with locals, visitors, street performers, and vendors. There are many mediocre tourist trap restaurants here, with the exception being tapas stalls around the popular La Boqueria food market, but excellent cuisine 🍔 can be found just a block or two off La Rambla, from simple tapas bars to sophisticated, contemporary dining. The Gothic Quarter`s main attraction 🥳 is its historical ambiance; sights here include the impressive Gothic cathedral, the Museum of History of Barcelona (which preserves underground Roman remains), the art and sculpture at Museu Frederic Marès, and several appealing churches – 11th-century Santa María del Pi the most notable.

There are some excellent boutique hotels here, but the best places tend to demand high prices, with a few reasonably priced options noted below).

2. El Raval

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Adjacent to Barri Gòtic and west of La Rambla, El Raval is a more edgy melting pot of a neighborhood that worked diligently to shed its notorious reputation as Barcelona’s former red-light district (also known as Barri Xinès, anchored by Nou de la Rambla) – though caution is still advised. Nowadays, El Raval attracts bohemian types, artists, and foodies, and is home both to the MACBA contemporary art museum and Palau Güell, one of Gaudí’s lesser-known buildings completed in the 1880s (its interior has been artfully preserved and is accessible for tours).

For the finest vintage clothing boutiques and quirky crafts and art shops, head for Carrer Tallers and Carrer de Riera Baixa. El Raval is also known for international cuisine, trendy tapas bars, and vegetarian eateries, with the densest dining clusters around Carrer del Dr. Nou, Carrer Pintor Fortuny, and Carrer Joaquin Costa.

El Raval has some of the best-value accommodation in central Barcelona, along with one-of-a-kind boutique hotels and a couple of luxury options. Most of the budget hotels here are poor quality, but exceptions are noted below).

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3. El Born

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El Born is part of the Ciutat Vella (Old City), separated from the Barri Gòtic to the south by the Via Laietana. It’s a maze of tiny streets that are a little less busy than its neighbor, yet still full of attractions. The Picasso Museum can be found here (the artist left numerous of his works to the museum upon his death in 1971), as is El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria (a 19th-century marketplace displaying unearthed remnants of an 18th-century neighborhood), Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món (world cultures museum), Chocolate Museum, the European Museum of Modern Art, and the Moco Museum of contemporary art. El Born’s principal church of Santa Maria del Mar is one of the city’s most beautiful examples of Catalan-Gothic architecture. Northwest of here is the stunning modernist masterwork concert hall Palau de la Música Catalana, built in 1908 to a design by Lluís Domènech i Montaner.

Though the walk to Barceloneta`s beach from El Born is shorter than from Barri Gòtic, its roads remain dense with snack shops, dining establishments, coffeehouses, and vintage style boutiques. The region surrounding Plaça Comercial is best for contemporary dining, while Plaça de Santa Maria and Passeig del Born are preferable for traditional restaurants and bars. The 19th century Santa Caterina Market is the premier spot for local food stalls and light bites. To the northeast, El Born is bordered by the zoo, lakes, and fountains of the huge Parc de la Ciutadella; the Catalan parliamentary building, fanciful red-brick Three Dragons Castle, and two giant greenhouses ( Hivernacle and Umbráculo) can also be found here.

El Born is another area that offers good value, with a sizable stock of reasonably priced and mid-priced hotels, as well as imaginative boutique hotels and family-friendly moderate cost options).

4. Eixample

a crowd of people walking down a street next to tall buildingsa drawing of a cartoon character on a cell phone

The affluent Eixample neighbourhood, north of the old city, was organized on a grid plan in the 19th century and makes a dramatic contrast to the latter’s narrow streets and compact plazas. The boulevards here are wide and lined with trees, and are home to some of the city’s best luxury hotels and Barcelona’s most impressive Modernist architecture.

Eixample tends to attract both locals and visitors alike, and as the city`s traditional hotel neighborhood, it`s an excellent area to stay, with superb transportation links to other districts. Gaudi`s most renowned buildings – La Pedrera (Casa Milà) and Casa Battló – can be found just off the main avenue, Passeig de Gràcia, while the iconic yet unfinished Sagrada Familia church (construction of Gaudí`s magnum opus is projected to be complete in 2026 or 2027) lies a couple blocks north of Avinguna Diagonal.

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Also known as “Quadrat d’Or” (the Golden Square) for its elite shopping, Eixample is additionally home to many designer stores along the Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla da Catalunya. To the south, the sub-neighborhood of Sant Antoni is recognized for its 19th-century market and the tapas and vermouth bars along Carrer del Parlament.

There is a vast selection of lodging here, especially at the high end, with numerous luxury options. But there’s a surprisingly good choice of midrange and budget hotels here as well, including some excellent hostels).

5. Gràcia

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Once considered its own individual village, Gracia was joined with Barcelona in 1897, though it maintains a distinctive laid-back, creative atmosphere. This peaceful neighborhood, home to young families, artists, and ex-pats, sits on a gentle hillside between Eixample and the mountains to the north of the city. Gracia’s greatest attraction is Parc Güell, one of Gaudi’s most massive Modernist creations; an imaginatively landscaped, hilly park filled with colorful tilework structures, counting the house in which the designer himself lived from 1906 until 1925 ( Casa Museu Gaudí).

Gràcia is also renowned for its independent fashion retailers, many of them clustered along Carrer de Bonavista, while Carrer de Asturies and the adjoining Carrer del Torrent de l’Olla are lined with trendy bars, ethnic eateries, and quirky shops. The neighborhood is significantly less crowded with tourists than the districts further south – soak up the atmosphere in Plaça del Sol, or beneath the distinctive clock tower of Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia.

Gràcia contains numerous lodging establishments in its southern half; these are less costly than those in the old center due to their greater distance from the major attractions, but you’ll feel more like a local residing here. It also boasts some of the best hostels in the city).

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6. Poble Sec

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Poble Sec is a youthful and trendy neighborhood spread along the foothills of Montjuïc and across Avenida de Paral·lel from El Raval and Sant Antoni. It’s perfect for visiting Montjuïc attractions and has excellent dining and nightlife, with a large concentration of live music venues and tapas bars lining the leafy Carrer de Blai.

This zone is moderately sized with just a smattering of hotels and hostels distributed throughout, though many provide excellent worth. Public transportation access is available via the Poble Sec, Plaça d’Espanya, and Paral·lel metro stations.

7. Montjuïc

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Rising prominently above the port and surrounding waters, Montjuïc hill has served as a symbolic landmark of Barcelona since antiquity. The fortress perched atop the elevation offers panoramic perspectives of the city below with its expansive views, while Montjuïc`s landscaped parks and botanic gardens invite hours of leisurely exploration. Also found on the hill are the Olympic stadium and adjoining small museum next to Santiago Calatrava`s curved communications spire, Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village), along with two of the city`s premier art repositories: the Fundació Joan Miró and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – the latter housed within the grand Palau Nacional (national palace) and featuring a treasured selection of early Catalan religious works.

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The fortress, parks, and Fundació Miró can easily be reached through the funicular and cable car from the Paral·lel metro station, though the main approach to Montjuïc is from Plaça Espanya. Large buildings from the 1929 International Exhibition line the pedestrian promenade leading to the Magic Fountain; in the summer months, there is a sound and light show here in the evenings. Beyond, escalators take visitors up to Palau Nacional.

Apart from the Miramar hotel on the northern slopes, there are no accommodations directly on the hill itself. However, some upscale options can be found to the south in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat near the Fira Barcelona convention center. You’ll find more lodging choices in the neighboring Poble-Sec area as well..

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  • Best Hotels in Montjuïc
    Well And Come • Hotel contact number: +34 937 37 97 99

    • The Leonardo Royal Hotel Fira can be booked at Leonardo Royal Hotel Fira or contacted at +34 930 88 28 00
    Miramar – Hotel contact number: +34 932 81 16 00
    The Casa Fuster can be contacted at +34 932 55 30 00

8. Barceloneta, Port Vell, & Port Olímpic

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This coastal neighborhood, which was once home mainly to fishermen, lies a short walk from the southern end of La Rambla, located south of El Born and next to the revitalized Port Vell marina district occupied by yachts belonging to globally prominent individuals. Despite managing to maintain its down-to-earth atmosphere typical of working-class communities, its narrow streets in this largely working-class area are lined with casual tapas bars, bodegas, and some of the finest seafood restaurants in the city. Prior to the 1992 Olympics, it was solely known for its ramshackle waterside eateries; following that event, the restaurants were demolished and the shoreline cleaned up, resulting in Barceloneta`s major attraction now being its broad, sandy beach stretching for miles – its busy promenade constantly occupied by family groups, joggers, and rollerbladers. Next to the marina lies the Barcelona Aquarium, a popular destination for families and schoolchildren, and the cable car that crosses Barcelona’s harbor to reach Montjuïc departs near the beach.

The Rambla De Mar walkway crosses the harbor, providing a perspective of the busy Port Vell waterfront; there are numerous bars and eateries here, as well as the massive Museu d’Història de Catalunya, with additional progress anticipated in upcoming years. The Barcelona Maritime Museum, maintaining some of the medieval port structures, lies nearby at the conclusion of La Rambla.

Further north along the coast lies another lush marina known as Port Olímpic, encircled by a couple beaches and many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. It is especially lively in spring and summer, slated to be the primary venue for the 2024 Americas Cup sailboat race. Also found here are the Barcelona Photo Center (KBr Fundació MAPFRE) and Casino Barcelona, along with the city`s tallest skyscrapers: Hotel Arts and Torre Mapfre (both standing at 505ft/154m). Be sure to see the large steel golden fish sculpture by Frank Gehry in front of Hotel Arts, built for the 1992 Games.

Short term rental properties are more common than hotels in this developing coastal area, especially in Barceloneta. Of the hotels accessible, those facing the ocean are usually highly expensive).

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  • Top Hotels are situated in Barceloneta, Port Vell, & Port Olímpic: Throughout these districts, Hotel Porta Fira • Hotel contact number: +34 932 97 35 00
    Lodge 54 Barceloneta – Lodge phone: +34 932 25 00 54
    Hotel Arts – Hotel contact number: +34 932 21 10 00
    Sofitel Barcelona Skipper Hotel contact number: +34 932 21 65 65 The ” Hotel Nouvel” offers lodging. Guests can contact this hotel at +34 933 01 82 74.
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    Hotel Oasis – Hotel contact number: +34 933 19 43 96
  • Best Hostel
    Unite Hostel – Hotel phone: +34 930 18 66 60

9. Poblenou & Diagonal Mar

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North of Barceloneta along the coastline, Poblenou and Diagonal Mar were past industrial districts where deteriorated warehouses have given way to sleek office towers, contemporary design hotels, vast nightclubs, and trendy beach bars. Poblenou has the cleanest, best beaches in the city and is particularly popular with businessmen and night owls seeking entertainment. Its main walkway is the pedestrian Rambla de Poblenou boulevard extending inland from the shore; the side streets here contain a blend of conventional restaurants and cafes in addition to specialized coffee shops, hip cocktail bars, and modern fusion eateries. Poblenou`s sole downside is its significant distance from most of Barcelona`s attractions.

The neighboring convention and business district of Diagonal Mar is Barcelona at its most modern, with skyscrapers, a huge shopping center, the International Barcelona Convention Center, and giant trade show venue Parc del Fòrum. Diagonal Mar’s main attraction is the family-friendly Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona. Trams run along Avinguda Diagonal from here to Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, home of the iconic cigar-shaped Torre Glòries by Jean Nouvel, and the Design Hub design museum.

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There are a few hotels along the coast and further inland here, but quality varies. Most hotels require stiff walks from the nearest subway stations, so staying here likely relies more on trams or buses.

More Barcelona Neighborhoods

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We’ve covered our favorite neighborhoods to visit and stay in more depth below, but with more time these districts are also worth checking out.

  • Tibidabo: For panoramic perspectives across the entire Barcelona area, take the tramway and funicular railway to the summit of Tibidabo, situated at the western edge of the city. Families head up here to enjoy the vintage amusement park, the Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo, or the science museum located at the base of the hill, the Museu de la Ciència Cosmo Caixa. There are also many gorgeous walking trails and routes beyond the amusement park in the wooded Parc de Collserola. Excellent lodging options near here include Anita’s Bed and Breakfast,Gran Hotel La Florida, and Hotel Mirlo, though none of them are convenient for exploring the remainder of the city.
  • FC Barcelona at the renowned Camp Nou stadium: One of the world’s premier soccer organizations operates out of the legendary Camp Nou stadium, situated west of the city center in Les Corts district. Enthusiasts can explore the stadium and go to the FC Barcelona Museum.Two highly rated hotels nearby are the Grand Hyatt Barcelona and NH Barcelona Stadium, but there’s no necessity to spend the evening out here. Take note that the nearby Collblanc metro station becomes overcrowded on match days.
  • There’s not much purpose in staying close to Barcelona-El Prat Airport in the southwest of the city unless you have an early flight – the nearest hotels are nothing exceptional. If you do need to stay here due to a very late or early flight, the Sleep&Fly inside Terminal 1 is adequate and is very convenient. Otherwise Hotel Barcelona Aeropuerto and the cheaper (but farther away) Best Western Plus Alfa Aeropuerto aren’t poor.

Barcelona Travel Tips

  • Barcelona-El Prat Airport is only about 9 miles (15km) southwest of the city center. As the second largest airport in Spain, it’s well connected to cities all over the world. American, Delta, budget carrier Level, and United all offer non-stop flights between here and the USA. Metro (€5.15) and regular trains transport travelers into the city rapidly, but based on location, one or two transfers may be necessary. A taxi into town will usually cost €30–40 (on the meter).
  • Virtually all individuals you may interact with in cosmopolitan Barcelona will be able to communicate (or minimum comprehend some) English, excluding a few taxi operators and proprietors of small cafes/establishments. The city possesses two formal languages, Catalan and Spanish, although street names and most road signs utilize Catalan, it is acceptable to speak Spanish (most locals are bilingual).
  • There are several sightseeing access passes available in Barcelona; as is often the case, these only provide good value if you plan to intensely explore many attractions within a brief period. Given how busy Barcelona can be, the ability to bypass wait times offers an advantage. The Barcelona Card is the official tourism pass of Barcelona. It delivers free unlimited use of public transportation, complimentary entry to over 25 museums and attractions (but NOT the Sagrada Familia), “skip the queue” benefits, and additional discounts. Prices range from €48 for 3 days to €63 for 5 days. This can potentially save you a lot, but be pragmatic about how much you can realistically pack into 3 days (it`s generally not worth purchasing if you`re here for less than that duration). The Go City Barcelona Pass and Barcelona City Pass DO include the Sagrada Familia, but cost significantly more. If you plan to thoroughly experience the primary attractions over a minimum three days, 8 hours daily, the Go City Barcelona Pass is likely the best option, but the only way to determine the suitable pass is to craft an itinerary and analyze cost savings pass by pass – tedious yet worthwhile.
  • Free wireless internet is accessible at Barcelona`s airport, cafes, city buses, subway stations, most parks, and museums throughout the city itself. The free municipal “Barcelona WiFi” service also provides hotspots across the downtown area.
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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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