Choosing where to stay in a new city can feel like a puzzle, especially when you’re planning from abroad. Barcelona, with its winding streets and mix of Gothic history and seaside sunshine, offers so many choices for all types of lifestyles.
At Remitly, we understand how it feels to find your footing in a new place. Whether you’re staying for a short period or thinking about making Barcelona your home, knowing the right area for your lifestyle can make all the difference. So, we’ve put together this guide to walk you through the best neighbourhoods in Barcelona.
Understanding Barcelona’s layout
Barcelona is one of those cities that somehow balances chaos and calm. One moment you’re wandering down a medieval alleyway, the next you’re on a perfectly straight avenue lined with palm trees.
How the city is structured
Think of Barcelona as a collection of mini worlds, each with its own personality. There are ten official districts, but you’ll hear locals talk about their barrios (neighbourhoods).
Getting around couldn’t be easier. The metro and buses are quick, cheap, and spotless, and if you prefer sunshine with your commute, cycling or walking will get you just about anywhere in under half an hour. One minute you’re sipping coffee in Gràcia, and the next you’re watching the sunset in La Barceloneta.
Match your lifestyle to your barrio
Every neighbourhood in Barcelona has its own personality:
- Gothic Quarter: For history lovers and night owls who want to live in the city’s storybook centre.
- El Born: Trendy, creative, and full of art, boutiques, and cool cafés.
- Gràcia: Relaxed and authentic, perfect for families and remote workers.
- L’Eixample: Elegant, safe, and convenient, with Gaudí architecture on your doorstep.
- La Barceloneta: For beach lovers who want the sea, sunshine, and seafood every day.
The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic): The historic heart
The Gothic Quarter is where Barcelona began. It’s a maze of cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, and centuries of stories packed into every stone.
Who it’s for
If you’re new to Barcelona or you’re a history fan, this neighbourhood will charm you instantly. Couples love its romantic glow at night, solo travellers thrive on its buzz, and night owls adore its energy. It’s a neighbourhood that never quite switches off.
It’s also perfect if you want to be right in the middle of everything. Every landmark, café, and photo op is just a few minutes away, no metro required.
What to expect
Around every corner, there’s a surprise, a vintage bookshop, a tucked-away wine bar, or a sun-drenched square where locals gather for coffee. Yes, it’s busy, sometimes very busy, but that’s part of its magic.
Must-sees include Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Reial, and parts of the Roman wall that still peek out between modern shops. It’s also dangerously close to La Rambla, which means more tapas, people-watching, and spontaneous detours than you planned for.
Living vs visiting
So many immigrants love calling this neighbourhood home, especially artists, designers, and anyone who draws energy from the chaos. Others prefer to live nearby in El Born or Sant Antoni, where things are a little quieter but still close enough to soak up the Gothic vibe whenever they want.
It’s true that living here long-term isn’t for everyone. If you crave calm mornings and open space, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you want to feel Barcelona, its heartbeat, its history, and its hustle, this is it.
Pros and cons
Pros: Central, packed with character, endless places to eat, drink, and explore.
Cons: Crowded, noisy, pricey, and not ideal for working from home unless you don’t mind some background noise.
El Born: Barcelona’s effortlessly cool creative corner
A short stroll from the Gothic Quarter, El Born feels like Barcelona turned up a notch. It’s old-world beauty with a modern twist, and somehow, it just works.
The vibe and who loves it here
If your perfect Saturday involves brunch, a gallery visit, and a cocktail with live music after work, you’ll fit right in. Creatives, freelancers, and digital nomads love El Born’s blend of charm and energy.
You’ll find plenty of expats here too, mingling in coworking cafés and boutique shops. The crowd’s young, international, and effortlessly stylish—think tote bags, linen shirts, and a serious love of good food.
What you’ll find while wandering its streets
El Born’s cobblestone lanes are perfect for wandering, filled with art galleries, boutiques, and cosy tapas spots. Don’t miss the Picasso Museum, Santa Maria del Mar, or the El Born Cultural Centre, all within walking distance.
But this Barcelona neighbourhood is more than sightseeing; it’s about lifestyle. Mornings mean coffee in quiet courtyards, afternoons for people-watching, and evenings full of endless chats at a local terraza.
A local tip is to skip the tourist-packed La Boqueria and head to Santa Caterina Market instead; it’s colourful, local, and perfect for picking up fresh produce.
Living here as an expat
El Born is one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in the city, lively but not overwhelming, and perfectly located between the old town and the beach. Flats tend to have high ceilings and sunny balconies, though rental prices reflect the demand.
Still, most say it’s worth it for the lifestyle: coworking cafés, yoga studios, and Barcelona’s best dining all within a short walk. For many immigrants, it’s the perfect balance of elegance, culture, and community.
The perks and the trade-offs
Pros: Central, walkable, full of amazing restaurants and bars, and ideal for creative expats.
Cons: On the pricey side, and weekends can get a little loud.
Gràcia: Barcelona’s bohemian village with a local heart
Head north of the city centre and you’ll find Gràcia, a neighbourhood that feels more like a self-contained village than part of a bustling capital. It’s where Barcelona slows down and where many expats end up staying longer than they planned.
Why people fall in love with it
Gràcia is made for those who prefer authenticity over nightlife. If your idea of a perfect evening involves sipping vermouth in a shady plaza rather than elbowing your way through a bar, this is your place.
It’s a favourite among couples, young families, and remote workers who love its close-knit feel. Locals greet each other by name, and you’ll quickly become a regular at your neighbourhood café. It’s close enough to the centre to be convenient, yet far enough to escape the tourist crowds.
What life looks like here
Every corner of Gràcia hides a small square with its own personality. Plaça del Sol buzzes with students and street musicians, while Plaça de la Vila feels more family-focused.
Between independent cinemas, organic markets, and community events, there’s always something happening that makes you feel part of local life. And when you want a touch of Gaudí, Park Güell is just around the corner.
Living here as an expat
Many who move to Barcelona dreaming of “living like a local” end up here. Rents are usually more affordable than in Eixample or El Born, and you get far more community spirit for your money.
Gràcia offers a slower rhythm, more about fresh bread from your local bakery and chats in the plaza than nonstop sightseeing. Expats often say this is where Barcelona finally feels like home.
The good and the not-so-good
Pros: Authentic, relaxed, affordable, full of local life and character.
Cons: A bit further from the beach, and not ideal if you crave nightlife or big tourist sights nearby.
L’Eixample: Barcelona’s modernist beauty with big-city energy
If Barcelona were a Pinterest board, L’Eixample would be the clean, symmetrical grid that ties it all together. Chic, walkable, and full of “I could live here forever” moments, it’s Barcelona at its most elegant.
Why it’s so popular with expats
L’Eixample wins you over slowly. It’s elegant but not pretentious, calm yet close to everything. For professionals, families, and remote workers, it’s that sweet spot between big-city buzz and liveable comfort.
If you love wide streets, beautiful buildings, and a sense of safety, you’ll feel at home here. It’s also one of the most international areas. You’ll find it’s friendly, sociable, and full of English-speaking baristas when you need them.
What day-to-day life feels like
Think leafy avenues, golden light on balconies, and cafés where locals linger instead of rushing off. Even if you struggle with a map, L’Eixample’s grid layout means you’ll never stay lost for long, and you’ll enjoy getting there.
This barrio is modernist Barcelona at its best: Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and the glamorous Passeig de Gràcia. But tucked between the designer shops are family bakeries, vintage stores, and some of the city’s best foodie spots.
Making it home
L’Eixample feels safe, organised, and well-connected. Flats are spacious and full of light, and many have those iconic balconies that are perfect for your morning coffee.
Rents are higher than in Gràcia or Poble-sec, but most expats say it’s worth it for the comfort and convenience. With coworking spaces and community hubs popping up everywhere, it’s ideal for anyone who wants city life without the chaos, but still full of Barcelona’s heart.
If you’re flat-hunting, check out Sant Antoni or Dreta de l’Eixample. The first has a creative, food-loving vibe, the second puts you right by Passeig de Gràcia for that luxury-living feel, and both offer a taste of the district’s best sides.
The good and the not-so-good
Pros: Safe, elegant, full of Gaudí landmarks, and perfect for expats who value comfort and convenience.
Cons: Rents are higher, and it can feel a bit formal compared to more bohemian neighbourhoods.
La Barceloneta: The seaside neighbourhood with endless summer vibes
If Barcelona had a “life’s a beach” district, it would be La Barceloneta. Once a humble fishing village, it’s now the city’s laid-back playground.
Who it attracts and why
La Barceloneta calls to anyone who is happiest near the water. It’s perfect for beach lovers, foodies, and expats craving that Mediterranean magic in everyday life. If your dream commute is a stroll along the promenade instead of a crowded metro, this Barcelona neighbourhood is for you.
The vibe is sociable, international, and easygoing. You’ll see locals chatting over plates of grilled sardines while remote workers set up laptops in beachfront cafés with views that make focusing tough. The energy’s infectious, and there’s always something happening by the water.
What life looks like here
La Barceloneta’s narrow streets overflow with seafood restaurants, ice cream parlours, and tapas bars that smell like freshly grilled calamari. Walk a few minutes in any direction and you’ll end up on the beach, the Passeig Marítim, or a sun-drenched terrace perfect for people-watching.
By day, locals jog, cycle, or read on the sand. Even in winter, there’s a steady hum of life, dog walkers, musicians, and friends catching up in the sun.
Walk or cycle north along the coast to Nova Icària or Bogatell Beach for a more local feel. You’ll still get golden sand and turquoise water, just with fewer selfie sticks and a bit more space to breathe.
Living here as a newcomer
If you’re all about seaside living, La Barceloneta delivers. You can start your day with a swim and end it with paella by the waves. Flats are often small and rent is high, and yes, you’ll share space with plenty of flip-flops in summer.
But, the lifestyle is hard to beat. For a quieter seaside feel, nearby Poblenou offers modern flats, a growing expat community, and that same coastal charm with fewer crowds.
The pros and cons
Pros: Beach access, endless sunshine, fresh seafood, and that holiday feeling every single day.
Cons: Busy in summer, smaller (and pricier) flats, and lots of tourists during peak months.
Making Barcelona your own
Barcelona has a neighbourhood for every mood, whether that’s historic, bohemian, modern, or coastal. Each area tells a different story, and all feel distinctly Barcelona. Once you’ve found your rhythm, your favourite café, and your go-to tapas bar, you’ll see why so many people arrive for a seasonal visit and stay in Barcelona for a lifetime.
FAQs
What is the safest neighbourhood to stay in Barcelona?
L’Eixample is widely regarded as the safest, with broad, well-lit streets and a calm atmosphere. It’s perfect for families and solo travellers.
Which Barcelona neighbourhood is best for families?
Gràcia stands out for its parks, schools, and family-friendly squares. Its slower pace makes it ideal for children.
Where should I stay in Barcelona for the first time?
The Gothic Quarter or El Born offer easy access to top sights, shops, and restaurants, a perfect introduction to the city.
What is the best area in Barcelona for nightlife?
El Born is trendy and sociable, while nearby Poble-sec offers authentic tapas bars and live music away from the tourist crowds.
What’s the best beach area in Barcelona?
La Barceloneta is Barcelona’s main beach district, but Poblenou offers a more local and relaxed seaside feel.