Barcelona is a huge city, but that part you want to visit is relatively concentrated in the central area of eight quarters. You can move around very quickly by walking or by public transport.
In this article, you will find a complete description of the eight quarters more famous and visited in Barcelona.
How is Barcelona divided?
Barcelona is divided in ten districts, which are the Ciutat Vella, Nou Barris, Sant Andreu Eixample, Sants–Montjuic, Les Corts, Sarria-Sant Gervasi, Gracia, Horta-Guinardo and Sant Mart.
Is Barcelona safe at night and where should I avoid going?
Barcelona is pretty safe during the day, with all the locals and tourists on every street, but obviously, like in every other big city in the world, there are some areas you better avoid walking alone during the night.
These areas are all in the Ciutat Vella: El Barrio Gotico, Barceloneta, El Born and El Raval. I am not saying to avoid them completely, but if you are alone and decide to book accommodation in these areas, I highly recommend you to walk only in the larger streets and avoid the little alleys.
I made this list to explain to you the difference between quarters to help you decide where to book your accommodation and give you an idea about what to see in each of them.
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Read 8 Quarters to explore in Barcelona Below
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1. How is the Barrio Gotico quarter?
Barrio Gotico (Barri Gotic) is the most famous quarter in Barcelona. It is part of the old town, full of tight alleys, ancient churches, museums, tapas bars, restaurants and nightlife.
It is where the Cathedral and many churches are, here you can really feel to be in the old times. I suggest you avoid the summer months because it can be very crowded and you won't fully live the Barcelona experience.
It is a lovely area to book accommodation if you travel with friends or family because you will be right in the middle of the city, but it can be not quiet cause it is also full of tourists that speak loud night and day.
Suppose you are a solo traveller, especially a lady (this is so unfortunate to say, but it is the reality of the world we are living in). In that case, I highly recommend you avoid booking accommodation in this quarter if planning to stay out till late at night.
It is a beautiful quarter but can be a bit dangerous at night if you are alone. Many solo travellers have been robbed.
Best Hotels for every budget to book in the Barrio Gotico quarter:
Hotel Ingles (budget)
Catalonia Portal de l'Angel (budget)
H10 Cubik (mid-range)
Serras Barcelona (luxury)
2. How is the Eixample District?
L'Eixample district is a great quarter where to book accommodation if you are planning to have a luxury holiday.
You will find the best hotels, boutiques, and restaurants between Passeig de Gracia, Placa de Catalunya and Avinguda Diagonal.
There are many metro stations and bus stops, it is a more modern area, but it is also very close to the old city centre.
There are also many low budget hotels in this area, and I highly recommend it because it is pretty safe for tourists. This is why the demand is very high, and the best places at a lower price get sold out very fast.
Best Hotels to book in the Eixample quarter:
Hotel Paseo de Gracia (budget)
The Corner Hotel (mid-range)
H10 Casa Mimosa (mid-range)
Almanac Barcelona (luxury)
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3. How is the Gracia Quarter?
Gracia Quarter is an excellent quarter to go for a walk, visit Casa Vicens, and eat something in one of the many local bars and restaurants. After lunch, maybe do some shopping in some independent boutiques, get into an art gallery, away from the tourist areas.
I advise you to visit Placa del Sol, where you can enjoy something fresh while relaxing after hours of exploring. Also, walk down Carrer de Verdi, a very trendy street, where you will find most of the best nightlife spots in town.
It is a pretty area and also safe where to book accommodation.
Best Hotels to book in the Gracia quarter:
Ibis Barcelona Mollet (budget)
Be Mate Paseo de Gracia (mid-range)
Sonder Le Palacete (mid-range)
Casagrand Luxury Suites (luxury)
4. How is the Poble Sec Quarter?
Poble Sec is a barrio part of the Montjuic, where I highly recommend you look for a place to have lunch or some tapas after walking up and down the Montjuic and visiting all its museums.
It is a residential area, very safe, where you can find many bars and restaurants. It can also be a good idea to look for accommodation in this area because it is pretty quiet but also very close to the city centre (only 20 minutes by walk) and there are plenty of public transports to move around with.
Best Hotels to book in the Poble sec quarter:
Mambo Tango Youth Hostel (hostel)
Parallel (budget)
Grums Hotel & Spa (mid-range)
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5. How is La Ribera quarter?
La Ribera quarter includes El Born, Santa Caterina and Sant Pere. It is a very artistic area where many artists decided to open their studios.
Here is where merchants and the wealthiest families of Barcelona lived in the 13th century when they chose to extend the city outside the city walls.
Now is one of the best areas to find a tapas bar, local restaurants, and cocktails bars and clubs. There are also excellent accommodations in this area.
Best Hotels to book in the La Ribera quarter:
Safestay Barcelona Gothic (hostel)
Aparthotel Allada (budget)
Chic & basic Habana Hoose (mid-range)
6. How is La Barceloneta quarter?
La Barceloneta was a Barcelona fisherman's village since the 1800th century, and it was initially an island formed by the sediments from the Besos river. It was called the Isla de Maians.
Nowadays, you can find many typical tapas bars and restaurants, also some hotels and hostels.
Here is where I booked a hostel a few years ago when travelling with a friend.
The area is safe and walking on the waterfront every day to explore Barcelona and when we were going back to our accommodation was very friendly.
We felt very safe because the waterfront is full of bars, restaurants and shops open till are.
It is a tranquil area inside but very noisy on the outside.
It is worth a visit day and night.
Best Hotels to book in the La Barceloneta quarter:
Sea Hostel Barcelona (hostel)
Residencia Campus del Mar (hostel)
Hotel 54 Barceloneta (mid-range)
W Barcelona (luxury)
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7. How is El Poblenou quarter?
El Poblenou is a vast district where you will find many hip cafes, tapas bars and restaurants. It is defined as a small Silicon Valley where many high tech companies have their headquarters.
It is an excellent and quiet area, where you can see a different side of Barcelona, far away from the tourists. If you are looking for a break on the beach, the Bogatell beach is only a few minutes' walk away, where you will find mostly locals.
Best Hotels to book in the El Poblenou:
Unite Hostel Barcelona (hostel)
Travelodge Barcelona Poblenou (budget)
Hotel SB Glow (mid-range)
The Hoxton Poblenou (luxury)
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8. How is El Raval quarter?
El Raval is the quarter on the west side of Las Ramblas, where the Palau Guell and the MACBA are located.
It is a particular area, where you can find many bars, restaurants and hotels, it has been cleaned since 1988 by the government that started a clean up with a vast urban project to make it look better for tourists and residents. The south side of it, near the port, was known as the red lights zone and a not so safe area.
Best Hotels to book in the El Raval quarter:
Hostal Operaramblas (budget)
BCN Home Guest House (budget)
Barcelo Raval Hotel (mid-range)
Hotel España Ramblas (luxury)
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