Neighbourhoods
Barcelona, barri by barri
Barcelona is a city of distinct neighbourhoods, and which one you base yourself in shapes the whole trip. Here is what each barri actually feels like, what to do and eat there, and the honest call on who it suits, so you can match the area to the way you travel.
If you are choosing where to sleep, read this alongside our where to stay guide: this page explains the character of each area, that one picks the hotels. The quick version is below; each guide goes deeper.
Quick match
First visit: Eixample. Couples: El Born or Gracia. Nightlife: El Born and the old-town edge. Beach: Barceloneta. Local life and food on a budget: Sant Antoni or Gracia. History on your doorstep: the Gothic Quarter.
Choosing an area
- Most central
- Eixample and the Gothic Quarter put you within walking distance of the landmarks.
- Quietest sleep
- Eixample and Gracia; old-town rooms can be noisy at night.
- Best food scene
- Sant Antoni, Gracia and El Born for everyday eating.
- Avoid basing yourself on
- La Rambla itself: loud, pricey and the most pickpocketed strip.
- Getting between barris
- The metro and your own two feet; nothing central is far.
Neighbourhood guides
Eixample
The grand modernista grid: wide avenues, the Gaudi houses, and the safe all-rounder for a first stay.
Old town · historicGothic Quarter
Medieval lanes, the cathedral and Placa Reial. Atmospheric and central, livelier and louder at night.
Old town · stylishEl Born
The Ribera quarter: boutiques, the Picasso Museum and the best bar density in the old town.
Village feelGracia
Leafy squares, independent shops and a local crowd, a short metro from the centre.
BeachfrontBarceloneta
Sand, seafood and a holiday mood by the marina. Quieter for landmarks, great for the sea.
Where locals eatSant Antoni
A real residential barri with the city's best-renovated market hall and a brilliant food scene.
El Raval
Gritty, multicultural and fast-changing, with MACBA and great cheap eats.
Coming soonPoble Sec
Carrer Blai pintxos and the foot of Montjuic.
Coming soonPoblenou
The old industrial quarter turned beachy, arty and tech.
Coming soon