If you are planning your first trip and stuck on where to stay in Barcelona, my advice is to start with one simple choice; pick an area that matches what you will do most, not just a hotel that looks nice.
My guide covers the main areas, who and what they are best for, my personal favourites and well rated hotel picks by budget inside each neighbourhood.
TL;DR Best area to stay in Barcelona for first timers
If you are short on time I recommend two areas as the best for those visiting Barcelona for the first time, they are below. Later in the article I cover all the most popular areas if you want a broader comparison.
- Eixample
- The easiest all-round base for first timers. It is straightforward to navigate, well connected, and makes it simple to mix the Old City with the big-ticket sights
- El Born
- A strong second choice if you want Old City character but still want an easy base for walking and eating out.
My Top Tip! You can’t go wrong with either, the decision is really more about the type of hotel neighbourhood you like, if you want a more charming, old world feel (El Born) or the easiest logistically (Eixample).
More of my Spain guides to help plan your trip
- What to do in Granada: A full guide to the best sights, restaurants and view points
- Where to stay in Granada: Advice on the best areas to stay, some great hotels and why
- Alhambra Palace Granada Guide: An easy to follow route, tips and photo spots
- What to do in Madrid: A guide to the best things to see and do all plotted on a free map
- Where to stay in Madrid: The best areas and hotels to make the most of your trip
- How many days in Seville: A first timers guide to the best of Seville
- 3 days in Barcelona: My favourite route and tips for first time visitors
Quick pick area chooser depending on your trip style
- Mostly sightseeing (Gaudí, museums, food): Eixample
- Old City streets and tapas nights: El Born
- Beach, but still practical for a first trip: Poblenou
- Beach right outside your door: Barceloneta
- Quieter, residential base for longer stays: Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
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Quick hotel picks you can’t go wrong with
- Best value base (Eixample): Praktik Bakery
- Best Old City base (El Born): Miiro Borneta
- Best treat stay (Eixample): Almanac Barcelona
Map of the best hotels in Barcelona
The best areas to stay in Barcelona. Neighbourhoods compared
| Neighbourhood | Best for | Walkability to sights | Noise risk | Typical price |
| Eixample | Easy first trip, Gaudí, shopping | High | Low to medium | Medium to high |
| El Born | Old City charm, food, walking | High | Medium | Medium to high |
| Gothic Quarter | Central history, classic sights | High | Medium to high | Medium to high |
| Poblenou | Beach plus comfort | Medium | Low to medium | Medium |
| Barceloneta | Beach-front convenience | Medium | Medium to high | Medium |
| Gràcia | Local neighbourhood feel | Medium | Low to medium | Medium |
| El Raval | Value, central location | High | Medium | Low to medium |
Best areas for families
If you are travelling with kids, the best bases are usually the ones that reduce walking, offer more space, keep nights quieter, and make check-in simple, I recommend these:
- Eixample: easiest streets, good transport, many hotels with family-friendly room setups.
- Poblenou: more space and a calmer feel, good if you want some beach time.
- Sarrià-Sant Gervasi: quietest option if sleep and space are your top priority.
Eixample. The easiest base for first timers
Eixample is a grid-like district that connects much of what first timers want to see. It is easy to navigate and makes moving between sights very straightforward.
My top pick in Eixample – Seventy Barcelona
Best for
- First trips where you want easy logistics
- Gaudí sights and central boulevards
- A wide choice of hotels at different price points
Don’t make the mistake of assuming all of Eixample is the same, there are two sub-areas to choose between
- Dreta d’Eixample: more classic boulevards and architecture corridors. Often pricier.
- Esquerra d’Eixample: slightly more residential feel while staying very connected.
Who should avoid
There aren’t many reasons to avoid Eixample, as there are a lot of options. Only consider somewhere else if you want medieval lanes outside your hotel door every day.
Best hotels in Eixample by budget
Budget Friendly
Hotel Pelayo
Location-first rooms near Plaça de Catalunya, best if you want to keep costs down and spend most of the day out.
Cost typical €80–€109 (£70–£95)
Praktik Bakery
Central and simple, an easy base for walking and the metro, ideal if you care more about location than extras. The on site bakery is also a lovely touch.
Cost typical €103–€126 (£90–£110)
Mid-range
Praktik Èssens
A boutique-style stay near the major Eixample streets, best for travellers who want a central base without going full luxury.
Cost typical €170–€185 (£145–£160)
Seventy Barcelona
A comfortable that suits first timers who want more luxuries and comfort without slipping into the luxury budget. This is a great option with a higher-end feel.
Cost typical €245–€255 (£210–£220)
Luxury
Monument Hotel
A luxury option on the prime central corridor in Eixample, best if you want a treat stay with maximum convenience.
Cost typical €327–€390 (£285–£340)
Almanac Barcelona
Location, quality and a level of service ahead of everything else on this list. If you want a hotel that adds to your trip, rather than just a home base, this is your option
Cost typical €401–€481 (£350–£420)
El Born. Old City character without the heaviest crowds
El Born, my personal favourite area in Barcelona, gives you historic streets, food spots, and quick access to the Gothic Quarter, often with a more manageable feel than the busiest Old town corridors.
My top pick in El Born– Miiro Borneta
Best for
- Tapas and evenings out with lots of walkability
- First timers who want Ciutat Vella character but a slightly calmer feel than the Gothic Quarter
- Short stays where you want to be central on foot
Who should avoid
If you are very noise-sensitive, choose Eixample, Poblenou, or Sarrià-Sant Gervasi instead.
Best hotels in El Born by budget
Budget friendly
Park Hotel
Practical and well located on the edge of El Born, useful if you want easy walks to the centre and the waterfront.
Cost typical €97–€126 (£85–£110)
Mid-range
Hostal Porxos Garden
A simpler, good-value base that suits travellers who want the Born location and a more low-key stay.
Cost typical €145–€160 (£125–£140)
H10 Port Vell
A more polished option close to the waterfront, good if you want Old City walks with a more hotel-style setup.
Cost typical €245–€265 (£210–£230)
Luxury
Miiro Borneta
A higher-end choice in the same area when you want a more premium hotel in a very walkable location. The pool area is very nice, especially after a long day sightseeing.
Cost typical €280–€300 (£240–£260)
Gothic Quarter. Beautiful, but pick your streets carefully
The Gothic Quarter is the classic historic core with narrow lanes and major sights nearby. It can be a brilliant location, but street choice makes a big difference to noise and comfort.
Best for
- First timers who want the historic centre right outside the door
- Very short stays where you want maximum walkability
- People who are happy to choose their street carefully
Who should avoid
Avoid it if you are a light sleeper, or if crowds make a trip feel tiring.
My Top Tip! Avoid properties right on La Rambla and the busiest streets. You’ll end up with constant foot traffic. Book on a quieter edge closer to Plaça de Catalunya and prioritise an internal facing room on a higher floor.
Best hotels in the Gothic Quarter
Hotel Cuatro Naciones
Simple, location-first rooms near La Rambla for maximum convenience at a lower price point.
Cost typical €90–€110 (£75–£95)
Ikonik Ramblas
Modern, compact rooms close to the centre, good if you want an easy walk back after dinner.
Cost typical €105–€135 (£95–£115)
Hotel Neri Relais & Châteaux
Small luxury hotel with a tucked-away feel in the heart of the old lanes, best for a special trip.
Cost typical €325–€410 (£285–£355)
Poblenou and Barceloneta. Beach bases with different trade-offs
Poblenou is closer to the beach and often feels more spacious and modern than Barceloneta. It suits travellers who want sea time but still want an easy base with good transport into the centre.
Barceloneta is right by the beach and promenade, which is great for quick sea access. The trade-offs can be crowds, nightlife noise, and a more tourist-heavy feel, especially in peak season.
Best for
- People who want the beach on their trip
- Those who are spending longer than 2/3 days in Barcelona and have more time to explore
- People looking for more space in where they stay
Who should avoid
Avoid a beach base if your plan is heavy on Gaudí and the Old City. You’ll spend a lot of your time commuting
My Top Tip! If you do pick to be near the beach, choose a hotel near a metro stop, as it will mean you find exploring the rest of Barcelona easy
Best hotels near the beach
Ibis Barcelona Plaza Glòries 22 (Poblenou)
Straightforward rooms and good connections, best if you want a simple, budget base that stays well linked. Also great for people searching for rooms for 3.
Cost typical €109–€137 (£95–£120)
Hotel Paxton Barcelona (Poblenou)
A modern pick that suits a beach-leaning trip while staying connected to the centre.
Cost typical €190–€210 (£165–£185)
Sofitel Barcelona Skipper (Barceloneta).
A higher-end option near the seaside, best for travellers who want a treat-style stay with comfort.
Cost typical €325–€350 (£280–£305)
W Hotel Barcelona (Barceloneta).
Literally on the beach and an iconic part of the Barcelona skyline. This is the perfect fit if you want a beach hotel with serious luxury, a lower rooftop pool and spectacular views.
Cost typical €325–€350 (£280–£305)
Gràcia. Brilliant vibe, better if you are happy using the metro
Gràcia has local squares, cafés, and a strong neighbourhood feel. It is a less convenient base if you expect to walk to the Old City sights each day without using transport, but manageable especially if you stay near a metro station.
Best for
- Vibe-led trips and evenings around neighbourhood squares
- Second visits, or travellers who do not mind using the metro
- People who want something less touristy than the centre
Who should avoid
Avoid it if you want to walk everywhere in the centre without using the metro, or have jam-packed sightseeing days planned.
Best hotels in Gràcia
Hotel BESTPRICE Gracia.
Straightforward and usually one of the better value options locally.
Cost typical €80–€100 (£70–£90)
Casa Bella Gracia by Aspasios
Apartment-style comfort in a good Gràcia location, handy if you want a bit more space.
Cost typical €115–€145 (£100–£125)
Hotel Casa Fuster
Landmark stay on the edge of Gràcia with a polished feel, good if you want style plus easy metro access.
Cost typical €280–€350 (£245–£305)
El Raval. The wildcard option
El Raval is central and can offer better value, but it varies a lot by street. It can work for confident city travellers who are careful about the details of location.
Best for
- Value seekers who still want a central location
- Travellers who are comfortable judging streets and reviews
- Short stays where you will be out most of the day
Who should avoid
If you want a no-stress base, skip it and choose El Born or Eixample.
My Top Tip! If you choose El Raval, aim for the northern side and stay close to well-lit, busier streets. Avoid choosing it purely for a low price.
Best hotels in El Raval
Barceló Raval
Strong hotel for this area, great views on the higher floors, a small pool and rooftop terrace bar with 360 degree views. Good if you like having facilities on-site, such as a good gym.
Cost typical €130–€160 (£110–£140)
Raval House
Clean, modern, good-value stay in a central spot.
Cost typical €175–€220 (£155–£190)
Casa Camper Barcelona
Boutique comfort with a quieter, more considered feel while staying walking distance to the centre.
Cost typical €185–€230 (£160–£200)
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. Quieter nights and more space
This is a more residential area that can suit travellers who care most about calm evenings and a slower pace, while still having good links into the centre. Ideal if you’re planning a longer stay in Barcelona.
Best for
- Light sleepers who want quieter nights in reach of the centre
- Families who need more space in their accommodation
- Longer stays when you want more or a residential neighbourhood
Who should avoid
Avoid it if you want to be in the centre with easy access on foot every day.
Best hotels in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
Primero Primera
Peaceful residential base with good public transport links into town.
Cost typical €245–€265 (£210–£230)
Hotel Boutique Mirlo Barcelona
Quiet-area boutique option with a real luxury feel and great service.
Cost typical €285–€305 (£245–£265)
Before you book. First time mistakes to avoid
Avoid booking directly on La Rambla
La Rambla stays busy late and attracts constant foot traffic. Staying a block or two back usually gets you a quieter room while keeping the same convenience.
Noise and sleep
Barcelona can be loud in the busiest pockets. Prioritise higher floors, rooms that face an inner courtyard, and any mention of soundproofing if it appears in the listing or reviews.
Apartment pitfalls
Apartments can be great for space, but older buildings may mean stairs, thin walls, and complicated check-in. Confirm lift access, entry instructions, and how late arrivals work.
FAQs about the best areas in Barcelona
Eixample is the easiest base for a long weekend because it is central, well connected, and simple to navigate. El Born is a strong alternative if you want Old City atmosphere and easy walks to major sights and restaurants.
Stay in the centre if sightseeing is your priority. Choose Eixample or El Born for the easiest first-timer base. Stay near the beach only if you expect beach time most days. Poblenou is usually the best compromise, Barceloneta is closest but busier.
Barcelona is generally safe for visitors, but petty theft is common in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. Use a zipped bag, keep phones off café tables, and stay alert in busy streets.
For budget stays, look at El Raval only if you are comfortable being selective street by street. For a simpler first-timer budget base, choose a cheaper hotel in Eixample or a good-value option on the edge of El Born.
Eixample is usually best for families because it is easy to get around, has wider streets, and is well connected. Poblenou also works well if you want more space and some beach time. Sarrià-Sant Gervasi suits families who prioritise quieter nights.
Central Barcelona usually means the areas around Plaça de Catalunya and the Old City, plus nearby parts of Eixample. If a hotel is within easy reach of Plaça de Catalunya and a metro stop, it will feel central for most first-time visitors.
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