Hostal Mare Nostrum A Budget Hotel Right On Las Ramblas
An intimate and very stylish hostel is in the middle of the action.
Neighborhood: Right on Las Ramblas
Why its good for families: Its in the heart of the main attractions. Less walking = less stress and more time. If you book a room on Las Ramblas, youll have the perfect balcony view. Good breakfast includes cereal, toast, ham and cheese, fruit, yogurt, etc.
How far is it away from everything? 0-minute walk to the Liceu metro station its right in front! 100 meters from La Boqueria, 5-minute walk to Plaza Catalunya.
There you have it! Have you stayed at a cool family-friendly hotel in Barcelona?
Where Should You Stay In Barcelona If You Plan On Taking Many Day Trips From Barcelona
Barcelona is an attraction in and of itself, of course, but its also surrounded by beautiful towns and attractions outside the city that are well worth your time. If you have early-morning day trips from Barcelona planned, its worth thinking through where you stay in Barcelona to ensure its convenient Id suggest in and aroundPl. Catalunya is probably the most convenient area to stay if youre planning on many day trips, and Ive given two examples below.Montserrat Monasteryis a one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona, and its something you can either do on your own, or with a tour. If you visit on your own, you can go to Montserrat from Pl. Espana. While Pl. Espana is fine, its not the most exciting of Barcelona for a tourist. In this case, Id probably recommend staying at Pl. Catalunya, which is an easy transit ride from Pl. Espana, or the neighborhoods of Sant Antoni or Poble Sec.Girona is worth a few nights on its own its one of our favorite cities in Spain but if you cant dedicate the time, a day trip from Barcelona to Girona will do the trick. Option One is to take the high-speed train from Barcelona Sants, which is on the blue and green metro lines. If you stay near Pl. Catalunya, youll be able to take the metro right to Sants!
Plaa De Catalunya Area
Why is Plaça de Catalunya area good for families?Casa MilaCasa BatllóGaudímetro yellow metro line L4hop-on-hop-offairport shuttle busT2ATibidabo regionalPortAventurabeaches outsidesights/areasCorte Inglesbrand nameHard Rock CafepickpocketsWhat’s the cost?Tips for family friendly stays near Plaza CatalunyaWhy is Ciutat Vella area good for families?La RamblaCathedralRoman wallsPalau GuellGaudigothic churchespickpocketsSome recommendations for family friendly stay in Ciutat Vella
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Staying In El Raval Perfect Place To Stay For Culture
Once considered a seedy section of Barcelona, El Raval is today a charming and vibrant neighborhood known for its diversity. Often referred to as Barri Xinès, or Chinatown, by the locals, it is home to many nationalities and a melting pot of cultures. It has a variety of restaurants to tantalize the taste buds and an array of museums to entice your fancy. If you are looking for where to stay in Barcelona near nightlife but not stuck right in the middle of it this is another place to consider in addition to El Poble-sec. You can have a combination of exploring the museums in the day and explore the nightlife in one neighbourhood.
In El Raval, you will find the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art which features exciting exhibitions and the adjacent Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona. The streets of El Raval are filled with bohemian bars, trendy design shops, and the street art. For deals on hotels and hostels in El Raval click here.
El Raval Where To Stay In Barcelona On A Budget
In case you want to taste some of the real Barcelona life, with both its good and bad sides, El Raval is your choice! It is one of the most controversial neighborhoods of the city, as you will get to see there very clearly the multiculturalism and gentrification of Barcelona.
El Raval is bursting with hipster cafes and cool shops and there are things happening every minute over there! Plus, its located close to El Poble Sec as well, so you can visit it if you want!
I recommend it to youngsters who dont mind the vivid Barcelona vibe!
If you feel like this is the best area for you, here are the top hotels in El Raval I have hand-picked for you:
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Stay Central In El Born
El Born is safe and central, with pedestrian-only streets, making it a good option if youre travelling with small children who like running into busy roads . Part of the old city, its as pretty as a picture with its twisty lanes, beautiful plazas and very own chocolate museum . The barrio is home to Ciutadella Park, with its zoo, fountains and notorious mammoth. Its the perfect place to enjoy a lazy picnic and let the children run riot. Or if you choose to spend a day at the beach, you can wander back to your apartment in only 20-minutes, melting ice-creams in hand.
H10 Hotel Near The Beach
Are you traveling with teenagers who would love to hang at the beach while you explore the city? Then I would really recommend H10 in Vila Olimpica!
It comes with a roof top terrace swimming pool, a relaxing spa and cool rooms with a sea view. The rooms differ a lot, make sure you pick a room with a sea view!
For families traveling with independent teenagers, this is a great idea! You can book a family room or a double room with an extra bed.
Good to know: The sailing boats leave from the port. So from here you are within walking distance. I always recommend Barcelonasailboats.com for sailing trips.
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What Is The Best Neighborhood To Stay In Barcelona
The best neighborhoods in Barcelona are:
- Gothic Quarter – famous old town with the famous Las Ramblas
- El Born – old town
- Eixample around Passeig de Gracia
- Gracia – bohemian and known for bars and cafés
- Barcelona – near the beach
- Sant Antoni – known now as the Hipster area with many good restaurants and bars
Read more details on each area.
Best Hostel In El Raval: Pars Tailors Hostel
Rustic and vintage décor, a chill and relaxed atmosphere, and a phenomenal location are just a few of the reasons this hostel is our top pick for where to stay in El Raval. It has a stylish lounge, a sun-soaked terrace, and a fully equipped modern kitchen. A short walk to bars, restaurants, museums and shops, this hostel is perfectly located for exploring the city.
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Handpicked Accommodations For A Solo Traveler
What would be better than an Airbnb where you can meet a local in one of the hippest and centrally located areas of Barcelona .
We wrote a guide on 43 alternative websites to find Aparments not just Airbnb.
Just make sure you read the comments of the person so you have an idea about their taste, and send them a personalized message for better connection during your trip.
More the hostel type of person? Check out these 3 best hostels in Barcelona.
Where To Stay For The Heart Of The City: Barri Gtic
While some travelers prefer to venture off the hop-on, hop-off approved routes, others enjoy the opportunity to be part of the action. If youre in the latter group, consider staying in the citys Gothic Quarter, Barri Gótic. Here is where youll live amongst history with centuries-old buildings that blend with new construction, and plenty of placas, or plazas, with outdoor seating. You and your companions can nibble your way through the food market, wander your way along winding streets, and shop at endless stores, all within a few blocks of your hotel.
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Where To Stay On The Waterfront
The greatest transformation in Barcelona in recent years has been along the waterfront. Today, harbour and ocean have once again been placed at the heart of the city. Dramatic changes have opened up the old docksides as promenades and entertainment areas, while landscaped beaches can also be found to the north.
Port Vell is the best place for waterfront views. A pleasant walk around the harbour takes you past the marina, where a boat has been converted into a floating bar. The Luz de Gas is a particularly good place for a sundowner.
To the northeast, you will find the 18th-century neighbourhood of Barceloneta, with the harbour on one side and a beach on the other. Exploring tightly packed streets and great seafood restaurants, theres no finer place for lunch on a sunny day.
Further up the coast you will find the showpiece of Port Olímpic, a huge seafront development constructed for the 1992 Olympics. Its emblem is a huge copper fish .
Four- and five-star accommodation can also be found further out at the Diagonal Mar conference and events site. Here you can take in Jacques Herzogs dazzling blue biscuit-tin of a building that hovers, seemingly unsupported, above the ground.
Best for a chic and charming base: Bonic BarcelonaThis urban guest house is just a few steps from the port and Ramblas, with Gothic-Moorish decor and gorgeous tiled floors.
Barrio Gotico / Gothic Quarter Where To Stay In Barcelona For The First Time
Barrio Gotico means the Gothic Quarter and it is actually one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city, also known as the Old City Center. This is a very touristic area, buzzling of shops, museums and events, especially during the summer days!
This is definitely the best area in Barcelona for people who are visiting the city for the very first time!
The famous avenue La Rambla is the center of this neighborhood and you can also find the popular La Boqueria Market there one of the most famous food halls in the entire city where you can go to buy authentic ingredients and food!
This neighborhood is perfect for people who want to do sightseeing, especially those of you who are visiting Barcelona for the very first time. If you stay there, you will be close to the central area and most of the attractions.
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Areas For Young And Single Expats In Barcelona
Esquerra Eixample
South of St Gervasi and nearer to the heart of the old city, Esquerra Eixample is a busy area with many restaurants, bars and shops. Eixample is divided into a right and left-hand section but both have the same octagonal grid formation that typifies Barcelona.
Apartments generally dont have garages, but spaces can sometimes be rented in a nearby parking complex. The FGC suburban train, metro and buses provide good transport links.
There are three buildings designed by Gaudi close by, and La Rambla de Catalunya, with its perfect low-angle view of Mount Tibidabo, is fantastic for walking. Parks and childrens play areas are more scarce here, however, and most recommended schools are in the northwest, so this is a district better suited to expats without children.
Vila Olimpica
Originally built to house athletes for the 1992 Olympics, Vila Olimpica is close to the bars and restaurants of the pleasure port. The beach is easily reachable, and there are opportunities for running, cycling, roller blading, sailing and wind surfing. The area attracts both tourists and locals, and tends to get busy on weekends.
Most apartment buildings here have good light, are three or four floors high and provide a community garden and swimming pool. Quality was sometimes sacrificed in the rush to finish them, and sound insulation can be poor. Nevertheless, rent is expensive.
Icon Bcn By Petit Palace
Not only is ICON BCN in the heart of one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Barcelona, but it is incredibly family-friendly. They offer a variety of rooms from a room with just a full bed to a quadruple room with a queen bed and bunk beds. Bunk beds for kids are always a win! They also offer free wi-fi, free bike rentals, and free Ipads for use during your stay.
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Zona Alta: Pedralbes Sarria And Sant Gervasi
Zona Alta literally means Uptown, which is due to its location in the north of Barcelona.
This area is mostly inhabited and loved by the locals of Barcelona, and it is for several reasons.
It consists of three main neighborhoods: Pedralbes, Sarria and Sant Gervasi, and is bordered by the Diagonal Avenue. The three of them are considered to have probably the best quality of life in the whole city.
Here, there are many green spaces like parks and charming gardens, great choice of high-quality restaurants.
Moreover, the areas are not touristic at all.
It is where a lot of international private schools and universities place their campuses, so the area is a great choice for students coming to spend some time in Barcelona.
The neighborhood can be reached in only about 15-20 minutes from the city center and is very well connected, but maybe not quite as well as other areas on this list.
Zona Alta has much less traffic then the more central areas, and the buildings are renovated.
In general, if you are looking for a quiet place to live, far from the bustle of the city center and with all the main services like gyms and shops available nearby, the area of Pedralbes and Sarria should be at the top of your list.
Among things to see around there is the Torre Bellesguard and Parc de Pedralbes.
Why we recommend living here:
- Beautiful quiet surroundings
Here some of the beautiful architectures of the area:
Bonus : Best Hotels Near Barcelona El Prat Airport
Barcelona El Prat Airport is the main airport in the city and most probably the place where youll land if you arrive to the city by plane. The airport is located 15 km from the city center, which means around 20 minutes by car with no traffic.
In case you have a very late or very early flight, a wise idea would be to book your stay as close to the airport as possible. If you have decided to do so, here are the best airport hotels I have selected for you :
- AC Hotel by Marriott Gava Mar Airport Heres my recommendation for all travelers that are looking for easy access to El Prat Airport while also enjoying a super luxurious stay! This accommodation is very well placed, only 5.5 km from the airport.
- Ciutat del Prat This awesome hotel offers a great value for the money youll be paying and it is also very well located, only 3.2 km from the airport!
- BAH Barcelona Airport Hotel Are you traveling on a tight budget but still looking for an accommodation close to El Prat? No worries, this one is a good choice and its only 2.4 km from the airport.
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Meet The Barcelona Experts
Ashley and Alex are two travelers from California who are addicted to living local. They run the travel blog In Pursuit of Adventure and focus on eating, drinking, and living locally across the globe. They are currently exploring the cuisine and drinks of Cuba before turning their sights to Peru. They also are the authors of Eat Local in Barcelona: A Guide to Catalan Cuisine.
Best Places To Stay In Barri Gotic
luxury
Grand Hotel Central When it comes to grand, this hotel really does fit the bill. Think rooftop infinity pool with views out over the gothic quarter itself and chic, stylish rooms. Its located inside a renovated 20th-century Catalan style building, which just adds to the sense of cool at this 5-star hotel. Everything here is designed for comfort from the showers and the big comfortable beds to the massages on offer here and at the fitness center. It is close to the Santa Caterina Market as well as the Picasso Museum.
midrange
Petit Palace Boqueria Garden More than just a little stylish, this hotel is close to the famous La Bouqueria market, a stones throw from Las Ramblas, plus near to the Niceu metro station, so it boasts a perfect location, too. As for the decor, its simple, its modern, its tasteful overall, with the historic 19th-century architecture left to do all the talking. Theres a hotel bar here inside a courtyard thats decorated with century-old trees. Bonus: rooms here come with iPads and guests also have access to free bicycles.
budget
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Best Hotel In El Born: Hotel Ciutat De Barcelona
Located at the heart of El Born, this three-star hotel is ideally situated for experiencing Barcelonas legendary nightlife scene. It is modern and stylish and boasts comfortable and spacious suites. Guests will love relaxing before a great night out by lounging by the rooftop pool or enjoying a drink at the chic in-house restaurant.
Best Hotel In Barceloneta: Eurostars Grand Marina
Eurostars Grand Marina is one of the best family hotels in Barcelona, and our top choice for places to stay in Barceloneta. This five-star hotel has luxurious rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant. Guests can enjoy free wifi, satellite channels and flat-screen TVs throughout their stay.
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