Barcelona’s best neighborhoods

Barcelona is divided into ten districts, each of which in turn has its own barrios (neighborhoods). The districts that attract by far the most tourists are Ciutat Vella and Eixample, and to a lesser extent Gràcia, Sants-Montjuïc, Les Corts and Sant Martí.

But what are the nicest neighborhoods to stay and enjoy exploring? And how do you know which neighborhood appeals to you? I’ll give you an overview of all neighborhoods and tell you more about my favorites in this article.

Contents

Barcelona’s best neighborhoods to reside and explore

If you scroll further down you will find all the districts and corresponding neighborhoods listed, but to give you a quick overview of the nicest areas of Barcelona and the neighborhoods you should be in as a visitor, I have made a top 8.

1. Barri Gòtic

Barri Gòtic Cathedral Barcelona
Gothic Cathedral
The oldest part of the city, here you can almost feel the history. The Gothic Quarter is cozy with its many streets and you will find many stores.

2. El Born

el borne centro cultural CCM Barcelona
Barcelona’s Soho with hip boutiques and restaurants on its medieval streets. Wander around El Born and be surprised.

3. Eixample

Eixample neighborhood Barcelona
Eixample is divided into 6 different neighborhoods. You can find good shopping and a lot of different restaurants and bars.

4. La Barceloneta

Barceloneta at Barcelona
In this former fishing district located by the sea, go to the beach or eat delicious tapas (or paella). Lovely for a nice walk on the beach.

4. Gràcia

Gracia square bench Barcelona
A village in the city with fine squares, alternative restaurants and great places to shop. Park Güell is not far from here.

5. Poblenou

poble nou cemetery Barcelona
Cementeri de l’Est
This old industrial district is now the place for startups and tech companies. This quiet neighborhood is home to Barcelona’s oldest cemetery.

7. Poble-Sec

terrace in poble sec Barcelona
Poble-Sec is near Montjuïc, which you should definitely visit for its views, museums and gardens.

8. El Raval

hospital Raval Barcelona Courtyard
Antiguo Hospital de la Santa Creu
The city’s most multicultural neighborhood is right in the middle of the historic center. Dive into neighboring Sant Antoni, the neighborhood for foodies, too.

Curious to know my favorite neighborhood?
I have lived in several places in the city in recent years (I have lived in Barcelona since 2002): Gràcia, L’Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample, Poble-sec, El Raval, La Dreta de l’Eixample and El Barri Gòtic, where I currently live, in the middle of the city. All of them delightful places. Although the Gothic Quarter and El Born have truly stolen my heart, I also love to visit Sant Antoni, Montjuïc and Poblenou.