Where to Stay in Barcelona (& Where NOT to)

Catalan delicacies, neo-Gothic structure, sandy seashores, rugged mountains, and a colourful historical past. Did we point out Catalan delicacies? Barcelona, Spain has each motive to be excessive on the checklist for journey bucket lists. 

Town is a mix of influences, there’s the general Spanish tradition however tucked alongside proud Catalan tradition. There’s a lengthy historical past of independence claims, civil struggle and unrest. Combine this in with an enormous migrant and expat neighborhood and also you discover a mix of cultures, cuisines, languages and types. 

Perhaps you want to keep within the coronary heart of the outdated city and Gothic structure, or do you wish to expertise the mix of metropolis and seashore in Barceloneta? It might be that you’re extra of an uptown kinda individual and wish to keep within the coronary heart of Eixample, surrounded by towering buildings, countless procuring alternatives and Gaudi round what looks as if nearly each nook.

Both manner, now we have the most effective of the barrios (neighborhoods) laid out so that you can determine for your self!

This information was written by Sensible Wanderlust’s Head of E-mail and Affiliate Advertising Natalie Collins, Barcelona resident, avid metropolis explorer and fellow Cava lover. Take it away, Natalie!

Psst:  Searching for extra issues to do in Barcelona throughout your journey? We’ve acquired a publish about our favourite food & wine tour in Barcelona, which we extremely suggest. We even have extra posts on travel in Europe.

Psst: Obtain the strolling tour to seek out all of the hidden spots from a Barcelona resident!

Barcelona Journey Suggestions

Earlier than we dive into the barrio round-up, listed here are a couple of ideas that can assist you put together on your journey to Barcelona.

• Be aware of the season: Barcelona splendidly experiences all 4 seasons, so don’t assume it’s heat year-round. Winter will get chilly and damp! One of the best months for vacationers are the Spring (late March to early June) and Autumn (late September to early November) months. Temperatures are comfy, and the town parks and tree-lined avenues look stunning. Additionally means fewer thick winter layers to pack!
• Put together a couple of Spanish phrases: Barcelona is in Catalonia, a Spanish area with a historical past of independence claims from the Spanish state. True Barcelona locals are sometimes fiercely Catalan, with Catalan as their first language, Spanish second and English coming someplace after that if wanted. So you’ll do higher with both a fundamental grasp of Spanish and even some Catalan – don’t simply assume you may get away with English, though most vacationer locations do communicate English!
• Keep protected: Pickpockets are an enormous drawback in Barcelona, and the locations I like to recommend avoiding are the worst locations you might be more likely to encounter thieves. Don’t depart your cellphone on a desk, preserve your valuables in a cash belt, don’t journey sporting an expensive-looking watch and preserve your bag both tied to your chair or in your knee. All the time be vigilant! 
• Eat all of the foods and drinks all of the cava: Catalan and Spanish delicacies is scrumptious, with a number of contemporary hearty components, good olive oils and little tapas plates. There’s additionally the Basque affect with some nice pintxo eating places, which is my favourite method to eat! Cava can also be made within the area so respectable cava prices little or no. Take a food and wine tour if you happen to can to expertise it multi function afternoon.
• Don’t name it Barca: Locals and long-term residents get actually sniffy about Barca/Barna. The proper abbreviation is Barna; Barca is the soccer group. I nonetheless really feel bizarre calling it Barna so simply follow Barcelona.
• Convey comfy strolling sneakers: Town is extremely walkable however components of it are hilly and you’ll cowl much more floor than you understand whereas gawking on the structure. So pack respectable sneakers you recognize will preserve your ft pleased and benefit from the stroll! To assist, we’ve acquired a Barcelona self-guided walking tour – and we’ve additionally acquired options for the most effective strolling sneakers for journey. Listed here are our favourite journey sneakers for men and for women.
• Completely different areas even have totally different hyperlinks to different components of the town: The metro system is great and pretty straightforward to navigate however if you happen to want to keep away from utilizing it or buses then that you must base your self strolling distance to the belongings you wish to see or at the least on the identical metro line to keep away from a number of stops and adjustments. An space could also be quarter-hour away in a taxi however takes 45 minutes by metro or bus, so take into account the place you wish to be in relation to the place you wish to keep. 
• Keep away from short-term condo leases: The housing market in Barcelona has been monopolized by vacationer leases, driving costs up a lot larger than is inexpensive for residents and creating a number of scams and disparity. Resorts had been badly affected by the pandemic in order that they deserve the help reasonably than grasping property house owners who would reasonably depart an condo empty as a substitute of renting it for an inexpensive worth to an area. There are even new legal guidelines limiting vacationer licenses and you might be now not allowed to hire a room short-term, so don’t contribute to the housing disaster, be a accountable vacationer, and keep in a lodge!
• In case your check-in and check-out instances don’t sync up along with your have to roam the streets and also you want a spot to retailer your baggage, take a look at LuggageHero: This service helps you discover a protected place to maintain your baggage whilst you’re operating round so that you don’t stand out like a blatant vacationer! Use the code PRACTICALW for two hours of free baggage storage on us.

The place to Keep in Barcelona

Barcelona is damaged up into separate neighborhoods referred to as barrios, every with its personal distinct character, vibe and attraction. To the uninitiated, you might battle to know the place to go and what to do, however don’t fear, I acquired you lined!

As with many cities, there’s additionally an enormous financial variation. Strolling alongside Passeig de Gràcia you’ll see customers swinging baggage from Gucci, Versace and Saint Laurant, after which step down La Rambla simply 10 minutes away and discover quirky low cost hippy retailers promoting handmade crafts, knock-off clothes and road meals. Barcelona is that sort of place!

This provides to the attraction of the town, you might be all the time only a quick stroll or turning a nook away from discovering one thing fully totally different and discovering a hidden gem. Which does make looking down meals and souvenirs actually enjoyable – all the things your coronary heart wishes will be present in Barcelona! 

Previous Metropolis: El Born & Gothic

The outdated a part of Barcelona is the very first thing that involves thoughts for many vacationers once they consider Barcelona, and it’s true it’s the most charming a part of the town. Filled with outdated winding streets, stunning historic buildings, church buildings, cute eating places and hidden options round each nook. 

That is the place you will see that Barcelona Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, Arc de Triomf, La Rambla, and a complete host of different well-known landmarks. It truly is the most effective place to remain in Barcelona for a primary go to.

Nevertheless, you do want to select rigorously as some streets are just a little shadier than others, some are noisy, and people cute winding streets aren’t as enjoyable to remain in if you happen to don’t see daylight out of your lodge room window. 

This barrio has nice transport hyperlinks to the remainder of the town and is a brief stroll to the seashore, with components of it opening out onto the marina at Port Vell so that you get views of the blue Mediterranean Sea. The world can also be extra open to vacationers so that you usually tend to discover a place to seize a espresso and a pastry if you’re an early morning sort of individual. 

That is additionally the most effective place to base your self if you’re planning on taking our Self-Guided Walking Tour of Barcelona. Many of the tour covers this space and can also be the place you end so you’re a quick stroll again to your lodge afterward.

The place to Keep in El Born & Gothic

There are a combination of dear lodges on this space in addition to some severely finances hostels. Beneath are a few of our favorites:

• Hostal Fernando is a kind of good types of hostels with clear, vivid rooms. It additionally overlooks Església de Sant Jaume, which is a fairly, outdated church. Historical past in your windowsill! 
• For one thing just a little fancier Barcelona Hotel Colonial is true within the coronary heart of Gothic in a phenomenal colonial constructing, a brief stroll down the road takes you to Port Vell Marina and a visit in every other path takes you thru medieval streets. 
• If you wish to keep as shut as attainable to the eccentric La Rambla then the May Ramblas Hotel is the one for you. It’s positioned only some doorways down a facet road from La Rambla and can also be the identical road you head all the way down to get to the Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi. 

Barceloneta / Seashore

For these trying extra for the seashore vibes then Barceloneta is for you. This barrio is a small space made up of completely aligned streets so it’s nearly inconceivable to get misplaced. To 1 facet is Port Vell, to the south is the seashore, head north to El Born and east to Villa Olympica, the Olympic village from when Barcelona hosted the 1992 summer time Olympics. 

Barceloneta correct is a superb place to really feel you might be staying proper on the seashore with out lacking out on that Barcelona outdated metropolis attraction. The buildings aren’t essentially as fairly as different components of the town however the seashore environment is sort of year-round. 

You’ll discover chiringuitos (seashore bars) open from Spring to mid-Autumn and there are all the time individuals skateboarding and curler skating down the cycle paths alongside the entrance, so be careful as you stroll! 

The place to Keep in Barceloneta / Seashore

There are a couple of bigger lodges on this space as you’ll count on with it being beachside however the costs are wildly costly. Try the well-known landmark lodge The W, stunning and epic views however out of finances for many vacationers! You’ll be able to nonetheless catch the views at their rooftop cocktail lounge and nightclub, if you happen to can snag a desk! 

• Whereas technically not in Barceloneta it’s simply throughout the highway from the place the barrio begins, the Hotel Oasis has an incredible rooftop pool and terrace and appears out in direction of the marina. From right here you may entry El Born, Gothic and Barceloneta in only a quick stroll. 
• Hotel 54 Barceloneta is true on the entrance overlooking the marina and steps away from the seashore, this might be my choose if going for the seashore lodge choice. The rooftop bar can also be like just a little backyard paradise, good for resting after an extended day of exploring.
• For a extra finances room, the Sea Hostel is a superb choose for dorm room-style lodging, it’s also subsequent door to a restaurant, Buenas Migas, that does fairly superb pastries. Get up early, seize a espresso and pastry for a dawn stroll alongside the seashore.

Eixample

Welcome to Eixample, the realm that you just’ll see most in aerial photographs of Barcelona, these good purple sq. blocks and streets aligned to OCD ranges. This a part of the town is the place the well-known avenues of Diagonal and Passeig de Gracia run via, it’s the place the designer retailers are and can also be the bigger of the districts in Barcelona. 

The roads are additionally very driveable, except for the irritating purple mild cease/begin system which does make site visitors heavier right here. However most lodges have respectable sound insulation so you may keep away from site visitors noise so long as you retain your home windows closed.

This space is charming for its typical Barcelona fashion with lengthy avenues, Guadi’s spectacular buildings, and delightful balconies. You’ll discover Casa Batlo and Casa Mila, Plaza Catalunya to the south, Casa de les Punxes and lots of different architectural beauties. Strolling round this space you’ll simply preserve stumbling into one other stunning constructing after one other, and if you happen to get onto a rooftop someplace you’ll see much more. 

The procuring can also be unbelievable right here with all the things from high-end designer shops, to excessive road procuring, to impartial boutiques. If you wish to store with out having to stroll far to drop your baggage again on the lodge, that is the place to do it. 

This space can also be very well related with public transport, the buses run commonly and there are a number of metro stations in addition to practice stations at each Passeig de Gràcia and at Plaza Catalunya. 

The place to Keep in Eixample

As you’ll count on there is no such thing as a scarcity of lodges in Eixample, from simpler budgets to luxurious high-end lodges. Listed here are some fo the most effective ones:

• After I first arrived in Barcelona I booked into Hostalin Barcelona Gran Via and it’s the place I like to recommend pals to remain for an excellent worth lodge. The workers was a dream throughout my keep, the rooms are vivid and cozy and it’s canine pleasant!
• For bougie fanciness proper on Passeig de Gràcia with the views to match the Hotel Royal Passeig de Gràcia is a superb alternative, and although the worth is just a little larger it’s not eye-watering. You would go all out for a set with a personal terrace or simply benefit from the rooftop terrace which is equally beautiful. 
• If you wish to exit your lodge to the scent of contemporary bread and pastries then that you must e book Praktik Bakery, with rooms as contemporary because the bread and a brief stroll to Diagonal. Simply make certain to not hang around and go discover (hehehe)!

Sagrada Família

The place else to remain in Barcelona aside from near the long-lasting Basílica de la Sagrada Família! If that is your essential motive for visiting Barcelona, and no person will choose you whether it is then that is the place to remain. You’ll be able to meander across the cafes within the space, sit in parks surrounding the basílica and usually gaze on the unbelievable work of Antoni Gaudí. 

Admittedly the restaurant selections aren’t the finest, and aside from the Sagrada itself, the structure isn’t the prettiest in Barcelona, however it’s tremendous near Eixample and straightforward to get to different components of the town. 

There’s a nice churro cafe price indulging at and Avinguda Gaudí is ideal for strolling alongside, stopping at cafes and sipping an Aperol spritz below the shade of the bushes. 

The place to Keep in Sagrada Família

After all, if you’re staying on this space then you definately completely want a lodge with views of the basílica, which aren’t the most affordable rooms within the metropolis however there are some well-priced lodges price checking into. 

• Sensation Sagrada Família has serviced residences with a phenomenal shared roof terrace overlooking the long-lasting church. Right here you may get the bonus of a personal condo whereas nonetheless having the chance to take pleasure in a shared area with fellow vacationers.
• For a lodge choice, the Sercotel Rosellón has vivid rooms, an excellent breakfast and a roof terrace with solar loungers pointing at Sagrada, an iconic method to spend a day if you happen to ask me!

Gràcia

Searching for a hidden boho artist vibe? Then Gràcia is your spot. Till the nineteenth century, this was an impartial city and residents are sometimes long-term locals and happy with their neighborhood. 

Now the realm is fashionable and stuffed with impartial retailers, boutiques, and cafes. Plaça de Sol is a central level the place individuals hang around to socialize, drink and indulge within the bakeries and gelato retailers close by. 

This space is comparatively near Passeig de Gràcia however looks like a special world to the designer shops and busy avenue. The streets are principally pedestrianized and there’s a extra eclectic combine of individuals strolling the streets. 

The world can also be identified for its festivals, historically every neighborhood has its personal mini-festivals however the one in Gràcia is broadly referred to as the most effective. Streets are lined with decorations and stalls, with some streets working in competitors for the most effective decor. Though bear in mind if you happen to go to in the summertime throughout these festivals you shouldn’t count on any peace and quiet, the events can go on all evening! 

The place to Keep in Gràcia

This isn’t a primary alternative amongst vacationers so you’ll really feel such as you’ve hit just a little hidden gem, and lodges are typically just a little cheaper too. 

• Hotel Ronda Lesseps is a cute lodge with a phenomenal inside courtyard backyard connected to the lodge bar. It is usually only a 15-minute stroll to a different of Gaudí’s iconic designs, Parc Güell. Benefit from the peace hidden away from the bustle of the town on this little oasis.
• A extra upmarket choice with a rooftop pool is the Catalonia Park Güell lodge, costs aren’t vastly totally different however it’s barely extra exterior the central a part of Gràcia. Rooftop swimming pools in lodges are an actual deal with however they do get busy so bear in mind to order a solar lounger on your afternoon poolside. 

Canine-Pleasant Resorts in Barcelona

In case you are like the remainder of Workforce Sensible Wanderlust and are a proud canine proprietor you can be happy to listen to that Barcelona is a superb place to journey along with your furry finest buddy. 

Most eating places are accommodating, a number of retailers have water bowls exterior for passing canines and it isn’t unusual to see canines becoming a member of procuring journeys. My canine loves coming procuring, it often means getting a number of love from retailer attendants, treats and new locations to smell. 

Actually most locations you may carry your canine with you, much more so if it’s a smaller canine. Nevertheless, simply bear in mind that in the summertime months (from Could to October) canines aren’t allowed on the principle seashores so you’ll have to discover the dog beach simply exterior the principle metropolis middle. 

After I arrived in Barcelona with my pup I booked right into a dog-friendly lodge and I’ve a couple of pals who’ve additionally finished the identical. A number of lodges are used to canine companions and accommodate them fairly simply. So if you happen to journey along with your little buddy these are the most effective locations to remain.

• Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella: This lodge is true reverse Ciutadella Park, which is by far probably the greatest parks for canines within the metropolis. Mornings and evenings are a hub for canine house owners with pups enjoying on the grass collectively, and there’s a kiosk within the park for human refreshments. The lodge can also be a brief stroll to the seashore and throughout from El Born, completely positioned for exploring the town. The lodge itself is gorgeous, it’s designed to merge nature with native structure and magnificence, and the bar space is spacious and overlooks the park. There’s additionally a beautiful outside space to take pleasure in an aperitif.
• Hotel Balmes: An actual gem of a lodge, they really have a particular bundle for canines, Keep & Canine. This treats your pup as a particular visitor with its personal mattress, meals and water bowls, treats and snacks and toys, and housekeeping can also be delicate to their particular guests. There’s additionally an African artwork assortment all through the lodge, a backyard and a pool. 
• Hostalin Barcelona Gran Via: This lodge has 2 places not too removed from one another, as talked about after I arrived in Barcelona I stayed on the Gran By way of lodge and it was really unbelievable. The rooms are clear and spacious, and the workers are superb and really accommodating. The identical vibe can also be at their different lodge Diputación, each are in Eixample and very well positioned for accessing the remainder of the town. 

The place To not Keep in Barcelona 

Barcelona as a complete is fairly protected and there are few areas to keep away from, these are often simply sure streets reasonably than complete areas and it’s extra of simply being conscious reasonably than anticipating to be robbed. You hear horror tales and sure they do occur however if you’re an skilled traveler and preserve your wits about you, you’ll be high quality. It helps to bear in mind that Barcelona has a number of poverty and the common wage completely doesn’t match the price of residing and housing right here. 

There’s additionally a big impoverished migrant inhabitants and homeless individuals in sure areas, if this offends you then higher to keep away from the town totally as nobody space is best than others. 

Other than that, there are some areas of the town which might be simply not price staying in, and I’ll clarify the place and why.

Raval

Usually if you hear tales of pickpockets, you might be listening to tales of Raval, which is positioned to the west facet of La Rambla.

The world is charming in its personal manner, however I wouldn’t suggest it for vacationers. There are some nice eating places tucked away and a few actually enjoyable bars however strolling house at nighttime isn’t advisable. 

• The place to Keep as a substitute: In case you are nonetheless on the lookout for the quirky outdated city fashion that components of Raval have then keep in Gothic as a substitute. You’ll nonetheless have the identical tourist-friendly hustle and bustle and loads of outdated buildings to marvel at however much less of the after-dark issues. May Ramblas Hotel is effectively positioned for La Rambla with out the night security challenges.

Sant Gervasi-Galvany

Sant Gervasi-Galvany is up within the hills of the town and may be very residential. Housing will be fairly costly right here and the boutiques and cafes cater to a special clientele than what most vacationers could be excited about. 

It’s near the hills of Tibidabo, Barcelona’s highest peak, and the views throughout the town will be beautiful however transport hyperlinks aren’t nice so it is going to be an extended stroll or a number of metro and bus stops to get to the place you wish to be. 

• The place to Keep as a substitute: Shut by is Eixample, this has the identical metropolis residential vibe however with extra attraction and simpler entry to the remainder of the town. Additionally take into account Gràcia for a similar causes. Praktik Bakery offers you that very same native vibe however in a greater location.

Sants Montjuïc

For those who hunt for lodging that’s easy accessibility to the airport then that is the primary neighborhood to take a look at, it’s also near the long-lasting Montjuïc which is fantastic to discover. You may as well go see the fountain present at Plaza Espanya. 

Nevertheless, to get anyplace you will have to leap on the metro or practice, it’s effectively related however if you wish to stroll to the remainder of the town you should have fairly an extended stroll. It’s a quieter space to remain in however the fixed want to make use of the metro can gradual you down.

Additionally as it’s a essential transport connection level it does are typically actually busy within the stations, which might get overwhelming if you’re determining easy methods to get to the place you wish to be.

• The place to Keep as a substitute: For simple entry to the airport look near Plaza Catalunya. The metro cease is central so will get you the place that you must be in addition to the Sants cease does. It is usually a essential level for the airport shuttle buses to begin from, which is by far the simplest method to get to the airport fairly cheaply. Praktik Bakery once more is very well positioned for ease to journey.

The place to Keep in Barcelona: Abstract 

That’s various info! So to wrap it up right into a bite-size piece, right here now we have an at a look abstract:

• The Greatest Areas to Keep in Barcelona: Go for the Previous Metropolis or Eixample for traditional Barcelona vibes.
• The Greatest Resorts in Barcelona: Greatest choices are Barcelona Hotel Colonial, Hostelin Barcelona Gran Via and Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella, any of these will make your keep iconic. 
• The Greatest Canine-Pleasant Resorts in Barcelona: Once more one other vote for Hostelin Barcelona Gran By way of and Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella. Can’t beat these for canine lovers!

So why aren’t we recommending any AirBnBs? In brief, AirBnB and quick time period condo leases have screwed the housing market in Barcelona, in addition to many different cities all over the world. Discovering an precise house within the metropolis is an actual drawback and the costs have been pushed so excessive by vacationer leases that the common individual can not afford them. Legal guidelines have now restricted vacationer licenses however this hasn’t finished a lot to cease the issue that was already created. So that you don’t contribute to the very actual housing disaster within the metropolis, we suggest you to be a responsible traveler and select to remain in lodges as a substitute, which had been in fact closely affected by the pandemic and deserve all of the vacationer love once more. 

That ought to provide the finest concepts of the place to remain so you may plan the remainder of your journey! If you are within the starting stage don’t neglect to join our Self-Guided Walking Tour of Barcelona to get a downloadable information to discover the town!

Which space would you want to remain in? Is there a sure a part of Barcelona you might be most enthusiastic about seeing? Tell us within the feedback under

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