Barcelona
Where to stay in Barcelona: the best areas and hotels
Narrow lanes in the old town, wide avenues in Eixample or the beach at Barceloneta. Where you stay in Barcelona decides whether your evening ends at a tapas bar around the corner or at a beach bar by the sea. Here are the areas, their pros and cons, and the hotels we recommend.
Barcelona is a city you walk. From the narrow lanes of the old town to the wide avenues of Eixample and the beach at Barceloneta, it is rarely more than half an hour on foot, but every area has its own pace. Stay in the right place and your evenings stretch out and your mornings are easy. Stay in the wrong one and you will be awake at three in the morning.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Short answer: where should you stay in Barcelona?
First visit: Eixample, with wide streets, a short walk to everything and quieter nights.
For atmosphere and lanes: the Gothic Quarter or El Born, in the old town.
For the beach: Barceloneta or the waterfront by Port Olímpic.
For local life: Gràcia, with squares, bars and fewer tourists.
Our three favourites
Classic luxury in Eixample: Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona. See rooms at Mandarin Oriental
In the old town: Hotel Neri, in a medieval palace in the Gothic Quarter. See rooms at Hotel Neri
On the beach: Hotel Arts Barcelona, overlooking the Mediterranean. See rooms at Hotel Arts
Eixample: the grid with Gaudí on the corners
Laid out in the 19th century as a grid of wide streets with cut-off corners, Eixample is home to many of the famous buildings by Gaudí and the modernistas, such as Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. It is central, safe and quieter at night than the old town, and a good first choice.
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona: on Passeig de Gràcia
A luxury hotel with a spa on the city’s most elegant shopping street, a short walk to Casa Batlló.
Book your stay: See rooms at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
Majestic Hotel & Spa: the classic
A grand hotel on Passeig de Gràcia, with a roof terrace looking towards the Sagrada Família.
Book your stay: See rooms at Majestic Hotel & Spa
Cotton House Hotel: in an old textile headquarters
An elegant hotel in a 19th-century building, with a library and rooftop pool.
Book your stay: See rooms at Cotton House Hotel
Sercotel Rosellón: with views of the Sagrada Família
A more affordable hotel right by the basilica, with a roof terrace facing the towers.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sercotel Rosellón
Mandarin Oriental on Passeig de Gràcia.
The Gothic Quarter and El Born: the old town
Here you stay in the medieval city, with the cathedral, small squares and tapas bars on every corner. In return the streets are narrow and lively late into the night, especially at weekends. Ask for a room facing the courtyard if you are a light sleeper.
Hotel Neri: a medieval palace in the Gothic Quarter
A small luxury hotel in a medieval palace on a quiet square behind the cathedral.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Neri
Grand Hotel Central: with a rooftop pool
An elegant hotel on the edge of El Born, with one of the city’s best-known rooftop pools.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grand Hotel Central
Kimpton Vividora: modern in the old town
A design hotel in the Gothic Quarter, with a roof terrace and pool.
Book your stay: See rooms at Kimpton Vividora
La Rambla: in the thick of it, for better and worse
Stay by La Rambla and the city is right outside your door, but so are the crowds and the pickpockets. Many hotels here are good, as long as you know what to expect.
Hotel Bagués: the jewel on La Rambla
A small luxury hotel in an old jeweller’s building, with a rooftop pool.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Bagués
Leonardo Hotel Barcelona Las Ramblas: with a rooftop pool
A more affordable hotel just off La Rambla, with a pool on the roof.
Book your stay: See rooms at Leonardo Hotel Las Ramblas
Barceloneta and the waterfront: for the beach
If you want the beach outside your door, stay on the waterfront. It is further to the old town, but the metro and the seafront promenade link it all together.
Hotel Arts Barcelona: the tower by Port Olímpic
A tall luxury hotel on the beach, with sea views from most rooms.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Arts Barcelona
W Barcelona: the sail in the harbour
The sail-shaped hotel at the tip of Barceloneta, with a beach bar and pool.
Book your stay: See rooms at W Barcelona
Hotel Arts by Port Olímpic.
Gràcia and Poble-sec: local and relaxed
Gràcia was a separate village until the late 19th century and has kept its squares and local feel. Poble-sec at the foot of Montjuïc is known for its tapas street, Carrer de Blai.
Hotel Casa Fuster: modernisme in Gràcia
A luxury hotel in a modernist building from the early 1900s, with a jazz club and roof terrace.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Casa Fuster
Hotel Brummell: boutique in Poble-sec
A small design hotel with a pool, a short walk to Montjuïc and the tapas bars.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Brummell
Before you book
Tourist tax: Barcelona charges a nightly tourist tax, often paid on arrival, on top of the room rate.
Check the noise: The old town is lively at night. Ask for a room facing the courtyard.
Watch your valuables: Pickpocketing is common on La Rambla and on the metro.
Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Barcelona
Which area is best for first-time visitors?
Eixample, because it is central, safe and quieter at night than the old town.
Is it safe to stay near La Rambla?
Yes, but pickpocketing is common. Keep a close eye on your valuables, especially in crowds.
Where can you stay near the beach in Barcelona?
In Barceloneta or by Port Olímpic, home to Hotel Arts and W Barcelona among others.