Finding your perfect Barcelona holiday apartment
You’ve made up your mind. Staying in an apartment for your trip to Barcelona is the best solution. But now the harder questions begin. How do I find the right apartment? What do I need to know? Where should I stay?
Our clients ask us the same questions every day. So we have created a list of key information you need to find your ideal apartment and make your visit to Barcelona a trip to truly remember.
What you need to know about the apartments in Barcelona
How does apartment size vary?
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Does heating/air conditioning come as standard?
Can I bring my pet?
What if I want an apartment with a view?
Can I require special access to my apartment?
 |
 |
 |
 |
In general, apartments in Barcelona can be quite compact, especially in the Old Town (Gothic Quarter, Raval, Borne and Barceloneta) where the central location makes it a popular choice but properties can be smaller and more traditional. Areas where the apartments are typically larger and more modern include the Eixample, Sagrada Familia, Villa Olimpica and Sants.
When comparing properties, always check for a floor plan and the number of m2 to get an exact idea of size. 20-30m2 can work for a couple on a romantic weekend away, but ideally a group of 4 will need around 50-60m2.
What sleeping arrangements can I expect?
The number of people that can sleep in the apartment will not always equate to the number of beds. Some guests may be provided with a sofa-bed in the living area.
To avoid the “who will sleep where” game on arrival, do your in advance. Filter your search results by the number of bedrooms you need and check the exact details of the beds available.
Travelling with the family?
Recommended things to look for in a “family-friendly” apartment:
- Has a lift if located higher than the REAL 1st floor
- Located in a quiet street and building
- Doesn’t contain any dangerous/easily breakable items, e.g. glass tables
- Has at least 15m2 of space per person (excluding babies) and a total area of more than 30m2
- Has a washing machine
Does heating/air conditioning come as standard?
Winters in Barcelona are chilly (though thankfully not as cold as the UK) and summers are hot and humid. Heating and air-conditioning are not standard in Barcelona. Check the apartment profile or filter your search results if they are on your must-have list.
Apartments occasionally allow pets but rules vary between size and species. Arriving with a cat is not the same as turning up with 3 great danes!
Filter your search results for a list of pet-friendly properties but double-check regarding type and size of animal permitted before booking.
How can I find an apartment with a view?
Apartments with great view of the Sagrada Familia, the sea or the Barcelona horizon are possible. Scan the titles of the apartment profiles as they (as well as the photos and descriptions) often highlight this information. This is a good way to find a “sunny” or “bright” apartment as well.
Take note: the great majority of Barcelona apartments will have at least one bedroom facing on to an interior patio and therefore will have less natural light.
Are lifts standard in Barcelona?
Lifts are usual but not guaranteed. More and more are being installed but many older buildings in the Old Town just do not have the space. Filter your results or check the apartment profile to make sure.
How many flights up is the apartment?
Floor names in Barcelona do not match the rest of Europe.
Ground Floor = Planta Baja
First Floor = Entresuelo
Second Floor = Principal
Third Floor = Primero
And so on… Trouble is, not all buildings follow this rule and sometimes the first floor is simply just known as the first floor (primero). Check for profiles that clearly state the REAL height of the floor your apartment is on. Only then will you know exactly how many flights up you will be.
Select ‘the surroundings’ tab up above for part 2 of finding your perfect Barcelona apartment
What you need to know about the area around the apartment
How far away am I from the city centre?
What is the easiest mode of transport to/from my apartment?
Where can I park my car?
Is my apartment close to the shops?
How can I find an apartment with a swimming pool?
Is my apartment close to the beach?
 |
 |
 |
 |
How far away am I from the city centre?
The great thing about Barcelona is that whichever neighbourhood your apartment is located you are never too far from the city centre. Most of the popular areas of the city are within walking distance to Plaza Catalunya and they are all only a short journey away on public transport.
What is the easiest mode of transport to/from my apartment?
The whole of the city is well-covered by the metro, train and bus networks. Most apartments are close to two forms of transport if not all three. Google Maps is great for locating the nearest stations. Check connections to the centre using our metro/train map.
More info: Barcelona public transport
Few holiday apartments in Barcelona include a parking space (filter results, check profiles) and parking on the street is a battle at night and by day nearly impossible for more than a couple of hours at a time. There are many private car parks but they are not free. More info: Parking in Barcelona
Good news is the transport system in Barcelona is cheap & easy to use unless you are bringing a car for a journey outside of the city (check the trains, consider a rental!), it is not necessary in order to get around.
Is my apartment close to the shops?
With hundreds of little supermarkets throughout the city and a bakery on practically every corner, picking up food is never more than a short walk away.
For those with a shopping spree on their mind, read our guide to shopping in Barcelona for the rundown the top areas.
How can I find an apartment with a swimming pool?
Private swimming pools are not common in the city. The weather of course is great in summer, but most people head to the beach for a sunbathe or a swim.
If you have your heart set on an apartment with a pool, it’s better to look in the newer areas of the city, particularly Diagonal Mar. Or, alternatively, there are many public pools around.
Is my apartment close to the beach?
One of the city’s most attractive features is that you are never far from one of Barcelona’s beaches. Again Barcelona’s transport system means that you can hop on the metro or bus and be there in no time.
Check out the apartment itself tab for part 1 of finding your perfect Barcelona apartment.
Ready to look for accommodation?
We guarantee you’ll pay the lowest price for your apartment that’s out there on the internet – or we’ll give you double the difference back. Just plug in your details below and away you go.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Have we forgotten anything? Have you got a question we haven’t already answered? We are always happy to help, please leave a comment below!
About the author Oh-Barcelona
We are a leading holiday accommodation provider, with a fantastic choice of affordable rental apartments, hotels and hostels in the Catalan capital.
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Bookmark
Stumble
RSS Feed
Barcelona, the third happiest city in the world
Barcelona in autumn – advice, accommodation and activities
A shopper’s guide to Barcelona
Barcelona’s best hostels – the results are in
5 Comments
We are a family of six (mother, father, grandparents and two teenager kids)looking for comfortable accomodation in Barcelona from 16th till 20th Oct 2011.
We would like three rooms, preferably two doube beds, and two bathrooms. We are looking for accomodation in a central area within a short walking distance from the Ramblas. We will probably rent a car for a couple of days and will need some parking place nearby.
Pls can you contact me with some recommendations
thanks Bonny
Hi Bonny,
Thanks for the comment, you came to the right place! I will shortly send you a private e-mail (to the e-mail address you have given) with the contact details of one of our customer sales advisors. He will be able to assist you in finding an apartment with all the criteria you have stated. Take care.
Tom
Hi James
My partner and I arrive 03/08/2011, my adult daughter joins us on 04/08 & my adult son & fiancée arrive on 05/08.
We leave on 10/08, so we need accommodation that will sleep 5 adults, 2 couples and 1 single.
It would be ideal if we had beach views and close to casino, though not necessary if not near casino.
Yes, please do refer me to your customer service, I appreciate the assistance.
Regards
Tracey Murphy
Email: tmurph61@hotmail.com
Hi,
we will be driving from Paris to Barcelona and require an apartment or villa with car parking.
Because we have a car, it reduces my search dramatically, can you please advise what options we have with public parking in Barcelona
Thanks
Tracey
Hi Tracey,
Great to hear that you will be coming to Barcelona! We have plenty of Apartments with Private parking. You will not unfortunately be able to get a villa in Barcelona itself but if you want to stay outside the city there are some. If you want I can send you a list of all the apartments we have available with private parking or parking very close by to your email address. Please do let me know and I can get you in touch with someone from our Customer Care department who will be more than happy to help you choose an apartment that suits your requirements.
James (marketing4@oh-holidays.com)
Marketing Assistant