The place to Keep in Barcelona (& The place 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 cause to be excessive on the listing for journey bucket lists. 

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

Possibly you wish to keep within the coronary heart of the previous city and Gothic structure, or do you need to expertise the mix of metropolis and seaside in Barceloneta? It may very well be that you’re extra of an uptown kinda individual and need to keep within the coronary heart of Eixample, surrounded by towering buildings, limitless purchasing alternatives and Gaudi round what looks like virtually each nook.

Both means, we’ve 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 and marketing 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 bought a publish about our favourite meals & wine tour in Barcelona, which we extremely suggest. We even have extra posts on journey in Europe.

Psst: Obtain the strolling tour to search 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 number of ideas that can assist you put together in your journey to Barcelona.

• Be conscious 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 snug, and town parks and tree-lined avenues look lovely. Additionally means fewer thick winter layers to pack!
• Put together a number 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 converse English!
• Keep protected: Pickpockets are a giant 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 go away your telephone on a desk, maintain your valuables in a cash belt, don’t journey sporting an expensive-looking watch and maintain your bag both tied to your chair or in your knee. At all times be vigilant! 
• Eat all of the food and drinks all of the cava: Catalan and Spanish delicacies is scrumptious, with a lot of recent hearty components, good olive oils and little tapas plates. There may be additionally the Basque affect with some nice pintxo eating places, which is my favourite technique to eat! Cava can be made within the area so respectable cava prices little or no. Take a meals 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 staff. I nonetheless really feel bizarre calling it Barna so simply follow Barcelona.
• Convey snug strolling footwear: The town is extremely walkable however components of it are hilly and you’ll cowl much more floor than you notice whereas gawking on the structure. So pack respectable footwear you already know will maintain your ft joyful and benefit from the stroll! To assist, we’ve bought a Barcelona self-guided strolling tour – and we’ve additionally bought ideas for the most effective strolling footwear for journey. Listed here are our favourite journey footwear for males and for ladies.
• Totally different areas even have totally different hyperlinks to different components of town: The metro system is great and pretty simple to navigate however if you happen to desire to keep away from utilizing it or buses then that you must base your self strolling distance to the belongings you need to see or at the very 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 be mindful the place you need to be in relation to the place you need to keep. 
• Keep away from short-term house leases: The housing market in Barcelona has been monopolized by vacationer leases, driving costs up a lot increased than is inexpensive for residents and creating lots of scams and disparity. Resorts have been badly affected by the pandemic so that they deserve the help slightly than grasping property homeowners who would slightly go away an house empty as a substitute of renting it for an affordable worth to a neighborhood. There are even new legal guidelines proscribing vacationer licenses and you might be now not allowed to lease 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 together with your have to roam the streets and also you want a spot to retailer your baggage, try LuggageHero: This service helps you discover a protected place to maintain your baggage when you’re working 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 known as barrios, every with its personal distinct persona, vibe and enchantment. To the uninitiated, chances are you’ll battle to know the place to go and what to do, however don’t fear, I bought you lined!

As with many cities, there may be additionally an enormous financial variation. Strolling alongside Passeig de Gràcia you’ll see consumers 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 form of place!

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

Previous Metropolis: El Born & Gothic

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

That is the place you can find 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.

Nonetheless, you do want to select fastidiously 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 town and is a brief stroll to the seaside, with components of it opening out onto the marina at Port Vell so that you get views of the blue Mediterranean Sea. The realm can 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 kind of individual. 

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

The place to Keep in El Born & Gothic

There are a combination of expensive resorts on this space in addition to some significantly price range hostels. Under are a few of our favorites:

• Hostal Fernando is a kind of good kinds of hostels with clear, vivid rooms. It additionally overlooks Església de Sant Jaume, which is a reasonably, previous church. Historical past in your windowsill! 
• For one thing just a little fancier Barcelona Resort Colonial is true within the coronary heart of Gothic in an exquisite colonial constructing, a brief stroll down the road takes you to Port Vell Marina and a visit in another course takes you thru medieval streets. 
• If you wish to keep as shut as attainable to the eccentric La Rambla then the Might Ramblas Resort is the one for you. It’s positioned just a few doorways down a aspect road from La Rambla and can be the identical road you head all the way down to get to the Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi. 

Barceloneta / Seaside

For these wanting extra for the seaside vibes then Barceloneta is for you. This barrio is a small space made up of completely aligned streets so it’s virtually not possible to get misplaced. To at least one aspect is Port Vell, to the south is the seaside, 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 seaside with out lacking out on that Barcelona previous metropolis attraction. The buildings aren’t essentially as fairly as different components of town however the seaside environment is sort of year-round. 

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

The place to Keep in Barceloneta / Seaside

There are a number of bigger resorts on this space as you’ll count on with it being beachside however the costs are wildly costly. Take a look at the well-known landmark lodge The W, lovely and epic views however out of price range for many vacationers! You may 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 street from the place the barrio begins, the Resort Oasis has an incredible rooftop pool and terrace and appears out in the direction of the marina. From right here you possibly can entry El Born, Gothic and Barceloneta in only a brief stroll. 
• Resort 54 Barceloneta is true on the entrance overlooking the marina and steps away from the seaside, this is able to be my choose if going for the seaside lodge possibility. The rooftop bar can be like just a little backyard paradise, excellent for resting after an extended day of exploring.
• For a extra price range 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 wonderful pastries. Get up early, seize a espresso and pastry for a dawn stroll alongside the seaside.

Eixample

Welcome to Eixample, the realm that you just’ll see most in aerial pictures of Barcelona, these excellent pink sq. blocks and streets aligned to OCD ranges. This a part of 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 be the bigger of the districts in Barcelona. 

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

This space is charming for its typical Barcelona type 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 maintain stumbling into one other lovely constructing after one other, and if you happen to get onto a rooftop someplace you’ll see much more. 

The purchasing can be unimaginable right here with every little thing from high-end designer shops, to excessive road purchasing, to unbiased 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 be rather well related with public transport, the buses run recurrently and there are lots of metro stations in addition to prepare stations at each Passeig de Gràcia and at Plaza Catalunya. 

The place to Keep in Eixample

As you’ll count on there isn’t a scarcity of resorts in Eixample, from simpler budgets to luxurious high-end resorts. Listed here are some fo the most effective ones:

• Once I first arrived in Barcelona I booked into Hostalin Barcelona Gran By way of and it’s the place I like to recommend buddies to remain for an ideal worth lodge. The employees was a dream throughout my keep, the rooms are vivid and comfy and it’s canine pleasant!
• For bougie fanciness proper on Passeig de Gràcia with the views to match the Resort Royal Passeig de Gràcia is a superb alternative, and although the value is just a little increased it’s not eye-watering. You may 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 recent bread and pastries then that you must ebook Praktik Bakery, with rooms as recent because the bread and a brief stroll to Diagonal. Simply ensure to not hang around and go discover (hehehe)!

Sagrada Família

The place else to remain in Barcelona apart from near the enduring Basílica de la Sagrada Família! If that is your essential cause for visiting Barcelona, and no person will choose you whether it is then that is the place to remain. You may meander across the cafes within the space, sit in parks surrounding the basílica and customarily gaze on the unimaginable work of Antoni Gaudí. 

Admittedly the restaurant selections aren’t the greatest, and apart 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 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 beneath 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 resorts price checking into. 

• Sensation Sagrada Família has serviced flats with an exquisite shared roof terrace overlooking the enduring church. Right here you may get the bonus of a personal house whereas nonetheless having the chance to take pleasure in a shared house with fellow vacationers.
• For a lodge possibility, the Sercotel Rosellón has vivid rooms, an ideal breakfast and a roof terrace with solar loungers pointing at Sagrada, an iconic technique 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 unbiased city and residents are sometimes long-term locals and pleased with their neighborhood. 

Now the realm is stylish and filled with unbiased retailers, boutiques, and cafes. Plaça de Sol is a central level the place folks hang around to socialize, drink and indulge within the bakeries and gelato retailers close by. 

This space is comparatively near Passeig de Gràcia however appears like a distinct 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 realm can be recognized for its festivals, historically every neighborhood has its personal mini-festivals however the one in Gràcia is extensively often known as the most effective. Streets are lined with decorations and stalls, with some streets working in competitors for the most effective decor. Though remember 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 night time! 

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 resorts are usually just a little cheaper too. 

• Resort Ronda Lesseps is a cute lodge with an exquisite inside courtyard backyard hooked up to the lodge bar. Additionally it is 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 town on this little oasis.
• A extra upmarket possibility 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 resorts are an actual deal with however they do get busy so keep in mind to order a solar lounger in your afternoon poolside. 

Canine-Pleasant Resorts in Barcelona

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

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

Actually most locations you possibly can deliver your canine with you, much more so if it’s a smaller canine. Nonetheless, simply remember that in the summertime months (from Might to October) canines aren’t allowed on the primary seashores so you’ll have to discover the canine seaside simply exterior the primary metropolis heart. 

Once I arrived in Barcelona with my pup I booked right into a dog-friendly lodge and I’ve a number of buddies who’ve additionally completed the identical. Quite a lot of resorts are used to canine companions and accommodate them fairly simply. So if you happen to journey together 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 top-of-the-line parks for canines within the metropolis. Mornings and evenings are a hub for canine homeowners with pups enjoying on the grass collectively, and there’s a kiosk within the park for human refreshments. The lodge can be a brief stroll to the seaside and throughout from El Born, completely positioned for exploring town. The lodge itself is gorgeous, it’s designed to merge nature with native structure and elegance, and the bar space is spacious and overlooks the park. There may be additionally a beautiful out of doors space to take pleasure in an aperitif.
• Resort Balmes: An actual gem of a lodge, they really have a particular package deal 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 be delicate to their particular guests. There may be additionally an African artwork assortment all through the lodge, a backyard and a pool. 
• Hostalin Barcelona Gran By way of: This lodge has 2 places not too removed from one another, as talked about once I arrived in Barcelona I stayed on the Gran By way of lodge and it was really unimaginable. The rooms are clear and spacious, and the employees are wonderful and really accommodating. The identical vibe can be at their different lodge Diputación, each are in Eixample and rather well positioned for accessing the remainder of 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 normally simply sure streets slightly than complete areas and it’s extra of simply being conscious slightly than anticipating to be robbed. You hear horror tales and sure they do occur however if you’re an skilled traveler and maintain your wits about you, you’ll be effective. It helps to remember that Barcelona has lots of poverty and the common wage completely doesn’t match the price of dwelling and housing right here. 

There may be additionally a big impoverished migrant inhabitants and homeless folks in sure areas, if this offends you then higher to keep away from town completely as nobody space is healthier than others. 

Except for that, there are some areas of town which are simply not price staying in, and I’ll clarify the place and why.

Raval

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

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

• The place to Keep as a substitute: In case you are nonetheless in search of the quirky previous city type 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 previous buildings to marvel at however much less of the after-dark issues. Might Ramblas Resort is nicely positioned for La Rambla with out the night security challenges.

Sant Gervasi-Galvany

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

It’s near the hills of Tibidabo, Barcelona’s highest peak, and the views throughout town will be beautiful however transport hyperlinks aren’t nice so it will likely be an extended stroll or a number of metro and bus stops to get to the place you need 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 town. Additionally contemplate Gràcia for a similar causes. Praktik Bakery offers you that very same native vibe however in a greater location.

Sants Montjuïc

Should you hunt for lodging that’s quick access to the airport then that is the primary neighborhood to have a look at, it’s also near the enduring Montjuïc which is fantastic to discover. You can too go see the fountain present at Plaza Espanya. 

Nonetheless, to get anyplace you will want to leap on the metro or prepare, it’s nicely related however if you wish to stroll to the remainder of town you’ll 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 usually actually busy within the stations, which might get overwhelming if you’re determining easy methods to get to the place you need 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. Additionally it is a essential level for the airport shuttle buses to start out from, which is by far the simplest technique to get to the airport fairly cheaply. Praktik Bakery once more is rather well positioned for ease to journey.

The place to Keep in Barcelona: Abstract 

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

• The Finest Areas to Keep in Barcelona: Go for the Previous Metropolis or Eixample for traditional Barcelona vibes.
• The Finest Resorts in Barcelona: Finest choices are Barcelona Resort Colonial, Hostelin Barcelona Gran By way of and Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella, any of these will make your keep iconic. 
• The Finest 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? Briefly, AirBnB and brief time period house leases have screwed the housing market in Barcelona, in addition to many different cities all over the world. Discovering an precise dwelling within the metropolis is an actual drawback and the costs have been pushed so excessive by vacationer leases that the common individual can’t afford them. Legal guidelines have now restricted vacationer licenses however this hasn’t completed 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 accountable traveler and select to remain in resorts as a substitute, which have been after all closely affected by the pandemic and deserve all of the vacationer love once more. 

That ought to provide the greatest concepts of the place to remain so you possibly can plan the remainder of your journey! If you are within the starting stage don’t overlook to join our Self-Guided Strolling Tour of Barcelona to get a downloadable information to discover 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 beneath

Psst: Planning extra journeys to European cities? Now we have explored a few!

FOLLOW US!

Psst: Save this publish for in a while Pinterest!