{"id":239048,"date":"2021-09-28T12:34:35","date_gmt":"2021-09-28T16:34:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=239048"},"modified":"2025-05-24T13:16:03","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T17:16:03","slug":"where-to-stay-barcelona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/where-to-stay-barcelona\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Stay in Barcelona: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Nomadic<\/p>\n

Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in all of Europe<\/a>. During the peak season, tourists crowd all the major areas of the city (which does cause some friction with locals). I have loved Barcelona since I first visited as a backpacker in 2006.<\/p>\n

It has roots that stretch back to the Roman Empire, though it was in the Middle Ages (when it was its own country) that it came into its own as an economic powerhouse in the western Mediterranean. Today, Barcelona<\/a> is the capital of the autonomous Catalonia region (which has sought separation from Spain on numerous occasions) and is the second most populous city in the country. It has medieval neighborhoods, fairytale architecture (\u00a1hola, Gaud\u00ed!), incredible restaurants, world-class art museums, and a vibrant urban life, all hugging up against the azure Mediterranean Sea.<\/p>\n

With a population of 1.6 million spread out over 10 districts (and 73 neighborhoods), travelers looking for a base have a lot of areas (and different vibes) to choose from.<\/p>\n

To help you figure out where to stay, in this post, I\u2019ll break down the best neighborhoods to stay in and give you my favorite places to stay in each.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

\n
\n
Area<\/div>\n
Best for<\/div>\n
Best Hotel<\/div>\n
 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
La Barceloneta<\/div>\n
Nightlife<\/div>\n
Hotel 54<\/a><\/div>\n
See More hotels<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Gr\u00e0cia<\/div>\n
Families<\/div>\n
Hotel BestPrice Gr\u00e0cia<\/a><\/div>\n
See More hotels<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Sant Antoni<\/div>\n
Foodies<\/div>\n
Saint Antoni Market<\/a><\/div>\n
See More hotels<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
The Gothic Quarter<\/div>\n
History Buffs<\/div>\n
Hotel Col\u00f3n<\/a><\/div>\n
See More hotels<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Eixample<\/div>\n
Luxury<\/div>\n
Hotel Praktik Vinoteca<\/a><\/div>\n
See More hotels<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Barcelona Neighborhood Overview<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Best Neighborhood for Nightlife<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Best Neighborhood for Families<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Best Neighborhood for Foodies<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Best Neighborhood for History Buffs<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Best Neighborhood for Luxury<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

    Where to Stay for Nightlife: La Barceloneta<\/h3>\n

    \"The
    \nThe seaside area known as La Barceloneta is full of bars, traditional restaurants (the ones in the district are great, the boardwalk ones are touristy), and beach clubs. It is a beautiful and happening part of town. You’re right next to the beach with its lovely boardwalk and close to a lot of nightlife. It’s not one of the quietest neighborhoods (at least if you stay in the center of the area), but there’s a lot going on here, you’re near a lot of museums, and it’s not a far walk to the Gothic Quarter.<\/p>\n

    Best places to stay in La Barceloneta<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    BUDGET<\/strong>: Sea Hostel Barcelona<\/a> \u2013 This hostel is right on the beach. The beds aren’t anything to write home about, but it’s the only hostel in the area, making it the best budget choice for anyone looking to soak up La Barceloneta without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n

    MIDRANGE<\/strong>: Hotel 54<\/a> \u2013 This stylish hotel offers terrace views over the beach. The rooms have a lot of natural light and a minimalist decor. There’s a bar on-site, a lounge, and a continental breakfast too. The beds are pretty comfy and there’s great water pressure too. It’s just an overall nice place to stay.<\/p>\n

    LUXURY<\/strong>: W Barcelona<\/a> \u2013 With an infinity pool, a rooftop bar, and the posh rooms you’d expect from this global brand, the W is the peak of luxury in the neighborhood. It’s also one of the best Ws in the world and I love it. It’s a little far down the boardwalk but it’s the nicest place in the area.
    \n <\/p>\n

    Where to Stay for Families: Gr\u00e0cia<\/h3>\n

    \"The
    \nGr\u00e0cia is far from where tour buses and groups roam. It\u2019s quiet and many of its streets are pedestrianized, so there’s no need to worry about those pesky cars, especially if you have kids in tow. And the neighborhood is adjacent to Gaud\u00ed\u2019s wonderfully weird Park G\u00fcell, and is home to his Casa Vicens as well as the 19th-century clock tower in Pla\u00e7a de la Vila de Gr\u00e0cia. This is the neighborhood you want to stay in for quiet and calm.<\/p>\n

    Best places to stay in Gr\u00e0cia<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    BUDGET<\/strong>: Factory Hostels<\/a> \u2013 This hostel has a great location right next to Park G\u00fcell. There are different types of dorm rooms. The beds are comfy, and it’s a great place to meet other travelers. Unlike a lot of other hostels, breakfast is included too.<\/p>\n

    MIDRANGE<\/strong>: Hotel BestPrice Gr\u00e0cia<\/a> \u2013 Ignore the generic name of this affordable, centrally located spot in Gr\u00e0cia and cozy up in one of the slightly funky rooms with photographs on the walls and a minimalist design. The rooms are small but comfortable. It’s a good, no-frills place to stay.<\/p>\n

    LUXURY<\/strong>: Hotel Casa Fuster G.L Monumento<\/a> \u2013 Housed in a UNESCO-listed modernist building right on Passeig de Gr\u00e0cia, this five-star hotel has a jazz bar and a Michelin-starred restaurant, which were the two main draws for me. But there are plenty of other luxurious amenities here too, including a rooftop terrace with a pool, a sauna, stylish rooms, and four eateries.
    \n <\/p>\n

    Where to Stay for Foodies: Sant Antoni<\/h3>\n

    \"Colorful
    \nA relatively off-the-radar neighborhood, Sant Antoni is great for those who like to indulge in food and drink. Browse the dozens of stalls at the Mercat de San Antoni (there will be fewer tourists there than at La Boquer\u00eda), and then go on a vermouth crawl. I like this area because it’s a bit more “local” than other parts of town, has a high concentration of relatively non-touristy restaurants and bars, and is still close to all the major attractions and tourist sites, so you don’t have to go far to sightsee.<\/p>\n

    Best places to stay in Sant Antoni<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    BUDGET<\/strong>: TOC Hostel Barcelona<\/a> \u2013 The social hostel offers backpackers a super secure place to stay (there are fingerprint scanners at the door). There’s a laid-back lounge and common area with games, an outdoor pool, and cozy pod beds that ensure you’ll get a decent night’s sleep.<\/p>\n

    MIDRANGE<\/strong>: Saint Antoni Market<\/a> \u2013 Stylish Sant Antoni Market\u2019s 68 rooms offer all the perks you\u2019d expect from a sleek hotel, plus bathrooms with large showers and magnifying mirrors. The staff are very friendly and the rooms are spacious, the beds are comfy (I love the pillows), and there’s lots of light and beautiful wood floors. I think it’s the best value hotel in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n

    LUXURY<\/strong>: Eric V\u00f6kel Boutique Apartments<\/a> \u2013 This is a series of luxury apartments with spacious guest quarters. Some have balconies, and all have fully equipped kitchens. If you are looking for an Airbnb feel but also the luxury and service of a hotel, this is where you’ll want to stay. Plus, as a licensed establishment, you won’t be taking housing stock off the local market.
    \n <\/p>\n

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    Get all my best travel tips along with these guides:<\/p>\r\n

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    • 61 Savvy Travel Tips<\/li>
    • The Best Hostels in Europe<\/li>
    • My Favorite Travel Companies<\/li>
    • How to Get Free Flights to Europe<\/li><\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
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