Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Europe. Either if you’re traveling solo, with your family, your soulmate or with your friends, you’re gonna have a good time in Barcelona! There’s so much to do there: museums, beach, tapas, markets, parks, areas to visit, etc. But finding where to stay in Barcelona can be overwhelming, the city is so large! Where to stay in Barcelona? This guide will tell you where to stay in Barcelona, list the best hotels in Barcelona and the best neighborhoods in Barcelona!
El Raval
El Raval is a multicultural area attracting foodies, artists and bohemians. It’s home to numerous tapas bars, hipster cafes and vegetarian restaurants, but also fashion boutiques, quirky arts and craft shops. El Raval is a lively and cool place, perfect if you’re traveling with friends. FYI, it used to be Barcelona’s red light district and a dangerous area (it’s not the case anymore) but still, keep an eye open on your belongings, there are still pickpockets there.
Where to stay in El Raval
- Luxury: Hotel 1898. This nice boutique hotel is located right along Las Ramblas, one of the most famous thoroughfares of Barcelona. It’s in a 19th century building that was turned into a luxury hotel. It features a rooftop pool, a fitness center, a sun terrace and a stylish restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. The rooms are quiet and comfortable.
- Mid-range: Barcelo Raval. This hotel features a rooftop terrace with pool, a fitness center and it offers panoramic views of Barcelona. The rooms feature AC, a plasma-screen TV, a minibar and a modern bathroom. The breakfast is great!
- Budget: Hostal Operaramblas. It’s a great budget option! It’s a guest house with simply decorated and tidy rooms. They feature a private bathroom, heating and a telephone. The guest house has a drinks machine and sells snacks at the reception. There’s also a computer with internet access.
- Find all the El Raval hotels
Barceloneta
Barceloneta used to be the fishermen’s quarter, which is logical since Barceloneta’s big attraction is its wide, sandy beach that stretches for miles, always busy with joggers, families, joggers, rollerbladers and couples roaming around. You’ll find there some of the best seafood restaurants in the city and great tapas spots. In Barceloneta, you’ll find narrow streets, charming balconies, and cosy taverns packed with locals. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Barcelona for families.
Where to stay in Barceloneta
- Luxury: W Barcelona. This is probably one of the most famous hotels in Barcelona. You can see the impressive building from the beach. The hotel features an infinity pool with views of the city, a rooftop bar and on-site restaurants. The rooms are clean, modern and well-designed. Don’t miss it!
- Mid-range: H10 Port Vell. This hotel is located in a historic building and has a modern boutique feeling. It features a rooftop terrace, a small swimming pool and a lobby bar. The staff is helpful, the hotel is elegant and the location is great!
- Budget: Hotel Oasis. This budget hotel features a seasonal terrace with a seasonal outdoor pool and a café-bar offering a range of hot drinks and cocktails throughout the day. The rooms have satellite TV and private bathrooms with hairdryer. Great value for money!
- Find all the Barceloneta hotels
Barri Gotic (the Gothic Quarter)
Barri Gotic (the Gothic quarter) is in the heart of Barcelona. This is the oldest district, the historic center. You’ll find many tapas bars, narrow streets, restaurants and small boutiques but also charming plazas such as Plaza Reial. The Gothic Quarter is heavily pedestrianized but you’ll notice few locals live there (it lacks basics like supermarkets). But it’s a nice area to stay if you want to be part of the action. Plus it’s perfect if it’s your first time in Barcelona.
Where to stay in Barri Gotic
- Luxury: Hotel Neri – Relais & Chateaux. Don’t miss this one! It occupies two historic buildings: a 12th-century medieval palace and an 18th-century aristocratic house. The hotel is elegant and charming and their on-site restaurant serves delicious specialties. The hotel also features a library and a rooftop garden terrace. The staff is lovely and the rooms are spacious and comfortable.
- Mid-range: H10 Cubik. This nice 4-star hotel features a rooftop terrace with 180-degree views, a plunge pool, and several bars and restaurants. The rooms are nice and clean and the breakfast is excellent!
- Budget: Cuatro Naciones. This budget hotel is set in an 18th-century building. The rooms feature a flat-screen TV, AC and private bathrooms with a hairdryer. They’re simple and clean. The owners are incredibly helpful and the breakfast is good!
- Find all the Barri Gotic hotels
El Born
El Born is part of the old town, close to the Gothic quarter but a bit more modern and upscale. It’s home to several museums (Picasso museum, Chocolate museum, European museum of modern art, museum of world cultures, etc.), and it’s actually not that far from Barceloneta. You’ll find there numerous tapas bars, coffee shops, restaurants and fashion boutiques. There’s also a vibrant nightlife.
Where to stay in El Born
- Luxury: K+K Hotel Picasso. It’s a nice luxury hotel, but still affordable. It features a rooftop pool, a lounge, an on-site restaurant and an amazing bar! This boutique hotel is modern, well-designed and the decoration is great! Moreover the staff is helpful and the breakfast is really good!
- Mid-range: Chic & Basic Boutique Hotel. The name of this hotel speaks for itself: it’s a basic hotel, with that little chic touch. It features a fitness center and all the rooms have AC, a flat-screen TV and a glass shower cubicle. Free coffee, tea and water are offered in a self-service area. The staff is very friendly!
- Budget: Ciutat de Barcelona. It’s a beautiful boutique hotel featuring a rooftop swimming pool, a chic on-site restaurant, and spacious suites! It’s modern and stylish and honestly great value for money! The rooms are clean, quiet and comfortable!
- Find all the El Born hotels
Eixample
It’s an expansive and elegant area with wide boulevards, some of the best Barcelona’s luxury hotels, and great architecture. It’s home to designer stores and international brands. You’ll be close to la Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila. It’s a nice area if you’re looking for an upscale stay. You’ll find there some of the most gorgeous boutique hotels in Barcelona.
Where to stay in Eixample
- Luxury: Monument Hotel. This luxury hotel is housed on Enric Batllo’s house dating back to the 19th century. Therefore you’re actually staying in a monument! It features a Michelin-star restaurant, a bistro and a spa. The rooms are classy with a retro vibe and are elegantly decorated.
- Mid-range: Hotel Condes de Barcelona. This 4-star hotel is in a 19th-century building on Passeig de Gracia. It features a gym, a sauna and a seasonal rooftop pool. It also features an elegant rooftop with nice views of Barcelona. The rooms are spacious, clean and quiet.
- Budget: 360 Hostel Barcelona Arts&Culture. It’s one of the best budget options in Barcelona! They have dorms but also private rooms if needed! Each room has AC and heating. There’s a shared kitchen if you need to cook your meals but also laundry service and luggage storage upon request.
- Find all the Eixample hotels
Gracia
Gracia used to be a separate village and later on became part of Barcelona. This is probably why it’s still pretty quiet to this day and it has this bohemian cibe. Many artists live there, and you’ll find hip bars, ethnic restaurants and quirky shops. Gracia is home to the famous Parc Guell. It’s also one of the best places to stay in Barcelona for families.
Where to stay in Eixample
- Luxury: Casa Fuster. This 5-star hotel is located at the head of Passeig de Gracia. It features a sauna, a fitness center, two bars, and a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and excellent views. The rooms are elegant and feature a satellite TV, a minibar and a private bathroom. There’s also a stylish restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.
- Mid-range: Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel. It’s a nice hotel with a fitness center and an outdoor pool. A continental breakfast is served every morning and guests can use the free bicycle service. All rooms come with a desk, a TV, AC, a private bathroom and a wardrobe.
- Budget: Hotel Bestprice Gracia. It’s a nice budget option! It offers modern, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. All rooms include a TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. The staff is very welcoming and the location is great!
- Find all the Gracia hotels
Poble Sec
This is a young and trendy area of Barcelona. Since it’s not far from Montjuic, it’s perfect if you plan to spend some time there. There are numerous tapas bars, a great dining scene and a vibrant nightlife at Poble Sec. There are no major tourist attractions here but it’s well connected by metro. Poble Sec is a nice area if you’re a foodie.
Where to stay in Poble Sec
- Luxury: Intercontinental Barcelona. This is an elegant hotel offering fantastic views of Barcelona. It features an outdoor pool, sun loungers, and a dining area. But also two on-site restaurants and a spa. The service is excellent, the rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable and the breakfast is great!
- Mid-range: Hotel Brummell. It’s a nice boutique hotel featuring an outdoor pool, a garden and a sauna. Guests can benefit from free and unlimited yoga classes. There’s an on-site restaurant, a honesty bar and all the rooms have a safe, coffee and tea facilities and a yoga mat.
- Budget: Hotel Paral lel. This hotel features spacious and comfortable rooms with AC and free Wi-Fi. The hotel serves a delicious breakfast every morning. The staff is very friendly and the location is great!
- Find all the Poble Sec hotels
Now you know all the best places to stay in Barcelona! Feel free to check out my Barcelona travel guide! It’s one of the best places to visit in Spain!
- Traveling soon? Check out my travel resources page! This list of travel accessories can also be useful!
- Don’t travel without travel insurance! It will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. Click here to get one. Here’s why get travel insurance!
- Want a tailor-made trip to Spain? Get a free quote here!
- Always use a VPN when traveling. I use ExpressVPN and I love it! Here’s why use a VPN when traveling.
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