Accommodation in Barcelona

Wish you were here?

Getting it right when it comes to where to stay in the city can make or break your trip. And Barcelona's certainly got a lot to choose from - whether you want to be close to the action in the city centre, a stone's throw away from the historic quarter or within diving distance of the shore.

• Scintillating in the city centre

  The historical centre of Barcelona is located in the Gothic quarter, but the area surrounding Plaça de Catalunya is commonly thought of as the modern city centre. This busy square is the hub of daily life in the city, from where several spokes of road lead off in all directions - including the Ramblas to the south and Passeig de Gràcia to the north.
  
  Why would you want to be based nearby? Barcelona's a fairly compact centre to walk around, and most of its major sights are easily accessible if you’re staying near the centre. Head towards the port and you’ll be lost in the labyrinth of the old town, or stroll through the wide boulevards of L’Eixample on the trail of Modernista masterpieces. Expect a lively atmosphere after dark, especially in parts of the old town.

• Soaking up that historic vibe

  Founded by the Romans just over 2000 years ago and conquered in turn by the Visigoths, Arabs and Francs, Barcelona has lived through its fair share of history. Where Plaça Sant Jaume stands today was the site of the original crossroads of the town, and the streets radiating out from here, through Born, the Gótico and the Raval, knot together to create the historic heart of the city.
  
  Apart from being close to the spirits of Barcelona past, the big advantage of choosing one of these districts to stay in is their proximity to major landmarks. La Seu Cathedral, Santa María del Mar, Plaça del Rei, the Plaça Reial, the Ramblas, the Picasso Museum - all of these sights are located in the historic areas. Choose a historic district if you really want to get under the city's skin.

• Just basking by the beach

  The 1992 Olympic Games were the catalyst for momentous change across Barcelona, and there’s nowhere better to witness their legacy than all along the waterfront. In fact, the chance to combine a city break with a beach holiday may well be one of the reasons you're considering coming to Barcelona.
  
  The eight beaches all have quite a distinct feel about them. Choose accommodation near to Sant Sebastià and Barceloneta if you want to hang out with a young, touristy crowd, and don't mind the hustle. Nova Icària and Bogatell attract locals with kids, while Mar Bella is the one nudist beach. Further out from the city centre are Nova Mar Bella, Llevant and Fórum. There's less going on here, although facilities are still good, so would be ideal if you're after a bit of peace and quiet.