Top Places To Stay In Barcelona: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels

Whether your party consists of friends, your spouse/significate other, family, or just yourself, each area of the city provides a unique immersion into Barcelona's captivating culture and allure.

Where to Stay In Barcelona As A First-Time Visitor:

La Barceloneta Neighborhood

The excitement of arriving in a new city often serves as the heartbeat that propels travelers forward. For those venturing into the lively atmosphere of Barcelona, it's a wise choice to settle in a neighborhood that seamlessly combines both vibrancy and tranquility. Enter the La Barceloneta neighborhood!

La Barceloneta is one of the best places as a 1st timer you could stay and one of it's main attractions being it's beaches which are among the most popular in the city. Experience much of this neighborhood of Barcelona as it was 200 years ago!

If you are looking to party until the early morning hours, La Bareloneta is the place to be! It's beach clubs and nightlife scene is well known for being the place to be if you want to party. However, the El Born Neighborhood that we will talk about further down, is also known for it's trendy vibes and nightlife.

It should be noted that you won't be able to walk from here to other popular areas of the city however. However the location provides easy and convenient access to the metro (or a tour bus) for exploring the rest of the city.

Along the streets and coastline, numerous tapas establishments offer delightful dishes, including the quintessential seaside paella. Here is a great map of the metro to save for easy use during your stay in Barcelona.

If your travels coincide with the warmer months, spanning from late May to early September, taking a refreshing sunset swim in the sea becomes an excellent way to rejuvenate after a day of sightseeing.

Here is a list of the top 12 things to do in La Barceloneta.

Best Hotel In La Barceloneta Neighborhood

Hotel Arts Barcelona

Hotel Arts Barcelona has six restaurants and bars to enjoy during your stay.

• Enoteca: Two-Michelin starred restaurant offering contemporary Mediterranean cuisine at its finest.
• Arola: Modern tapas in a stylish setting, with an open-air terrace and DJ every evening.
• Marina: situated by the pool serves light meals in the open air during summer.
• Frank’s: seductive bar serving inventive cocktails and local cavas and champagnes.
• Bites: Casual restaurant offering fast, informal dishes any time of day.
• Café Veranda: For delicious breakfasts.

Boasting panoramic views of Barceloneta Beach and the city center, this stylish hotel features two outdoor pools and a luxurious spa with cityscape vistas. Hotel Arts not only showcases an impressive art collection but also houses a restaurant honored with 2 Michelin stars.

Situated adjacent to Barcelona's Olympic Port and surrounded by bustling shops and vibrant bars, The Arts is ideally located. With Barceloneta Beach just 250 meters away and Ciutadella Park within 300 meters, the hotel offers proximity to both coastal charm and natural greenery.

The hotel's rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and sound system, while the bathrooms feature a separate bath and shower for added comfort.

Guests can indulge in fine Mediterranean cuisine at the Enoteca restaurant, renowned for its 2 Michelin stars. The property also hosts various bars and restaurants, including a poolside bar serving light meals during the summer.

Adding to the allure, Hotel Arts provides amenities such as a hair salon and upscale fashion boutiques. A multilingual concierge team and a fully equipped business center further enhance the overall experience.

Best Place to Stay In Barcelona With Children:

The Gràcia Neighborhood

For families embarking on a Barcelona adventure, equipped with strollers, compact cribs, and an ample supply of diapers, a wise strategy is to gravitate towards neighborhoods embraced by local parents. These areas, known for their family-friendly atmosphere, are more likely to feature hotels with kid-centric amenities or cozy Airbnbs, catering to various preferences.

A noteworthy locale in Barcelona fitting this description is Gràcia, once a charming village before merging into the larger cityscape. Meandering through its pedestrian pathways, you'll sense a retreat from the urban hustle into a quaint town, complete with welcoming locals ready to share a smile. Beyond encountering other young families, residing in Gràcia provides convenient access to the renowned and picturesque Park Güell—providing ample space for your little ones to expend their energy before settling in for a siesta.

Here is a great guide to explore the Gràcia Neighborhood.

Best Hotel in the Gràcia Neighborhood

Hotel Casa Fuster

Nestled in the heart of Barcelona, Hotel Casa Fuster stands as one of the city's most renowned and emblematic modernist structures. As a token of love for his cherished wife, Mariano Fuster enlisted the services of modernist architect Lluís Domènch i Montaner to craft Casa Fuster. Upon its completion in 1911, this splendid residence claimed the title of the city's most expensive home. In 2004, a meticulous restoration process, encompassing Café Vienés, transformed the building into a contemporary boutique hotel. Adorned with Art Nouveau-inspired furnishings, the guestrooms and suites pay homage to the original opulence of the structure.

The lobby, open-air terrace, and the jazz haven, Café Vienés, evoke the intellectual ambiance of early 20th-century Barcelona. Hosting weekly jazz concerts, the café has attracted notable acts, including Woody Allen's Jazz Band and Adrian Cunningham. Positioned on Passeig de Gràcia, the city's premier upscale avenue, this emblematic hotel is surrounded by luxury shopping and cultural gems, including the iconic Gaudí buildings.

Aleia Restaurant, an intimate, elegant, and bright space, directed by the chef with three Michelin stars Paulo Airaudo, together with Rafa de Bedoya and every Thursday, Café Vienés transforms into an exclusive dinner Jazz Club featuring top performers along with excellent cuisine

Where To Stay To Party In Barcelona:

The El Born Neighborhood

If you're used to wrapping up your evening at a bar around midnight to ensure a solid eight hours of sleep, consider this your fair warning. Similar to many Spanish-speaking locales, the nightlife in Barcelona truly kicks into gear after 12 a.m., with dinner reservations often starting as late as 10 p.m. While a pre-party nap (or two) might be in order to brace yourself for the extended nocturnal festivities, you can simplify your night out by lodging in El Born, another hotspot of the city's vibrant nightlife.

Steeped in history as a venue for medieval jousts, El Born maintains that lively spirit to this day. During daylight hours, it beckons with numerous art shops, cafes, and the Picasso Museum. As night falls, the cobblestone streets burst into life, hosting an array of clubs, bars, and discos for a vibrant and memorable nightlife experience.

Despite its close proximity to the renowned Gothic Quarter, El Born stands out as a less touristy locale. Nevertheless, it holds the distinction of being one of Barcelona's trendiest neighborhoods, boasting an array of sophisticated bars. The ambiance here is slightly more refined, yet undeniably enjoyable.

Notable among these establishments is Pitin Bar, which, having originated as a restaurant, seamlessly transitioned into a chic, two-story bar. Another exceptional and irresistibly trendy option is the aptly named Bar El Born. It serves as an ideal setting to savor the essence of classic Barcelona – indulging in sangria while occasionally savoring tapas, all while exchanging anecdotes around the table.

Here are some of the top things to do while in the El Born Neighborhood.

Best Hotel In El Born Neighborhood

Catalonia Born

Housed in an 18th-century building that was originally a factory from the peak of Catalonia's textile industry. Meticulously restored, this historic structure preserves features like the magnificent courtyard topped with a skylight, casting a beautiful interplay of light throughout.

Nestled in the heart of the Born neighborhood, in proximity to the Arc de Triomf and Ciutadella Park, Catalonia Born offers a rooftop pool, a sun deck, a fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Kickstart your mornings with a delightful breakfast buffet and drop by the Gastrobar for drinks or snacks at the contemporary bar or on the terrace within the inner courtyard.

Catalonia has carefully preserved this historical gem during the building's rehabilitation, maintaining the original facade and inner courtyard.

Unwind on the rooftop pool to escape the heat or bask in the sun on loungers while staying connected with complimentary Wi-Fi. Fitness enthusiasts can maintain their routine in the well-equipped gym. For added relaxation, indulge in a spa session at Alegría Spa, located in the Catalonia Ramblas hotel.

Stay In The Heart of Barcelona:

Barri Gòtic Neighborhood - The Gothic Quarter

While certain travelers opt to stray from the established hop-on, hop-off routes, others relish the chance to immerse themselves in the heart of this cities bustling scene. If you find yourself in the latter category, consider making Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, Barri Gótic your headquarters for your Barcelona adventures.

Here, you'll reside amidst history, surrounded by centuries-old buildings seamlessly blending with contemporary constructions. The area boasts numerous placas, or plazas, adorned with lots of outdoor seating, cafes and places to people watch if that's your cup of tea.

Within a few blocks of your hotel, you and your companions can indulge in a culinary journey through the food market, meander along enchanting winding streets, and explore an array of stores.

The Gothic Quarter is one of the most popular places that most tourist end up exploring during their stay. Here are the top things to see and do in Barcelona's Barri Gòtic Neighborhood.

Best Hotel In Barcelona's Gothic Quarter

Hotel Neri Relais & Chateaux

Spanning across two historic structures, one of which is a 12th-century medieval palace located in the Gothic Quarter, this five-star hotel exudes a rich tapestry of history and character.

Situated in close proximity to Las Ramblas (the most famous street in Barcelona), the Picasso Museum, and other noteworthy attractions, you'll find that your next destination is always just a short walk away. For those seeking additional room, there are one-bedroom apartments available for booking as well.

If you want to stay in a magnificent 12th century medieval palace with modern comforts, this is the place for you!

Where ever you decide to stay in Barcelona, it's going to be epic! Barcelona is a city that makes is very difficult for you to have anything but an amazing experience.