What are the most popular neighborhoods in Barcelona?

I would say La Rambla is a pretty safe area, full of nice comfy hotels, restaurants, plazas, museums, bus stops, and the Barcelona city tour bus.

Hope this helps!

Hi Shaina,

I recently went to Barcelona and stayed in Eixample. It's really beautiful with wide boulevards and many shops. Additionally, it's close to La Rambla, as well as two beautiful works by Gaudi: Casa Batlló & La Pedrera.

I also really like the El Born neighborhood. It feels very different than Eixample as it's part of the city's famous Gothic Quarter. This part of Barcelona is closer to the ocean, home to Museu Picasso, and many awesome boutiques.

I also wrote about the things we did right and wrong on our first trip to Barcelona here if you're looking for additional tips. Happy to answer any other questions you might have! :)

El Born, St Antoni, and Raval Bar have the best atmosphere

Hi, in my opinion it depends on how many days are you going to stay. If you're staying 2-3 days, I will recommend you to stay at Center Town (Gotico Hotel S.L., Barceló Raval or close to El Born) or close to Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona (where most of the main attractions are). However if you're staying longer and you're not in a rush. I would recommend you to stay in other places in order to not to feel the "tourist crowds pressure" all the time and to experience a little bit the local vibe.

St Antoni & Poble Sec are 2 trendy areas, full of nice & local options to eat and drink, which are really close to Center Town (10 min walk).

Gracia is a bohemian peaceful neighborhood which is close to Gaudi House Museum highlights and well deserved by metro.

Finally in summer you should consider Barceloneta in order to refresh yourself at the beach before and after visiting ;) 

I hope it helps!

Hi Shaina! My husband and I stayed in El Poble-Sec in November and while it was great, we found ourselves wishing we were a little closer to other parts of the city. So I'd second the recommendations for El Born, La Rambla, and L'Eixample.

Luckily, the metro system in Barcelona is really comprehensive, so you can easily get all around the city. I'd definitely recommend staying somewhere near a Metro stop to make traveling around the easiest.

We also found our lodgings through Airbnb, and I'd recommend that as well - so many options, in all different neighborhoods, at any price point, depending on what you're looking to spend or what you want out of the place you're staying.

Good luck and have a BLAST - the city is amazing!!!

Agreeing with others (and this is coming from a local!) La Rambla would be the best are to stay. Tons of markets and in the center for awesome attractions like Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Barcelona, Sagrada Família, endless restaurants. Definitely the "it" spot you want to be at. 

We stayed in a beautiful apartment directly across from the Sagrada Família. The views are just stunning and it's close to a Metro stop, so it's quick and easy to get anywhere you want in the city.

Gustav was a wonderful host and they offer breakfast on the roof if you'd like. You can see his apartment here www.gaudisnest.com or here http://www.homeaway.es/property/preview/1152363/1413501.

This is a quieter part of town, but busy enough and there are good restaurants and shops nearby.