Guide To Barcelona's Neighbourhoods (Barrios)

This page has links to descriptions for each of Barcelona's main neighbourhoods (Barrios). We have also included a few links to popular areas that are not classed as a Barrio but are popular areas for tourist to visit. You will find out exactly what each Barrio / Area is like and what it has to offer you on your visit. Each page also has a list of selected hotels in that area to make it easier for you to find accommodation in each of the Areas. Look out for the accommodation graphic.

Barceloneta Barrio - this area is home to Barcelona's closest beach to the city centre. Popular with families and tourists who want good access to the centre of the city but away from the hustle and bustle of the heart of the city centre.

Barcelona Sants Neighbourhood: - The area of Sants itself doesn’t have that many attractions and is quite residential however the ease with which you can travel to areas of interest is a plus point. Accommodation tends to be cheaper in this Barrio.

Bogatell / Ciutadella Areas - This area offer ready access to Barcelona's Bogatell Beach and Port Olympic area. It has good connections to the city centre via the Yellow line metro and it's only a 10 minute metro ride into the heart of the city centre.

Eixample District (Left and right) - Some of Barcelona's best shopping is found in this Barrio. It also has many bars and restaurants along with modernist architecture e.g. Gaudi's Casa Battlo, Casa Mila and Sagrada Familia. This Barrio is also characterized by a busy grid-like road system.

El Born Barrio - Offers culture and traditional buildings close to Barcelona centre. The area is close to the beach, and has good night life, restaurants and bars.

El Raval Neighbourhood Controversial area in Barcelona, probably more suitable for seasoned travelers. Raval is an interesting and exciting area in Barcelona however it also has its darker and seedy side that you ought to be aware of. It is certainly not the safest or the cleanest area in Barcelona but it does have a special personality and character all of its own that makes this area a compelling visit.

Gothic Quarter - Barri Gotic Quarter - The "old city" in the very heart of Barcelona and the "original" Barcelona where the city all started. This area is characterized by winding cobbled ancient streets, wonderfully picturesque architecture, great restaurants and cafes full of atmosphere.

Gracia Barrio - Gracia was an independent town until the late 19th century and even now the community is small and tight. However despite the trendy nature of Gracia it is also a very traditional barrio with a large elderly population which makes for an amusing and odd mix - and very entertaining people-watching!

Les Corts District - Les Corts is an important financial business district in Barcelona and therefore has many good hotels and restaurants but not so much in the way of tourist attractions.  Also, on Diagonal there is a large shopping complex called L´Illa.  In L´Illa there are several very good restaurants, a huge supermarket, a small exhibition centre and of course lots of clothes shops

Montjuic - Picturesque Montjuic characterized by the fabulous views of the city when you get to the top of the mountain (more a hill really!) Tourist attractions include the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, MNAC museum, and Poble Espanyol. Barcelona Olympic stadium is only a short walk away.

Placa Espanya And around The main draw to Placa Espanya is the Palau Nacional which is the Museum of Catalan art, stands regally up on the side of Montjuic.  It’s stunning and there is never a better time to see it than when it is lit up at night with the Magic Fountain in front.  The Magic Fountain is a free music and light show based around the fountains and takes place from Thurs until Sunday from 10:00 -12:00.

Poble Sec - Not much in the way of tourist attractions in this area but you will find that accommodation prices are lower and since the heart of the city centre is only a 10 minute ride by metro you have excellent transport to the rest of the city.

La Rambla Guide - La Rambla is Barcelona's most famous street. It runs along the Barrios of the Barri Gotic Barrio ( Gothic Quarter or old town Barcelona) on one side and the El Raval on the other.

Port Olympic - Modern and stylish area in Barcelona with ready access to Barcelona's beaches. This area benefited from the Olympic Games area regeneration program.

Related Pages

Barcelona Hotel Reviews - Read our independent reviews of over 100 Barcelona hotels