Where to stay in Barcelona first time? Picking the right place to stay in Barcelona can make or break your time in this lively Spanish city. Most travellers, including me, choose to stay in the middle of Barcelona. Some of the best areas to stay in Barcelona first time are Ciutat Vella (the old town in Catalan), Paseo de Gracia, or Eixample, which grew during the 1800s when the old city was still growing.
A hotel in the town centre will usually cost more than one in a less central place. If you go a little farther from the middle, you might find a better deal in price and quality.
Barcelona’s great public transport system serves the whole city and is a game changer. If you find a great hotel deal far from the centre, don’t be afraid to book it. There’s a good chance there will be a metro station nearby that will take you quickly to the centre of Barcelona.
For first-time visitors to Barcelona, L’Eixample is the best place to stay
Where to stay in Barcelona first time? l’Eixample is the best area to stay in Barcelona first time if this is your first time there. The modern part of Barcelona, l’Eixample, was planned to connect once-suburban places like Gràcia to the busy centre during the city’s growth beyond the old city. The L’Eixample neighbourhood is clean, well-kept, and large. It’s the perfect mix of local life and easy access to the city’s sights.
In Catalan, the name “l’Eixample” means “the expansion,” which is exactly what it is. The neighbourhood’s famous grid system and wide, multi-lane boulevards are very different from the Gothic Quarter’s maze of alleys, where you might need a plan to find your way.
L’Eixample has a unique, almost Parisian feel, with streets lined with trees and tall buildings with shops and bars on the first floors. It’s more laid-back than the Gothic Quarter but not as much as Gràcia. It’s the right amount of both.
One of the best things about l’Eixample is its proximity to Plaça de Catalunya, the centre of Barcelona. The Gothic Quarter and El Raval meet at Plaça de Catalunya, also the entrance to Las Ramblas.
The square is lively and busy, and it’s a great place to meet people and go shopping. Big stores like Triangle, Corte Inglés, and FNAC are only a few steps away. Along nearby streets like Portal de l’Àngel, you can find even more shopping places. The area also has a booming food scene with many places to enjoy local cuisine.
The Plaça de Catalunya is also very well connected. It is the hub for many metro lines, bus routes, and even the direct bus to and from the airport, which makes it easy to get around Barcelona and go to other places. If you stay in l’Eixample, you’ll be in the middle of this network, making getting around the city easy.
Why you should stay in l’Eixample
Centrally located and well-connected: It’s close to Plaça de Catalunya, so you can easily walk around and take the metro, bus, and airport bus. It’s easy to get to almost any part of Barcelona.
Great Places to Eat and Drink: L’Eixample is full of great places to eat and drink, including cosy bars. Even though it’s quieter at night here, getting to places like El Born Close for a lively night out is easy.
Many Places to Stay: L’Eixample has many different places to stay, from high-end hotels to cheap guesthouses, so there is something for everyone.
Cons
It Can Get Pricey: Because it is one of the more expensive parts of Barcelona, places to stay and shop can get pricey, especially near Plaça de Catalunya, where there are many high-end stores. The setting, on the other hand, often makes up for the price.
Things to see in l’Eixample
- Paseo de Gracia
- Casa Batlló
- Casa Mila
- Gothic Quarter
- La Rambla
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is a lovely place to stay
The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is one of Europe’s biggest and best-preserved cities. It is full of medieval charm. Imagine getting lost in a maze of medieval courtyards, tiny alleys, and secret squares. And in the middle of this ancient maze is the beautiful Cathedral.
This neighbourhood has a nice mix of artisan shops, designer stores, cosy cafes, lively bars, and restaurants. Its lively nightlife, especially around Plaza Real, never fails to amaze.
La Rambla is between the Gothic Quarter and El Raval, which gives you easy access to this famous street. It’s like living in the best of both worlds.
Yes, the place is very popular with tourists from all over the world. But trust me, it hasn’t lost any of its charm. Because of its magic, this part of Barcelona always makes me want to return. Without question, it’s one of the loveliest areas of the city, and for first-time visitors, it’s definitely the best area to stay in Barcelona for the first time.
Why staying in the Gothic Quarter is a good idea
- Not too far from the middle
- Really cute neighbourhood
- Contains The lane
- Lots of fun at night
- A lot of restaurants, bars, and cafes
Cons
- Very touristic area
- More expensive accommodations
Things to see in the Gothic Quarter
- Cathedral of Barcelona
- Columbus Monument,
- Museum of Wax An art gallery in Barcelona with wax figures
- La Rambla
- La Boqueria: The most famous food market
Gracia this is the best place for families and kids to stay in Barcelona
We often tell people who return to Barcelona to visit Gracia, a hippie oasis. It’s a nice change from the touristy areas and a quiet place to escape the city’s noise and chaos. If you’re wondering about the best area to stay in Barcelona for the first time, Gracia is an excellent choice for those who want a local feel and an authentic experience.
The area has an interesting vibe, and the bars and restaurants serve delicious food. It has a hipster vibe, but it’s also great for families. It’s a great place for families to travel because there are lots of streets and parks that kids will love.
Gracia’s ability to interact with children is a big plus for families. The children can play in the open areas, and the adults can enjoy the unique setting.
Parc Güell, one of the best things to see in Barcelona, is in Gracia. With its beautiful mosaics and strange sculptures, this park by Gaudí is nothing short of magical.
The only bad thing? Take the bus or train to get to the city centre. If not, the main sights and the Gothic Quarter are at least a 30-minute walk away. In this cute neighbourhood, though, the trip is part of the fun.
Why you should stay in Gracia
- Easy to get to by train (lines L3, L5)
- Not a place for tourists
- Cafes, bars, and restaurants that look great
Cons
- Can’t walk to the city centre
- Few places to stay available
Things to see in Gracia
- Parc Güell: Sagrada Familia is close to the southeast corner of the neighbourhood
- Casa Milà is on the south edge
El Born is the best place to stay in Barcelona for going out at night
If you’re in Barcelona, you can’t get enough of El Born, right next to the Gothic Quarter. It’s in Ciutat Vella, one of the city’s coolest and most artistic parts. Because of its stylish businesses, it’s a great spot for a night out, whether you want to eat or grab a drink.
Instead of staying in the Gothic Quarter, the restaurants between Via Laietana and Parque de la Ciutadella are great. They are a one-of-a-kind mix of ease and style.
El Born isn’t just any neighbourhood; it’s a modern, central place with some of Barcelona’s busiest nightlife. You won’t want to miss the vibe here at night.
El Born is also a great place to shop. It has everything you could want: cute shops, old clothes, and handmade jewellery. You can always come home with something new.
Why you should stay in El Born
- Very handy place
- Lively scene
- Beautiful area
Cons
- More expensive places to stay
- Few places to stay available
Things to do in El Born
- The Cathedral of Barcelona
- the Picasso Museum
- the Moco Museum
- the European Museum of Modern Art
- and the Parc de la Ciutadella are all places that you should visit in Barcelona
Places in Barcelona not to stay
Even though Barcelona is a safe and friendly city overall, there are some areas you should avoid if you want to have a good time. It’s possible that these places are less convenient, less safe at night, or just not the best area to stay in Barcelona for first time visitors. Let’s look at the three neighbourhoods that didn’t make the list.
El Raval
El Raval is famous for its wide range of cultures and foods. It also has some great bars and restaurants that will make any visitor happy. But there is a bad thing about it that you should know about.
People know this area for having many pickpockets and drug sellers, especially at night. Even though it’s a cute and lively area, tourists, especially those new to the city, shouldn’t go there because they might get stolen.
If you like the energy of El Raval, consider staying in the nearby Gothic Quarter instead. You won’t always have to worry about your things so that you can enjoy the old-town beauty and great food scene.
Sants-Montjuïc
Even though Sants-Montjuïc is a pretty nice neighbourhood, it’s not the best place for tourists who want to easily reach Barcelona’s main sites.
This area is a bit far from the city centre, and getting to other parts of the city often involves taking more than one metro or train ride, which can take a lot of time and money.
The neighbourhood is near the airport and Montjuïc, a lovely area with parks and museums. However, it might not be the best choice if you don’t plan to stay in this part of the city for a long time.
If you want to be close to the main attractions and find it easy to get to them, living near Plaça de Catalunya is the best choice.
La Mina (San Adrià)
Last but not least, La Mina in the San Adrià area is the best place to avoid. People say this area is run-down because the streets are usually empty at night and full of trash.
The area is also known to have a lot of people who are addicted or homeless, which might make guests feel uneasy.
In general, Barcelona is a safe city with low serious crime rates. However, you should avoid La Mina, especially at night.
This area doesn’t have the lively vibe and interesting cultural sites that make other parts of the city so appealing. You’ll want to spend your time in busier, more central areas.
In conclusion
- Want to try local food without leaving your hotel? Choose a hotel that serves real Catalan food.
- If you’re interested in buildings, choose an old hotel full of character and charm.
Where to stay in Barcelona first time? Remember the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” But if you can’t decide where to stay in Barcelona, let us know your needs with cheap Barcelona holiday packages. Use that as a chance to see more of this beautiful city.
Where to stay in Barcelona first time – FAQS
Are there cheap places to stay in central Barcelona for people just visiting?
Certainly! The Eixample neighbourhood has cheap places to stay that are still in the middle of everything. There are hostels and hotels in the middle price range that won’t break the bank and are close to famous sites like Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia.
Is it safe to stay in Barcelona for the first time?
Overall, Barcelona has a high level of safety. But, as with any big city, watch out for small crimes like pickpocketing, especially near tourist spots. Stay in well-lit places at night, and don’t leave expensive things in the open.
Do you know of any family-friendly places for first timers to stay in Barcelona?
Of course! Families going to Barcelona for the first time should stay in the Gracia area. There are parks where kids can play and family-friendly restaurants that make mealtimes easy. It’s quieter than some parts of town.
If someone is going to Barcelona for the first time, is it a good idea to stay near the beach?
Yes, for sure! The Barceloneta neighbourhood, which is close to the beach, adds another dimension to your trip besides exploring the city. You can enjoy sunny afternoons watching the waves of the Mediterranean hit the golden sands and eating delicious fish at one of the many chiringuitos (beach bars).
For more detailed information on the best areas to stay in Barcelona, check out this helpful guide here.
