Where To Stay In Barcelona On Your First Trip

It is always nice to have a game plan when you are visiting a new city for the first time. If you decide to head out on vacation to the popular capital of Catalonia in Spain and don’t have any sort of plan on where to stay in Barcelona or know what places are the safest places and areas, then you might find yourself overwhelmed upon arrival. 

Barcelona city is a very big place with plenty of safe and some rather dangerous areas to be. I want to tell you about the safest areas to stay in Barcelona, and what they can offer.

No matter if you travel as a couple, family, or even solo, here’s all you need to know about where to stay in Barcelona depending on what you're looking for, party, sightseeing, being close to the beach or in a quiet area.

The best area to stay in Barcelona is in the center, although there are areas along the beach that are great as well.

The center of Barcelona is:

• Gothic Quarter
• El Born
• Eixample

They are properly the best neighborhoods in Barcelona. All three locations have something different to offer, and we will go over them more in detail later, but they are at the very heart of Barcelona. Not only are they safe, but they offer the most convenience for public transportation, restaurants, and sights to see. As you can imagine, there are a lot of hotels in Barcelona City Centre, for any budget!

So let’s get started with the best neighborhoods you in Barcelona to stay for first-timers depending on your needs, and what each location has to offer for you.

Best neighbourhood in Barcelona to stay for first timers: Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter or Barri Gotic is a great place for families. It offers sights to see for families, family-friendly restaurants, and places to take your kids when you want to unwind and they want to play.

This is also the historical and geographic area, which means it has a lot of beauty to offer if you are someone who just loves learning about the history of a place and sightseeing some original structures. It’s just a lovely area for walking.

Not only are the streets littered with great places to eat and shop, the center of Gothic Quarter is only a 20-minute walk in either direction to other very popular neighborhoods. This is where you should stay in Barcelona with kids.

Let’s look at some of the best hotels that will fit into any traveler's budget.

The Best Hotels In The Gothic Quarter

Luxury: Grand Hotel Central

This hotel is great for all kinds of travelers. It offers a great rooftop pool for kids and adults alike, a free minibar that is stocked with snacks for the kids and more adult beverages for mom and dad, a gym, a spa, and so much more.

If you want to unwind after a long day in the city, this is just the place for you. The kids can relax at the pool or use the free WiFi, and you can take the stress off with a nice massage. This hotel is on the more luxury side and is more suited for those who travel with deeper pockets.

Mid-Range: Duquesa de Cardona 4* Sup

This is a nice mid-range hotel for someone who wants some luxury items but doesn’t want to pay big luxury pricing.

This hotel is located a little closer to the beach as well, which makes it ideal for someone who might want to spend more time out that way. It offers free WiFi, bathrobe and slippers, and a fully stocked minibar plus a nice rooftop.

Budget: Petit Palace Boqueria Garden

The Petit Palace Boqueria Garden is more on our budget side of hotels, but it is still very nice. It is in a 19th-century historic building, making it very beautiful.

It offers a bar set in the private courtyard and a garden with trees over a hundred years old. One thing the hotel is missing is a pool, but if you are here to spend most of your time in the city, you shouldn’t miss the pool that much. The rooms are of average size as well and offer your tradition amenities such as a flat-screen TV, a safe, and a refrigerator.

Best Area To Stay In Barcelona For Nightlife: The Famous La Rambla

La Rambla isn’t so much a location as it is a street in the heart of Barcelona. It has a very popular nightlife and is great for couples or singles, but it isn’t a very family-friendly location. It also isn’t the safest place to stay.

It is better to pick a hotel a little way off of La Rambla and walk or take transportation there if you wish to get your party on while in Barcelona. It is the street that never sleeps.

Beware of pickpockets and drug dealers while here. I actually wouldn’t advise to get an actual hotel on this street, even though this is the best area to stay in Barcelona for nightlife. Instead, let’s look at a few hotels just to the right of the street that will give you a much better experience.

The Best Hotels Near La Rambla

Luxury: Short Stay Group Portaferrissa Serviced Apartments

Now I know what you are thinking, short stay apartments are the worse. Actually, they aren’t that bad. This is a nice luxury option for those who want more out of their trip, although it still isn’t that pricey.

This apartment comes furnished, offers a private kitchen, and also gets amazing reviews. The apartments are great for couples who want privacy and a central location to the nightlife. It will be a safe place to stay within walking distance to all the action.

Mid-Range: H10 Raco del Pi

This is a mid-range option that would be great for history lovers. It is located inside a 19th-century building with beautiful architectural details. It offers a 9.5 rating, free breakfast, wifi, private parking, and a bar. It is a great place for a couple to unwind after their long day or get their night started before heading to Las Rambla.

Budget: Hotel Adagio

Hotel Adagio is your best budget-friendly option if you want to be close to La Rambla, but not on the actual street. It gets great reviews from couples, singles, and families.

You can walk to the hotel easily from La Rambla and the staff is super friendly!

What Area To Stay In Barcelona For Culture & History: El Raval

El Raval is the place to stay if you are looking to experience the most out of the city’s culture. It has plenty of ethnic food joints, value bars, and sights you won’t get anywhere else. There are also quite a few museums if you are looking to really looking to dive into Catalan culture and history.

There is one downside to El Raval. It might not be the most dangerous place in Barcelona, but it is known for a lot of petty crime. Watch out for uber-friendly people, and if you are traveling with a family, you might want to stay clear of this area.

The Best Hotels In El Raval

Luxury: Old Town Ramblas Apartments

These apartments are more luxury places to stay, as rooms can go above a grand a night, but they are well worth the price. They are very central to the area and within walking distances of a lot of great food, music, and bars.

The apartments also have wonderfully placed balconies so that you can enjoy your breakfast with a view in the mornings. These apartments are fully furnished and come with a spacious bathroom and kitchen. Great for multiple people traveling together.

Mid-Range: My Address in Barcelona Downtown

My Address in Barcelona Downtown is a mid-range apartment that comes with free WiFi and also within walking distance of many restaurants in El Raval as well as public transport.

The apartments come with a living area that features a flat screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen for those days you just want to unwind after exploring all the sights and sounds of Barcelona.

Budget: Ramblas Suites

This is a budget option for anyone wanting to stay central, but also wants to keep more money in their pocket to spend on food and experiences.

You will get a comfortable place to stay, free WiFi, and all your traditional amenities that one can expect with other hotels. Just don’t expect any fluffy robes and slippers.

Best Place To Stay In Barcelona Shopping: El Born

El Born is a great place for someone to get the most out of their vacation and maybe even spend a little more money on the finer things in life. It has plenty of boutique shopping and nice bars to keep you busy all day. It also offers tasteful street art and music that you can enjoy while strolling the streets.

It is one of the safest places in Barcelona and is very central to anything else you might consider spending your time doing. This is where to stay in Barcelona is you like to do a lot of shopping.

The Best Hotels In El Born

Luxury: Deco Apartments Barcelona-Born Apt.

These are great luxury apartments for anyone who might be traveling alone or with a partner. They only offer one and three-bedroom apartments, but they are equipped with modern facilities and beautiful decor.

Deco Apartments is also very central to a lot of shopping in El Born. It is probably the best hotel to stay in Barcelona for shopping. It is located in a more pricey area, but it is worth it if you like the finer things in life.

Mid-Range: K+K Hotel Picasso El Born

The K+K Hotel Picassco El Born is considered one of the best hotels in Barcelona, Spain. It has a rooftop swimming pool, indoor restaurant, free WiFi, and so much more. It is a great place to stay with a family as it offers accommodations that will keep both the kids happy and the parents.

There is really no better place to unwind after a long day of shopping in Barcelona. It is also priced more towards the mid-range of hotels, which makes it great if you're looking to save a little money.

Budget: Residencia Universitaria La Ciutadella

Need to save even more money? I got you covered. The Residencia Universitaria La Ciutadella is a great budget-friendly option. It is located within walking distance of El Born and the beach.

This makes it ideal for someone who might want to get more out of their vacation experience than just the shopping and food that El Born offers. This is also a great place to stay for students coming to Barcelona.

Where To Stay In Barcelona By The Beach: Barceloneta

Barceloneta is great if you're looking for a stay close to the beach, but that is about it. There aren’t a lot of other attractions, most of the hotels are similar, and everything gets crowded fast, especially in summer! Spanish people just really like the beach.

There are some really great local bars and seafood restaurants, but the beach is really the main attraction here. It is a great place to take your family for a day in the sun. Additionally, you can walk into the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla in about 15 minutes.

Here are some Barcelona beach hotels.

The Best Hotels In Barceloneta

Luxury: W Barcelona

This is probably one of the most expensive hotels of all on our list, but it is well worth the money. It sits directly on the beach, and if you get a room facing the beach, you will get a wonderful view in the morning.

It is also way from all the noise of the main street. Known for its celebrity treatment, you can expect fluffy robes, slippers, a luxury rooftop bar, and so much more.

Mid-Range: Pullman Barcelona Skipper

The Pullman Barcelona Skipper is in the mid-range option for staying right by the beach. Being Barceloneta, the main beach of Barcelona, it is still a little on the pricier side of things. It offers a rooftop pool, a lounge area, and very spacious rooms. It also faces away from the main street, so there will be less noise at the end of the day in this very busy area.

Budget: Residencia Universitaria Campus del Mar

This is a very budget-friendly hotel that will save you money that you can better spend on your vacation.

It is located very close to the beach, but it is probably one of the noisier options. You will also want to book in advance since it is one of our less expensive options that gets booked fast. You’ll get a fitness center, a kitchen, and a very comfortable bed.

The Safest Area To Stay In Barcelona: Eixample

Eixample is modern and full of trendy bars and restaurants and other attractions, and a very safe place to stay. It is a great place to stay if you plan on spending your day walking around and sightseeing and shopping.

There are a few cons. It isn’t close to the beach, and it features little historical charm unlike the Gothic Quarter. The streets can also get a little confusing if you don’t bring your Google Maps along.

The Best Hotels In Eixample

Luxury: Roof Top Barcelona

Our luxury option, Roof Top Barcelona is just as lovely as it sounds. It has a great balcony with a wonderful view of the city and furniture that will make you feel as if you are staying at a 5-star resort.

It comes highly recommended and is great for couples, singles, and families.

Mid-Range: Casa Mathilda

Case Mathilda is located within walking distance to everything in Eixample. Gaudi’s La Pedrera is just about 250 meters from this hotel.

Set in an old historic building, all rooms come with mods and cons, some even with terrace access and city views. A beautiful Catalan-style breakfast is served every morning.

Budget: STAY Girona

Stay Girona is a little of a walk to the main parts of Eixample, but it is very budget-friendly. It still has a very luxury feel for the price.

You’ll have your own little place to eat in, a very comfortable bed, and a view of the city around you. There is no need to give up comfort just to save money when you stay at STAY Girona.

The Most Local And Relaxed Area To Stay In Barcelona: Gracia

Gracia has some of the best places to stay in Barcelona if you are looking for a place to unwind and relax. There are no chain restaurants or noisy bars to fill the silence. It is also one of the closest neighborhood to the famous Parc Güell.

Gracia is the place in Barcelona where you should stay if you want some more peace and quiet and a local feeling. You can practice your Spanish ordering a nice cup of coffee at a local shop and enjoy a cold beer at a cosy restaurant.

The Best Hotels In Gracia

Luxury: Casa Vilaro Park Guell

This hotel offers a beautiful pool surrounded by plants and green grass, a sun terrace, and free WiFi. It is also located very close to Gaudi’s Park Guell.

This makes it ideal for someone who wants to relax on their vacation. It is perfect for families, singles, and couples alike. There is even kitchens, dishwashers, and washer and dryers located in every villa.

Mid-Range: Blackandwhitehome Gracia

This place offers more of an apartment feel. Being mid-range, they don’t offer as many amenities as our previous option, but it will still provide a relaxing stay. There is a kitchen and lounge area in each room, and it is highly rated among those who previously chose to stay.

Budget: Residència Erasmus

Residencia Eramus is our most budget-friendly option for this area. It has free WiFi and a private bathroom for each room. It is a historical building that offers some beautiful features in every room.

Within walking distance to the city and many restaurants as well, so perfect if you are traveling as a single or just a couple looking to relax after the day of sightseeing, this hotel will get the job done.

Where To Stay In Barcelona On A Budget: Sant Antoni

Sant Antoni should be considered a budget-friendly location in Barcelona. It offers cheaper places to eat and shop. It also doesn’t have many tourists flocking in the area.

Since there are not many tourist attractions, there aren’t a lot of hotels to stay at in the area. This means you’ll want to book somewhere little more in advance.

The Best Hotels In Sant Antoni

Luxury: You Stylish Boutique Apartments

You Stylish Boutique Apartments deserves its spot on our luxury hotel list. It offers fully furnished and spacious 3-bedroom apartments to stay close to Magic Fountain and Montjuic in Barcelona. There is free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. It is probably one of the best locations to stay if you have a family.

Mid-Range: Spanish Siesta

This is our mid-range option, and it is a very short walk into the heart of the neighborhood. Sant Antoni doesn’t offer too many different hotels in the area, so if you are looking to save a little money, you might have to consider walking. This hotel features more of an apartment feel. There is a living room setting, an eat-in area, and a very comfortable bed.

If you want something cheaper than Spanish Siesta, you might have to consider a longer walk. There aren’t too many different options for hotels in the Sant Antoni area.

The Best Place To Stay In Barcelona For Village Atmosphere & Local Food: El Poble Sec

Sant Antoni should be considered a budget-friendly location in Barcelona. It offers cheaper places to eat and shop. It also doesn’t have many tourists flocking in the area.

Since there are not many tourist attractions, there aren’t a lot of hotels to stay at in the area. This means you’ll want to book somewhere little more in advance.

The Best Hotels In Poble Sec

Since this area doesn’t offer much variety when it comes to hotel options, here is a more luxurious place to stay and something that will save you a little money.

Luxury: Tendency Plaza Espana

This isn’t really a luxury hotel, but it is one of the more expensive ones in the area. You’ll still get a great view and a comfortable bed to stay. It offers great walking distance to the attractions in Poble Sec.

They also advertise that most of the staff is fluent in English. I don’t know about you, but this goes a long way in making me feel more comfortable in place.

Mid-Range: Charming Flats by Aspasios

Charming Flats by Aspasios offers free WiFi and a comfortable place to relax at the end of the day. It is fairly central on the border between Eixample and Poble Sec, which means you can walk to everything.

There isn’t too much to the rooms, but you will get a place to eat your breakfast, a place to lounge, and a private bathroom.

They also advertise that most of the staff is fluent in English. I don’t know about you, but this goes a long way in making me feel more comfortable in place.

The Best Hotels In Poble Nou

There aren’t too many different options for hotels in Poble Nou (yet), but most are very budget-friendly. If you want a cheaper place to stay on the beach than Barceloneta, this is where you can find the best places to stay.

Luxury: Hotel Arts Barcelona

Since Poble Nou is a cheaper area, you can get the luxury feel without the luxury price tag. Hotel Arts has a lounge area, rooms with large, comfortable beds, and a stone’s throw to the beach.

It also has a very nice pool just in case you want to escape the crowds at the beach. It is great for families as well. They offer cribs and infant beds for your convenience.

Budget: Lugaris Beach

This is another hotel that is great for families. The rooms have a living area, an eat-in section, large beds, and there is a pool with views to the ocean.

It is a little more budget-friendly than the previous but offers just as many great options. It is also located right on Bogatell Beach.

The Best Place To Stay In Barcelona For Culture, History & Nature: Montjuic

Montjuic is a more laid back area in Barcelona. It offers museums, sporting facilities, and a lot of natural landscape. Here you won’t find as many as tourists, and you’ll be able to experience of the culture that the locals actually enjoy day to day.

It offers something for couples, singles, and families as well as activities to fit everyone’s budget.

The Best Hotels In Montjuic

The area doesn’t offer much in the way of hotels since it doesn’t have a high number of tourist attractions, but below are our choices.

Mid-Range: Apartment Déu Del Remei

This is a well-priced hotel that will give you luxury feels. The apartments have a living area, an eat-in section and separate bedroom. It is also very central to the Montjuic area and mountain where you can easily walk to.

Budget-Friendly: Fira Poble Sec

Is a very budget-friendly option for a hotel in Montjuic just 200 meters to the main street.

Since the area doesn’t have many tourist attractions, there aren’t very many hotels. This hotel however will give you a private kitchen, a beautiful view, and a comfortable place to spend your nights.

It can be very stressful to know where exactly to stay when visiting a new city for the first time. If you don’t know anything about the area, you can end up in a part of Barcelona that isn’t pretty, full of tourists or experience pickpocketing.

This guide is here to help you find a place that fits your needs and will keep you safe while you travel to Spain.