Where to stay in Barcelona [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Barcelona, Spain. Nighttime top view at Spanish Square with tower and national palace art museum Catalonia far away.

Barcelona is the coastal capital of the Catalonia region of Spain. As the second largest city in Spain, Barcelona is best known for art, architecture and culture. The Sagrada Familia Church is one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona, and this is the home of modernist architect Antoni Gaudi.

With history dating back to the third century BC, the city centre today is full of engaging art museums and is home to over 1.6 million residents.

Barcelona is a very popular European vacation destination, and visitors will find so many things to do in Barcelona. As a fairly large city center, it can be daunting to decide where to stay in Barcelona, so we’ve rounded up some of the best neighborhoods to choose from.

We will cover off all types of Barcelona accommodation options from Hostels to cheap hotels in Barcelona and luxury Barcelona hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Barcelona 2024.

This guide shows off the best Barcelona hotels, best places in Barcelona (to stay and to visit), the best places to stay in Barcelona Spain, the best neighborhoods in Barcelona to stay and many more. 

Wondering where is the best place to stay in Barcelona? Below are 7 of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona to help you make the right decision when trying to work out best areas to stay in Barcelona for you. We have tried to make the guide as easy to follow as possible.

We have also included some things to do or places to visit as well as some eatery suggestions of either our favourite places or some funky places to eat at within the areas in Barcelona so you can use this as a go to guide to find the best accommodation in Barcelona.

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El Born – Where to stay in Barcelona first time

El Born is one of Barcelona’s trendiest neighborhoods, with a lively atmosphere both day and at night. Located close to the shore, the neighborhood was once the seaside property of medieval aristocrats.

Today, El Born offers dozens of galleries, museums, restaurants, bars and boutiques. While the neighborhood is popular with tourists, there is a distinct bohemian feel, with some of the oldest buildings in the city and a thriving international community.

Barcelona visitors who want to stay in the heart of the action should consider staying in El Born. It’s also perfect if you’re wondering where to stay one night in Barcelona.

Best Places to Stay in El Born

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in El Born:
Safestay Barcelona Gothic

Budget Hotels in El Born:
Hotel Lyon
Som Nit Born
Chic & Basic Zoo
Som Nit Port Vell

Mid-Range Hotels in El Born:
ILUNION Almirante
Park Hotel
Factory Gardens Barcelona
Hotel Oasis

Family Friendly Hotels in El Born:
Hotel del Mar
K+K Hotel Picasso El Born
Enjoybcn Dali Apartments
Pension Ciudadela

Affordable Luxury Hotels in El Born:
Hotel Ciutadella Barcelona
H10 Port Vell 4* Sup
Exe Laietana Palace

Barcelona, Spain- Facade El Born Cultural Center, formerly Mercato del Born from Passage Mercantil, public market and one of the most important buildings in the town.

Gothic Quarter – Safest areas to stay in Barcelona

The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona (also known as Barri Gòtic) is the centre of the old city or old town (depending who you speak to) of Barcelona.

The Gothic Quarter is considered the best neighborhood to stay Barcelona, if you’re looking fo a safe place to stay.

It offers has medieval narrow streets filled with trendy bars, clubs and restaurants. The Gothic Quarter is in my opinion the best location to stay in Barcelona.

Artisans along these streets near the Cathedral of Barcelona sell everything from leather to jewelry. While flower stalls and street-food vendors fill the busy avenue of La Rambla.

The Placa del Pi, named after the Gothic church, often hosts a weekend art market.

Best places to stay in Gothic Quarter

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Gothic Quarter:
Sun & Moon Hostel
Hostel New York
Kabul Party Hostel Barcelona
Itaca Hostel

Budget Hotels in Gothic Quarter:
Hostal Santa Ana
Hotel Toledano Ramblas
Hostal Capitol Ramblas
Hostal Mont Thabor

Mid range Hotels in Gothic Quarter:
Hotel El Call
Hotel Rialto
Catalonia Avinyo
Apartaments Ciutat Vella

Family Friendly Hotels in Gothic Quarter:
Hotel Inglés
Rainbow apartment in Barcelona
Hotel Condal
Colon Hotel (best views of the Gothic church)

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Gothic Quarter:
Hotel Neri – Relais & Chateaux
Mercer Hotel Barcelona
Wittmore Hotel – Adults Only
Kimpton Vividora Hotel (best hotel in Barcelona)

Aerial view of Gothic Quarter in Barcelona in Spain.

El Raval – Where to stay in Barcelona for nightlife

For an edgier side of Barcelona, check out El Raval neighborhood. Once the red-light district, El Raval underwent an overhaul in the 1980’s, but still retains a gritty feel in some areas. Making this area perfect if you’re wondering best area to stay in Barcelona for young adults?

The bright side of El Raval is being home to some of the best bars and restaurants in Barcelona. The Museum of contemporary art is in El Raval, as is the Palau Guell, a Gaudi mansion from the late 1800’s that can be toured.

If you’ve chosen your location in El Raval carefully, you will love this cultural neighborhood of Barcelona.

Best Places to Stay in El Raval

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in El Raval:
Ideal Youth Hostel

Budget Hotels in El Raval:
Pensión San Ramón
Pensión 45
Pensión Teruel
H La Paloma Adults Only

Mid-Range Hotels in El Raval:
Hotel Raval House
Abba Rambla Hotel
Niu Barcelona Hotel
Silken Ramblas

Family Friendly Hotels in El Raval:
Hotel Sant Agustí
Oriente Atiram
Andante Hotel
Hotel Turin Barcelona

Affordable Luxury Hotels in El Raval:
Hotel Bagués
Leonardo Hotel Barcelona Las Ramblas
Barceló Raval
Le Meridien Barcelona

Aerial view over La Rambla from Christopher Columbus monument, with quarters of El Raval in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Barceloneta – Where to stay in Barcelona for beach and nightlife

Beach lovers visiting Barcelona should consider staying in Barceloneta, a seaside neighborhood with the best beaches, ports and marinas of Barcelona.

Barceloneta has a laid-back beach vibe, with open-air seafood restaurants, tapas bars and marinas where the posh yachts come to anchor. If you’re looking places to stay in Barcelona near beach, Barceloneta is the spot to be.

This is also where you can jump on the Port Cable Car that whisks you up to Montjuic with sweeping views of the city.

If you plan to spend time at the beach, or seaside attractions such as the aquarium, then Barceloneta is a great place to stay in Barcelona.

Best Places to Stay in Barceloneta

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Barceloneta:
Sea Hostel Barcelona
Unite Hostel Barcelona

Budget Hotels in Barceloneta:
Bugo Luis Apartament
Barcelona Beach Apartments

Mid-Range Hotels in Barceloneta:
Small Apartment barceloneta beach
Hotel 54 Barcelona

Family Friendly Hotels in Barceloneta:
ADARA YACHT – Big turkish gulet Barcelona
Residencia Universitaria Campus del Mar

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Barceloneta:
W Barcelona
Hotel Arts Barcelona
Sofitel Barcelona Skipper
Blue Barceloneta Loft

Barceloneta beach in Barcelona, Spain, after a beautiful sunset

Gracia – Best neighborhood to stay in Barcelona

If you are looking for a small village feel in the big city of Barcelona, check out the Gracia neighborhood.

This is a great Barcelona neighborhood if you want to feel like a local, and see how Barcelona residents live day to day. Gracia is lined with leafy streets and is very walkable.

Many streets are pedestrian-only, so you can wander from square to square all day long. There are several Metro stops in Gracia, so you can easily access other areas of Barcelona for the days when you want to be a tourist.

Despite not having many tourists attractions, there are still plenty of cafes, restaurants and boutiques to check out. This area is the best place to stay with family as its very relaxed and there are a few things to do for the kids.

Best Places to Stay in Gracia

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Gracia:
Sant Jordi Hostels Gracia
Bedcelona Hostel
Generator Barcelona
Factory Hostels Barcelona

Budget Hotels in Gracia:
Casa Jam Barcelona
BcnSportHostels
Casa Gracia

Mid-Range Hotels in Gracia:
Stay Barcelona Gracia II Apartments
Aparthotel Silver
Hotel Travessera
Hotel Ronda Lesseps

Family Friendly Hotels in Gracia:
Aspasios Verdi Apartments
Boutique Apartments 23 Barcelona
Catalonia Park Güell
Express by gaiarooms

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Gracia:
Hotel Casa Fuster G.L Monumento
Casagrand Luxury Suites
El Palauet Luxury Suites
Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel

Barcelona, Spain - Paseo de Gracia prospect in center of Barcelona

Poble Sec – Where to stay in Barcelona on a budget

Foodies visiting Barcelona might consider staying in Poble Sec, an up and coming neighborhood in the shadow of Montjuic.

This central area is close to everything, but also isolated enough to be a bit quieter than other popular neighborhoods. Making it one of the best locations to stay in Barcelona on a budget.

The Metro will take you anywhere around Barcelona, and adjacent neighborhoods such as El Born are within walking distance from Poble Sec.

You can hike up Montjuic and take the Port Cable Car over to the beach. During the day, Poble Sec is a quiet residential area, but truly comes alive at night when the streets come alive with revelers.

Best Places to Stay in Poble Sec

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Poble Sec:
The Hipstel Parallel
Hostel One Paralelo
Mambo Tango
HelloBCN Youth Hostel Barcelona

Budget Hotels in Poble Sec:
Hostal Barcelona
Paral·lel
Coronado
La França Travellers Adults Only

Mid-Range Hotels in Poble Sec:
Casa Vaganto
Hotel Concordia Barcelona
Margarit House
Hotel Nuevo Triunfo

Family Friendly Hotels in Poble Sec:
Poble Sec. Excelente ubicación cerca de la playa y de las Ramblas
La Meva Llar Salva-64
Hotel Barcelona Apolo

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Poble Sec:
Hotel Miramar Barcelona GL
InterContinental Barcelona
Hotel Brummell
Grums Hotel & Spa

Barcelona, Spain - Narrow streets of El Poble Sec neighborhood

Sant Antoni -The coolest place to stay Barcelona

Another quiet, but central, neighborhood of Barcelona is Sant Antoni. With a residential feel complimented by quiet streets, Sant Antoni is a hipster heaven.

Centered around the Sant Antoni Market which dates back to 1882. This neighborhood is wedged between El Raval and Poble Sec, two other central districts.

This is an area for street art, art galleries and hip cafes where young people gather for weekend brunch. If Raval is too edgy, and Poble Sec to busy, consider staying in Sant Antoni when you visit Barcelona.

Best Places to Stay in Sant Antoni

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Sant Antoni:
TOC Hostel Barcelona

Budget Hotels in Sant Antoni:
Hostal Delfos
HB Hostel

Mid-Range Hotels in Sant Antoni:
Hotel Market
Evenia Rocafort
Hotel Vilamarí
Sunotel Central

Family Friendly Hotels in Sant Antoni:
elPilar Sant Antoni
Hotel Casa Elliot
Caledonian
HCC Lugano

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Sant Antoni:
TWO Hotel Barcelona by Axel 4* Sup- Adults Only
Catalonia Gran Via BCN
Acta Splendid

Barcelona, Spain - Exterior of the public market of Sant Antoni in Barcelona. Decorated windows and steel structure of the building

Top 5 favorites accommodation options for Barcelona

❤️ Best Area first timersEl Born
💸 Best Luxury HotelLe Meridien Barcelona
👪 Best Hotel for For FamiliesCatalonia Park Güell
🏨 Best Mid-Range HotelFactory Gardens Barcelona
🛏️ Best Budget HotelBarcelona Beach Apartments
✨ Best HostelSun & Moon Hostel

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Author

  • Samantha King

    Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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