Hotels in Barcelona

Staying in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city you explore on foot and by metro, which makes choosing a district less stressful than elsewhere: almost the whole centre is well served. The Eixample, with its wide grid of avenues, holds a large share of the hotels and puts the Sagrada Família and Passeig de Gràcia within walking distance. The old town, between the Gothic Quarter and El Born, charms with its narrow streets and small characterful hotels, but it stays lively late into the night. On the sea side, Barceloneta and the waterfront attract those who want to combine beach and sightseeing.

The city is very busy in spring and summer, and major trade fairs fill the hotels at certain times of the year. Booking early remains the best guarantee of finding the location you want. The airport is linked to the centre by train, metro, an express shuttle bus and taxis, so you can stay a little further out without losing time. For a family stay, the apartments and aparthotels of the Eixample or Gràcia offer more space than the small old-town hotels, which often occupy older buildings with smaller rooms.

Where to stay in Barcelona

• The Eixample

  The most practical district for a first visit: wide streets, metro everywhere, shops and restaurants, and the great modernist landmarks within walking distance. A safe bet for families.

• The old town: Gothic Quarter, El Born and El Raval

  Pedestrian lanes, shaded squares, characterful hotels in old buildings. Ideal for atmosphere, less so for quiet: ask for a courtyard-facing room if you are a light sleeper.

• Barceloneta and the waterfront

  Beach, promenade and seafood restaurants, a few metro stops from the centre. A good choice in summer to alternate swimming and sightseeing, with hotels that are often larger.

• Sants and Plaça d'Espanya

  Near the main railway station and the exhibition grounds, a practical area if you arrive by train or come for a trade fair, with functional hotels well connected to the centre.

Good to know before you book

• Favour proximity to a metro station over the very centre: you will gain quiet and space without losing accessibility.
• A tourist tax is collected by the hotel on top of the room rate; check the listing to see whether it is included or paid on site.
• In summer, air conditioning and a courtyard-facing room make a real difference, especially in the old town where evenings are long and noisy.

Questions about Barcelona

Frequently asked questions