The place to Keep in Barcelona (& The place NOT to)

Catalan delicacies, neo-Gothic structure, sandy seashores, rugged mountains, and a colourful historical past. Did we point out Catalan delicacies? Barcelona, Spain has each cause to be excessive on the listing for journey bucket lists. 

Town is a mix of influences, there’s the general Spanish tradition however tucked alongside proud Catalan tradition. There’s a lengthy historical past of independence claims, civil warfare and unrest. Combine this in with an enormous migrant and expat group and also you discover a mix of cultures, cuisines, languages and types. 

Perhaps you wish to keep within the coronary heart of the previous city and Gothic structure, or do you need to expertise the mix of metropolis and seashore in Barceloneta? It could possibly be that you’re extra of an uptown kinda particular person and need to keep within the coronary heart of Eixample, surrounded by towering buildings, limitless purchasing alternatives and Gaudi round what looks as if nearly each nook.

Both method, we have now one of the best of the barrios (neighborhoods) laid out so that you can resolve for your self!

This information was written by Sensible Wanderlust’s Head of E-mail and Affiliate Advertising Natalie Collins, Barcelona resident, avid metropolis explorer and fellow Cava lover. Take it away, Natalie!

Psst:  Searching for extra issues to do in Barcelona throughout your journey? We’ve received a submit about our favourite meals & wine tour in Barcelona, which we extremely advocate. We even have extra posts on journey in Europe.

Psst: Obtain the strolling tour to seek out all of the hidden spots from a Barcelona resident!

Barcelona Journey Suggestions

Earlier than we dive into the barrio round-up, listed here are a couple of ideas that will help you put together in your journey to Barcelona.

• Be aware of the season: Barcelona splendidly experiences all 4 seasons, so don’t assume it’s heat year-round. Winter will get chilly and damp! The most effective months for vacationers are the Spring (late March to early June) and Autumn (late September to early November) months. Temperatures are snug, and town parks and tree-lined avenues look stunning. Additionally means fewer thick winter layers to pack!
• Put together a couple of Spanish phrases: Barcelona is in Catalonia, a Spanish area with a historical past of independence claims from the Spanish state. True Barcelona locals are sometimes fiercely Catalan, with Catalan as their first language, Spanish second and English coming someplace after that if wanted. So you’ll do higher with both a fundamental grasp of Spanish and even some Catalan – don’t simply assume you may get away with English, though most vacationer locations do communicate English!
• Keep secure: Pickpockets are a giant downside in Barcelona, and the locations I like to recommend avoiding are the worst locations you’re more likely to encounter thieves. Don’t depart your telephone on a desk, hold your valuables in a cash belt, don’t journey carrying an expensive-looking watch and hold your bag both tied to your chair or in your knee. All the time be vigilant! 
• Eat all of the foods and drinks all of the cava: Catalan and Spanish delicacies is scrumptious, with a number of contemporary hearty elements, good olive oils and little tapas plates. There may be additionally the Basque affect with some nice pintxo eating places, which is my favourite method to eat! Cava can also be made within the area so first rate cava prices little or no. Take a meals and wine tour if you happen to can to expertise it multi function afternoon.
• Don’t name it Barca: Locals and long-term residents get actually sniffy about Barca/Barna. The proper abbreviation is Barna; Barca is the soccer staff. I nonetheless really feel bizarre calling it Barna so simply persist with Barcelona.
• Deliver snug strolling sneakers: Town is extremely walkable however elements of it are hilly and you’ll cowl way more floor than you notice whereas gawking on the structure. So pack first rate sneakers you already know will hold your toes pleased and benefit from the stroll! To assist, we’ve received a Barcelona self-guided strolling tour – and we’ve additionally received options for one of the best strolling sneakers for journey. Listed below are our favourite journey sneakers for males and for girls.
• Totally different areas even have completely different hyperlinks to different elements of town: The metro system is great and pretty simple to navigate however if you happen to favor to keep away from utilizing it or buses then it is advisable to base your self strolling distance to the belongings you need to see or no less than on the identical metro line to keep away from a number of stops and adjustments. An space could also be quarter-hour away in a taxi however takes 45 minutes by metro or bus, so consider the place you need to be in relation to the place you need to keep. 
• Keep away from short-term condo leases: The housing market in Barcelona has been monopolized by vacationer leases, driving costs up a lot greater than is reasonably priced for residents and creating numerous scams and disparity. Motels had been badly affected by the pandemic in order that they deserve the help moderately than grasping property house owners who would moderately depart an condo empty as a substitute of renting it for an affordable worth to an area. There are even new legal guidelines limiting vacationer licenses and you’re not allowed to hire a room short-term, so don’t contribute to the housing disaster, be a accountable vacationer, and keep in a resort!
• In case your check-in and check-out occasions don’t sync up along with your have to roam the streets and also you want a spot to retailer your luggage, try LuggageHero: This service helps you discover a secure place to maintain your baggage whilst you’re working round so that you don’t stand out like a blatant vacationer! Use the code PRACTICALW for two hours of free baggage storage on us.

The place to Keep in Barcelona

Barcelona is damaged up into separate neighborhoods known as barrios, every with its personal distinct persona, vibe and enchantment. To the uninitiated, chances are you’ll wrestle to know the place to go and what to do, however don’t fear, I received you lined!

As with many cities, there’s additionally an enormous financial variation. Strolling alongside Passeig de Gràcia you’ll see buyers swinging luggage from Gucci, Versace and Saint Laurant, after which step down La Rambla simply 10 minutes away and discover quirky low-cost hippy retailers promoting handmade crafts, knock-off clothes and road meals. Barcelona is that form of place!

This provides to the appeal of town, you’re at all times only a brief stroll or turning a nook away from discovering one thing fully completely different and discovering a hidden gem. Which does make looking down meals and souvenirs actually enjoyable – every little thing your coronary heart needs will be present in Barcelona! 

Outdated Metropolis: El Born & Gothic

The previous a part of Barcelona is the very first thing that involves thoughts for many vacationers after they consider Barcelona, and it’s true it’s the most charming a part of town. Filled with previous winding streets, stunning historic buildings, church buildings, lovable eating places and hidden options round each nook. 

That is the place you can find Barcelona Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, Arc de Triomf, La Rambla, and an entire host of different well-known landmarks. It truly is one of the best place to remain in Barcelona for a primary go to.

Nevertheless, you do want to select rigorously as some streets are slightly shadier than others, some are noisy, and people cute winding streets aren’t as enjoyable to remain in if you happen to don’t see daylight out of your resort room window. 

This barrio has nice transport hyperlinks to the remainder of town and is a brief stroll to the seashore, with elements of it opening out onto the marina at Port Vell so that you get views of the blue Mediterranean Sea. The realm can also be extra open to vacationers so that you usually tend to discover a place to seize a espresso and a pastry if you’re an early morning sort of particular person. 

That is additionally one of the best place to base your self if you’re planning on taking our Self-Guided Strolling Tour of Barcelona. A lot of the tour covers this space and can also be the place you end so you’re a brief stroll again to your resort afterward.

The place to Keep in El Born & Gothic

There are a mix of expensive motels on this space in addition to some significantly funds hostels. Under are a few of our favorites:

• Hostal Fernando is a type of good types of hostels with clear, vivid rooms. It additionally overlooks Església de Sant Jaume, which is a fairly, previous church. Historical past in your windowsill! 
• For one thing slightly fancier Barcelona Resort Colonial is true within the coronary heart of Gothic in a stupendous colonial constructing, a brief stroll down the road takes you to Port Vell Marina and a visit in some other route takes you thru medieval streets. 
• If you wish to keep as shut as attainable to the eccentric La Rambla then the Could Ramblas Resort is the one for you. It’s situated just a few doorways down a facet road from La Rambla and can also be the identical road you head all the way down to get to the Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi. 

Barceloneta / Seaside

For these trying extra for the seashore vibes then Barceloneta is for you. This barrio is a small space made up of completely aligned streets so it’s nearly not possible to get misplaced. To at least one facet is Port Vell, to the south is the seashore, head north to El Born and east to Villa Olympica, the Olympic village from when Barcelona hosted the 1992 summer season Olympics. 

Barceloneta correct is a superb place to really feel you’re staying proper on the seashore with out lacking out on that Barcelona previous metropolis appeal. The buildings aren’t essentially as fairly as different elements of town however the seashore environment is sort of year-round. 

You’ll discover chiringuitos (seashore bars) open from Spring to mid-Autumn and there are at all times individuals skateboarding and curler skating down the cycle paths alongside the entrance, so be careful as you stroll! 

The place to Keep in Barceloneta / Seaside

There are a couple of bigger motels on this space as you’d count on with it being beachside however the costs are wildly costly. Try the well-known landmark resort The W, stunning and epic views however out of funds for many vacationers! You may nonetheless catch the views at their rooftop cocktail lounge and nightclub, if you happen to can snag a desk! 

• Whereas technically not in Barceloneta it’s simply throughout the highway from the place the barrio begins, the Resort Oasis has a tremendous rooftop pool and terrace and appears out in the direction of the marina. From right here you possibly can entry El Born, Gothic and Barceloneta in only a brief stroll. 
• Resort 54 Barceloneta is true on the entrance overlooking the marina and steps away from the seashore, this is able to be my decide if going for the seashore resort possibility. The rooftop bar can also be like slightly backyard paradise, good for resting after an extended day of exploring.
• For a extra funds room, the Sea Hostel is a superb decide for dorm room-style lodging, it is usually subsequent door to a restaurant, Buenas Migas, that does fairly superb pastries. Get up early, seize a espresso and pastry for a dawn stroll alongside the seashore.

Eixample

Welcome to Eixample, the world that you simply’ll see most in aerial pictures of Barcelona, these good pink sq. blocks and streets aligned to OCD ranges. This a part of town is the place the well-known avenues of Diagonal and Passeig de Gracia run by, it’s the place the designer retailers are and can also be the bigger of the districts in Barcelona. 

The roads are additionally very driveable, except for the irritating pink mild cease/begin system which does make site visitors heavier right here. However most motels have first rate sound insulation so you possibly can keep away from site visitors noise so long as you retain your home windows closed.

This space is charming for its typical Barcelona fashion with lengthy avenues, Guadi’s spectacular buildings, and delightful balconies. You’ll discover Casa Batlo and Casa Mila, Plaza Catalunya to the south, Casa de les Punxes and lots of different architectural beauties. Strolling round this space you’ll simply hold stumbling into one other stunning constructing after one other, and if you happen to get onto a rooftop someplace you’ll see much more. 

The purchasing can also be unimaginable right here with every little thing from high-end designer shops, to excessive road purchasing, to impartial boutiques. If you wish to store with out having to stroll far to drop your luggage again on the resort, that is the place to do it. 

This space can also be very well related with public transport, the buses run usually and there are numerous metro stations in addition to prepare stations at each Passeig de Gràcia and at Plaza Catalunya. 

The place to Keep in Eixample

As you’d count on there isn’t a scarcity of motels in Eixample, from simpler budgets to luxurious high-end motels. Listed below are some fo one of the best ones:

• After I first arrived in Barcelona I booked into Hostalin Barcelona Gran Through and it’s the place I like to recommend associates to remain for an awesome worth resort. The employees was a dream throughout my keep, the rooms are vivid and comfy and it’s canine pleasant!
• For bougie fanciness proper on Passeig de Gràcia with the views to match the Resort Royal Passeig de Gràcia is a superb selection, and although the worth is slightly greater it’s not eye-watering. You possibly can go all out for a set with a personal terrace or simply benefit from the rooftop terrace which is equally pretty. 
• If you wish to exit your resort to the scent of contemporary bread and pastries then it is advisable to e book Praktik Bakery, with rooms as contemporary because the bread and a brief stroll to Diagonal. Simply make certain to not hang around and go discover (hehehe)!

Sagrada Família

The place else to remain in Barcelona apart from near the enduring Basílica de la Sagrada Família! If that is your major cause for visiting Barcelona, and no person will decide you whether it is then that is the place to remain. You may meander across the cafes within the space, sit in parks surrounding the basílica and customarily gaze on the unimaginable work of Antoni Gaudí. 

Admittedly the restaurant decisions aren’t the greatest, and apart from the Sagrada itself, the structure isn’t the prettiest in Barcelona, however it’s tremendous near Eixample and simple to get to different elements of town. 

There’s a nice churro cafe value indulging at and Avinguda Gaudí is ideal for strolling alongside, stopping at cafes and sipping an Aperol spritz underneath the shade of the bushes. 

The place to Keep in Sagrada Família

In fact, if you’re staying on this space then you definately completely want a resort with views of the basílica, which aren’t the most cost effective rooms within the metropolis however there are some well-priced motels value checking into. 

• Sensation Sagrada Família has serviced flats with a stupendous shared roof terrace overlooking the enduring church. Right here you may get the bonus of a personal condo whereas nonetheless having the chance to take pleasure in a shared house with fellow vacationers.
• For a resort possibility, the Sercotel Rosellón has vivid rooms, an awesome breakfast and a roof terrace with solar loungers pointing at Sagrada, an iconic method to spend a day if you happen to ask me!

Gràcia

Searching for a hidden boho artist vibe? Then Gràcia is your spot. Till the nineteenth century, this was an impartial city and residents are sometimes long-term locals and pleased with their neighborhood. 

Now the world is fashionable and stuffed with impartial retailers, boutiques, and cafes. Plaça de Sol is a central level the place individuals hang around to socialize, drink and indulge within the bakeries and gelato retailers close by. 

This space is comparatively near Passeig de Gràcia however looks like a distinct world to the designer shops and busy avenue. The streets are largely pedestrianized and there’s a extra eclectic combine of individuals strolling the streets. 

The realm can also be identified for its festivals, historically every neighborhood has its personal mini-festivals however the one in Gràcia is broadly referred to as one of the best. Streets are lined with decorations and stalls, with some streets working in competitors for one of the best decor. Though remember if you happen to go to in the summertime throughout these festivals you shouldn’t count on any peace and quiet, the events can go on all night time! 

The place to Keep in Gràcia

This isn’t a primary selection amongst vacationers so you’ll really feel such as you’ve hit slightly hidden gem, and motels are usually slightly cheaper too. 

• Resort Ronda Lesseps is a cute resort with a stupendous inside courtyard backyard connected to the resort bar. Additionally it is only a 15-minute stroll to a different of Gaudí’s iconic designs, Parc Güell. Benefit from the peace hidden away from the bustle of town on this little oasis.
• A extra upmarket possibility with a rooftop pool is the Catalonia Park Güell resort, costs aren’t vastly completely different however it’s barely extra outdoors the central a part of Gràcia. Rooftop swimming pools in motels are an actual deal with however they do get busy so bear in mind to order a solar lounger in your afternoon poolside. 

Canine-Pleasant Motels in Barcelona

In case you are like the remainder of Crew Sensible Wanderlust and are a proud canine proprietor you’ll be happy to listen to that Barcelona is a superb place to journey along with your furry greatest pal. 

Most eating places are accommodating, numerous retailers have water bowls outdoors for passing canine and it isn’t unusual to see canine becoming a member of purchasing journeys. My canine loves coming purchasing, it normally means getting a number of love from retailer attendants, treats and new locations to smell. 

Actually most locations you possibly can carry your canine with you, much more so if it’s a smaller canine. Nevertheless, simply remember that in the summertime months (from Could to October) canine aren’t allowed on the principle seashores so you’ll have to discover the canine seashore simply outdoors the principle metropolis middle. 

After I arrived in Barcelona with my pup I booked right into a dog-friendly resort and I’ve a couple of associates who’ve additionally executed the identical. Quite a lot of motels are used to canine companions and accommodate them fairly simply. So if you happen to journey along with your little pal these are one of the best locations to remain.

• Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella: This resort is true reverse Ciutadella Park, which is by far top-of-the-line parks for canine within the metropolis. Mornings and evenings are a hub for canine house owners with pups taking part in on the grass collectively, and there’s a kiosk within the park for human refreshments. The resort can also be a brief stroll to the seashore and throughout from El Born, completely positioned for exploring town. The resort itself is gorgeous, it’s designed to merge nature with native structure and elegance, and the bar space is spacious and overlooks the park. There may be additionally a stunning out of doors space to take pleasure in an aperitif.
• Resort Balmes: An actual gem of a resort, they really have a particular package deal for canine, Keep & Canine. This treats your pup as a particular visitor with its personal mattress, meals and water bowls, treats and snacks and toys, and housekeeping can also be delicate to their particular guests. There may be additionally an African artwork assortment all through the resort, a backyard and a pool. 
• Hostalin Barcelona Gran Through: This resort has 2 areas not too removed from one another, as talked about once I arrived in Barcelona I stayed on the Gran Through resort and it was actually unimaginable. The rooms are clear and spacious, and the employees are superb and really accommodating. The identical vibe can also be at their different resort Diputación, each are in Eixample and very well situated for accessing the remainder of town. 

The place To not Keep in Barcelona 

Barcelona as an entire is fairly secure and there are few areas to keep away from, these are normally simply sure streets moderately than entire areas and it’s extra of simply being conscious moderately than anticipating to be robbed. You hear horror tales and sure they do occur however if you’re an skilled traveler and hold your wits about you, you’ll be high-quality. It helps to remember that Barcelona has numerous poverty and the common wage completely doesn’t match the price of residing and housing right here. 

There may be additionally a big impoverished migrant inhabitants and homeless individuals in sure areas, if this offends you then higher to keep away from town solely as nobody space is best than others. 

Other than that, there are some areas of town which can be simply not value staying in, and I’ll clarify the place and why.

Raval

Typically if you hear tales of pickpockets, you’re listening to tales of Raval, which is situated to the west facet of La Rambla.

The realm is charming in its personal method, however I wouldn’t advocate it for vacationers. There are some nice eating places tucked away and a few actually enjoyable bars however strolling residence in the dead of night will not be advisable. 

• The place to Keep as a substitute: In case you are nonetheless on the lookout for the quirky previous city fashion that elements of Raval have then keep in Gothic as a substitute. You’ll nonetheless have the identical tourist-friendly hustle and bustle and loads of previous buildings to marvel at however much less of the after-dark considerations. Could Ramblas Resort is effectively situated for La Rambla with out the night security challenges.

Sant Gervasi-Galvany

Sant Gervasi-Galvany is up within the hills of town and could be very residential. Housing will be fairly costly right here and the boutiques and cafes cater to a distinct clientele than what most vacationers can be interested by. 

It’s near the hills of Tibidabo, Barcelona’s highest peak, and the views throughout town will be pretty however transport hyperlinks aren’t nice so will probably be an extended stroll or a number of metro and bus stops to get to the place you need to be. 

• The place to Keep as a substitute: Shut by is Eixample, this has the identical metropolis residential vibe however with extra appeal and simpler entry to the remainder of town. Additionally contemplate Gràcia for a similar causes. Praktik Bakery offers you that very same native vibe however in a greater location.

Sants Montjuïc

In case you hunt for lodging that’s quick access to the airport then that is the primary neighborhood to have a look at, it is usually near the enduring Montjuïc which is great to discover. You can even go see the fountain present at Plaza Espanya. 

Nevertheless, to get wherever you’ll need to leap on the metro or prepare, it’s effectively related however if you wish to stroll to the remainder of town you’ll have fairly an extended stroll. It’s a quieter space to remain in however the fixed want to make use of the metro can sluggish you down.

Additionally as it’s a major transport connection level it does are usually actually busy within the stations, which may get overwhelming if you’re determining how you can get to the place you need to be.

• The place to Keep as a substitute: For simple entry to the airport look near Plaza Catalunya. The metro cease is central so will get you the place it is advisable to be in addition to the Sants cease does. Additionally it is a major level for the airport shuttle buses to begin from, which is by far the best method to get to the airport fairly cheaply. Praktik Bakery once more is very well situated for ease to journey.

The place to Keep in Barcelona: Abstract 

That’s numerous info! So to wrap it up right into a bite-size piece, right here we have now an at a look abstract:

• The Greatest Areas to Keep in Barcelona: Go for the Outdated Metropolis or Eixample for traditional Barcelona vibes.
• The Greatest Motels in Barcelona: Greatest choices are Barcelona Resort Colonial, Hostelin Barcelona Gran Through and Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella, any of these will make your keep iconic. 
• The Greatest Canine-Pleasant Motels in Barcelona: Once more one other vote for Hostelin Barcelona Gran Through and Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella. Can not beat these for canine lovers!

So why aren’t we recommending any AirBnBs? In brief, AirBnB and brief time period condo leases have screwed the housing market in Barcelona, in addition to many different cities world wide. Discovering an precise residence within the metropolis is an actual downside and the costs have been pushed so excessive by vacationer leases that the common particular person can not afford them. Legal guidelines have now restricted vacationer licenses however this hasn’t executed a lot to cease the issue that was already created. So that you don’t contribute to the very actual housing disaster within the metropolis, we advocate you to be a accountable traveler and select to remain in motels as a substitute, which had been in fact closely affected by the pandemic and deserve all of the vacationer love once more. 

That ought to provide the greatest concepts of the place to remain so you possibly can plan the remainder of your journey! While you’re within the strategy planning stage don’t neglect to enroll in our Self-Guided Strolling Tour of Barcelona to get a downloadable information to discover town!

Which space would you want to remain in? Is there a sure a part of Barcelona you’re most enthusiastic about seeing? Tell us within the feedback under

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