Choosing a location for your Barcelona Holiday
You could probably choose from around ten different locations when choosing the right accommodation in Barcelona, but I'm only going to focus here on seven- those which I think would be the best neighbourhoods to stay in from a tourism point of view. Those I neglect to mention are not necessarily poor choices if you come across something you like there, but I have omitted them purely to concentrate on the main areas. First up, the City Centre.
Barcelona city centre is known as Cuitat Vella, or the old city, and is divided into 3 neighbourhoods or 'barrios'; the Raval and the gothic Quarter are divided in two by the old river bed which is now Barcelona's most famous street ' Las Ramblas. Many would-be visitors to the city have heard little else apart from the famous Ramblas, and often opt for a place within walking distance of this stretch, meaning easy access to the Old Port and the city's main square, Plaça Catalunya. Staying in the old city means you're as close to the historical Roman city of Barcino as possible. Soak up the Gothic architecture and ruins in the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter. Rub shoulders with the bohemian artists, poets and writers. Visit the oldest church in Barcelona, Sant Pau del Camp, or the modern art museums and Grand Liceu Opera house. It's safe to say that staying in the old city means you can walk to most of the main sights and you will revel in the multicultural centre of the city.
Staying in the city centre of any city, though, also has its drawbacks. Noise pollution can be a major headache as the city centre never really sleeps (it's not just New York), and constant crowds also mean that petty crime is higher here than other areas in the city. Take the usual precautions of visiting any major city and you'll be fine, but it's worth a mention. Natural light is also something of a rare commodity in some of the winding pedestrian streets of the old town, so if you're thinking of asking for an internal room in your hotel, ensure it has a window and that there is sufficient natural light.
The third neighbourhood which is classed as the old town is the old fisherman's quarters of La Barceloneta. This is a close-knit community of workers, who pride themselves on their seafood and beach. So if you fancy being close to the city beaches, and some of the best seafood, Barceloneta is a great choice. Hosuing here is very small, though, so if you choose on renting a short-term apartment, ensure there is an elevator and verify the size of the lodging to avoid disappointment.
Spreading out from the old town quarters is the Eixample neighbourhood, divided into left and right. Literally meaning expansion or widening, the Eixample neighbourhood is a grid-like system of high rise blocks and the biggest neighbourhood in the city. Eixample is home to some of the best architecture the city has to offer, with no less than 5 of the 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites Barcelona boasts sitting alongside the great shopping areas and pavement cafes. Eixample is a safe bet for your accommodation, and is well served by public transport. Staying as close to Plaça Catalunya is a great location, meaning you can dip in and out of the old town extremely easily.
The Gracia neighbourhood has a really small-town feel to it, and buildings here are smaller than the neighbouring Eixample which it sits just above. Gracia is popular with students and its many Plaças fill up at night times until the small hours. The neighbourhood also hosts possibly the best local festival of all the neighbourhoods with decorations and fireworks throughout the third week in August.
Poble Sec, meaning 'dry village', is another neighbourhood with a small-town feel to it, and it sits at the foot of the Montjüic mountain to the left of the old town. This is a family neighbourhood, and quieter than Gracia, although slightly further out from the main attractions, but safe and friendly. If you want to beat the crowds and feel like a local, head here.
Sants/Montjüic. Although technically two different neighbourhoods, I have grouped them as they cover relatively the same stretch of terrain, and both areas give fantastic access to the Fira de Barcelona ' one of the city's main convention centres. Barcelona is third in Europe as a destination for trade fairs and exhibitions, meaning these neighbourhoods are ideal if you plan on visiting or exhibiting at the Fira. Montjüic is classed as a mountain, but it's really just a big hill, housing some of the city's best parks and gardens, the Olympic installations and some fantastic museums, too. It also offers very easy access to the Cruise ports in Barcelona ' as does the old city, however in parts it can be quite steep, and reliance on public transport is a must here.
Finally, I've included Poble Nou ' the 'new village'. This working-class neighbourhood has many new high-rise buildings which sit above the Olympic Village and border Barcelona's last working Bull ring, Monumental. This area offers great access to the Olypic Village beaches and nightlife, so is a popular choice for younger people, although slightly further out of the city centre to the right of Barcelona, meaning that again, public transport is needed to visit the main sights.
Choosing your location for your Barcelona visit depends on many factors such as the age of your group, purpose of the visit, time of year, length of time you'll be spending in the city and budget. However, choosing any of those places mentioned above will mean that you'll go away happy and wanting to return for sure!
About the Author:
David Brydon has been living in Barcelona for 9 years and writes about Apartments for rent Barcelona and regularly contributes to this great Barcelona Guide.