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!
Best Airbnb In Barrio Gotico: Double Bunk Bed Home For Location Obsessed Backpackers
Perfectly situated for exploration in its spectacular location! This charming loft in the heart of Borne has walkable access to most of Barcelonas major sites. With a double bunk bed and modern amenities, its perfect for guests with a hankering to explore the treats of Barcelona. Its right in the city centre within walking distance of places like La Rambla, The Gothic Quarter, the Picasso museum and heaps of tapas bars.
Where To Stay In Barcelona: Barcelona Accommodation Guide
Now that you know all about the best Barcelona neighborhoods to stay in, lets jump into the best Barcelona accommodation. From easy on the budget hostels and cozy boutique hotels to luxury five-star hotels and apartment rentals weve covered them all. If theres also a specific feature that youre looking for, then check out our unique accommodation guide that highlights a few properties with specific features from the best swimming pools to the best city views.
Recommended Reading: Houghton Mi Lodging
Beach Hotels In Barcelona
Its time to put on flip-flops!
Barcelona has a wide and long beach area. So of course you might be interested in staying directly at the beach.
Update: I wrote a complete guide to best beach hotels in Barcelona here.
I created yet another handy map with all beaches and added my favorite beach hotels in Barcelona. I also include beach hostels and other options.
The two beach districts in Barcelona are:
- Barceloneta
- La Vila Olimpica
- Poble Nou
- Diagonal mar y Front Maritim del Poble Nou
I marked them in the map below. I also highlighted my recommended apartments and hotels in red.
All the beaches in Barcelona are :
- Platja de Sant Sebastià
- Budget Hotel: Hotel 54 Barceloneta
Why Avoid El Raval

Despite being far removed from its history, there are still some relatively unsafe areas in this part of the city and pickpocketing is quite high. Its generally very safe and a tremendously popular but a good thing to be aware of. Due to the drinking culture here, it can get rowdy and perhaps isnt an area suited to families.
Also Check: Cheap Hotels Near Bradenton Fl
Best Hotel In Barrio Gotico: Regencia Colon Hotel
Thanks to its central location near La Rambla, Regencia Colon Hotel is our top choice for where to stay in Barrio Gotico. Close to restaurants, cafes and tourist attractions. This three-star hotel is within walking distance from the citys top sights such as plaça de Catalunya and The Gothic Quarter. It has an on-site restaurant, a stylish lounge, and each room is outfitted with modern amenities so youll never need to leave the hotel room! You probably still should though
Best Hotel In Barcelona: Musik Boutique Hotel
Thanks to its chic and modern décor and its central location, Musik Boutique Hotel is our top pick for where to stay in Barcelona. Situated at the centre of El Born, this three-star hotel is close to restaurants, bars, and the citys top nightlife spots. It has spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and a stylish on-site lounge.
You May Like: Places To Stay In Winthrop
Where To Stay In Barcelona: The Gothic Quarter Is The Best Area To Stay For First
Visitors to Barcelona love staying in the Gothic Quarter, and its easy to see why: youre right in the middle of the action, its flanked on each side by a metro line, and its absolutely stunning! The Gothic Quarter is heavily pedestrianized, is full of beautiful plazas, has vibrant nightlife , and a mix of boutique and international shopping .
If you stay in the Gothic Quarter, youll be in the heart of tourist Barcelona this is not a popular area for locals to live because it lacks basics like supermarkets . Still, if youre here for a visit Im guessing supermarkets arent high on your list of must-sees.
I stayed in the Gothic Quarter myself on my very first trip to Barcelona and loved it. If youre in Barcelona for a few days, and your priority is to sightsee and take in the citys highlights, consider staying in the Gothic Quarter.
H10 Raco del Pi A charming 3-star option in a fantastic location only 3 minutes walk from the Cathedral, the historic building dates from the 1800s. Comfortable rooms with wide-plane wooden floors , and a bright, fresh look to them. Great marks for staff, location, and value vs. cost of a room. Solid choice.
Check Availability & Prices on
Park Güell, , and used w/ a Creative Commons Zero License.
La Vila Olmpica Where To Stay In Barcelona For Beach Time
The site of the 1992 Olympic Village, La Vila Olímpica lends a slower pace to Barcelonas otherwise hurried tempo.
With its posh Port of Olímpic complex and its sizable selection of casual and high-end dining establishments, cocktail lounges, karaoke bars, and live music venues set just off Nova Icària Beach, this Sant Martí district is the perfect locale for a low-key getaway or romantic retreat.
Located on a former derelict industrial plot, the construction of La Vila Olímpica was an enormous undertaking at the time, bringing a great deal of attention to Barcelona.
Today the original factory chimneys can be seen among the housing blocks and designated Olympic buildings, with the skyscraper duo Torre Mapfre and Hotel Arts, which overlook the marina, making for an unforgettable view.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PAZA VILA OLIMPICA
Don’t Miss: Staying In God’s Presence
Where Should I Stay In Barcelona For The First Time
The best area is around Passeig de Gracia, Gothic Quarter and in El Born. It has direct access to many sights, and you are in walking distance to metro stops, great bars and restaurants.
If you have any more questions, please please please drop a comment below! I will reply instantly in person, promised!
Where To Stay And The Best Hotels In Barcelona In 2022
Heading to Barcelona and unsure where to stay? We get it. Often, finding a great hotel at a great price in the right area is difficult and stressful. Dont worry because weve created a guide of the best areas to choose from and the best hotels in multiple price ranges in Barcelona. Enjoy!
Pro Tip: Bookmark this article and our page dedicated to planning your trip to Barcelona in your internet browser. This way you can circle back to it while you plan. Also, check out our tours in Barcelona. They have thousands of five-star reviews from customers that loved our tour guides.
You May Like: Winthrop Wa Places To Stay
How To Get To Montserrat Mountain From Barcelona
You dont need an organized tour to go to Montserrat. The journey will be a combination of train + cable car OR train + funicular.
In both cases, you will have to Plaça Espanya and hop on a Rodalies Line R5 train to Manresa. When buying your ticket, you will need to specify if you want the Cable Car or the Cremallera funicular version of your Montserrat ticket. These are not interchangeable.
If you buy a cable car version you CANT use it on the Cremallera funicular and vice versa. In other words:
- 1. Leave at Aeri station and take a scary 5-min cable-car ride to the top. The most spectacular ride.
- 2. Leave at Cremallera station and take a comfortable 23-min funicular ride to the top. Take this if youre afraid of heights like me.
You can also drive to Montserrat . You can park at the bottom of the mountain and take the cable car or drive directly to the monastery.
More Barcelona Trip Planning Resources

If you want more posts and resources to plan your time in Barcelona, Id recommend checking out our Barcelona Expert Jessicas Best of Barcelona section for ideas about what to do, where to eat, etc. Nick and Laura of Savored Journeys also have a fantastic visual guide to Barcelona that you can download and take with you.
Finally, if youre interested in a more personal account of what Barcelona is all about, and how expectations can set you up for disappointment on your travels, Lyn from A Hole in My Shoe has a good post about how she didnt love Barcelona at first. Kind of a good second opinion on a city many people love right of the bat.
Also Check: Places To Stay In Winthrop Wa
Safest Barcelona Area To Stay In
The areas we mentioned above are well lit with plenty of people around at all hours. There is a pickpocketing problem in the city due to its popularity as a tourist destination however if you follow our Barcelona safety tips you will be well prepared for a safe visit to the city.
We hope you found this page helpful to choose the best location to stay on your visit to Barcelona.
Where To Stay In Barcelona Conclusion
Again, if for some reason you havent found the best area to stay in Barcelona for you then make sure you get in touch using the comment box below.
I am more than happy to find you a place to stay if you tell me the kind of holiday youre looking for, what you want to see most etc.
Also dont be afraid to join the area discussion by first and then joining my group Im Off to Barcelona here you can ask any questions, air out grievances, and chat with thousands of Barcelona travelers.
Anything goes!
Don’t Miss: Vacation Rentals Houghton Mi
Barcelonas 5 Best Neighbourhoods To Stay In
Barcelonas robust public transport network stretches throughout the city. No matter where you stay in Barcelona, youll be able to explore the various neighbourhoods and districts with relative ease.
However, some areas of the city are better suited to certain interests than others and finding the best place to stay in Barcelona for your vibe might be overwhelming Its a big city! Do you want the bars and clubs just minutes from your hotel? Perhaps you want to enjoy the citys best up-and-coming areas?
Or, maybe you want to lounge on the beach without having to walk too far All of these things are possible if you choose the right area to stay in Barcelona.
Here are the top five neighbourhoods in Barcelona broken down by interest.
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.
Also Check: Bed And Breakfast Winthrop Wa
Where To Stay In El Raval
The old-town area west of the Ramblas is known as El Raval . El Raval has always formed a world apart from nobler Barri Gòtic in medieval times, it was the site of hospitals, churches and monasteries. By the 20th century it had acquired a reputation as the citys main red-light district. Today it is known to all as the Barri Xinès China Town.
Over the last two decades, however, the district has changed markedly. This is particularly the case in the upper Raval around Barcelonas contemporary art museum, MACBA. Cutting-edge galleries, designer restaurants and fashionable bars are all part of the scene these days.
Youd hesitate to call El Raval gentrified, as it clearly still has its rough edges. Dont be unduly concerned during the day as you make your way around. It’s best to keep your wits about you at night, though, particularly in the southernmost streets.
Best for staying in a local landmark: Barceló RavalThe USP of this hotel is its 360-degree top-floor terrace with plunge pool and sensational city views. Rooms are refined and open-plan with space-station-style sheen.
Best for sumptuous style: Hotel España RamblasTheres been no more anticipated hotel opening in recent times. The revamped interior of this Modernista icon has no equal in Barcelona.
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 swimming pool or enjoying a drink at the chic in-house restaurant. Its a great luxury hotel on a budget and a perfect base when visiting Barcelona.
Read Also: Chewuch Inn Winthrop Wa
The 21 Best Day Trips From Barcelona
Catalonia has a strong mix of culture, architecture and natural beauty that is a shame to be overlooked. There are many convenient Barcelona day trips for all kind of travelers and tastes, including beaches, ski resorts, mountains, medieval villages or amusement parks. Here are my 21 favorites day trips from Barcelona!
Although there are world-class tourist attractions and a lot of things to do and to see in Barcelona, I can safely say one of the perks of living here is all the different day trips you can do around Barcelona.
Ive picked some of the best 21 best day trips from Barcelona that you can travel independently . Ive also added a list of the best beaches near Barcelona further down the bottom. Enjoy!
Where To Stay In El Born

H10 Port Vell 4* Sup
H10 Port Vell is just 250 yards from Port Vell Harbour. This 4-star hotel features a rooftop chill-out terrace with swimming pool and fantastic views.
K+K Hotel Picasso El Born
K+K Hotel Picasso is set opposite Ciutadella Park. This boutique hotel features a rooftop swimming pool, a restaurant and stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Park Hotel
Located in Barcelonas trendy Born district, Park Hotel offers stylish accommodation just 10 minutes’ walk from Barceloneta Beach, opposite to Estació de França Station.
Recommended Reading: Vrbo Houghton Mi
Best Hotels In Gracia
This large, five-star hotel can be found just outside Gràcia in the neighborhood of Eixample, but its Gràcia-adjacent location and position on the infamous Passeig de Gràcia make it too perfect to pass on.
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 75
Casa Bella Gracia
In the middle of Gràcia, not too far from Park Güell, is Casa Bella Gràcia. This property caters to traveling groups of all sizes. Depending on how many kiddos youre taking with you on the plane, consider booking the superior family suite, which comes with everything and anything your group needs for a happy stay.
Address: Carrer de Sant Agustí, 4
Eixample Upscale Area Where To Stay In Barcelona For Shopping
Casa Mila
The expansive and upscale neighborhood of Eixample offers the best shopping, hotels, tapas bars, cocktail bars, restaurants, and Modernist architecture in the city. Passeig de Gràcia is the heart of Eixample where you can find most of the international designer shops in Barcelona, also couples of Gaudis buildings, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló
Locally known as the Modernist Quarter, Eixample is famous for its Modernist buildings, best represented by the local district hall, the Casa Mila, and the Temple Expiatori . Casa Mila was the last residence designed by Antoni Gaudi and was completed just before World War I.
There is a planned street grid with long wide avenues and square blocks. Part of Eixample is a wealthy residential area for those wanting to live close to the heart of Barcelona. There is also La Sagrada Familia within Eixample. The area surrounding Gaudis masterpiece is one of those affluent areas.
Eixample has plenty of choices when it comes to accommodation. It includes good budget options, boutique hotels, and luxury. The district is a popular choice in Barcelona because of its central location.
More than 3 million visitors go to La Sagrada Familia each year. Other Gaudi buildings such as Casa Mila are famous Barcelona landmarks and booking accommodation nearby makes sense.
You also can explore the largest and best-known flea market Mercat Els Encants, and one of the most beautiful monuments in the entire city Barcelonas own Arc de Triomf.
Read Also: Activities In Winthrop Wa