7 Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona for Digital Nomads (And Where to Avoid)

Barcelona is a digital nomad’s dream. With its sunny beaches, vibrant culture, and thriving international scene, it’s no wonder remote workers from all over the world flock to this Spanish gem.

But with so many great Barcelona neighborhoods to choose from, where should you set up your home office?

As a digital nomad that lives in Barcelona, I’ve got the inside scoop on the best neighborhoods for digital nomads visiting this lively city.

In this guide, I’ll share the best neighborhoods in Barcelona that offer the perfect balance of work and play for remote workers, as well as a few places you’ll definitely want to avoid.

Ready to find your perfect digital nomad home in Barcelona? Let’s get started!

Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona for Digital Nomads

These are the best neighborhoods for Barcelona digital nomads:

1. Eixample

Eixample (pronounced “Ey-sham-pluh”) is the heart of Barcelona and my top pick for the best neighborhood in Barcelona for digital nomads.

It is one of Barcelona’s most iconic neighborhoods, known for its grid-like streets and stunning Modernist architecture.

If you love wide boulevards and grand buildings, Eixample will steal your heart. When I first saw the elegant buildings in Eixample, I completely fell in love!

You’ve got tree-lined streets with quaint balconies, trendy cafes on nearly every corner, and plenty of restaurants and coworking spaces to choose from.

Plus, it’s very centrally located so you’re still close to all of Barcelona’s major attractions or within easy reach by public transport.

While it can be a bit crowded on the major streets, it’s definitely not as touristy as other areas and feels very safe and walkable.

2. Gràcia

Located just north of Eixample, Gràcia is a charming and bohemian neighborhood that is perfect for digital nomads seeking a more local experience.

It’s known for its narrow streets, lively plazas, and independent boutiques. Plus, it’s not far from the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, two must-see attractions in Barcelona.

Gràcia has a strong sense of community and is home to many creatives, making it a perfect location for networking with like-minded individuals.

Plus, the rent here tends to be a little bit cheaper compared to other neighborhoods in Barcelona.

It is a bit further away from the town center but easy enough to reach by metro or bus.

3. Barceloneta

Barceloneta is a quaint seaside neighborhood known for its beach bars, seafood restaurants, and lively atmosphere.

I lived in Barceloneta for about 2 months when I first moved to Barcelona and really enjoyed my stay there!

I had heard that Barceloneta was extremely loud and touristy, but I didn’t really find that to be the case and I never felt unsafe living there.

Yes, there’s a lot of tourists near the beach but once you get away from the main strip, it feels like a charming and laid-back neighborhood.

The narrow streets are very cute with a local feel–nearly every apartment has clothes drying on lines outside their balcony and you’ll see older people chatting on street corners.

Because the streets are so narrow, the apartments are very small and cozy. But at the same time, the rent tends to be a bit cheaper than other neighborhoods in Barcelona.

4. Sant Antoni

Sant Antoni is a smaller and lesser-known neighborhood located just south of Eixample.

It’s home to the Sant Antoni Market, a beautiful modernist building that has recently been renovated and a great spot for local produce.

The neighborhood itself feels more residential but there’s still cute cafes and restaurants to discover.

It’s also much less touristy and very well-connected with public transport making it easy to get around the city.

5. Poblenou

Poblenou is a former industrial district that has transformed into one of Barcelona’s most innovative and dynamic neighborhoods.

It’s located right by the beach (north of Barceloneta), making it the perfect spot for digital nomads who love to surf or take walks along the shore.

Poblenou is also home to many startups and coworking spaces, making it a popular choice among remote workers.

It’s kind of up-and-coming, so you won’t find traditional architecture but rather a mix of modern buildings and old factories that have been converted into lofts or trendy bars and restaurants.

6. El Born

El Born is a lively and trendy neighborhood that is perfect for digital nomads who love to be in the center of it all.

Located just north of Barceloneta, it’s known for its hip boutiques, cozy cafes, and bustling nightlife scene.

It’s a really cute neighborhood but I would probably only recommend it for short stays because it can very touristy and a bit noisy at night.

And since there’s more tourists, pickpocketing and petty theft can be more common. Just make sure to keep an eye on your belongings and be extra cautious at night.

7. Gothic Quarter

Located in the heart of Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter is one of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods in the city.

It’s known for its winding alleys, picturesque plazas, and centuries-old buildings. It’s also home to many popular attractions such as the Barcelona Cathedral and Plaça Sant Jaume.

While it may seem like a dreamy location to live in, keep in mind that it can be very touristy and crowded during peak seasons.

Like El Born, it’s also a hotspot for petty theft so be extra cautious with your belongings here.

It can also be a little sketchy at night with its dark and narrow streets so I wouldn’t recommend walking alone at night.

Barcelona Areas to Avoid

While Barcelona is generally a safe city (aside from petty theft), there are a few neighborhoods and areas that digital nomads should avoid. These include:

• El Raval: Known for its seedy and dangerous reputation, El Raval is a neighborhood you definitely want to avoid. It’s not uncommon to see drug use, petty theft, and crime after dark in this area.

• La Rambla: La Rambla is one of Barcelona’s most famous streets, but it can also be a major tourist trap and pickpocketing hotspot. Avoid staying near here if you can.

• Sagrada Familia: While the area around the famous cathedral may seem like a great location, it’s not a super lively neighborhood and there aren’t a ton of restaurants and bars nearby.

Tips for Finding Housing in Barcelona

If you’re starting your search for short-term housing in Barcelona, you’re probably going to find options are limited and can very expensive.

I definitely struggled with this when I first arrived!

Here’s few tips to help you find affordable housing:

• Don’t use the monthly filter on Airbnb: Barcelona’s housing laws have very weird stipulations and short-term rentals are considered anything longer than 32 days. So if you’re using the “1 month” filter on Airbnb, your options will probably be extremely limited and expensive. Instead, set the dates to be at least 32 days and you’ll probably find more options available.

• Consider coliving: Coliving is becoming increasingly popular in Barcelona and can be a great option for digital nomads. It offers affordable and fully furnished apartments with shared community spaces such as kitchens, living rooms, and workspaces. Sites like Coliving.com offer multiple coliving options in Barcelona.

• Consider renting a room: Renting a room in a shared apartment can also be more affordable than renting a whole apartment. There are many Facebook groups like Barcelona Apartments/Rooms/Houses for Rent/Sale where room rentals are regularly posted. Just be very cautious as the groups are also filled with scammers (especially the public groups).

• Try to contact the rental agency directly: If you find an Airbnb listing that you like, try to contact the rental agency directly through their website or email. It’s usually pretty easy to find them on Google from the information in their Airbnb profile. This can often be cheaper than booking through Airbnb’s platform, as they charge additional fees.

Final Thoughts

Barcelona is a vibrant and exciting city that offers something for every type of digital nomad.

Whether you prefer a bustling central location or a more local and laid-back neighborhood, there’s sure to be an area in Barcelona that suits your needs.

Just remember to do your research and consider factors like safety, rent prices, and proximity to local attractions before deciding on the perfect neighborhood for your stay in Barcelona.

No matter which neighborhood you choose, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with this beautiful city just like I did!