Barcelona is a stunning coastal city on the Mediterranean Sea in Northern Spain. This popular destination is Spain’s second-largest city, with around 1.33 million residents.
It is easy to see why Barcelona frequently ranks as one of Europe’s best and most visited cities. The Gothic architecture, gorgeous beaches, culinary delights, and rich culture make people fall in love with the Spanish city.
This article is about the best neighborhoods and places to stay in Barcelona. Read about where to stay in Barcelona, the best hotels, and the best neighborhoods in Barcelona, Spain.
The Best Barcelona Neighborhoods & Hotels
El Born
El Born is a chic neighborhood in the heart of Barcelona. Known for its world-class museums, adorable cafes, top-notch restaurants, and gorgeous medieval streets, It is one of the best places to stay in Barcelona.
El Born is a great place to stay for first-time visitors and travelers who hope to see a lot quickly. Some popular attractions in the El Born neighborhood include the Picasso Museum, Santa Maria del Mar, Palau de la Catalana, and Parc de la Ciutadella.
Pros & Cons of Staying In El Born
Pros
- Centrally located
- Lovely restaurants, cafes, and bars
Cons
- It can get noisy
- Upscale
Luxury El Born Hotels
- H10 Port Vell – Located on the stunning Port Vell, H10 Port Vell provides guests with everything you would need for the perfect stay in Barcelona’s El Born neighborhood. At H10 Port Vell, you will find a rooftop pool that overlooks the harbor, a restaurant, a bar, a gym, and more.
- Miiro Borneta – Situated adjacent to the stunning Parc de la Ciutadella, Miiro Borneta is a luxury hotel perfect for couples traveling to Barcelona. This boutique hotel offers stylish rooms, a pool, a bar, a restaurant, and more. The 92-room Miiro Bornesta Hotel is the perfect oasis from busy Barcelona.
Mid-Range El Born Hotels
- Chic & Basic – The Chic & Basic hotel is an eclectic boutique hotel located on the outskirts of El Born (near the Gothic Quarter). This unique hotel offers guests breakfast served daily, housekeeping, a 24-hour front desk service, and more.
- Park Hotel – Located in the heart of El Born, the Park Hotel is the perfect mid-range option. The modern hotel offers guests spacious rooms, a rooftop pool that overlooks the city, an in-house restaurant and bar, and more.
Budget El Born Hotels
- Hotel Del Mar – Hotel Del Mar is a great budget-friendly hotel in Barcelona. Situated in a historic building right by Port Vell, it provides guests with spacious rooms, daily breakfast, 24-hour front desk service, and more. Hotel Del Mar is perfect for families, as it has family-sized rooms.
- Hostal Hera – Hostel Hera is situated in the center of the El Born neighborhood. Don’t let the word hostel throw you off; all of the rooms at Hostal Hera have private bathrooms. This affordable hotel is perfect for solo travelers, backpackers, and families on a budget.
- Hotel Lyon – Located a few steps from Port Vell and a quick walk to the beach, Hotel Lyon is a terrific option for budget travelers. While the hotel is nothing special, it is clean and in an amazing location.
Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter, also known as Barri Gòtic, is easily one of the most popular places to stay in Barcelona, and for good reason. The well-preserved gothic quarter will make you feel like you are walking through the set of a movie.
The photogenic streets, well-preserved remains of Roman structures, Gothic architecture, trendy bars, amazing Catalan restaurants, and more make the Gothic Quarter a highly sought-after neighborhood to stay in while in Barcelona.
Pros & Cons Of Staying In The Gothic Quarter
Pros
- Centrally located
- Tons of fascinating history
- Stunning streets
Cons
- Very busy
- Some areas can feel unsafe at night
Luxury Gothic Quarter Hotels
- Ohla Barcelona – The Ohla is easily one of the nicest hotels in the city. Located on the outskirts of the Gothic Quarter (near El Born), this five-star hotel is perfect for all kinds of travelers. Some notable features at Ohla include a rooftop infinity pool and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Hotel Neri Relais & Chateaux – Just a few steps from the stunning Barcelona Cathedral, Hotel Neri is an incredible 22-room hotel. This unique hotel is situated in a beautifully renovated 12th-century medieval castle. The rooms are large, and the hotel has a pool, restaurant, and bar. Be sure to book in advance because Hotel Neri will book up!
- WITTMORE HOTEL – The WITTMORE HOTEL is an adults-only boutique hotel in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. The elegant hotel is perfectly decorated with retro vibes. With only 22 rooms, you can expect an intimate experience at the WITTMORE.
Mid-Range Gothic Quarter Hotels
- Hotel Barcelona Catedral – The Hotel Barcelona Catedral is a charming boutique hotel situated on the outskirts of the Gothic Quarter (near El Born). The 80-room hotel is styled with eclectic furnishing and thoughtful pattern use. Some amenities you can expect at The Hotel Barcelona Catedral are a pool, a gym, a restaurant, a bar, and pet-friendly rooms!
- Catalonia Catedral Hotel – Located in the center of the Gothic Quarter, the enchanting Catalonia Catedral Hotel is an elegant hotel perfect for couples, solo travelers, and families alike. If you can, book a room with a private pool and terrace!
- Petit Palace Boquería Garden – Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and just a few steps from the popular Las Ramblas, the Petit Palace Boquería Garden is a slice of tranquility in the bustling city. I stayed at the Petit Palace Boquería Garden during my time in Barcelona and loved it. Some things that stood out to me were the cleanliness, the outdoor patio, the bar, and the amazing breakfast.
Budget Gothic Quarter Hotels
- Ikonik Ramblas – Located on one of Barcelona’s most famous streets, Las Ramblas, Ikonik Ramblas is a great budget-friendly option if you hope to stay in the Gothic Quarter. At Ikonik Ramblas, you will be met with clean rooms, daily breakfast, twenty-four-seven front desk service, and more.
- Hotel Barcelona Colonial – Located on the outskirts of the Gothic Quarter, Hotel Barcelona Colonial has everything you need for a comfortable stay in Barcelona. The hotel is inside a charming colonial building and offers spacious, clean rooms.
Eixample
The Eixample neighborhood is the largest in Barcelona. It is home to the world-famous Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo, among other must-see sights. The neighborhood is all about elegance. Explore enchanting streets, posh boutiques, ritzy restaurants, and plenty of cool bars in Eixample.
Eixample is a great neighborhood to stay in Barcelona for all kinds of travelers. You will find hostels, budget-friendly hotels, five-star hotels, mid-range hotels, and more throughout Eixample.
Pros & Cons Of Staying In Eixample
Pros
- Safe
- Clean
- Plenty to do and see
Cons
- Upscale
Luxury Eixample Hotels
- Hotel El Palace Barcelona – Located on the corner of Gran Via and Carrer de Roger de Llúria, the Hotel Palace Barcelona is in a luxurious area of Eixample. The 120-room hotel is a former Ritz Carlton over 100 years old! This classically elegant hotel is home to a stunning pool and rooftop, a spa, an amazing restaurant, and more.
- Almanac Barcelona – The Almanac is another 5-star hotel in Eixample. The boutique hotel has 91 rooms and offers a boho vibe. It has a rooftop pool, a restaurant, a spa, a bar, and more!
- Ohla Eixample – If you are looking for a modern hotel, the Ohla Hotel on the outskirts of the Eixample neighborhood is perfect. The Ohla has a spa, a rooftop pool, a restaurant, a bar, and more.
Mid-Range Eixample Hotels
- Hotel Granvia – The Hotel Granvia is a charming hotel on the outskirts of the Eixample neighborhood (near the Gothic Quarter). It is a palace-like Hotel perfect for families or couples.
- Gallery Hotel – The Gallery Hotel is a delightful, eco-friendly hotel in the center of Eixample. Some highlights include an outdoor pool, proximity to shopping, daily breakfast service, bike rentals, and spacious rooms.
- NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderón – Located in the center of Eixample, the NH Collection Gran Hotel Calderón offers comfortable rooms, a plunge pool, a restaurant, a bar, and pet-friendly rooms. It Calderón is a great mid-range hotel option in Barcelona.
Budget Eixample Hotels
- Acta Atrium Palace – Acta Atrium, in the heart of the Eixample neighborhood, is the perfect budget-friendly option in Barcelona. It offers clean rooms, accommodating staff, and breakfast served daily at an affordable price.
- Hotel Praktik Èssens – Hotel Praktik Èssens is ideal for families, solo travelers, and budget travelers. Located in the center of Eixample (just a few steps away from Casa Batllo), Hotel Praktik Èssanes provides clean and spacious rooms.
- Astoria – Hotel Astoria is a charming 3-star hotel in a quiet area of Eixample. This affordable hotel doubles as a small gallery with rooms dedicated to poster art and the famous Catalan artist Ricard Opiss. Hotel Astoria is also within walking distance of the stunning Casa Batllo.
Sants-Montjuïc
The Sants-Montjuïc neighborhood is located just south of the Gothic Quarter. This neighborhood is known for being affordable, having cool attractions, having Olympic Facilities, and being close to the airport. While the Sants-Montjuïc neighborhood is primarily residential, it has many lovely hotels and is close to other popular neighborhoods.
If you want a less touristy and affordable place to stay in Barcelona, check out Sants-Montjuïc.
Pros & Cons Of Staying In Sants-Montjuïc
Pros
- Affordable
- Less touristy
Cons
- Not very close to Barcelona’s main attractions
Luxury Sants-Montjuïc Hotels
- Nobu Hotel Barcelona – Located in the heart of the Sant-Montjuïc neighborhood, the Nobu Hotel is a Japanese-inspired luxury hotel. This 5-star hotel has a Nobu restaurant, a luxurious spa, a rooftop pool, a gym, a bar, and pet-friendly rooms.
- InterContinental Barcelona – Located just a few steps away from the stunning National Art Museum of Catalonia in the center of the Santa-Montjuïc neighborhood is the InterContinental hotel. This 5-star hotel is modern but elegant. At the InterContinental Hotel, you will find a stunning rooftop pool, a spa, a bar, a gym, a restaurant, and more.
Mid-Range Sants-Montjuïc Hotels
- INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo – If you are looking for a hotel close to the airport, INNSiDE is a great option. This 4-star boho-style hotel offers guests a gym, pet-friendly rooms, a restaurant, family rooms, pet-sitting services, and more.
- Hotel Indigo – The eco-friendly Hotel Indigo is situated in the center of the Sant-Montjuïc neighborhood. This modern hotel has a restaurant, a bar, pet-friendly rooms, and more.
Budget Sants-Montjuïc Hotels
- Barceló Sants – Situated in the center of Sant-Montjuïc and just a few minutes walk away from the popular Plaça d’Espanya, Barceló Sants is a modern hotel perfect for anyone on a budget. The futuristic hotel provides a gym, a restaurant, a bar, and more!
- Catalonia Barcelona Plaza – This eco-friendly hotel is in the popular Catalonia Plaza. It is perfect if you are on a budget but still want luxury. Some notable features at The Catalonia Barcelona Plaza include an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a bar, and pet-friendly rooms.
- Occidental Barcelona 1929 – The 3-star Occidental Barcelona 1929 is a lovely, budget-friendly option. It is located in Catalonia Plaza and has a restaurant, gym, bar, outdoor swimming pool, and spacious rooms.
Pedralbes
Pedralbes is one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in Barcelona. The small neighborhood is located in the southwest corner of Barcelona (right next to the Sarrià neighborhood). It is a great place to stay if you want a quiet city area.
Some notable attractions in the Pedralbes neighborhood include the Palacio Real de Pedralbes, Parc de Cervantes, and the Monastery of Pedralbes.
Pros & Cons Of Staying In Pedralbes
Pros
- Safe
- Quiet
- Easy to get to popular areas of Barcelona
Cons
- Few hotels
- No luxury hotels
Mid-Range Pedralbes Hotels
- Sansi Pedralbes – Sansi Pedralbes is a highly rated 4-star hotel just a few steps from the Pedralbes Monastery. It offers modern furnishings, a bar, spacious rooms, breakfast served daily, and more.
- AC Hotel Victoria Suites by Marriott – Situated in the heart of Pedralbes, AC Hotel Victoria Suites offers everything you need for a comfortable stay in Barcelona. Some notable amenities include a gym, a bar, a restaurant, and laundry services.
Budget Pedralbes Hotels
- Arenas Atiram Hotels – The eclectic Arenas Atiram Hotel is a great budget-friendly option in Pedralbes. The hotel is within walking distance of the FC Barcelona Museum and is close to Spotify Camp Nou (FC Barcelona’s Stadium). So, if you are in Barcelona for soccer, Arenas Atiram is the perfect place to stay.
Gràcia
The Gràcia neighborhood borders Eixample and Pedralbes in the western part of Barcelona. You will love the Gràcia neighborhood if you want a quiet place to stay that is also close to amazing attractions. The Gràcia neighborhood is close to some amazing hiking trails as well!
The most recognized attraction in the Gràcia Neighborhood is the one-of-a-kind Park Güell.
Pros & Cons Of Staying In The Gràcia Neighborhood
Pros
- Close to the foothills of the Collserola mountain range
- Great shopping and restaurants
- Less touristy
- Cheaper than other neighborhoods
Cons
- Far from the beach
- No luxury hotels
Mid-Range Gràcia Hotels
- Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel – The Radisson Blu 1882 is a 4-star hotel located on the outskirts of the Gràcia neighborhood (next to the Eixample neighborhood). This hotel is the closest you can get to luxury in Gràcia. Some notable features of the Radisson Blu 1882 hotel include an outdoor pool, a gym, and a bar.
- Le Palacete – Le Palacete is located in the center of the Gràcia neighborhood. This Sonder property offers more of an Airbnb experience with self-check-in. You will not have amenities such as a pool or gym, but a larger room with a kitchen and living room.
- Hotel Balmoral – The 4-star Hotel Balmoral is situated on the outskirts of the Gràcia neighborhood (bordering Eixample). This modern hotel offers a full-service spa, a bar, a rooftop patio, and a gym.
Budget Gràcia Hotels
- Sonder La Casa del Sol – Sonder La Casa del Sol is located in the center of Gràcia. This Sonder property is a bit more affordable than the nearby Le Palacete. You will still have self-check-in in this Sonder, but your room will resemble a basic hotel room.
- Catalonia Park Güell – Located just a few steps from the world-famous Park Güell, the Catalonia Park Güell is a great budget-friendly option in Barcelona. This Gaudi-inspired hotel offers guests a rooftop pool, a bar, pet-friendly rooms, and more!
La Barceloneta
La Barceloneta is the perfect neighborhood for beachgoers. In this seaside neighborhood, you will find cute beachside cafes, surf shops, amazing 5-star hotels, and the ultimate vacation vibes. This neighborhood borders the El Born neighborhood and the Gothic Quarter.
Some of the best things to see in La Barcelona are Barceloneta Beach, Fishermen Guild, and Marques de la Quadra Street.
Pros & Cons Of Staying In La Barceloneta
Pros
- Next to the beach
- Amazing hotels
- Near popular attractions
Cons
- Upscale
- Touristy
- No budget-friendly hotels
Luxury La Barceloneta Hotels
- W Barcelona – W Barcelona is easily one of the most recognizable hotels in Barcelona. Located just a few steps from the Mediterranean Sea, the 5-star hotel has a rooftop infinity pool, a hot tub, a spa, a gym, a restaurant, and more.
- Hotel Arts Barcelona – This elegant beachside hotel, a former Ritz Carlton, is in the heart of La Barceloneta. It offers two outdoor swimming pools, ocean views, a spa, a bar, six restaurants, and a hot tub.
- Sofitel Barcelona Skipper – Sofitel Barcelona is an elegant hotel in the northern part of El Barceloneta (near El Born). This 5-star hotel has two restaurants, a rooftop infinity pool, a gym, a bar, and more.
Mid-Range La Barceloneta Hotels
- Hotel 54 Barceloneta – The only semi-budget-friendly hotel in El Barceloneta is Hotel 54 Barceloneta. This 3-star hotel is located in the heart of La Barceloneta and offers spacious rooms, a bar, a rooftop patio, and more.
Top 10 Things To Do In Barcelona
With its stunning gothic architecture, impressive works by Antoni Gaudí, and golden beaches, Barcelona is a must-visit city in Europe. Here are my top 10 things I did while in Barcelona!
1) Do a tapas tour
2) Marvel at Basílica de la Sagrada Família
3) Visit Park Guell
4) Explore the Gothic Quarter
5) Swim in the Mediterranean Sea
6) Go and see Casa Batllo
7) Visit La Boqueria Market
8) Take a photo in front of the Arc de Triomf
9) Visit Plaça Reial
10) Explore the Eixample neighborhood
Related Articles: A Complete Guide To Barcelona and 20 Reasons To Fall In Love With Barcelona
Best Time Of Year To Visit Barcelona
Barcelona is lovely to visit year-round. It is especially hot in the summer in Spain, but the weather is great at the beach. As it is tourist season, you may also experience heavy crowds in the summer months.
The fall is a lovely time to visit Barcelona because the tourist season is over. You will still have warm weather, but not as hot as the summer. The winter is a bit chilly but still mild.
You won’t have any beach days in the winter. Spring is a great time to visit Barcelona. It is not too hot yet, and there are few other tourists. Overall, Barcelona is a year-round destination, but fall and spring are the best times to visit.
Barcelona Hotel Guide Wrap Up
There are many great places and hotel options for the perfect Barcelona getaway.
I hope this hotel and neighborhood guide helps you to plan the perfect Barcelona vacation. If you have anything to add or have any questions, please leave a comment.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Barcelona! If you have questions about Barcelona or tips to share with our readers, please leave them in the comments below.
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