WHERE TO STAY IN BARCELONA

If you are interested in where to stay in Barcelona, you may also be interested in where to stay in Madrid, Ibiza, Tenerife and San Sebastian.

Barcelona city centre, the best area to stay in

When you stay in Barcelona’s city centre, you will certainly never be short of things to see and do, as you will find yourself at the heart of the action in this area. There are a number of different key areas that you can select from within the city centre, and the cost of accommodation along with the facilities and amenities available will vary depending on which one you select. No matter which part of the city centre you stay in, you can expect to enjoy a full and diverse itinerary, although you can also enjoy plenty of opportunities to kick back and relax if you wish to do so.

One of the main parts of the city centre is Barri Gotic, or the Gothic Quarter. This is the central part of the old city and is filled with Medieval buildings. The area is mostly pedestrianised other than for service vehicles, which makes it ideal for those who like to explore on foot. There are many great landmarks and sights to enjoy in this part of the city centre, which includes the remains of the Temple of Augustus, the Church of Santa Maria del Pi, and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia.

If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of a really busy area, you can choose accommodation at Las Ramblas, which is at the heart of the action. This is a boulevard that is lively, packed with sights and attractions, offers some great street entertainment, and provides easy access to everything from a choice of dining facilities through to a variety of shops. Las Ramblas runs for more than a kilometer and at the southern most end of it you will find Port Vell, the attractive waterfront harbor where you can enjoy a bite to eat, a refreshing drink, and some wonderful views.

Another very popular choice in Barcelona city centre is Eixample, which is home to a variety of architectural wonders. This is an area that is filled with modernist buildings and is home to some of the most famous Gaudi treasures, which includes La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo and La Pedrera. You will also find a fair amount of nightlife to enjoy in this part of the city, so if you consider yourself something of a party animal this is a great place to come.

Other Places to Stay in Barcelona

In addition to the city centre, Barcelona also offers a range of other great places where you can stay. While these are not as close to the main attractions and tourist hotspots as the city centre, they offer their own unique charm and character. Some of the other places you can choose from here include:

Gracia Neighborhood

This neighborhood is around one kilometre north of the centre of Barcelona, and offers a great insight into Catalan culture. You will find that this area has a more authentic feel and atmosphere than some of the more touristy areas, which is great if you consider yourself something of a culture vulture. You can visit attractions such as Guell Park and Casa Vicens. Also, depending on when you visit you might even be able to take in the delights of the week long Festa Major de Gracia, which will enable you to enjoy a wide variety of street festivities.

El Born Neighborhood

This is a very fashionable and cosmopolitan part of the city, which is perfect for those who want a good combination of nightlife, shopping, entertainment, and sightseeing. You can enjoy sitting outside the cafes to sip a drink, heading to one of a variety of bars for a bite to eat and simply relaxing as you watch the world go by. Of course, there are also many attractions that you can look forward to when you stay in this area. This includes The Picasso Museum and the Textile Museum. If you are into retail therapy, you will also find many shops and boutiques to explore in El Born.