The best areas to stay in Barcelona first time are Barri Gótica, Plaza de Catalunya, Eixample, El Born, and Poble Sec.
These five areas are by far the most popular ones.
But there are several other upcoming areas close by that are well worth considering.
These include Poblenou, El Raval, Barceloneta, La Villa Olímpica and Gràcia.
This might be an overwhelming answer to your question about where to stay in Barcelona first time.
But don’t worry, as in this article, we cover what we believe are the best areas to stay in Barcelona, regarding the type of traveller you are.
If you want to go straight to the recommendations, simply tap on the following button.
Or just continue reading if you want to know just a bit more about Barcelona.
Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia in Spain, is a dream destination for travelers worldwide, offering a captivating blend of culture, history, and modernity.
It is renowned for its unparalleled architecture, with the groundbreaking works of Antoni Gaudí taking center stage.
The Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló are architectural marvels that draw millions of visitors each year, showcasing Gaudí’s distinctive style.
Barcelona is also home to a well-preserved Gothic Quarter, where narrow medieval streets lead to stunning cathedrals like the Barcelona Cathedral and the Santa Maria del Mar.
The city’s rich cultural heritage is further exemplified by its world-class museums, such as the Picasso Museum and the Joan Miró Foundation, both celebrating the works of renowned artists.
Beyond art, Barcelona’s culinary scene is a culinary paradise.
Its bustling food markets like La Boqueria offer delectable local dishes like tapas and paella.
Barcelona also boasts beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean coastline, including the popular Barceloneta Beach, where you can unwind and soak up the sun.
The city’s vibrant nightlife is another highlight, with an array of bars, clubs, and live music venues to suit all tastes.
In theory, you can divide Barcelona into three different sections: Montjuic, the Old City Center and Eixample.
Montjuïc is the mountain, the Old City Center offers a variety of historic buildings and Eixample is the more modern part of the city with its iconic Modernista architecture.
The fact that Barcelona is both modern and historical is somewhat unique and makes the city so diverse and interesting.
To truly witness the everyday lives of the people from Barcelona, head over to La Rambla, the main street of Barcelona.
In Barcelona, you can witness the art and architecture of the Romans, Gaudí, and its modernism, but also Catalan art as well as Catalan food.
All of them are the perfect ingredients for an exciting trip!
But with so many things to offer, it’s a bit challenging to pick the right area for you.
We’ve come up with a list of recommended areas to make things easier.
Each of the recommended areas comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which are summarized after each paragraph.
With that being said, let’s jump straight to our recommendations.
Where to stay in Barcelona first time? Keep reading!
Overview of best areas to stay in Barcelona for the first time
Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special.
You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.
| Best areas to stay in Barcelona first time | What’s so special about the area? |
|---|---|
| 1. Barri Gótica | Sightseeing epicentre while being simultaneously one of the most beautiful parts of the city. |
| 2. Plaza de Catalunya | Perfect area for sightseeing purposes and you have amazing access to public transportation. |
| 3. Eixample |
Prime location, luxury area, known for its iconic “superblock” grid system. |
| 4. El Born | More authentic and local area, beautiful architecture, less touristy, but also less accessibility to public transport. |
| 5. Poble Sec | Trendy area, great tapas bars, the place to be for foodies. |
| Alternative area with a great nightlife scene, also not far located from the beach. | |
| 7. El Raval | One of the best budget-friendly areas the city has to offer. |
| 8. Barceloneta | Beach-lovers area. Perfect when you want to combine beach life during your city trip. |
| 9. La Vila Olímpica | Another beach area, although further away from the highlights, but more affordable hotels are available. |
| 10. Gràcia | Ideal for travellers who truly want to experience the local and daily life in Barcelona. |
Park Güell
Camp Nou
How to get around Barcelona when you visit the city for the first time as a tourist?
Getting around Barcelona as a tourist is relatively easy, thanks to its well-developed transportation system.
Here are some tips on how to get around the city:
Metro
Barcelona has an extensive and efficient metro system.
It’s the quickest way to get around the city, especially if you’re traveling longer distances.
You can purchase single tickets or multi-day passes that offer unlimited rides for a specific duration.
We highly recommend using the metro as it takes you to basically every highlight and corner of the city.
Just be highly aware of pickpocketing, which has been a huge problem for so many years.
Bus
Barcelona also has an extensive bus network that covers areas not served by the metro.
Buses are a good option for getting to some tourist attractions that are not directly accessible by metro.
Tourist Bus
The hop-on-hop-off tourist bus is a popular choice for tourists.
It covers all the major tourist attractions and allows you to get on and off as many times as you like within a certain timeframe.
Bicycles
Barcelona is a bike-friendly city with many bike lanes and rental options.
You can explore the city at your own pace on a bike. Be sure to use bike lanes and follow traffic rules.
Trams
There are tram lines in some parts of the city, and they can be useful for reaching certain areas.
Funicular and Cable Car
To reach some of the city’s hills and viewpoints, such as Montjuïc or Tibidabo, you can take funiculars or cable cars.
They offer fantastic views of the city.
Barcelona Card
Consider purchasing a Barcelona Card, which provides unlimited travel on public transport and discounts at various attractions.
It can be cost-effective if you plan to use public transportation extensively.
T-10 Card
If you plan to use public transport frequently, consider buying a T-10 card, which offers ten rides at a reduced fare compared to single tickets.
Eixample with its iconic “superblock” grid system
Random boys playing football on the streets.
What is the best time of the year to visit Barcelona for the very first time?
The best time to visit Barcelona as a tourist can vary depending on your preferences for weather, crowds, and the type of activities you want to enjoy.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each season:
Spring (March to May)
Pros: Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds compared to summer.
Cons: Occasional rain showers, especially in April.
Summer (June to August)
Pros: Warm and sunny weather, perfect for beach activities. Extended daylight hours for sightseeing.
Cons: High tourist season, crowded attractions, and higher prices for accommodation. Some businesses may close for vacations in August.
Autumn (September to November)
Pros: Pleasant weather, fewer tourists than summer, and lower hotel rates.
Cons: September can still be quite warm, while November may bring more rainfall.
Winter (December to February)
Pros: Lower accommodation prices and smaller crowds. Ideal for exploring museums and cultural attractions.
Cons: Cooler temperatures, some rainy days, and shorter daylight hours. Beach activities may not be enjoyable during this season.
Considering these factors, late spring (May) and early autumn (September and October) are often considered the best times to visit Barcelona.
During these months, you can generally enjoy pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and a good balance between indoor and outdoor activities.
However, if you prefer warmer weather and don’t mind larger crowds, summer can also be a great time to visit, especially for beachgoers.
Casa Batlló
The best areas in Barcelona for first-time visitors are:
1. Barri Gótica (Gothic Quarter) – Excellent area in Barcelona for first-time visitors
The Barri Gótica, also known as the Gothic Quarter, is the heart of the touristic part of Barcelona and the oldest part of the city.
This picturesque and historical area is known for its narrow medieval streets, which are almost a maze, and home to museums, (street) food options, bars that serve typical Catalan food and of course the imposing Catedral de Barcelona (Cathedral of Barcelona).
But there are other basilicas and historical buildings to be found in this particular area as well as in neighbouring areas.
You have good access to both the orange and the red metro lines, which makes it easy to move around and see other important parts of the city.
The city’s highlights are spread over the city, so moving around fast, cheap and without getting stuck in traffic is a must when visiting Barcelona for the first time.
That’s where the metro comes in handy. Just keep an eye out for pickpockets in tourist areas and especially at the metro, which Barcelona is known for.
As Barcelona was founded by Romans, it’s highly recommended to visit the nearby Museo de Historia de Barcelona for those who are interested in ancient history.
There is a good variety of accommodations in this area, meaning that you can find hotels from all sorts of price classes.
When choosing this area in Barcelona for the first time, you are at the touristic epicentre close to major highlights with an easy way to move around the city.
For who: sightseeing tourists.
Pros: arguably the best area to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors.
Cons: due to popularity, prices are higher and hotels often sold out.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Plaza de Catalunya – Top area for sightseeing
Plaza de Catalunya is located right above Barri Gótica. From here, it’s super easy to visit Casa Batlló and La Pedrera-Casa Milà. All three are among the city highlights.
Similar to the previously recommended area, you have access to two different metro lines, namely the red and the purple line. The latter takes you straight to Basílica de la Sagrada Família in just a few stops.
For sightseeing purposes, Plaza de Catalunya is among the best areas to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors.
The Catalonian Square, which is the English translation of Plaza de Catalunya, is a bustling area with malls, shops, restaurants and museums right at your doorstep.
The square itself is often used for events and the area is much more modern than the somewhat romantic Barri Gótica, which has much more character.
Nonetheless, both are excellent areas as a starting point.
For who: sightseeing tourists.
Pros: top location for first-time visitors in Barcelona.
Cons: not the charm that Barri Gótica has.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Eixample – Luxury area
Most of us are all familiar with the aerial view of Barcelona where the houses are built symmetrically. Some of the top city planners worked on this so-called “superblock” grid system and that particular area is named Eixample.
It’s a large area that includes several of the top attractions of Barcelona, including Gaudi’s Basílica de la Sagrada Familía.
You have access to three different metro lines, namely the yellow, purple and green lines.
Staying in this area comes with a lot of benefits, but there is one catch. This is the luxury neighbourhood of Barcelona and hotels in this area are simply expensive.
If your budget allows it, Eixample is probably the best area to stay in Barcelona for the first time, but those with a stricter budget should stay in one of the neighbouring areas.
It’s not only the hotels that are quite pricy, at Eixample, but you can also find higher-end restaurants, bars and clubs too.
Also, as Eixample is a huge area, not every part of it is as lively as you’d expect while the previous two recommended areas are always bustling.
For who: luxury traveller
Pros: prime location, huge variety of excellent bars and restaurants
Cons: this all comes with a hefty price
Some of the best hotels to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. El Born – Authentic area
El Born is a small area next to Barrio Gótica, so it still has that signature architecture. It’s also located right next to Parque de la Ciudadela, which is the largest park in Barcelona where you can visit the Arc de Triomf and Barcelona’s Zoo.
As you can imagine, a small area like this with access to the park makes it quite the spot for a romantic holiday.
Although there isn’t an abundance of hotels compared to other areas, the hotels that are available are of excellent quality and somewhat upscale.
In El Born, you only have access to the yellow metro line, however, within a few stops, you can hop over to the red line which brings you to the other corners of the city.
While the neighbouring areas are overflown with tourists, El Born is less touristy. And those who are looking for a good night out, El Born is one of the trendy areas when it comes to nightlife.
For who: couples, young travellers who enjoy Barcelona’s nightlife.
Pros: less touristy, beautiful architecture, located centrally, nightlife scene.
Cons: only one metro line, not many hotels available.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Poble Sec – Trendy area
Poble Sec is a somewhat trendy neighbourhood located next to El Raval. It’s located further from the touristic city centre and only has two metro lines, the green and blue lines, and both of them are located at the border of this area, which is not that ideal.
But if you manage to stay near one of these two lines, you still easily move around in the city.
What makes Poble Sec a good area to stay in Barcelona for first-timers is that it’s home to some of the most exciting tapas bars in Barcelona, namely Carrer de Blai. Foodies will love to spend their evenings here while still remaining located centrally to visit the city’s highlights nearby.
For who: foodies.
Pros: home to one of the best foodie streets in Barcelona, still located centrally
Cons: no main attractions in this area, find a hotel that’s located near the metro line.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Poblenou – Alternative area with excellent nightlife
This former industrial neighbourhood got completely redesigned by Ildefons Cerdà. The transformation of this working-class neighbourhood made it into an accessible area for everyone and due to the atmosphere, it almost felt like a small town.
You can expect a laid-back atmosphere and while it’s not the most touristic area of Barcelona, even though it’s located near the popular touristic neighbourhoods, there is plenty of things to do.
And the fact that you’re located near the beach is a big plus. Poblenou has its own boulevard where all the action takes place. During the weekends, you can find street performances here.
For a quiet stroll, head over to Parque de Poblenou.
Overall, you get a lot of good things in return when staying in this somewhat alternative area.
Especially the former factories that are transformed into (tapas) bars are a true hidden gem. If you’re into clubbing, then Poblenou is your best bet with its unique bars and clubs.
For who: party-minded tourists, those seeking something unique.
Pros: unique neighbourhood, vibrant nightlife, close to the beach.
Cons: not the most central location for sightseeing.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
7. El Raval – Budget-friendly area
El Raval is an area located near the touristic heart of Barcelona with Plaza de Catalunya and Barri Gótica as its neighbours.
What sets El Raval apart from them is the fact that it’s a budget-friendly neighbourhood. You don’t have access to the city highlights within walking distance like the others do, and you only have one metro line nearby, but you’re still located centrally while saving quite the bucks.
However, the neighbourhood itself is a bit sketchy. No, you won’t get into trouble that easily, but pickpocketing is still an issue in this particular area.
The government is doing quite an effort to revitalize this particular area and with a result.
El Raval is an upcoming neighbourhood and especially the younger travellers would easily find good accommodation here. It’s well worth the consideration, but do know it comes with a few downsides.
For who: budget-minded travellers
Pros: budget-friendly, centrally located.
Cons: still a revitalizing area, still pickpockets so be cautious, only one metro line nearby.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
8. Barceloneta – Beach-lovers area
When you think of visiting Barcelona for the first time, you wouldn’t immediately think of Barcelona being a beach destination. The beaches of Barceloneta are by far the most popular ones Barcelona has to offer.
This former fishing village gained popularity in 1992 when it was transformed into the Olympic Village for the Olympic Games.
Nowadays, this beachside part of the city receives many tourists who enjoy spending time at the beach or at one of the many beach clubs.
Those who are looking to enjoy nightlife until the early hours will definitely be satisfied in Barceloneta.
Another good thing about Barceloneta is that you’re located relatively close to the tourist centre. You have access to one metro line, which takes you easily to the other lines.
If you want to combine enjoying time on the beach and simultaneously seeing the city’s highlights, Barceloneta is the best option for you!
For who: beach lovers.
Pros: access to the beach, still located centrally, bustling nightlife
Cons: the area is mainly to enjoy beach life, other areas are more suitable for sightseeing.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
9. La Vila Olímpica – Beach-lovers area
Aside from Barcelona, there is another popular beach destination in Barcelona that’s well worth considering. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, in 1992, the Olympic Games took place in Barcelona.
While many times, the Olympic Village has been abandoned after the games, the village in Barcelona is still visited by many tourists.
The beaches you have access to are called Playa del Bogatell, Platja de la Nova Icària and Playa Mar Bella, but you can easily head over to the nearby Playa de la Barceloneta, which offers more beach clubs.
There are two metro stations nearby that can take you further down the city. If you’re planning to take a boat trip to one of the islands, the pier is located in this area which is only a few minutes away.
The previously recommended La Barceloneta does have better access to the city’s attractions, but with the metro, the difference is very small.
For who: beach lovers.
Pros: access to the beach, nearby metro stations, and close to the pier.
Cons: not that close to Barcelona’s highlights.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
10. Gràcia – Local experience
This area north of all the main attractions of Barcelona is often dubbed as one of the most vibrant ones, with all the authenticity a local neighbourhood can offer.
As it’s located somewhat outside the touristic city centre, it’s one of the least touristic areas in Barcelone we’ve recommended in this article.
Especially those seeking to experience the daily, local lives of the citizens of Barcelona should consider staying in this area.
This somewhat upcoming area offers a wide variety of small alleys and squares and many students, artists, designers and ex-pats are living in this area.
During the evening, head over to Plaça del Sol, Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia and Plaça de la Virreina.
In August, you can experience the festival called Festa Mayor de Gràcia where the streets are fully decorated and typical Catalan festivities take place.
If you’re looking for something more authentic, unique and local, Gràcia is the best area in Barcelona for you.
For who: travellers who want to experience the local vibe.
Pros: authentic and unique area.
Cons: a bit far from the main attractions.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below.
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Map of the best areas in Barcelona for first-time visitors
The next image is a map of the best places to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors including the city highlights. The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.
A map will follow soon.
Other relevant articles about travel in Spain:
Where to stay in Madrid first time?
Where to stay in Seville first time?
There you have it, the recommendations about where to stay in Barcelona first time.
We hope you enjoyed it and hopefully, you can make a good decision and have the time of your life in this amazing city!