Where To Stay In Barcelona

From walking up the famous La Rambla to getting lost wandering medieval streets in the Gothic quarter and El Born, choosing where to stay in Barcelona greatly shapes your overall experience. Many visitors come to the city during summer to soak up the sun, while others seek to learn about the city’s rich history and culture. With such vibrant nightlife in the city, it’s hard to head home early and miss out on all the fun.

One thing is for sure, the streets are buzzing with people headed in every direction, laughing and smiling, invigorating every visitor to discover more. As you venture deeper into each neighbourhood, you will stumble upon some of the best-kept secrets. Many of which are the favourite spots for the locals. You won’t be disappointed if you’re out for fine dining, looking for the next hip and trendy bar, or just trying to find a cosy corner in a quaint cafe.

There’s something for everyone in Barcelona. People of all ages, families and friends always cherish the great times they had in this exciting city. Discover Gaudí’s incredible creations in every neighbourhood and learn more about what makes this city so remarkable. No matter where you decide to stay in Barcelona, it will be memorable.

Where To Stay In Barcelona

The Gothic Quarter

In the heart of Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter takes you on a beautiful journey from its earliest beginnings during the Roman times, through stunning medieval Gothic buildings, to the 19th-century city centre, Plaça de Catalunya.

During the day, visitors venture through the maze of narrow winding streets, but after sunset, the neighbourhood comes alive, with people hurrying along eager to find the next great tapas restaurant, a club in Plaça Reial, or take a pleasant stroll on Barcelona’s most famous boulevard, La Rambla.

The Barcelona Cathedral, the most impressive Gothic structure in the city, certainly draws the most attention in this historic area.

Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, the cathedral was built on top of the ruins of an ancient Roman temple.

The exterior facade exemplifies Gothic architecture with intricately designed pinnacles, arches, and gargoyles peering down at the crowds.

While you are in the area, stop by the Temple d’August built in the 1st century AD, one of the few monuments remaining from ancient Barcino.

Inside you find 9 m-high Corinthian columns tucked away behind the walls.

If you are interested in Roman history, explore the Museu d’Historia de la Ciutat (City History Museum) and learn more about the origins of early Barcelona.

Other Gothic buildings, such as the Plaça Sant Felip Neri, Place del Pi, and Puerta del Bisbe, can be found all over this neighbourhood.

Connecting the Plaça de Catalunya to the Port of Barcelona, the energy of Barcelona flows through La Rambla day and night.

As you walk along, you will hear the voices of people from around the world, all coming together in excitement.

The Spanish poet Lorca once described it as “the only street in the world I wish would never end”.

The Gothic Quarter will definitely keep you busy for days, but once you think you have it all covered, the metro and buses are right nearby, making it easy to venture out in any direction to see the other fantastic areas of the city.

Where To Stay In The Gothic Quarter

Gaudí Hotel

Overlooking Palau Güell adjacent to the building and interior decorations featuring his unique style, this hotel is all about Gaudí!

The rooftop terrace with pool and jacuzzi offers one of the best views above the Gothic Quarter.

Hotel Barcelona Catedral

Located right off the famous La Rambla, this hotel puts you in the heart of the city.

The stylish designs in the restaurant awaken the senses during breakfast, and if you need to relax after a hot day in the sun the rooftop pool is a great way to do it.

Hostal Sol y K

If you really want to feel tucked into the neighbourhood like a local, stay at the affordable Hostal Sol y K for a good night’s sleep.

It’s in the centre of the Gothic Quarter, and the views from the terraces in each room bring you closer to the culture of Barcelona. 

El Born

Staying in a hotel in El Born puts you in the centre of the action, where you can learn about the city’s origins during the day and live it up at night with only a short walk to get home.

The twisting medieval streets, filled with hip and trendy local shops, cafes, and restaurants, blend perfectly with a succinct artistic culture found here, creating a synergy that lights up the night.

What used to be a run-down and grungy part of the city has gone through a modern renaissance, creating the energetic and vibrant neighbourhood of El Born.

Art lovers marvel at the collection of paintings at the Picasso Museum as they imagine him wandering these streets as a 14-year-old boy before being accepted to Fine Arts School.

Entering the 14th-century Basilica of Santa Maria del Mart, with spectacular stained glass windows, we return to Barcelona’s true Gothic origins.

Just outside in the narrow streets and walkways, boutique stores, cosy cafes, and bars greet visitors on their way to the Parc de la Ciutadella, one of the city’s best outdoor spaces.

Inside this grand park, the Zoological Museum is housed within Castell dels Tres Dragons, a brick house showcasing great early Modernism architecture.

Wander a bit further and stroll around the magnificent waterfall and fountains from the late 1800s, with contributions in some of the designs coming from Gaudí in his younger years.

Before you leave, walk towards a long stretch across the street from the park.

At the very end, pass through the enormous Arc de Triomf, built to welcome visitors to the 1888 Barcelona World Fair.

If you’ve come to Barcelona to party, look no further than the wild nights in El Born.

Recommended tour: Paella Cooking Experience & Boqueria Market Tour

Where To Stay In El Born

Park Hotel

Located right on the edge of El Born and Ciutadella Park, the Park Hotel provides you with the best of both worlds and easy access to the port.

From the rooftop pool, you can see Montjuïc in the distance.

The warm wooden decor throughout the rooms makes you feel right at home.

Hotel Oasis

In between El Born and Barceloneta, right next to the train station, this hotel offers a touch of class to your stay with modern designs.

The rooftop bar and pool provide ample space to relax during your visit.

Chic & Basic Born Boutique

To get more in tune with the hip and trendy side of El Born, the Chic & Basic Born Boutique pairs fashionable designs in the lounge areas with sleek modern decor in the spacious rooms.

It’s located just off Parc Ciutadella, on the eastern entrance to the neighbourhood.

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Barceloneta and El Poblenou

The summer days in Barcelona never seem to end.

With absolutely perfect weather and beaches that cover most of the city’s coastline, it’s hard not to spend all day soaking up the sun.

If you come to Barcelona to spend your days lying in the sand, Barceloneta and El Poblenou neighbourhoods are the perfect place to stay.

As you make your way towards the sea, escaping the bustle of El Born, multi-million dollar yachts dominate the historic port to your right.

On the left, the neighbourhood of Barceloneta, lined with typical Spanish restaurants guarding each street’s entrance, entices you to dive deeper.

After walking a few minutes through the “barrio”, you’ll feel like you have stepped back in time to a place where authentic Spanish culture still thrives.

Kids play football in the squares while their mothers call them to come home for lunch from the small flowered-covered terraces above.

In the centre of the charming neighbourhood, the locals rush in and out of the Mercat with fresh fruits and vegetables, while the other people stop for a quick drink at their favourite bar, saying hello to their friends on the way in.

As you go out of Barceloneta, glimpses of the sea appear between the buildings, along with the sounds of people headed back and forth on the beach promenade that leads to El Poblenou.

Looking out over the Mediterranean, the popular Barceloneta Beach is just below the walkway, featuring fantastic coastal views in both directions.

Both tourists and locals love this busy spot for the scenery and the energy it brings.

The wide promenade on the edge of the beach stretches far in both directions, with bicycles zooming by and people out for a quick run or walk to get their exercise for the day.

Your eyes can’t help but be drawn to the tall, sail-shaped “W” luxury hotel on your right, standing high above one of the most famous beaches on the Barcelona coastline, Platja de San Sebastiá.

In the other direction, the modern apartments at the El Poblenou (new village) stand right on the sea’s edge, only separated by a small grass strip.

A brisk 45-minute walk takes you past five more incredible beaches, including one of the local’s favourites, Platja de la Mar Bella.

Along the way, a variety of seafood restaurants, a casino, and music-filled beach bars on the sand, all offer great times late into the night.

If you want to do some shopping after the sun goes down, cross the street near the final beach on the walkway, Platja de Llevant and go to the Diagonal Mar.

On the way back, stop in Barceloneta again to catch live music in one of the bars.

At night, the city’s residents are known to hang out in this hip local neighbourhood.

Recommended tour: Helicopter, Walking, and Sailing 360 City Tour

Where To Stay In Barceloneta and El Poblenou

Hotel 54 Barceloneta

With spectacular views of the Barcelona Port from the rooftop patio, Hotel 54 boasts vibrant colours throughout the building.

With just a 10-minute walk, you can be sitting on one of the city’s best beaches or wandering the streets of Barceloneta to get the feel of an authentic Spanish neighbourhood.

H10 Marina Barcelona

Tucked behind the Olympic Village from 1992, this hotel is meant for beach lovers.

A few streets away from the promenade filled with restaurants, you can easily access all the best beaches Barcelona offers.

If the sea temperature is a bit chilly, swim in either the indoor or outdoor rooftop pool.

Don’t forget to check out the great views of the city during your stay.

Eurohotel Diagonal Port

On the far end of Poblenou, right across the street from the La Mar Bella beach where the locals love to soak up the sun, this hotel escapes the bustling downtown city streets.

The rooftop bar and pool overlook the Mediterranean, making it a great place to relax after a day at the beach.

Eixample Right

Staying in the Eixample Right neighbourhood gives you the advantage of marvelling at Barcelona‘s most iconic feature, La Sagrada Família, both day and night.

Unparalleled by any other European cathedral, the La Sagrada Família stands high above Barcelona’s city skyline with its elaborate facades and many high towers piercing the sky.

Adorned from head to toe with complex designs integrating religion and nature into one spectacular masterpiece, you could spend hours gazing at its unique and breathtaking beauty.

Astoundingly, Antonio Gaudí’s vision has yet to come to fruition.

Works began on the La Sagrada Família in 1882 and after his death in 1926, construction has continued to this day.

It’s scheduled to be completed in 2026, exactly 100 years after he was laid to rest.

The cathedral’s impressive three facades are dedicated to Jesus’s life.

The Nativity facade celebrates his birth and that of nature.

Passion goes into the crucifixion of Christ and his ascension into heaven, and the last, Glory, tells of his messages and teachings.

Inside you are met with equally magnificent designs and a rainbow of colours illuminating the walls from the massive stained glass windows above.

The high columns reach up to a brightly lit dome displaying intricate geometric shapes.

Buy your tickets the day before so you can visit in the morning or afternoon when the sun’s rays shine directly through the windows creating the most vibrant colours inside the chapel.

Many of the apartments and buildings in the Eixample Right were also created in an art nouveau style similar to the cathedral.

Many residents of Barcelona choose to live in this area because of the quieter and calmer streets and easy access to other parts of the city by metro or bus.

Plus with the good number of stores and shops, it’s not necessary to go to the city centre to get what you need.

Where To Stay In Eixample Right 

Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel

Just a few streets away from the Sagrada Família, this chic and elegant hotel gives you a good view of the cathedral from the rooftop terrace.

Almost everywhere you look, plants and earthy colours make up the decorations, bringing them closer to nature.

Sercotel Hotel Rosellon

If you’re searching for the most impressive views of La Sagrada Família, look no further than the Sercotel Hotel Rosellon.

The spacious rooftop patio and bar are aimed directly at the cathedral just one block away, and in the other direction, you can see the city with the mountains in the backdrop.

The rooms are warm and friendly, as well as the staff.

Catalonia Atenas

If you don’t mind being a little further away, the affordable Catalonia Atenas may be a good option for your stay.

A small indoor and rooftop pool with panoramic city views creates a charming, relaxing atmosphere.

The simple yet understated rooms offer a good night’s rest on the further end of Eixample Right.

Gràcia

With scenic views overlooking Barcelona, the Gràcia neighbourhood offers designer shopping on elegant 19th-century streets and another opportunity to explore more of Gaudí’s works.

After a steep climb through the neighbourhood’s quaint streets, you will reach Parc Güell, an area originally designed by Gaudí to house the city’s more affluent residents.

The project failed to attract buyers for the properties and only one house was completed, owned by Eusebi Güell.

In the early 1900s, the project was abandoned, and the land was turned over to the city.

After Güells death, the heirs of his estate sold the property to the city council.

Gaudí himself lived in a small house near the entrance for some time with his father and niece.

Many years later, in 1963, his house became a museum to honour his works thanks to the efforts of the “Friends of Gaudí”.

The emblematic structures inside the 17-hectare (42-acre) park clearly resemble many of Gaudí’s other famous works.

Hiking trails ascend leading you to his decorative creations before you finally reach one of the best view points of Barcelona at the Turó de les Tres Creus.

Also located in the Gràcia neighbourhood, you will find Gaudí’s first architectural masterpiece, Casa Vicens, the summer home of the Vicens family.

It’s considered one of the first modernist buildings in Spanish history and a prelude to Gaudí’s future projects.

The house incorporates Mudéjar designs with brick elements, reminiscent of the architecture constructed in southern Spain during the 14th century while under Moorish rule.

After several years of painstaking restoration, Casa Vicens has opened its doors to the public through guided tours providing an introspective look into the artist’s life work.

Staying in Gràcia during your visit allows you to escape the busy city streets and squares and stroll in what feels like a village separated from Barcelona.

Small boutiques offer designer clothes, and there are art galleries and museums throughout the neighbourhood to discover.

If you are visiting Barcelona with your family, the large pedestrian walkways covered with flowers are an excellent way to relax on a sunny afternoon with your children.

Tour buses and heavy traffic do not enter this area, and in the evening, you can feel safe walking home after a pleasant night out.

Recommended tickets:

• Casa Batllo Entry with Self-Audioguide Tour
• Casa Mila Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audio Guide

Where To Stay In Gracia

Hotel Casa Fuster G.I.

For those who wish to stay in pure elegance in Barcelona, the Hotel Casa Fuster G.I. is the place for you.

Situated close to the centre of the Gràcia neighbourhood, the views of the city from the rooftop patio and pool are unprecedented, and the rooms are equally as stunning.

Hesperia Barcelona Presidente

A simple yet classy way to explore Gràcia is by staying at the Hesperia Barcelona Presidente.

Located right on the edge of the neighbourhood closest to the city, this affordable hotel provides easy access to public transportation and the best attractions nearby.

Casa Gràcia

To get closer in touch with the real feel of Spain, the affordable Casa Gràcia offers access to the neighbourhood and the rest of the city with the metro nearby.

The common areas’ extraordinary decor and traditional Spanish rooms make for a memorable stay.

Montjuïc

Some of the most remarkable views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean are found at the highest point in the Montjuïc neighbourhood next to the castle.

If you decide to take a hotel in this area, you will also be greeted with many other attractions worth visiting.

From the Plaça d’Espana, explore all the interesting sites up the hill to Montjuïc Castle.

As you walk past the Fira Montjuic on your left, the majestic Montjuic Palace rises above, with incredible fountains and waterfalls, inviting you to climb the stairs on either side to see Barcelona from a different viewpoint.

The palace’s interior showcases notable modern architecture, and it also houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia, featuring an interesting collection of Romanesque church paintings and Catalan art from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Behind the palace, stroll through Jardins de Joan Maragall, an elegant park filled with sculptures and ornamental fountains.

From there, walk down the street to your left to ride the telefèric up to the Montjuic castle.

The cable car swiftly brings you to the top of the hill, giving you a bird’s eye view of Barcelona along the way.

At the top, you will be immediately met with panoramic views of the city below and the port.

The Montjuic Castle, a 17th-century fortress and former prison, now houses a military museum, elaborating on the structure’s history and how it once protected the city’s coastline and port.

If you are here later in the day, it’s a wonderful place to catch the sunset before heading back down to the city.

Consider walking back down instead of taking the cable car to explore other gardens in the area.

Recommended tour: Montjuïc Cable Car Roundtrip Ticket

Where To Stay In Montjuïc

Ofelias Hotel 4Sup by Bondia

Located very close to the Plaça Espanya metro station, this hotel grants the opportunity to explore Montjuïc and the inner city attractions with ease.

The modern and stylish decorations in the rooms welcome guests to relax, along with the outdoor pool.

Barceló Sants

This hotel is great for guests arriving from the airport later in the day as it’s in a good spot, a convenient two-minute walk from the main train station.

The simple black and white decor tends to give a calming effect, taking the stress out of travelling and the in-house restaurant.

InterContinental Barcelona

Only 200 meters from the fountains at the foot of the Montjuïc Palace, this hotel offers a great way to visit one of the more interesting parts of Barcelona.

The rooftop terrace and pool overlook the city, and the views during the evening hours are impressive.

The spa and sauna really help you to relax after a long day of visiting the sites.