Where To Stay In Barcelona First Time 2024 - 6 Best Areas

Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, is a city that everyone should visit at least once in their life. From the beautiful architecture of Gaudí to the lively streets of Las Ramblas and the sunny beaches, Barcelona has something for everyone.

To fully enjoy this unique city, you will first need to answer the following question: where to stay in Barcelona first time. A luxury hotel overlooking the Mediterranean, a nice boutique hotel in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, or perhaps a budget-friendly accommodation close to the city’s attractions.

In this article, we will take you through the best places to stay in this dynamic city, so that your stay is as unforgettable as the city itself.

In brief: the best neighborhoods to stay in Barcelona are Barri Gòtic, Eixample, El Born, Gràcia, Poble Sec, and Barceloneta.

The two most popular neighborhoods are Barri Gòtic and Eixample.

Barri Gòtic is the historic district full of sights and Eixample is the most convenient neighborhood to stay in to explore the rest of the city.

For a more authentic experience, stay in El Born or Gràcia.

If you’re traveling on a budget, Poble Sec is the best option.

If you want to enjoy the beach in addition to exploring the city, stay in Barceloneta.

You can easily navigate to each neighborhood by tapping the link. Or, go straight to the overview of the best areas to stay in Barcelona first time.

1. Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)

Barri Gòtic, also known as the Gothic Quarter, is one of the most fascinating and charming neighbourhoods in Barcelona.

It is the oldest part of Barcelona and is steeped in history. The maze of narrow, cobbled streets, medieval buildings and hidden squares will take you back in time.

Every corner of the neighbourhood tells a story, from the Roman walls to the Gothic cathedral.

In addition to the impressive Barcelona Cathedral, you will also find the Picasso Museum, the Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA), and the Plaça del Rei, where you can admire archaeological excavations of old Barcelona.

Barri Gòtic is also located in the heart of Barcelona, making it within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions.

You can easily reach Las Ramblas, one of the city’s most famous streets, as well as the lively La Boqueria market.

Popular neighbourhoods such as El Raval and El Born are just a short walk away.

The area is full of atmospheric cafés, tapas bars and local shops.

One of the charms of this area is that you will always discover something new.

However, the popularity of this area also has its drawbacks.

Keep in mind that it is extremely busy during high season.

Pickpockets are particularly active in this part of Barcelona.

Finally, compared to other areas, Barri Gòtic has limited access to the city’s public transport.

However, if you enjoy strolling through the historic streets and discovering unique bars and restaurants in a centrally located area, then the Gothic Quarter is the best option!

2. Eixample

Eixample is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Barcelona, and for good reason.

It is known for its impressive modernist architecture.

The neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including Gaudí’s masterpieces such as the Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera.

Walking through the streets of Eixample feels like walking into an open-air museum, with every corner revealing a new architectural wonder.

Unlike the narrow and winding streets of the old city center, Eixample is known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and a well-organized street plan.

The neighborhood is designed in a grid pattern (famous from the photos) with wide streets, making it very easy to navigate.

Eixample is also strategically located, forming a bridge between Barcelona’s old city center and the newer neighborhoods.

This means you’ll be close to many of the city’s major attractions, while also having quick access to other parts of the city.

And that’s easy to do using public transport, as there are metro stops and bus stops everywhere.

In addition to its architectural wonders, Eixample is also known as a shopaholic’s paradise.

Passeig de Gràcia, one of the district’s main streets, is home to high-end designer stores, luxury boutiques, and well-known international brands.

Foodies can indulge in everything from fine dining Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy tapas bars and trendy brunch spots,

Although Eixample is located in the heart of the city, it offers a quieter, more residential feel compared to the busier tourist areas such as Barri Gòtic or El Raval.

When you add it all up, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best areas to stay in Barcelona.

But every area has its drawbacks, and Eixample is no exception.

It will come as no surprise that Eixample is one of the most expensive areas in Barcelona and finding something affordable will be a tough task.

Eixample also feels a lot less authentic, especially compared to the Gothic Quarter.

Compared to areas like El Raval or El Born, Eixample is not known for its vibrant nightlife.

Although there are a few bars and clubs, the nightlife here is generally quieter and more spread out.

And finally, Eixample suffers from a lot of traffic.

But if your budget allows it, we can safely say that these disadvantages pale in comparison to all the advantages of this almost perfect area.

How to get around Barcelona? The easiest way to explore Barcelona is by metro. Barcelona has an extensive metro network with 12 metro lines that will take you to every conceivable corner of the city. We recommend that you take full advantage of this. Be careful with your belongings, as there are many pickpockets active around the metro stations.

To visit the main attractions of the city, you can consider travelling by hop-on-hop-off bus.

Taxis are generally not that expensive. For example, in July 2024 it cost us 15 EUR to go from Parque Güell to Casa Milà by regular taxi.

Some of our favorite photos from Barcelona

3. El Born

El Born is an ideal neighbourhood for those looking for something a little more authentic.

The neighbourhood is home to some of Barcelona’s most important cultural attractions, such as the Picasso Museum, which houses an extensive collection of the famous artist’s early works.

It is also home to the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, a stunning example of Catalan Gothic.

But above all, El Born is a neighbourhood known for its unique mix of old and new, with medieval streets filled with trendy cafés, boutiques and modern restaurants.

This combination creates a lively atmosphere where there is always something going on.

It is a neighbourhood that is buzzing both day and night, with a variety of eateries, bars and shops.

Although popular with tourists, El Born has managed to retain its authentic, local charm.

The neighbourhood feels like a real Barcelona neighbourhood, where you can enjoy the daily life of the locals.

El Born is ideally located between the Gothic Quarter and the Parc de la Ciutadella, and is within easy walking distance of major attractions such as Las Ramblas and the beaches of Barceloneta.

One of the highlights of this area is visiting one of the many traditional tapas bars and local eateries.

El Born has an intimate and cosy atmosphere, with narrow streets and squares that invite you to explore.

The area feels like a small village within the big city, where you can easily get lost in the charm of the area.

In other words, El Born is a bit of a polar opposite to the previous recommended area.

What are the disadvantages of El Born?

The main disadvantage is that El Born is poorly connected by public transport, which makes visiting the other highlights of the city a bit more difficult.

Another disadvantage is that it is not as beautiful as the nearby Gothic Quarter and many tourists choose to stay there instead of the slightly rougher El Born.

But if you are looking for an authentic and vibrant neighbourhood, El Born will not disappoint you.

4. Gràcia

Once a village in its own right, Gràcia still retains its own village charm.

It is considered one of the most charming and authentic neighbourhoods in Barcelona, and is a great place to stay if you want to experience the city in a more local and relaxed way.

Gràcia is known for its lively squares, where locals gather to eat, drink, and enjoy each other’s company.

Squares such as Plaça del Sol, Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, and Plaça de la Virreina are the heart of the neighbourhood and offer plenty of opportunities to relax, people watch, and enjoy a drink on a terrace.

Compared to the busy city centre, Gràcia is a much quieter and more relaxed neighbourhood.

The narrow streets and squares are less frequented by tourists, meaning you can enjoy a slower pace and a more relaxing stay here.

However, although the neighbourhood is generally quiet, it has a surprisingly lively nightlife.

You’ll find a variety of lively bars, clubs and live music venues here, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger nightlife areas.

Gràcia is located close to Parc Güell, one of Gaudí’s most famous creations.

This beautiful park is one of Barcelona’s highlights, and it’s easily reached on foot or by bus from Gràcia.

In addition, you’ll find more examples of modernist architecture in and around the area, making Gràcia a great base for Gaudí enthusiasts.

Although Gràcia has a village feel, it’s well connected to the rest of Barcelona.

With several metro stops and bus lines in the area, you’ll be in the city centre, at Plaça de Catalunya, or on the coast relatively quickly.

Now let’s discuss the disadvantages of this area.

Firstly, you’ll simply be staying further away from the bustling neighbourhoods, so you’ll always have to use public transport or take a taxi.

Not a problem in itself, because you choose Gràcia precisely when you want to stay in a somewhat quieter and more authentic neighbourhood.

The other disadvantage is that accommodation is relatively expensive, especially when you compare it to other neighbourhoods.

Our advice is therefore to book well in advance.

Families and couples in particular will greatly appreciate a stay in Gràcia.

Barcelona is beautiful from the outside, but don't forget to admire the famous sights from the inside

5. Poble Sec

Poble Sec is a diverse neighbourhood in Barcelona that is becoming increasingly popular with tourists.

The neighbourhood is in a prime location, right between central neighbourhoods such as El Raval and the hill of Montjuïc.

This central location means that you have quick access to both the hustle and bustle of the city centre and the quiet, green areas of Montjuïc.

You can easily travel to other popular parts of the city on foot or by public transport.

Poble Sec borders Montjuïc, one of the largest and greenest areas of Barcelona.

Montjuïc offers a range of attractions such as the Montjuïc Castle, the Magic Fountain, the Botanical Gardens, and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC).

The park is perfect for walking, picnicking and enjoying panoramic views of the city.

Compared to more touristy areas such as Barri Gòtic and Passeig de Gràcia, eating and drinking in Poble Sec is often more affordable.

The area has an excellent selection of tapas bars and local restaurants that offer good quality food at reasonable prices.

In addition, Poble Sec is also known for its nightlife, which is also relatively affordable.

Poble Sec has excellent public transport connections.

The metro, metro line 3 (the green line), and various bus lines easily connect the area to other parts of the city.

This makes it easy to get around and reach other sights in Barcelona.

Of course, there are not only advantages to staying in this area.

One of the disadvantages is that the area is less tourist-oriented.

This provides more authenticity, but also less convenience.

There is less shopping and the buildings and infrastructure are somewhat outdated.

In addition, areas such as the Gothic Quarter and Exiample are better equipped for a pleasant stay.

But that is precisely the strength of Poble Sec: it offers something alternative and more authentic.

More and more tourists are therefore choosing this area and you will have to be quick now that everything is still very affordable here.

6. Barceloneta

If you want to spend some time on the beach during your trip, consider staying in Barceloneta.

This iconic neighbourhood is best known for its beaches and maritime atmosphere.

The city beach of Barceloneta is perfect for a day of sunbathing, swimming and enjoying the Mediterranean.

The promenade along the beach is ideal for a walk or bike ride, with plenty of bars and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the view.

As you might expect, there are plenty of seafood restaurants to discover and the neighbourhood has a number of renowned eateries specialising in fresh seafood and traditional Catalan dishes.

For example, you can enjoy a delicious paella here with a beautiful view of the sea.

In terms of location, Barceloneta also has its advantages, as you are close to the Gothic Quarter and the famous La Ramble.

Barceloneta offers plenty of opportunities for an active lifestyle.

You can do sports on the beach, such as beach volleyball, running or cycling along the promenade.

There are also fitness and sports facilities nearby, including outdoor fitness stations.

Barceloneta is very well served by public transport, including the metro (metro line 4) and several bus lines.

Keep in mind that during the summer months, this area gets incredibly busy.

There are thousands of others with you who would like to take a refreshing dip.

In addition, this area is really only suitable if you want to enjoy the beach.

If you don’t need that, there are simply better choices.

Overview of where to stay in Barcelona first time

1. Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter): This is the historic heart of Barcelona, full of narrow streets and old buildings. You have great access to many of the city’s highlights. It is the most sought-after district in Barcelona.
2. Eixample: Famous district known for its modernist architecture and perfectly planned low-rise buildings. Here you will find some of Gaudí’s masterpieces such as the Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera. The district is a little quieter than the city center and ideal if comfort is your top priority.
3. El Born: Hip district full of trendy bars and nightlife that still feels authentic. It is the perfect mix of old and new Barcelona.
4. Gràcia: Once an independent village, now loved by both locals and expats where you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas. Surprisingly, you have a great nightlife here without the hustle and bustle of the more famous nightlife areas.
5. Poble Sec: Up-and-coming, central district known for its fun atmosphere and affordable prices. But how long it will remain so affordable is of course the big question.
6. Barceloneta: If you want to be close to the beach, Barceloneta is the perfect choice. During the day you can enjoy the sun on the beach, while in the evening you can enjoy the lively nightlife on the coast.
  
  *If you tap on the district, you will go directly to the relevant part of the article for more detailed information.