For those wondering exactly where to lodge in Barcelona for an upcoming trip to the Catalan capital, we recently spent a week in the city, staying in two different neighborhoods and exploring virtually every part – or at minimum as much ground as we could cover on foot within just a week- of the central area.
In this guide to the top places to lodge in Barcelona, we’re going to examine five of our favorite neighborhoods, touching on pros and cons for each, highlighting attractions we enjoyed in the neighborhood, and recommending specific accommodations that we like.
In conclusion, we hope that this detailed guide helps you find the perfect place to stay in Barcelona, whatever your travel style and budget may encompass.
We have done our best to think about different styles and budgets, with accommodation options ranging from hostels to boutique hotels, because we recognize that your particular needs might be different than ours.
One significant perspective we have is that you should focus first on finding the suitable neighborhood depending on the traits you are searching for (e.g. central location vs. great food and drink options) then look for the appropriate specific place to stay within that neighborhood.
That’s how this guide is organized – first looking at accommodations by neighborhood, then examining specific hotels, hostels, and apartments in more depth.
That approach sounds satisfactory to you? Let’s find the perfect venue for your excursion to Barcelona!
P.S.: Planning a trip to Spain? We have a detailed itinerary for Spain plus guides to Barcelona,Madrid,Granada, and Sevilla to assist you with planning an amazing trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Where to Stay in Barcelona: A Detailed Guide to the Best Places to Stay
As we stated previously, where you should stay in Barcelona largely relies on you – your budget, your preferences, and your style.
A family of four would likely select distinct lodging than a pair of twenty-somethings backpacking Europe during a gap year.
With that as a main priority, we’re going to go into the pros and cons of every neighborhood to give you the data you have to settle on the ideal choice, at that point give you a couple spots to remain in every locale for an assortment of styles and spending plans (boutique inns, reasonable inns, flats, and gives in).
Short on time to thoroughly review the comprehensive guide below? Here`s a brief synopsis to help guide your search for the best place to stay in Barcelona (heading in the right direction!).
- , which is far and away our preferred part of Barcelona. Cobblestone streets, energetic plazas, and some of the finest bars and restaurants in the city? Sign us up. If you seek an agreeable affordable hotel, stay at La Casa del Sol or Hotel Barcelona 1882. If you prefer to remain in an apartment for somewhat more area, examine Be Mate Paseo de Gràcia.
- For visitors to Barcelona for the first time, staying centrally in l’Eixample is a good option. It is located in the heart of the city, conveniently between the Old City and Gràcia, and is well connected to most places on a typical Barcelona itinerary. This area has many great hotels, such as the upscale boutique Hotel Casa Bonayand the mid-range Praktik Garden.
- If you wish to experience an alternate environment look at El Born, a trendy area of Barcelona near the Gothic Quarter and waterfront that is packed with bars, restaurants, coffee shops and more. It has a suitable city center location and typically feels younger than somewhere like the Gothic Quarter. For an affordable guesthouse consider Casa Consell. For a higher end hotel look at the Mercer Hotel.
Where We’ve Stayed in Barcelona
It makes the most sense to start this guide with our own accounted experience.
During our most recent trip to Barcelona that lasted one week, we stayed in two separate neighborhoods – Gràcia, which we thoroughly enjoyed and highly advise – and on the border of l’Eixampleand El Raval, which is situated as centrally as possible.
Gràcia is at the northern edge of the city center, but is well-connected to the main sights in Barcelona through public transport (there are two metro stops nearby that connect you to the Old City and La Sagrada Familia as well as the airport/train station).
This is our top choice in terms of places to lodge in Barcelona because it offers the finest combination of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, location and connectivity to the rest of the city, and sense that LOCALS ACTUALLY reside here.
We stayed at Casa Gràcia, which we have mixed opinions regarding. It was excellently located, with easy access to everything in Gràcia and literally a minute from both top-notch coffee and a metro station.
However, the rooms and communal spaces appear to have gradually deteriorated over many years, and the room stayed in showed some signs of…dirtiness. With its immense potential, it unfortunately does not live up to expectations based on photos, which must have been taken shortly after an exceptionally thorough cleaning.
Overall, we would definitely reside in Gràcia again, but we would find a different place to lodge.
L’Eixample is another suitable location, though it lacks the inherent charm of places like Gràcia or, for instance, the Gothic Quarter. It constitutes the modern segment of Barcelona, having been built as the city expanded past the original fortification, and it bears greater resemblance to Paris or another contemporary city than other central regions of Barcelona.
We stayed at TOC Hostel Barcelona, which provides lodging akin to a boutique hotel but also features a few dorm rooms and a common kitchen area. It offers comfortable accommodations, though guests should not expect large rooms.
Gràcia: Our Favorite Neighborhood in Barcelona
We stayed in Gràcia for most of our latest visit to Barcelona, and truly enjoyed it. It will definitely be where we seek lodging the next time we find ourselves in the Catalonian capital city, which is about the strongest recommendation we can give.
At one point, Gràcia used to be a completely separate town from Barcelona, and it’s easy to imagine that being the case as you stroll the streets early in the morning, before the hustle and bustle of Barcelona really gets going.
I’ve seen the word “bohemian” used frequently to describe Gràcia, and I’m still not entirely certain of exactly what the word signifies.
I feel Gràcia is a bit hipster, a bit family-oriented with plenty of plazas and green spaces full of locals (and their kids and/or dogs) going about their days, and a lot charming and packed full of amazing food, drinks, and shops.
Gràcia is hip without falling into hipster stereotypes, managing to be both peaceful and pedestrian friendly, yet also atmospheric and buzzing, as exemplified by the district’s infamous ‘Festa Major’, a raucous week-long street party that takes place every August.
In summary, we loved Gràcia, and believe it would make a great base for exploring Barcelona, especially if you want to stay somewhere that isn’t exclusively for visitors (though there are plenty of those around pretty much anywhere in Barcelona).
Pros and Cons of Staying in Gràcia
Pros:
- Excellent Transit Options.There are two underground stations – Diagonal and Gràcia – that connect you to the L3 and L5 metro lines, which take you both downtown and to some of Barcelona’s main attractions.
- Community Atmosphere.Clearly, as a visitor, you’re not truly going to ever become part of a community when touring. But it is quite pleasant to sit in a plaza and watch as people conduct their daily lives and feel immersed in local culture, even if just for a few minutes. The key is being respectful of that community – here is how you can be a considerate tourist in Barcelona.
- Delicious Meals and Refreshments. Whether looking for a morning coffee or evening drink, Gràcia has an incredible array of eating and drinking places open at all hours. It`s especially lively on warm summer evenings, when the outdoor areas of nearly every bar and restaurant in the neighborhood are packed from 9:00 pm on.
Cons:
- Not Walkable to Ciutat Vella. While walkable within the neighborhood, it does require a metro ride (or 30+ minute walk) to reach the Gothic Quarter and El Born.
- Limited Lodging Options. There are just a few hotels and aparthotels to choose from. Since most of the neighborhood is residential, we advise against staying at Airbnbs in urban areas.
The Best Places to Stay in Gràcia
Some of our top picks for the best places to stay in Gràcia are provided below.
Be Mate Paseo de Gràcia: Great Location with Hotel Rooms and apartments (with kitchens)
Situated on Passeig de Gràcia (which means you’re within a few minutes of a subway station connecting you to the rest of the city), this hotel/apartment complex has accommodations divided between hotel-style spaces with double beds that are surprisingly spacious, and apartments (one or two bedrooms), which implies they likely have an option appropriate for you, whatever your style and spending plan.
Some of the hotel-style rooms have private terraces (yes please!), some have balconies.
The apartments are spacious and stylishly designed, with full kitchens (containing ovens and coffeemakers) and ample room to spread out and relax.
If we were to do a trip to Barcelona again, this would be where we’d stay.
La Casa del Sol: A Solid Mid-Range Guesthouse with Modern Rooms
Situated on the esteemed Plaça del Sol in a prime section of the neighborhood, this contemporary accommodation features lightly decorated hotel rooms with simplified decor, clean lines, and miniature refrigerators (though without full kitchens).
Accommodations are reasonably small, but contain everything you’ll need for a comfortable place to rest while exploring Barcelona. And the common areas – such as the rooftop terrace and light-filled lounge – will offer you plenty of space to unwind or get some work done (who wants to spend their entire trip confined to their room, after all?).
It offers a contemporary take on a guesthouse, meaning contactless check-in, limited onsite staff, and a clean, minimal design.
Hotel Barcelona 1882: A Beautiful Eco-Friendly Boutique Hotel
An environmentally-conscious boutique lodging in the heart of Gràcia, this beautifully renovated facility (recently remodeled too) is on the northeastern side of the area, closer to the Sagrada Familia than Passeig de Gràcia.
But it’s still within walking distance to everything in the area. Bicycle rentals, a nice pool, and a rooftop bar with views of the Sagrada Familia are a few of the perks you’ll have to look forward to if you stay here.
There are options for rooms including king-sized bedrooms, bedrooms with two twin beds, and triples accommodating three people as well as family rooms for three to four travelers.
Feelathome Mozart Apartments: Nice Spacious Apartments in a Great Location
A couple of blocks from Passeig de Gràcia (and the important Diagonal Metro Station, with two metro lines), this small apartment building has six apartments, all recently renovated and outfitted with air conditioning (a necessity for summer), full kitchens (with dishwashing machines), and washing appliances.
If an apartment with a terrace is available, reserve it to enjoy a sundown beverage before heading out for a (late, as is customary in Spain) dinner in the neighborhood. Options with one or two bedrooms are provided, depending on your group size.
Casa Gràcia: A Well-Located Hostel with Apartments
We stayed at this hostel / guesthouse, and have mixed views. It’s a hostel, with apartments located in another building nearby. While the location is convenient, the rooms seem like they have not been renovated or thoroughly cleaned in over five years.
For instance, in the apartment we had, the indicator lights for the stove burner temperatures were completely non-functional, rendering the stove hardly usable.
Overall, it’s a great location and offers lodging at a surprisingly reasonable cost, but be prepared for accommodations that may need some improvements.
L’Eixample: A Great Central Location Full of Stuff to Do, See, and Eat
As a reminder, we spent the latter half of our most recent trip to Barcelona using l’Eixample as our base, and enjoyed it.
Though, we often found ourselves exploring outside the neighborhood during the day and returning at night just for sleeping, which is convenient due to the central location.
L’Eixample was developed as Barcelona grew outside the old city walls to connect the suburbs (at that time) like Gràcia to the core of the city.
Intended for modern appeal, tall constructions along broad avenues house commerce on the ground and living spaces above.
It’s much greener than the Gothic Quarter, but not as much as Gràcia. It’s much more relaxed and casual than the Gothic Quarter, but not as much as Gràcia. It has more of a mix of visitors and locals, but not as much as Gràcia. See a pattern here?
In other words, the neighbourhood seeks a balance between the relaxed atmosphere typically found in Gràcia and the convenience of staying nearer the centre. It benefits from placement squarely amidst the action. Such positioning makes it an excellent base for exploring all that Barcelona has to offer.
It is worth noting that this particular neighborhood spans a wide area, basically stretching all the way from Parc Ciutadella at its eastern end to the base of Montjuïc and Plaça d’Espanya to the west.
In general, we much prefer the area in the center of the neighborhood, just south of Gràcia and west towards Place de Catalunya.
This part of l’Eixample contains many tree-lined streets, places to eat and drink, and has a character closer to Gràcia than the Gothic Quarter in terms of atmosphere.
Pros and Cons of Staying in l’Eixample
Pros:
- Centrally Located and Well Connected.There`s likely no better place to stay regarding walkability and transit connections. You could walk almost anywhere from your lodging, though most people will prefer to save time and energy by utilizing the metro, which has multiple lines passing through the area.
- Quality Food and Drink.Coffee and cuisine, particularly, are winners here. Nightlife is a little lacking, but a short trip to El Born can fill that need.
- Abundant Accommodations. Whether preferring luxury hotels or charming affordable guesthouses, this neighborhood offers a bounty of choices to suit all budgets and styles.
Cons:
- Costly. It may come as no surprise that the area housing the high-end Prada boutique in Barcelona also necessitates a somewhat larger expenditure on accommodations. Numerous upscale hotels and retailers populate this locale, inevitably leading to higher price tags than elsewhere in the city.
The Best Places to Stay in l’Eixample
There are A LOT of great places to stay in this part of Barcelona, here are a few that caught our attention.
Hotel Casa Bonay: A Beautiful Boutique Hotel
Situated in a leafy area of l’Eixample, Casa Bonay is a stylish establishment with a mini-orchard on the rooftop and a beach hut inspired bistro. It also possesses a superb coffee shop in the lobby – an outpost of local favorite Satan’s Coffee Corner.
The hotel occupies a building from the 1800s that has been completely renovated by a local design company, now ranking as one of the most stylish places to stay in the city.
Rooms are a bit below average in terms of size, but like many modern mid-range hotels emerging around the world, the idea is to sleep in your room, and use the hotel’s common areas as a place to relax, get work done, or get a quick meal in before heading out to explore.
They do have more spacious areas, with seating sections and ample space to spread out, but you’ll be paying a premium cost. A few of the areas also have private porches, some with outdoor showers (which we’re most definitely interested in!).
The hotel is also somewhat of a hotspot for local creative individuals, who you’ll find diligently working in the hotel’s gorgeous common areas. Definitely recommended if you’re looking for a stylish place to spend your time in Barcelona.
Praktik Garden: A Leafy Mid-Range Hotel
The subsequent three hotels on this list all belong to the same group – Praktik – and they all emphasize enjoyable experiences, in our view.
Praktik hotels are among the best hotels in Barcelona. We truly like the concept behind their hotels – each of their properties is designed around a central theme, and they provide modern travelers everything they need, nothing extra, all at a reasonable cost.
This semi-wooded establishmentprovides an oasis-like atmosphere right in the center of Barcelona, just a brief distance from Las Ramblas (yet sufficiently far away so as not to worry). Vegetation welcomes you as you come and head to check-in, and around each turn… FLORA.
Rooms were recently refurbished, and they are cozy and compact, but that’s acceptable if you’re planning on spending most of your waking hours outside the hotel room.
Good WiFi, A/C and heating (for the surprisingly cool – though brief – Barcelona winters), and different room sizes for varying budgets.
Praktik Bakery: A Mid-Range Hotel with an Onsite Bakery
You can locate the cooking course we participated in with Aura here
An on-site bakery named Baluard is a major feature of the hotel`s excellent breakfast buffet. We have an affinity for subway tile designs, so the rooms here suit our tastes.
Like their other hotels, they’re designed for modern travelers who don’t want much space, or the additional stuff that comes with an extra cost. Cozy, well thought out rooms at reasonable prices are the focal point here.
Different room configurations and sizes dependent on your particular needs and budget fulfill the practicality promised by the name. Everything required, nothing unnecessary (except, potentially, bread).
Pratik Vinoteca: A Charming Hotel for Wine Lovers
Situated in the heart of l’Eixample, Praktik Vinoteca is an establishment with a singular focus: wine!
There are over 900 bottles of wine on display in the reception space. This hotel also boasts its own sommelier and hosts regular wine excursions and tasting events. The layout and design of the room categories are akin to the other two Praktik hotels mentioned above, understandably so.
Everything needed if you’re willing to spend your waking hours outside your hotel room, nothing extra, and a reasonable price to top it all off.
Yeah Barcelona Hostel: A Hip Boutique Hostel
We truly appreciate the trend of `boutique hostels`, which provide the social benefits of hostels alongside the stylish and private aspects of boutique hotels at a reasonably affordable cost.
Yeah Hostel is guiding the charge in Barcelona’s hostel scene, and it’s in a fantastic location too. You’ll have access to all the shared spaces, including a communal kitchen, and you’ll have your choice of dormitories or private double rooms.
TOC Hostel: Part Boutique Hostel, Part Mid-Range Hotel
Another short-term lodging establishment, we actually stayed at TOC Hostel for the latter part of our latest trip to Barcelona.
It provides lodging like a boutique hotel, and falls a little short on the usual social aspects seen in hostels. However, it’s a sparkling clean and nice place, and it’s also in an excellent spot. Private rooms and dorms are options.
Self-driving is strongly recommended – there are beautiful viewpoints along the Sea to Sky Highway, and it’s well worth taking your time on the way up. However, if public transportation is needed, check out Epic Rides. It’s affordable and hassle-free.
El Born: The Best Part of the Cituat Vella
As mentioned above in the geography section, the main part of the Ciutat Vella is comprised of three distinct areas (plus Barceloneta, which looks and feels very different).
El Born covers the eastern section, actually composed of three different sub-neighborhoods (La Ribera, Sant Pere, and Santa Caterina – otherwise known as Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera). But everybody calls it El Born, so that`s what we`ll go with too.
At nightfall, El Born comes alive as people of various ages flock there for entertainment and nightlife.
It`s about as central as possible without being on Las Ramblas itself. To the east lies Parc Ciutadella. To the west is the historic Gothic Quarter, the original center of Barcelona.
South is Barceloneta, and if you head north you’ll come across Gaudi’s masterwork and one of the most intricate and fascinating religious places globally – the Sagrada Familia.
Pros and Cons of Staying in El Born
Pros:
- Excellent Nightlife. If you seek cozy cocktail bars or places for dancing into the early morning hours, El Born has what you’re looking for. Head out after dark to experience it at its most lively.
- Centrally located.You’ll be within a short walk of nearly everywhere in Barcelona, and for places further, like Parc Güell, you can take the metro which is a brief walk from most points in El Born.
- Romantic and Historic atmosphere. Narrow paths, crowded plazas, and towering churches give off a medieval feel like you`ve stepped back in time.
Cons:
- Expensive. As might be expected, staying in a place that’s both central and trendy regularly comes with a high monetary value.
- Limited Lodging Alternatives. Which exacerbates the high cost issue mentioned above. Not many hotels, and renting an Airbnb in Barcelona is not recommended.
The Best Places to Stay in El Born
Mercer Hotel(Boutique Hotel): Nestled between El Born and Gothic Quarter, and featuring views dome church Santa María Del Mar, Mercer luxury hotel extremely popular location.
Inside Barcelona Apartments Esparteria(Apartments): The apartments present spacious lodging (except the compact studio apartment) in a prime location, ranging from one and two bedroom units to a compact kitchen-equipped studio to a penthouse one bedroom, some including washing machines.
Decô Apartments Barcelona – Born (Apartments): Stylish apartments offering historical character with exposed brick and ample natural illumination, these lodgings are reasonably sized yet furnish all you’ll necessitate for a comfortable trip whilst still allowing adequate space to spread out. Kitchenettes with a cooker and coffee machine in all units, which come in various one bedroom layouts (with sofabeds that can sleep a couple of extra people), and a single huge three bedroom offering.
El Born Guest House by Casa Consell(Mid-Range Hotel): Situated on the southeastern edge of the neighborhood, next to Barceloneta and Parc de la Ciutadella, this charming guesthouse has a stylish, central location and remarkably reasonable prices given those two favorable qualities. Rooms tend to be somewhat compact (especially the “small double rooms”), but if you plan to spend most of your time exploring Barcelona, you likely do not need an expansive room. Some accommodations feature cute little balconies, looking perfect for an afternoon glass of wine.
Pension Ciudadela(Guesthouse): A pleasant, family-operated lodging (truly, it’s a hostel without shared bedroom areas) a few hundred feet from Santa Maria del Mar, our most loved church in Barcelona after the Sagrada Familia. They offer compact rooms – some with private external bathrooms, some connected to the sleeping area – like family rooms with three beds (though the space is essentially identical in size, therefore it’s a tight fit!). Some rooms have balconies, and crucially, they all have air conditioning for the sweltering summer heat.
The Gothic Quarter: Narrow Alleyways and Lots of Tourists
The Gothic Quarter, home to the famous Las Ramblas, is the most heavily visited area in the city. Of the words communicated in the Gothic Quarter, the greater part are likely to be in a language other than Spanish or Catalan.
Despite this entire area being specifically built to cater to tourists through shops selling nicknacks and souvenirs solely attractive to visitors, there’s something quite romantic about the narrow alleys and pedestrian-only streets of the Gothic Quarter.
The former Jewish Quarter (“El Call”), in particular, is one of our favorite parts of the city.
We’d highly recommend staying at least a block or two off of Las Ramblas if you do choose to stay here.
Accommodations near Las Ramblas command inflated costs since the famed boulevard guarantees visitors regardless of quality. While a prime spot, hotels and eateries face less incentive for excellence when location alone attracts customers.
Pros and Cons of Staying in the Gothic Quarter
Pros:
- Romantic and Charming.Narrow walkways. Cobblestoned streets. Plazas emerging unexpectedly. Once past Las Ramblas, it feels like a medieval town.
- THE Central Neighborhood.As may be imagined, the Gothic Quarter, which is the center of the Old Town, is the most inner core part of the city. Within about 15 minutes one can walk to El Raval, L’Eixample, and El Born, along with Barceloneta.
Cons:
- Tourists are almost exclusively present. On every corner, you’ll find a large group of tourists. Sometimes hundreds all moving together listening to a guide through headphones, if a cruise ship is docked (hint: one likely is). Everything in the Gothic Quarter is aimed at visitors, though that’s not necessarily negative – it simply provides a distinct atmosphere worth knowing in advance.
- Las Ramblas. Is this the most renowned street in all of Spain? It’s assuredly at the top of many lists. It’s worth strolling it once, from Plaça de Catalunya to the Columbus statue with a pause at La Boqueria, but we wouldn’t eat, drink, or spend much time at all within a block or two of this heavily-travelled, highly overrated boulevard.
The Best Places to Stay in the Gothic Quarter
The Wittmore (Boutique Hotel): Though situated right in the old city center, the Wittmore feels more like an intimate speakeasy or private club. Think cosy and intimate, with a bar and dining area that are great for meeting new acquaintances. Adults only, so perfect for couples!
Colón Hotel Barcelona (Boutique Hotel): I’m not sure the location of this boutique hotel in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter could be any better. Or, put another way, could the location BE any better ( reference)? It’s right across the plaza from the Barcelona Cathedral, just a block from both the Mercado Santa Caterina and a couple of blocks from the Jewish Quarter, home of the aforementioned amazing tea shops. It’s a big hotel, with 129 rooms, and they range from “classic” to “design,” with the latter being both more stylish and more expensive. The important thing, we think, is the rooms with a Cathedral view, which is what you should probably focus on more than the design vs. classic distinction.
Ohla Barcelona (Luxurious Hotel): If you’re looking for one of the best high-class hotels in the heart of Barcelona, look no further. The Ohla Hotel is lavish and luxurious, and the rooftop terrace and rooftop pool (an endless pool, no less) is an exceptional feature. The rooms are gigantic, at minimum compared to most other hotels in Barcelona, and they’re all stylish and comfortable. We like that the rooms have wooden flooring (because carpets in hotel rooms are kind of unhygienic, aren’t they?)
Aparthotel Arai 4* Superior(Apartments): Minor – but gorgeous – apartments with kitchenettes and small touches of convenience like Nespresso machines and bathrobes and slippers. Plus, a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool! Given the style, amenities, and location, I expected the rooms to be more expensive than they are (though it should be said – they’re not exactly affordable).
El Raval: The Hipster’s Paradise
You’ll know you’re in El Raval because nearly every other storefront either sells vintage clothing, a record shop, or a tattoo artist’s studio.
I overemphasize, but not by much. These days, El Raval is firmly renowned, specifically for the more youthful, progressive crowd who feel fine with the neighborhood`s somewhat unsavory history as they browse the vintage stores searching for their next pair of bell-bottom denims (which are apparently trendy once more?) or retro sports coats.
Despite its central location, El Raval has historically been a neighborhood of immigrants, a characteristic it still holds today though gentrification is accelerating quickly. We saw messages deploring the influx of tourists and the associated noise, trash, and lack of respect that accompanies them.
As mentioned before in this guide, travelers should only opt to stay in hotels (or apartment hotels) here, rather than individual vacation rentals, which harm local communities by driving up housing prices and destroying the sense of community in the area with a rotating door of one to two day residents.
Pros and Cons of Staying in El Raval
Pros:
- Central. The western edge of the neighborhood borders Las Ramblas, which implies you’ll be able to walk to nearly every place you’re trying to go in the Ciutat Vella.
- Hip. As is often the case when neighborhoods start developing affordable areas initially attract artists who introduce various businesses to the area that hipsters will appreciate. Vintage shopping, coffee houses, and art galleries are a few of the categories present in El Raval.
Cons:
- Safe but Seedy. While public safety is not a major concern, certain areas have a somewhat rough aesthetic quality that may be unappealing or unsuitable for families with young children or less experienced travelers. Those groups may prefer alternative neighborhoods.
The Best Places to Stay in El Raval
Hotel Casa Camper(Boutique Hotel): Without a doubt, the top choice in the neighborhood if you’re seeking lodging. They have 40 rooms – 30 hotel rooms and 10 suites – all with exquisite designs and layouts. They feature a fun concept known as “tentempié” which, rather than a mini-bar, gives access to a small mini-buffet with snacks and drinks. And it’s complimentary. 24 hours a day! What a smart idea! And of course, a terrace to soak in Barcelona`s sunshine.
Happy Apartments(Apartments): A set of nice apartments in El Raval, ranging from one to two bedrooms in size. Apartments are quite spacious – plenty of room to spread out – and all have kitchens and washing machines. Some also have terraces.
Eco Boutique Hostal Grau(Hostel, ish): This lodge is certainly unique, but a great affordable choice all the same. Hostal Grau labels itself as an “Eco Boutique”, and features areas decorated using natural, organic materials, as well as efficient lighting and a water reuse system. Unlike most hostels, it’s all private rooms, some studio apartments with small kitchen areas, some hotel-style rooms. They also have a set of larger, more robust flats with full kitchens, if you want a bit more space and want the option to cook for yourself.
Where NOT to Stay in Barcelona
Basically, anywhere within approximately two blocks of La Rambla (with a handful of exceptions). It’s loud, you’ll pay more than what the lodging is worth, and it’s the most popular area of the city for visitors.
Generally, if visiting the city for a short period – less than five days – we’d suggest you not remain outside of the central area (which could be called Cituat Vella, Eixample, and Gràcia). There is a lot to experience and observe in Barcelona, and you will certainly want to be as centrally located and well-connected as possible.
If you’re working with a limited budget, we’d absolutely recommend finding a more affordable place to stay in one of the neighborhoods we discuss below RATHER than trying to stay further out. We think you’ll appreciate us later.
An important note for Barcelona: short term rentals, such as via Airbnb for example, are essentially banned and unlawful.
Do not stay in a short term rental through Airbnb. If you need an apartment (I do, given that I have Celiac Disease and need access to a kitchen), there are managed apartment complexes that are basically hotels that you can stay at.
See above for specific recommendations.
Allow us to assist you in planning your incredible trip to Spain!
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