Barcelona's neighborhoods: the complete guide

Barcelona offers dozens of neighbourhoods each with its own unique atmosphere.

The good news: there's something for everyone.

As it's often difficult to know where to go when visiting Barcelona, here I present the city's most popular neighborhoods.

Follow the guide!

Barcelona's neighborhoods: article summary

The Gothic Quarter

Let's start with a classic. The Gothic Quarter is Barcelona's most emblematic district. As a result, it's also the most popular, especially with tourists.

While some deplore the Gothic Quarter's loss of authenticity, it still manages to captivate. Its narrow cobbled streets and medieval architecture will take your breath away. What's more, its prime location right in the heart of the city makes it ideal for sightseeing and getting around.

Things to see in the Gothic Quarter

There are many museums and buildings to visit here. Here you'll find :

• Visit plaza Sant Jaume
• Visit Barcelona History Museum
• Visit Holy Cross Cathedral

Barcelona's El Born district

Considered one of Barcelona's oldest districts, El Born has its fair share of things to see and do. From the magnificent basilica Santa María del Mar to the multitude of museums on site, you'll never be bored exploring its picturesque streets.

When you need a break from exploring, stop for a drink or a bite to eat. El Born is home to some of Barcelona's best bars and restaurants.

Things to see in Barcelona's El Born district

As with the Gothic Quarter, El Born is packed with things to see. Here you'll find :

• the Picasso Museum
• the chocolate museum
• the Parc de la Ciutadella
• the Palace of Catalan Music

Raval

In the past, Raval was one of Barcelona's most dangerous neighborhoods. Fortunately, this has changed, as the rejuvenated Raval is one of Barcelona's most colorful and eclectic neighborhoods.

This hipster paradise is located in the center of Barcelona, but proves to be much less expensive than the nearby Gothic Quarter and El Born. It also boasts one of the city's most concentrated collections of international restaurants. Over time, Raval has become a multicultural area.

What you can see in Raval

Here you can see :

• the Güel Palacel
• the Liceu Grand Theatre
• Visit Boqueria
• Visit Barcelona Maritime Museum

Barcelona's Eixample district

With its neat layout and abundant modernist architecture, l'Eixample is a must on every Barcelona itinerary. On site, you can enjoya varied selection of shopping, dining and nightlife options.

The neighborhood offers everything you need, with upscale sophistication that feels both elegant and unpretentious.

What to see in the Eixample district?

The area is full of wonders to visit. If you've finished your shopping spree, I suggest you spend some time at :

• Visit Sagrada Familia
• Visit Pedrera
• Visit Casa Batllo
• Visit place de Catalogne

Gràcia

Once you head north from Avinguda Diagonal, you won't be in Barcelona anymore. At least, it won't feel like Barcelona anymore. The Gràcia was once a completely separate village before being swallowed up by a booming Barcelona in the XIXᵉ century, and the strong sense of local identity still runs deep.

Most people here speak Catalan rather than Spanish. Gràcia is charming, idyllic and perfect for curious travelers in search ofan off-the-beaten-track experience.

What can you see in Barcelona's Gràcia district?

On site, you can visit :

• Gaudi experience
• Casa Rocamora
• Casa Vicens

Barcelona's Barceloneta district

The nearby beach of the same name is perhaps one of Barcelona's most popular tourist beaches. This old fishing district still manages to give the impression that time has stood still here.

À BarcelonetaHere, you'll find colorful houses, a persistent sea breeze and plenty of fresh seafood prepared to order in tapas bars and restaurants. You can't beat this charming little neighborhood near the beach for your vacation.

What you can see in Barceloneta

The area is full of wonders. You can, of course, enjoy the beach, but also :

• The Barceloneta market
• Visit port of Sant Miquel

Sant Antoni

Small, promising and resolutely off the beaten track, Sant Antoni has made a name for itself in recent years as one of Barcelona's top gastronomic destinations. Home to a recently reopened, grandiose market and no shortage of tapas bars, it's easily Barcelona's best neighborhood for gourmets.

Even if eating delicious food isn't your main objective, Sant Antoni should always be on your list of places to visit in Barcelona. The place offers an irresistible charm hard to find in many other parts of Barcelona, and is populated by friendly locals.

What to see in Sant Antoni

From here, you can take the funicular to another district in the hills: Montjuïc. You can also try your hand at virtual reality at Virtua. If you'd like to explore the history of the area, head to Casa Dels Cagols.

Barcelona's Sants-Montjuïc district

If the name Sants rings a bell, it's probably because you're thinking of Barcelona's main train station. But Sants and the neighboring district of Montjuïcoften referred to as Sants-Montjuïc, have much more to offer.

Obviously, Montjuïc hill and its many tourist sites are great attractions. But the area is also home to some great shopping, and its relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for an afternoon or evening stroll.

What you can see at Sants - Montjuïc

There's a lot to see in the area. On site, you can see :

• Visit Montjuïc magic fountain
• Visit Montjuïc Castle
• Victoria Theatre
• Visit Miro Foundation

A trip to Barcelona is always a wonderful experience. Filled with unique neighborhoods, there's so much to discover as you wander the city's streets. History, architecture, gastronomy and shopping, you'll never be bored in Barcelona!