Where to Stay in Barcelona This Year: Our Favorite Places And Neighbourhoods

Few cities on this planet are as magical and captivating as Barcelona. Boasting some of the most famous landmarks in the entire world, it’s hard to imagine that anyone could have less than an enjoyable time in Barcelona. 

But I guess it depends quite a bit on where you stay; book a hotel that’s too far from the things you want to see, and you’ll spend more time bumping elbows on the metro than sightseeing and snacking on tapas. Nobody wants that to happen, and I’m happy to help you figure out where it makes sense for you to stay in Barcelona. 

I’ve included all the best neighborhoods in the city in this guide, from the breezy and beachfront Barceloneta to the local Gracia. Whether you want to find the best hotels in Barcelona with epic views or are traveling on a tighter budget but still appreciate a central location, I’ve got your back. 

Please listen to what I have to say because I know Barcelona like the back of my hand. I’ve helped friends and relatives find places to stay and shared all my Barcelona travel tips to help them plan their itineraries with zero complaints so far. Well, there were some complaints about the crowds throughout the city, but none about the hotel location, quality of service, or the comfort of the beds they slept in. 

Where To Stay In Barcelona

Barcelona is a big city, so it’s crucial to stay close to the landmarks that interest you most. Consider which landmarks you want to prioritize, and then book a hotel in the appropriate neighborhood. 

The best ones for first-time visitors are usually the Gothic Quarter, Eixample, and La Barceloneta, but returning visitors prefer the calm vibes of Gracia and El Poble-Sec.

Don’t Have Time To Read The Full Article? 

• First-Time Visitor: The best hotels for first-time visitors in Barcelona are Kimpton Vividora Hotel, The Loft Hostel Barcelona, and Hotel 54 Barceloneta. 
• Our Overall Favorites: Some hotels I absolutely adore are W Barcelona, Sercotel Hotel Rosellon, and The Barcelona Edition.
• Alternate Accommodation: Barcelona offers countless apartments to choose from but the best are Suites Center Barcelona, Sensation Sagrada Familia, and Casas Apartamentos Gracia. 

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Hotel Barcelona Catedral and loved every minute of it. The location was perfect for exploring Barcelona on foot; the bed was super comfortable, and everything was sparkling clean. 

Gothic Quarter: Our Recommendation 

The Gothic Quarter is Barcelona’s historic center and home to most of the city’s oldest buildings. Stay here for charming, walkable alleys full of the city’s best landmarks and loads of great tapas and bars. 

Bordering Las Ramblas in the west and Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera in the east, the Gothic Quarter is the central area of the Cituat Vella district. Even if you stay elsewhere, you will likely come to this neighborhood often, whether for the history and culture or the excellent food. 

This area offers accommodation options in every price range, so you’ll find something up your alley whether you’re looking for cheap hostels or five-star hotels. Just keep in mind that prices of accommodations (and most other things) are generally higher in the Gothic Quarter than in some other parts of Barcelona. 

Pros and Cons of Staying in the Gothic Quarter

Pros

• Historic district boasts many landmarks and attractions 
• Hotels in every price range
• Great bars and restaurants 

Cons

• Hotels and restaurants are more expensive
• Perpetually busy and noisy 
• Tourist crowds attract pickpockets 

Highlights of Staying in the Gothic Quarter

The best thing about staying in the Gothic Quarter is that there’s history everywhere throughout the neighborhood. Just go on a quick walk around the block, and you’ll spot buildings that are several centuries old. 

• The Cathedral of Barcelona may not be as famous as Sagrada Familia, but it’s still an impressive sight. The 13th-century Gothic cathedral sits at the center of the neighborhood and offers fantastic city views from its tall towers. 

• See the Roman Ruins. The Gothic Quarter is a historic neighborhood and home of Barcelona’s many oldest buildings and landmarks, plenty of them date back to Roman times, including the city walls, towers, and temples. 
• Stroll down La Rambla, Barcelona’s most famous street. It is lined with shops and restaurants, and it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire city. 
• People watching at Plaça Reial is great for understanding local culture better. This sprawling city square features palm trees, a fountain at the center, and is lined with bars and restaurants where an extra seat is wanted every evening. 

Best Places To Stay in the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is a fairly small neighborhood, so the hotel’s location doesn’t matter quite as much. Also, this area is well connected to the rest of the city with public transport, so getting around Barcelona will be easy and quick. 

It isn’t my favorite option for travelers on a tight budget, simply because you can get more bang for your buck in other districts. However, you’d have to compromise on the location, which isn’t something all travelers are keen on doing. 

Kimpton Vividora Hotel

The Kimpton Vividora Hotel is among the best five-star hotels in the Gothic Quarter. Featuring modern rooms with ensuite bathrooms, this pet-friendly hotel is an excellent luxury option in the heart of old Barcelona. 

The Kimpton’s rooms are smaller, and even some of the suites offer only 32 m² of living space. But they’re beautifully decorated with high-end finishes and state-of-the-art appliances. And the hotel’s fabulous rooftop pool easily compensates for the small size of the rooms. All the suites and rooms at the Kimpton include coffee makers, smart TVs, and luxe toiletries.

This hotel has three restaurants, a fitness center, and a spa center. The Kimpton also has the Social Wine Hour; every day from 6 PM, hotel guests are invited to attend the open bar serving local wines. With rooms starting at $450 per night, I reckon you can easily get your money’s worth at the wine bar alone. 

Hotel Barcelona Catedral

Hotel Barcelona Catedral is a four-star hotel with a rooftop pool. It is situated in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, just a few steps away from the Cathedral of Barcelona. Hang out at the rooftop pool to enjoy a view of the Gothic spires, interrupted only by Barcelona’s signature-colored rooftops. 

The guest rooms here are quite spacious. The smallest rooms are 25 m², and the suites are twice as big. Every room has an ensuite bathroom, a TV, and a desk area. The decor is mostly contemporary with some classic accents, and I like that there’s a pop of color in each room. 

The beds are very comfortable, and a good night’s sleep is guaranteed here. The hotel also has a bar, restaurant, and fitness center, so you’ll have access to all the facilities you might need during your stay. The starting rate for a stay is roughly $330 per night, which is a good deal for a mid-range hotel with five-star amenities and service. 

Itaca Hostel

You can stay in the old city even if you’re on a tight budget! Consider the Itaca Hostel if you’re looking for cheap beds with a central location in Barcelona. Just keep in mind that the same amount of money could be used to book a room with a private bathroom in a different part of the city. 

This hostel offers only mixed dormitories with 6, 8, or 10 beds. Every dormitory has its own bathroom, so you will be sharing those facilities with at least five other people. The good news is that this is possibly the cleanest hostel in Barcelona, with pristine dormitories, bathrooms, and shared spaces. 

The common areas are nice. They include a kitchen, dining area, and a living room, so it kind of feels like you’re staying at a college campus. I definitely recommend this hostel to young adults who are going on a solo trip and want to meet new people. You’ll pay $40-50 for a bed in the center of historic Barcelona, which is as cheap as it gets. 

Eixample: Best For Sightseeing 

Eixample is a massive city district with many of Barcelona’s best sights. It stretches from Sagrada Familia in the east to the Sant Antoni Market in the southwest, encompassing many of the best streets and landmarks in Barcelona in all of its popular neighborhoods. 

This district is good for virtually anyone in Barcelona, whether it’s your first or fifteenth time in the city. It’s great for shopping, museum tours, sightseeing, nightlife, and culinary tours of Barcelona. Gaudi’s architecture is a staple of Eixample, as are countless tapas bars, and excellent hotels. 

Choose Eixample because it is a very safe area of Barcelona popular for upscale hotels and luxury shops. Yes, you’ll pay more for a hotel here, but you’ll also have to worry less about pickpockets and bag snatchers when strolling around the city streets. 

Pros and Cons of Staying in Eixample

Pros

• Home to Barcelona’s best tourist attractions
• Great public transport connections 
• One of the safest neighborhoods in Barcelona

Cons

• The busiest part of Barcelona 
• The upscale area is generally more expensive
• Fewer budget hotels 

Highlights of Staying in Eixample

Eixample is the central district of Barcelona with all the best landmarks, shops, buildings, and hotels. Stay here if you want to be within walking distance of Barcelona’s iconic sights, 

• La Sagrada Familia is by far the most famous landmark in Barcelona and easily the highlight of the entire neighborhood. The iconic building has been under construction since the late 19th century and now has a completion date of 2026. But work on the sculptures and details as well as the stairway that will be the main entrance, is expected to continue until 2034.
• Sant Antoni Market is the place to be whether you want fresh groceries, pastries, or cheap clothes. The covered market is set in a 19th-century building, and it’s one of the best places in Barcelona for a cheap shopping spree. Also, you can buy virtually anything here, from classic Spanish cured meats to yarn balls, making the local market a must-visit for souvenir shopping. 
• Gaudi’s architecture is the undisputed highlight of Eixample, and Casa Milà is the district’s most popular building. The entire place is fascinating, but the views from La Pedrera’s roof are by far my favorite thing about it. 
• Casa Batlló is another Gaudi masterpiece in Eixample that you need to include in your itinerary. The building is absolutely enchanting, and the works of art displayed inside its museums will keep you busy for hours. 

Best Places to Stay in Eixample

Eixample is a central neighborhood in Barcelona and home to many of the best and most famous tourist attractions in the city. It’s a top location for boutique and luxury hotels but one of the worst areas for travelers on a tight budget because there are very few cheap places to stay here, and most are hostels. 

The area is especially good if your main criterion is proximity to iconic Barcelona landmarks, as most of the accommodations here are within walking distance of Gaudi’s best works. Countless top-notch restaurants are also in Eixample, and chances are there will be at least a dozen excellent places to eat just five minutes from your hotel. 

Hotel El Palace Barcelona

Hotel El Palace is a top-notch luxury hotel with an excellent location in Eixample. It’s only a 10-minute walk from Casa Batlló to the north and the entrance to the Gothic Quarter to the south. It takes roughly 20-25 minutes to walk from the hotel to La Sagrada Familia, so stay here if you want a premium location for sightseeing in Barcelona. 

The guest rooms are spacious with classic and elegant furniture, while the hotel’s shared spaces make you feel like you’re in an actual palace. With opulent decorations and luxury finishes throughout the hotel, you’ll constantly be reminded that you’re staying in a five-star accommodation in Barcelona. 

All rooms have a private bathroom, desk, and flat-screen TV. The hotel also offers a fitness center, spa center, and fantastic outdoor pool with beautiful city views. El Palace Hotel includes two restaurants, one of which is on the rooftop terrace. 

Sercotel Hotel Rosellon

Sercotel Hotel Rosellon is a four-star hotel in Barcelona with a five-star view of La Sagrada Familia. You’ll be staying in the heart of this city, just 300 meters from the most iconic landmark in Barcelona. 

The guest rooms are small but equipped with all the amenities you might need during your stay. All the rooms have ensuite bathrooms, a desk, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV. But by far the best thing about the hotel is the rooftop bar, which offers interrupted views of the ongoing construction of Gaudi’s most famous work. 

However, this hotel will work for you only if you aren’t expecting too much from the facilities. Sercotel Hotel Rosellon does not have a restaurant, fitness center, or pool. However, countless restaurants are just five minutes from the hotel, though, so you can make it work if you’re open to exploring. Also, breakfast is included in the nightly rate, which starts at roughly $300 per night. 

The Loft Hostel Barcelona

Eixample is not a good neighborhood for budget stays. Your main options are hostels and cheap hotels, both of which are pricey for what you’re actually getting. The Loft Hostel Barcelona is arguably one of the best budget options, with beds starting at only $40.

That is a steep rate for half a bunk bed, but it’s as cheap as it gets for Eixample. The hostel’s location is good enough to justify the rate, as it’s only two minutes from Casa Milà. You’d be within walking distance of most of Barcelona’s best landmarks, as well as bars, shops, and anything else of interest. The metro station is also very close to the hostel. 

Guests can choose from mixed and female-only dormitories with 6-12 beds. It’s more expensive to stay in the smaller dormitories, and it’s worth noting that all the guests who stay in spaces with shared bathrooms have to rent towels if they don’t have their own. But the hostel’s shared spaces are really nice, and it even includes an outdoor lounge space that’s lovely in the summer. 

Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera: Best For Art And Culture 

Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera is a chic neighborhood with excellent art museums, indie shops, and local markets. It encompasses several smaller neighborhoods, including the trendy and busy El Born, which is very popular with younger crowds in Barcelona. 

This is one of the best parts of the city for young adults, especially artists and other creative types. Staying at Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera is absolutely a great idea if you want to explore Barcelona’s art museums and galleries, visit trendy coffee shops, and shop at markets and vintage boutiques. 

The art museums are my favorite thing about this neighborhood. I think everyone should visit a Banksy museum and a museum that displays elaborate sculptures created entirely from chocolate. Also, if you stay here, you’ll have easy access to the rest of the city with public transport and be within walking distance of the Gothic Quarter and many other attractions. 

Pros and Cons Staying in Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera

Pros

• Close to the city center
• Excellent art museums
• Close to the beach 

Cons

• Metro stations only on the edges of the neighborhood
• Not too many historical landmarks
• Noisy at night 

Highlights of Staying in Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera

This Barcelona neighborhood is probably the best for all art lovers and creatives in the city, thanks to a wide variety of fantastic art museums. The area also includes notable historical buildings and landmarks. 

• The Basilica of  Santa Maria del Mar is one of Barcelona’s best Gothic churches. Dating back to the 14th century, this stunning landmark towers over El Born’s other rooftops. 
• The Banksy Museum is a unique opportunity to discover art created by the world’s most elusive artist. I’m obsessed with everything Banksy creates so I can’t recommend this museum enough. But bear in mind that Banksy always aims to shock and raise awareness, so this isn’t a museum you’re likely to leave feeling happy and upbeat.  
• Head to Ciutadella Park on a nice sunny day to discover landscaped walking trails, gardens, and a fantastic boating lake. The sprawling park is also home to the Parliament of Catalonia, the Barcelona Zoo, and several smaller museums. 
• Museu de la Xocolata features incredible sculptures made from chocolate. Most exhibits are references to popular cartoons and comic books, but there are also quite a few gems on display, including a chocolate version of Sagrada Familia. 

Best Places To Stay In Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera

This sprawling neighborhood is home to some of the best hotels in Barcelona, especially if you’re looking for luxury and boutique hotels. A few hotels are also available in the budget range, making Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera a solid option for most travelers. 

However, keep in mind that this hip and trendy area mostly attracts young adults. Whether that should be added to the pros or cons list is up to you to decide, but it’s certainly something to remember when choosing a place to stay in Barcelona. 

The Barcelona Edition 

The Barcelona Edition is one of the best luxury hotels in the entire Cituat Vella area. It features large rooms with contemporary furnishings and luxury decorations, making it an excellent option for people who prefer lavish accommodations. 

Book a room on one of the higher floors, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful cityscape from the (very) comfortable king bed. Every guest room at The Barcelona Edition has a private bathroom, desk, TV, and seating area. 

This hotel also offers an outdoor swimming pool, two restaurants, a bar, and a billiards table. The rooftop bar is undoubtedly the highlight of the entire hotel, thanks to its expansive views of Barcelona’s rooftops. It’s one of the best rooftop bars in the city, and that alone is enough reason to spring $550 for a night at The Barcelona Edition. 

Mercer House Bòria

Mercer House Bòria is a boutique hotel located centrally in Ciutat Vella. It offers spacious rooms with ensuite bathrooms and modern furnishings. Every room has a TV, minibar, and a seating area. 

The Mercer’s double rooms are nicely decorated but quite basic. The hotel is much more popular for its suites, so consider staying here if you prefer to have more than one room. All the suites include a kitchen, desk, and separate living quarters. 

However, the hotel facilities are lacking a bit. It doesn’t have a restaurant or a fitness center, so you might want to consider a different hotel if you prefer having these amenities included. There is an on-site coffee house, as well as a rooftop terrace with wonderful views of Santa María del Mar cathedral. 

Born Barcelona Hostel

Born Barcelona Hostel is a great budget option just steps away from Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf. It features dormitories with just 4 and 6 beds, as well as double rooms with shared bathrooms, which are surprisingly nice. 

Everything here is squeaky clean, and the common spaces are beautifully decorated. The dining room chairs aren’t the most comfortable, but they’re perfectly fine if you’re paying under $40 for a night in Barcelona. 

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the private room just because it doesn’t include an ensuite bathroom, but it costs more than $130 per night. You can book a stay in a two-star hotel in the same neighborhood for the same amount of money, and you wouldn’t have to share a bathroom with anyone. 

Gracia: Best For Gaudi’s Architecture 

Gracia is a vast Barcelona neighborhood known for pedestrian streets and bistros serving Catalan cuisine. Gaudi’s architecture adorns most streets of this neighborhood, making it a top destination for anyone who wishes to see more of the famous architect’s masterpieces. 

The area extends all the way to the foot of Mount Tibidabo, but the southern parts of the neighborhood are better for tourists. Bordering Eixample, they offer easy walking access to Barcelona’s most popular landmarks. Green and yellow metro lines pass through this part of the city, making it super easy to reach areas that are further away. 

Pros and Cons of Staying in Gracia

Pros

• Hotspot for Gaudi’s architecture
• Lots of great local restaurants
• A walkable neighborhood

Cons

• Fewer touristy things to do 
• Northern areas are far from the city center
• It’s becoming increasingly popular with tourists

Highlights of Staying in Gracia

The best thing about staying in Gracia is the local vibe. You’ll find all the restaurants where the locals actually eat, and you’ll get to visit some of the city’s most notable tourist attractions. 

• The best and most famous attraction in Gracia is Park Guell. Featuring buildings covered with mosaics and the actual house where Antoni Gaudi once lived, the place is a dream for anyone who comes to Barcelona wanting to see the architecture. 

• Casa Vicens Gaudí is another spectacular work of art by the famous architect. It’s special for the Moorish influences and a protruding tower on the corner of the building. 
• Gracia is a popular hub for Catalan restaurants, so a local food tour is in the books for anyone staying in this neighborhood. Devour Canelons, Faves a la Catalana, and Fricandó while stopping by the local markets to check out the selection of cured meats. 

Best Places To Stay in Gracia

Gracia offers a wide variety of hotels in every price range, and it’s one of the better neighborhoods for budget travelers. It’s also the best part of the city for tourists who prefer to stay in private apartments. 

Hotel Casa Fuster

Hotel Casa Fuster is my top choice of luxury hotels in Gracia. It is located on the southern edge of the neighborhood, on the border with Eixample. The nightly rate starts at just under $400, which is a terrific deal for a luxury hotel with such a great location in Barcelona. 

The hotel is set in an early 20th-century building, which is a landmark in itself. In fact, Casa Fuster is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and staying in the building is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Despite the historic status, the hotel offers state-of-the-art facilities, including a sauna, fitness center, and rooftop pool. A Michelin-starred restaurant is available at the hotel, and it’s a great place for fine dining in Barcelona city. The guest rooms are quite spacious with contemporary, colorful furnishings and large private bathrooms.  

Hotel Ronda Lesseps

Hotel Ronda Lesseps is a very nice four-star hotel near Parc Guell. It offers modern, cozy rooms with comfortable beds. Every room features a private bathroom, desk, and flat-screen TV. 

All guests also have access to a coffee maker in the room, as well as a mini fridge and free WiFi. The smallest rooms don’t have a seating area and only have one tiny closet, so I wouldn’t recommend them for a longer stay. 

In terms of hotel amenities, the two indoor/outdoor terraces are my favorite thing about the hotel. They’re entirely covered with plants and feel like you’ve wandered into a jungle. But the hotel doesn’t have an on-site restaurant or a gym, so keep that in mind. 

Casa Jam Barcelona

Casa Jam Barcelona is an affordable hostel that looks a lot nicer than I expected. It offers clean and pleasantly decorated rooms for an affordable price, which makes it a top option in Gracia for travelers in Barcelona on a budget. It’s also just a 5-minute walk from the nearest metro station, meaning you can be anywhere in Barcelona in just 15 minutes. 

This hostel offers dormitories with 4 or 6 beds, private family rooms, and quadruple rooms with ensuite bathrooms. If you’re traveling with three other people, the quadruple rooms are excellent value for money, considering the hostel’s location.

All Casa Jam guests can use the free Wi-Fi and shared kitchen. The hostel has a few nicely decorated shared spaces, especially if you like modern furniture. 

La Barceloneta: Best For Beach Access

The Barceloneta neighborhood is the area around the namesake beach and the best place to stay for travelers who are primarily interested in Barcelona’s sandy beaches. The hotels in this area are top-notch, and the area is worth considering if five-star hotels are in your budget. 

Just remember that Barceloneta is quite far from the city center, so it will take you a while to get around the city if you still want to visit the popular tourist attractions. It’s also not the safest part of Barcelona at night, but the upscale areas around the high-end hotels are generally safe for everyone. 

Pros and Cons of Staying in La Barceloneta

Pros

• Best area for a beach vacation 
• Multiple high-end hotels 
• Easy public transport access to the city center

Cons

• Far from the city center
• Few attractions in the area 
• Not the best area to hang out at night 

Highlights of Staying in La Barceloneta

There aren’t too many tourist attractions in La Barceloneta, but the ones that exist are absolutely fabulous. 

• La Barceloneta Beach is the best thing about this part of the city. The vast stretch of sand attracts both locals and tourists who want to spend a day sipping cocktails on loungers and listening to the crashing waves. 
• Ride the Port Cable Car to Montjuic Hill. It’s a wonderful opportunity to do something different in this city and you’ll get to experience magical views along the way. 
• The Museum of the History of Catalonia offers an extensive exhibit on the region’s history. It’s ideal for travelers who want to learn more about the ways of the locals in Catalonia. 

Best Places To Stay In La Barceloneta

La Barceloneta is a small neighborhood, so the precise location of your accommodation doesn’t matter as much. Unless you want to be directly on the beach, in which case you’ll find several suitable options in this waterfront area. 

W Barcelona

The W Barcelona is a premium five-star hotel with a seafront location. Stay here if you want to make the most of Barcelona’s beaches. This premium hotel offers direct beach access with private loungers. 

The W’s guest rooms are large and beautifully decorated. They feature modern furniture, ensuite bathrooms, and massive windows that offer a stunning view of the beach. All the rooms have a Nespresso coffee machine, a Bose Bluetooth sound system, a minibar, a seating area, and a desk. The hotel offers three swimming pools—two are seasonal outdoor pools, while the indoor pool can be used year-round.

This fabulous hotel also has a rooftop bar, a gourmet restaurant, a gym, a wellness center, and much more. There’s hardly a better place to stay for a relaxed beach vacation in the lovely city of Barcelona. 

Hotel 54 Barceloneta

Hotel 54 Barceloneta is a three-star design hotel overlooking the Barcelona port. It’s a good option if you want to stay at a mid-range hotel and enjoy the classic facilities, but also be just a few steps away from the sandy beach. 

Every guest room at this hotel features an ensuite bathroom, a small balcony, and a seating area. I must point out that the shower is in the room, and although you can’t see through the glass, I imagine these aren’t ideal conditions if you’re traveling with a friend or relatives. 

Hotel 54 doesn’t have a restaurant, but it does feature a breakfast bar. Also, there’s a rooftop terrace with lovely views of the sea, and I imagine most guests spend their evenings relaxing here. A wide variety of restaurants and seafood bars are within walking distance of the hotel, so you’ll have plenty of options for dining in Barceloneta. 

Residencia Campus del Mar 

Residencia Campus del Mar is pretty much your only option for a budget stay in Barceloneta. Rent a studio apartment in a residence hall and you’ll be close to the beach without spending a fortune on the accommodation. The nightly rate is around $160 for two people, which is a pretty good deal for this exclusive location. 

The studio apartments are small, averaging just 25 m². There’s even a tiny double room with a kitchenette and a private bathroom, which is the most affordable option at this residence hall.

Because this isn’t a standard hotel, you won’t have access to staple hotel facilities. But there is a game room, a library, and a laundry room that everyone is welcome to use. Also, every studio apartment has a kitchen and a private bathroom, as well as a desk and even a dining space. 

El Poble-Sec: Best For Alternative Stays 

El Poble-Sec is a residential neighborhood at the foot of Montjuïc Hill. Yes, a hill in Barcelona! That alone makes this area interesting enough to consider for your stay. Another reason to consider basing yourself so far from the city center is to experience a different kind of life in Barcelona, one that doesn’t revolve around Gaudi’s best buildings. 

Here’s the thing: El Poble-Sec is a neighborhood you should consider staying in if this is your second, third, or umpteenth trip to Barcelona. If you’ve already traveled to this city and you’ve done all the classic touristy things, it’s time to try something new. And it doesn’t get better than Sants-Montjuïc, with countless museums, scenic viewpoints, and the historic Montjuïc Castle. 

Pros and Cons of Staying in El Poble-Sec

Pros

• Great for returning visitors 
• Lots of interesting attractions in the area 
• Metro access to the city center 

Cons

• No beach access 
• It’s mostly a residential neighborhood
• Far from yellow and red metro lines 

Highlights of Staying in El Poble-Sec

El Poble-Sec is one small neighborhood in Sants-Montjuïc that offers a wide array of fun activities for tourists. Cable car rides, panoramic views, and countless museums all await in El Poble-Sec.

• Montjuïc Castle is the star of the namesake hill, offering historical and art exhibits, as well as sweeping scenic views of downtown Barcelona. Come here to discover a landmark that is still a bit of a hidden gem in Barcelona.
• Head to Jardi Botanic Historic to see Euro-Siberian plants thriving in the warm Barcelona climate. The botanical garden is on the site of a former quarry and has a cool microclimate that allows these unique plants to flourish.
• History buffs will be glad to know that El Poble-Sec is home to a bomb shelter from the Spanish Civil War. Refugi 307 offers guided tours of the shelter that was built by the citizens and offers great insight into the history of the area. It’s genuinely one of the most fascinating history tours in Barcelona, so don’t miss out. 
• Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is one of the most popular art museums in the city. Many people come to El Poble-Sec specifically for this museum, and it’s a must-see if you’re interested in Catalan Art throughout the centuries. The museum exhibit is excellent and even includes a sizeable Romanesque collection.

Best Places To Stay In El Poble-Sec 

El Poble-Sec offers surprisingly many hotels for a residential neighborhood. And there are hotels in every price range here, so you’ll find a suitable option whether you want to spoil yourself or sleep at a hostel. 

One thing I will note is that it’s best to look for hotels near the metro stations. That way, you can still travel to other parts of Barcelona quickly and easily and explore as much as you like without being slowed down. 

Hotel Miramar Barcelona

Hotel Miramar is a luxurious five-star hotel on Montjuïc Hill. I’m torn on the hotel’s location; on the one hand, I love that it’s in a serene part of the city, with direct access to Plaça de l’Armada and stunning observation decks. But on the other hand, it’s quite far from the rest of Barcelona, so not the ideal hotel for easy exploration of the city’s best landmarks. 

I love everything else about this hotel. The rooms are big and beautifully decorated, with spacious ensuite bathrooms. Every room has a desk, a seating area, and a flat-screen TV, as well as a terrace. Also, I have to point out that some rooms include a glass sink in the bathroom, which I’m honestly obsessed with. 

This luxury hotel also offers two swimming pools, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. My absolute favorite feature of the Miramar Hotel is the staircase in front of the entrance, which leads to the Miramar Gardens with fantastic views. Witnessing a sunset here would be one of the highlights of your trip for sure. 

Hotel Concordia Barcelona

Hotel Concordia is a four-star hotel just steps away from the Poble Sec metro station. You can be in the heart of the city in just 15 minutes from this hotel, which is excellent for exploring Barcelona. 

The hotel offers spacious modern rooms with colorful accents. Guests all have access to a TV, desk, and seating area in their room, as well as an extra large and very comfortable double bed. An ensuite bathroom is available in every room, as well as a kettle and a minibar. The bigger rooms even have a private terrace. 

In terms of other amenities, Hotel Concordia offers an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a bar, and a restaurant. Room service is available to all guests, as well as free WiFi. Overall, it’s a very nice hotel, and the nightly rate is more affordable than what you’d pay for a similar level of service in Barcelona, which is a more central location. 

Onefam Ramblas

Onefam Ramblas is an affordable hostel just five minutes from the nearest metro station. It’s also just a short walk from the Barcelona port, where you can enjoy wonderful sea views. 

The hostel is the best option for a budget stay in this part of Barcelona. Nightly rates start at $40 for a dormitory bed. 

This is a social hostel, so plan to stay here only if you’re okay mingling with other people. It’s worth noting that the hostel is only for travelers 18-45 years old and doesn’t process reservations made by older travelers. 

The hostel is squeaky clean, which is the most important thing for me. It offers several shared spaces where guests can hang out and have fun, including a sprawling communal terrace. Also, the hostel organizes free family dinners every night, so you can save a lot of money on meals and meet loads of people. 

Answering Your Questions About Where To Stay In Barcelona

Which area is best to stay in Barcelona?

Gothic Quarter and Eixample are the best areas to stay in Barcelona on a first trip. Consider El Poble-Sec if you’ve previously visited Barcelona. 

Where to avoid staying in Barcelona? 

Avoid staying directly on La Rambla. It’s the busiest part of Barcelona, with huge crowds that attract a lot of pickpockets. 

Is the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona good to stay in? 

Yes, the Gothic Quarter is a good area of Barcelona to stay in, especially for a first visit. It’s the historic center of the city with many landmarks and old buildings. 

Is it good to stay at La Rambla Barcelona?

I wouldn’t recommend staying directly on La Rambla because it’s very busy and noisy. Stay in the Gothic Quarter instead, and you’ll be just steps away from Barcelona’s famous street. 

Where Not To Stay in Barcelona

El Raval is a central neighborhood in Barcelona with a bad reputation, so it’s best to avoid booking a hotel there. The area is not inherently unsafe, but it does have a higher crime rate than other parts of the city. Walking around the neighborhood to visit attractions is okay, but I advise you not to stay after dark. And as always, stay vigilant and keep one hand on your purse because you are in Barcelona, after all. 

Also, I wouldn’t recommend booking a hotel directly on La Rambla. It’s the busiest street in Barcelona, and the noise and the crowds are a bit much, especially in the evenings. Instead, stay at the Gothic Quarter for easy access to this tourist hotspot but a much calmer atmosphere. 

Feeling inspired about where to stay in Barcelona? Hopefully, you’ve found your match, whether you want to be near great restaurants, have a rooftop pool, or be opposite the Picasso Museum or Passeig De Gràcia. Barcelona has accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. You may also like Where to Stay in Paris, another popular European city.

It’s clear that this ‘amazing city’ is full of incredible accommodation choices and neighborhoods, not just tourist attractions. Visiting Barcelona will be a real treat from the moment you land at Barcelona el Prat Airport. Don’t forget to check out these fun facts about Spain before you go.