Like all vibrant capital cities, Barcelona can be an intimidating place, especially if you do not have an idea of where to go. Even then, it is impossible to miss the architectural streets, sceneries, and cultural attractions in this stunning seaside city of Spain.
This guide explores the neighbourhoods of the city. It also highlights some of the best places for those on holidays, shopping, romantic outings, and a family tour in Spain. There is a place and something for everyone. It also provides a highlight of the tourist attraction in five neighbourhoods of the city.
Old Town or Gothic Quarter or the historic “El Gotic” is the city’s oldest barrio, hence the most visited tourist destination. It is excellent for people who wish to dig into the historical archives of the city. Eixample is the centre for modernistic masterpieces and a state-of-the-art experience. It is the place to be if you are looking for more exceptional tastes of Catalonia’s capital.
Very few beaches have survived the tourist abuse this place has gone through. The humble fishermen beach in Barceloneta is one of the few community-based neighbourhoods in Barcelona. Like the Gothic Quarter, El Born is the home of several artisan shops and medieval streets. It is also the place to visit if you wish to try exotic culinary.
It is rare to find a place where the locals are more loyal to the village than the city. Gracia Village provides an experience of the traditional village lifestyle of the Catalans, interspersed with tastes of modernity. El Raval is another traditional place to visit in the city. However, unlike Gracia village, El Raval is the home of several cultures, hence more fun.
Do you want a quiet neighbourhood away from the centres of attraction? Then stay at any of these three barrios; Sant Antoni, El Poble-Sec, and Paral.lel. Poblenou is also known as the Barrio of the Future or the New town. It is the place to be if you need to develop your business idea in Barcelona. It has been transformed into a technology, media and design hub.
Don’t know Where to stay in Barcelona? Read on below for best tourist neighbourhoods.
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What is the Best Area to Stay in Barcelona? (First Time)
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): City Centre (Gothic Quarter, Eixample, around Plaça de Catalunya or near Las Ramblas)
Gothic Quarter is right in the middle of the city. Secondly, it is the home of Las Ramblas, which is the city’s social hub and the iconic Place de Catalunya. Close by are some luxury hostels and hotels. You can also find affordable accommodation around here, but it will take some searching. Eixample is another commonplace for first timers who are looking for a quiet weekend in the city’s most affluent hotels and bars.
Tip: If you need a quiet night rest, then you might need to find a different neighbourhood other than the Old Town as it has a very active and noisy nightlife.
1. Old Town or Gothic Quarter
It is the spiritual and secular attraction centre of the city hosting several historic buildings of the Roman Empire a well as Middle-Age monuments. The town’s architectural masterpiece, the Cathedral is the place where Catholic Monarchs received Christopher Columbus after his debut voyage to the New World.
Another must-visit place is the Picasso Museum. It houses numerous collections of the celebrated Spanish artist of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso. It is lined with beautiful and sometimes-scary mazes of narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets.
- Best Hotel (Great Value): H10 Madison 4* Sup
- Best Cheap Hotels: Hotel Cortes • Cuatro Naciones
2. Eixample
Eixample is the most significant and most planned neighbourhood in Barcelona and has much attraction sites to visitors especially architecture and design. The first one is Passeig de Gracia, which has many beautiful types of scenery for architectural lovers from the work of Antonio Gaudi and Pere Falques. They include Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, Casa Lleo-Morera, and Casa Fuster.
Other places to visit in Eixample are Arc de Triomf, Rambla de Catalunya, Palau Robert, and Mercat dels Encants Vells — Fira de Bellcaire, the flea market among others.
- Best Hotel (Great Value): Olivia Balmes Hotel
- Best Cheap Hotels: Hotel Constanza • Chic & Basic Lemon Boutique Hotel
3. Barceloneta (Beach area)
The former fisherman village has four beaches, Sant Sebastia, Sant Miquel, Somorrostro and the beach of Barceloneta. It also has some of the most eye-catching structures of modern Europe, albeit the controversies surrounding them. They are the W Barcelona Hotel and the Marenostrum Tower. Tourists interested in the Catalan history flock the Historical Museum of Catalonia.
Other tourist sites in Barceloneta are Port Vell, The Aquarium, the historical centre of Barceloneta, the market of Barceloneta, and the French train station.
- Best Hotel: W Barcelona
- Best Cheap/Mid-Range Hotels: Hotel 54 Barceloneta • Safestay Barcelona Sea
4. El Born
It is a popular neighbourhood of most locals, probably because of its religious history, rich art, and a vibrant nightlife. The 700 years old, Basilica of Santa Maria Del Mar is the most popular spot in this area.
Other places are the Barcelona Cathedral, Palau de la Musica Catalana, Centre Cultural I de Memoria, and not forgetting, Picasso Museum.
- Best Hotel: H10 Port Vell 4* Sup
- Best Cheap Hotels / Great Value: Hotel Oasis • Pension Ciudadela
5. Las Ramblas – Plaça de Catalunya area
It is the first landmark that tourists recognise in the city. It cuts right through the city offering the full experience of the jostle and bustle of Barcelona. From the North down south is Ramblas de Catalunya that is adorned by high-end shops and cafes. The Boqueria market, Maritim Museum, and Ramblas of the birds are some of the places along the boulevard.
Another distinguishing feature of the street is the high number of human statues, from that of the father of astronomy, Galileo Galilee to scores of street performers.
- Best Hotel: Olivia Plaza Hotel
- Best Cheap Hotels / Great Value: Eco Boutique Hostal Grau • Dalia Ramblas
