Where to Stay in Barcelona for First Time Visitors

Trying to figure out where to stay in Barcelona for the first time? You’re in the right place!

Choosing the right neighborhood in Barcelona can feel a little overwhelming, especially with so many great options.

I’m a travel blogger that lives in Barcelona, and I’ve stayed in a few different areas around the city and know what they’re really like.

Some are super convenient for sightseeing, others are better for food or nightlife, and a few are best avoided altogether–especially if it’s your first visit.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best neighborhoods in Barcelona for first-time visitors, share some hotel recommendations I’d personally consider, and give you some honest advice based on my own experience living here.

Let’s help you find the perfect place to stay in Barcelona!

Before we begin, here’s a map to give you an overview of the different Barcelona neighborhoods. You can use this as a reference while reading through the guide.

Barcelona is a large and lively coastal city with many unique neighborhoods that offer different experiences.

Here are my top picks for where to stay when visiting Barcelona for the first time:

If I had to choose the best place to stay in Barcelona for first time visitors, it would have to be the Gothic Quarter.

Known as the “Old Town” (Ciutat Vella), this area is the heart of Barcelona, with charming stone streets and historic buildings.

With a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and hidden squares, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into medieval times.

But at the same time, it’s also filled with modern shops, incredible restaurants, amazing tapas bars, and charming hotels, all embedded into ancient buildings.

It’s extremely walkable and where you’ll find some of the top Barcelona attractions such as the stunning Barcelona Cathedral, the famous La Rambla street, and La Boqueria market.

It’s also well-connected to public transportation, making it easy to explore the rest of the city from here.

⚠️ While the Gothic Quarter is a popular area for visitors, it’s important to know that it can be crowded and prone to pickpocketing. I still think it’s a great place to stay, but you’ll want to keep a close eye on your belongings and be extra cautious at night.

Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona:

• Kimpton Vividora Barcelona: This chic and trendy boutique hotel has one of the best rooftop terraces in Barcelona overlooking the Gothic Quarter.

• Catalonia Cathedral: Located near the Barcelona Cathedral, this historic salmon-colored building has modern rooms, an incredible rooftop pool, and some rooms even have private pools.

• Mercer Hotel: With only 28 rooms, this upscale boutique hotel has trendy rooms that still retain their character, and is located just steps away from the Barcelona Cathedral.

• H10 Madison: This entirely-restored building has a beautiful rooftop terrace with a plunge pool and panoramic views of the Barcelona Cathedral.

Eixample (pronounced “Ey-sham-pluh”) is located just north of the Gothic Quarter and is a newer district in Barcelona, known for its wide octagon-shaped avenues and stunning modernist architecture.

Meaning “expansion” in Catalan, it was built in the 19th and early 20th centuries as the city grew beyond its medieval walls.

This is where you’ll find some of the most famous buildings in Barcelona such as Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, and other impressive modernist buildings like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.

Eixample is by far my favorite neighborhood in Barcelona because the buildings are just so beautiful–they’ve got a very Parisian vibe with charming balconies and intricate details.

It offers a more upscale atmosphere with designer shops and trendy restaurants and coffee shops, while still being walkable and very well-connected to public transport.

Basically, it’s a great choice for those visiting Barcelona who want to be in the heart of the action but prefer a quieter and safer neighborhood at night.

Tip: The Eixample district is a huge neighborhood that spans many blocks. I’d recommend staying closer to the right side of Eixample near Plaza Cataluyna or Arc de Triomf to be closer to the action.

Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in the Eixample neighborhood:

• Ohla Eixample: This boutique luxury hotel has an incredible rooftop pool, as well as a Michelin-star restaurant in the heart of Eixample.

• ME Barcelona: Located near the renowned Passeig de Gràcia shopping street, this Melia hotel has a beautiful rooftop pool and terrace, as well as on-site restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.

• Casa Bonay: This trendy boutique hotel has beautiful architecture, as well as a tapas and cocktail bar, rooftop terrace, and a speciality coffee shop.

If you’re a foodie, then El Born (La Ribera) is the place for you. Located just east of the Gothic Quarter, this trendy neighborhood is known for its delicious tapas bars, restaurants, and cafes.

It’s also home to some great nightlife options and cute boutiques selling handmade clothing, shoes, handbags, artwork, jewelry, and more.

But the highlight of El Born is definitely its food scene. From traditional tapas bars to international fusion cuisine, there’s many great restaurants to try in this area.

It’s also close to popular attractions like Parc de la Ciutadella and the Picasso Museum. And if you want to hit the beach, it’s just a short walk away!

⚠️ Similar to the Gothic Quarter, El Born can also be crowded and touristy, so make sure to keep a close eye on your belongings to avoid pickpocketing.

Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in El Born:

• The Barcelona EDITION: This luxury boutique hotel by Ian Schrager has a beautiful rooftop terrace overlooking El Born and the Gothic Quarter.

• Park Hotel: This boutique hotel is located in the heart of El Born, with a rooftop pool and terrace, as well as an on-site tapas restaurant.

• H10 Port Vell: Overlooking Port Vell, this hotel is on the quieter side of El Born with charming balconies, modern rooms, and a rooftop plunge pool.

• Hotel Ciutadella Barcelona: Located next to the beautiful Ciutadella Park, this charming hotel has contemporary decor with traditional touches.

Located on the seafront, Barceloneta is a one of the best places to stay in Barcelona Spain for beach lovers.

This quaint neighborhood was originally a fishing village and has retained its charm with narrow streets and small, cozy apartments.

It’s got a very local feel with laundry hanging from balconies and older locals chatting on street corners and public squares.

It’s located steps away from La Barceloneta beach–the most popular beach in Barcelona where you can swim in the Mediterranean, sunbathe on the sand, or even rent a paddleboard.

You’ll also find some great seafood restaurants and beach bars along the promenade serving up tapas and paella.

It’s a bit further from the city center, and not as well-connected but it’s still easy enough to get around.

I personally stayed in Barceloneta when I first moved to Barcelona and had a great experience! I really enjoyed walking along the beach boardwalk and having my morning coffee on the beach.

There aren’t a ton of hotels here though, so you might want to consider a vacation rental if you choose to stay in Barceloneta.

Here are a few of my top recommendations for where to stay in Barceloneta:

• W Barcelona: As one of the most iconic hotels in Barcelona, this luxury hotel is located right on the beachfront, offering eclectic rooms with incredible views, a beach club, and multiple dining options.

• Sofitel Barcelona Skipper: This elegant French-inspired hotel is located right by the sea, offering two swimming pools, a rooftop bar, and gourmet restaurants.

• Hotel 54 Barceloneta: Overlooking the Barceloneta marina, this mid-range hotel offers clean rooms and a prime location near the sea.

• Hotel Arts Barcelona: This 44-story tall building has two swimming pools, a two Michelin star restaurant, and a rooftop spa.

While Barcelona is generally a safe city, pickpocketing is a common occurrence in touristy areas, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

The most crowded areas to stay are the Gothic Quarter and El Born, so if you’re worried about safety, I’d recommend staying in a neighborhood like Eixample that’s more spread out and not as busy.

I don’t think the Gothic Quarter or El Born are unsafe but the chances of pickpocketing are definitely higher if you’re not cautious.

And if you do stay in these areas, I’d recommend choosing a hotel or Barcelona accommodation closer to a main road. That way if you go out at night, you can take a taxi back and have them drop you off right in front of your hotel.

A lot of the streets in the Gothic Quarter and El Born are narrow, dark, and pedestrian-only, making them less safe to walk alone at night.

Aside from the main neighborhoods I’ve mentioned, here are a few other notable areas to consider when choosing where to stay in Barcelona Spain as a tourist:

• Gràcia: A charming neighborhood with a small-town feel, Gracia is known for its lively squares and bohemian atmosphere. I really like this neighborhood as it feels very local but I wouldn’t recommend it for your first time in Barcelona because there aren’t a ton of hotels and it’s a bit further away from the city center.

• Sagrada Familia: The Sagrada Familia area is located on the outskirts of Eixample and of course surrounds the basilica, one of the most famous churches in Barcelona. Aside from the church, this area is a bit quieter and not super central.

• Poblenou: Located just north of Barceloneta, El Poblenou is an up-and-coming neighborhood with a mix of old industrial buildings and modern architecture. It’s got a laid-back vibe and is a popular neighborhood for digital nomads in Barcelona. While it’s close to the beach, it’s not super well-connected and not as charming as other neighborhoods in Barcelona.

When choosing where to stay in Barcelona, here are a couple areas and Barcelona neighborhoods to avoid:

• El Raval: While this neighborhood has been revitalized in recent years, it still has a bit of a rough reputation with higher crime rates and seedier streets. It’s located in the area behind La Boqueria market, which I think is fine to walk through during the day but I would definitely avoid staying there.

• La Rambla: While this is one of the most famous streets in Barcelona, it’s also notorious for pickpocketing and tourist scams and can be loud at night. Staying near La Rambla is fine, but I wouldn’t stay right on it.

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about staying in Barcelona:

I hope this guide has helped you choose the best area to stay in Barcelona for your upcoming trip!

Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and budget, but I would recommend staying in the Gothic Quarter, Eixample, or El Born as they are very central and well-connected for easy access to major attractions.

But if you’re a beach lover, then definitely consider Barceloneta–it has a lot of charm and I really enjoyed my stay there!

Just remember to avoid El Raval and being too close to La Rambla. And no matter where you stay, be prepared for pickpocketing and keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

With that in mind, I have no doubt you’ll have a fantastic time exploring this beautiful city!

READ NEXT:

• Is Barcelona Safe? Top Barcelona Safety Tips You Need to Know
• 7 Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona for Digital Nomads
• 15 Best Things to Do in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona