Best places to stay in Barcelona
The Gothic Quarter, Sant Antoni, El Born, and nearby, more budget-friendly El Raval tend to attract most tourists. They are historic districts with cobbled streets and quaint buildings, and they’re the best possible introduction to Barcelona. To be closer to the water but still near key attractions, head to the spacious La Vila Olímpica area, just behind the beach.
The other main beach base is the former village of La Barceloneta, now home to some of the city’s best seafood and within walking distance from the old town. Eixample is an iconic part of the city, home to La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's almost-otherworldly Casa Milà and the cavernous Mercat Els Encants flea market. It has both family-friendly accommodation and some of the fanciest hotels in Barcelona.
To the north of the centre, Gràcia is a leafy and laid-back area home to the Parc Güell; it’s chic, indy and peaceful.
Where to stay to be near the popular attractions
If it’s your first time in Barcelona, make a beeline for the Gothic Quarter, Sant Antoni, El Born or El Raval. These districts house numerous attractions like the La Boqueria market, La Rambla, Plaça de Catalunya, the cathedral, Güell Palace and dozens of museums and shops.
La Barceloneta is also an easy distance from these key sights and has direct beach access. To be close to La Sagrada Familia and more Gaudi architecture, head for Eixample and the streets around the cathedral.
Although there’s almost no upper limit on accommodation prices in this well-heeled district, savvy travellers can sniff out budget options.
Where to stay with your family in Barcelona
The best place to stay with your family in Barcelona depends on whether you’re sea seekers or culture vultures – or a bit of both. Eixample is the most central district, but it’s also the busiest and most overwhelming.
El Born and the Gothic Quarter are the most charming, likely to enchant children and even the most nonchalant of teenagers. Petit Palace Boqueria Garden is a perfect family hotel right in the Gothic quarter. With triple, quadruple and even sextuple rooms, there’s space for everyone, and you’re just steps from La Rambla.
Barceloneta is a great option for families, sandwiched between the beach and the old town and close to The aquarium and zoo.
Where to find cheap hotels in Barcelona
La Vila Olímpica, close to the beach, is packed with hotels for every budget. Funky design and quirky interiors need not come with a high price tag – as Unite Hostel Barcelona proves. You’ll find beds here for as little as £40/night, and the space is as cool and modern as it is practical.
Also less than £100/night, and even closer to the old town, is the Motel One Barcelona - Ciutadella. This chic and colourful hotel is family-friendly, and has a great view from its roof terrace.
The cool Garcia district is awash with budget hotels and hostels. Jam Hostel Barcelona is in the looks-like-a-hotel priced-like-a-hostel school of hostelling, with a student feel and a terrace hosting yoga. Factory Hostels has more of a traditional hostel feel, on the doorstep of Park Guell, and Sant Jordi Hostel Gracia attracts a backpacker crowd.
In the city’s historic districts, solo travellers especially will enjoy the Chic&Basic hotel chain, with its compact and budget-friendly single rooms (doubles and triples available too) – try Chic & Basic Born.
Where to stay as a solo traveller
If it’s your first time in the city, you’ll want to stay close to the attractions. Praktik Bakery is a budget-friendly city-centre address that’s a solo-traveller hotspot. This 3-star hotel sits atop a famous bakery, with the scent of fresh bread, croissants and coffee drifting through the lobby each morning.
El Poblenou is slightly further from the action, with wide streets – its main attractions are the beaches and its famous clubbing scene that runs through to morning. If you’re looking mostly to explore the museums and parks in peace, head right to Montjuïc and Poble Sec, Barcelona’s sleepier corners with shady squares and intellectual galleries. Hotel Brummell is an exceptionally cool address here, with its industrial-chic aesthetic and a jungle of greenery, plus a cool garden with a pool. Gràcia is another peaceful yet trendy area, with the atmosphere of a village-turned-hipster-hangout.
