What part of Barcelona is best to stay in? Choosing an area to live in Barcelona. Amrey Sant Pau – inexpensive hotel in Barcelona

The area of ​​Barcelona is only 100 square meters. km (Moscow is 25 times larger) and is divided into exactly 10 parts: districts Old city, Eixample, Sants-Montjuïc, Les Corts, Sarria-Sant Gervasi, Gràcia, Horta-Guinardo, Nou Barris, Sant Andreu and Sant Martí. Most of these names mean nothing to the average tourist. Moreover, many are sure: all the attractions of the second largest city in Spain can be found in the Old Town - it is also worth settling there upon arrival. If you don’t mind overpaying for a hotel and don’t mind meeting the “night hosts” of Barcelona, ​​this area is an ideal choice. But it also has worthy competitors - with their own obvious advantages.

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

Gracia

Tourists often deprive it of attention - and in vain. Yes, sandy beaches and you won’t find monumental stone masterpieces here during the day: the list of iconic attractions is limited to the Gaudi House Museum and the fabulously beautiful Park Guell, which was decorated by the same talented architect. But it is here that you can see how the vibrant life of the most ordinary Catalan bohemia goes on with its colorful characters, street celebrations, spontaneous concerts and exhibitions.

Gracia hosts the most picturesque of the Spanish summer festivals - Fiesta Mayor, during which the street with the best decorations is chosen.

In numerous shops here you can easily find a stunning outfit or original jewelry from local designers, and hundreds of restaurants and cafes offer a thousand and one gastronomic pleasures. Hotel prices in Gràcia are average for Barcelona: a double room in a three-room apartment costs from 90 EUR, transport accessibility- one of the highest in the city, and the crime rate is among the lowest.

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

Les Corts

Safe, remote from the center, quite expensive and green - Les Corts is divided into three districts: Les Corts proper, Maternitat y San Ramon and Pedralbes. The latter has gained great fame among those who like to live in grand style and preferably surrounded by not mere mortals. It’s quite possible to see a star here on the terrace of a neighboring villa, and a billionaire from the Forbes list - at the Royal Polo Club, the Royal Tennis Club or, in extreme cases, in Cervantes Park, famous for its lush rose bushes.

First time in Barcelona: where to go, what to see - in our video review.

You can unwind your soul and empty your wallet here in the L’Illa and El Corte Ingles Diagonal shopping centers, and spend the evening with a glass of excellent wine in one of the area’s elite restaurants.

For a night in a 3* hotel they will ask from 105 EUR.

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

Sant Martí

You can see the metropolis of Barcelona, ​​shining with the lights of skyscrapers, casinos and billboards, in Sant Martí. The district borders the main "tourist centers" of Barcelona - the Old Town and the Eixample, and at the same time rarely appears in crime chronicles. His main symbol and the landmark is a masterpiece of urbanism. The district itself is divided into several parts, and almost the whole world has heard about one of them - Villa Olimpica: it was here that the Olympic Village of the 1992 Summer Games was located. Today it is the center of not the sports, but the party life of Barcelona: restaurants, cafes, bars and the clubs replace each other like colored pieces of glass in a kaleidoscope.

Take a break from the stormy nightlife the name is the magnificent promenade and central park“Poblenou”, don’t skimp on gifts for your loved ones - one of the largest shopping centers in the city, Diagonal Mar (office site in English).

Sant Martí has ​​the widest selection of hostels, apartments and hotels, including on the coast. Day in standard room for two people will cost from 95 EUR.

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

Sants-Montjuic

The largest district of Barcelona and also the transport center of the city: the Sants railway station and sea ​​port. In addition to them, Sants-Montjuïc is ready to boast an impressive list of attractions: the Joan Miró Foundation, the original Spanish Village and the Museum of Catalan Art. But the main thing that tourists want to see here is an incredible music and light show performed by singing fountains that “come to life” with the onset of summer.

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

Old city

The most densely populated area with tourists. It consists of 4 large neighborhoods (Gothic, Raval, Barceloneta, Sant Pere) and is most often mentioned in police reports. Pickpockets operate on the central streets during the day, “night butterflies” flock here at night. Raval and Barceloneta are especially unfavorable, however, local authorities are doing everything possible to protect tourists.

Rooms in local hotels, especially in Barceloneta, are almost twice as expensive as the Barcelona average - from 140 EUR for two in three rubles. In Raval and the Gothic Quarter - from 80/100 EUR respectively. Prices in shops and markets are also “tourist prices”. However, you can still find a very cheap hostel in close proximity to the main architectural wonders, as well as big discounts on hotel accommodations.

Trip to Barcelona

According to legend, in ancient times Barcelona was founded by Hercules - the same one who performed 12 labors. Having experienced ups and downs over a thousand-year history, today Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia and the largest tourist center Mediterranean coast.

It is unknown why - maybe because of the abundance of sun and proximity to the sea, maybe because of the passionate Catalan temperament, or maybe because of the mythological past, the inhabitants of Barcelona have outstanding abilities in art. Artists Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Antonio Saura, Juan Villafuerte worked here, and outstanding opera singers Jose Carreras and Montserrat Caballe still live here. Finally, the great Antonio Gaudi worked in Barcelona, ​​who revolutionized ideas about what was possible in architecture and gave the city a completely unique look. We are 100% sure that a trip to Barcelona will take its rightful place on your travel list.

Before you start planning your trip, download our mobile app - Travel Planner for iPhone or Android. With its help, you can not only take advantage of hundreds of attractions, ready-made routes, offline maps and GPS, but also completely plan your trip to Barcelona.

How to get to Barcelona?

The most convenient way to get to Barcelona from cities in Russia, the CIS and the Baltic countries is by plane. From Moscow and St. Petersburg direct flights in this direction are operated by Vueling, Iberia, Aeroflot, Transaero, Rossiya, Vim-Avia and Ural Airlines, travel time 4.5 hours. Direct flights from Kyiv to Barcelona are provided by Iberia and Ukraine International Airlines, travel time is 3.5 hours. Connecting flights can be found on many other European air carriers: Lufthansa, Finnair, airBaltic, SAS, Swiss, Turkish Airlines and etc.

Advice, repeatedly verified by the Ever.Travel team: the cheapest air tickets are on Aviasales.ru. This is an aggregator site that shows prices from several airlines and agencies at once, allowing you to choose the most profitable one. Carrier offers can be filtered by price, departure dates and times, airport, number of transfers and many other factors. For more information on how to find the cheapest flights, read tips from Ever.Travel.

Where to stay in Barcelona?

To avoid wasting time on travel and money on public transport, we recommend choosing accommodation in the center of Barcelona. You shouldn’t think that there are exclusively expensive hotels there - in almost any area of ​​the city, even in the historical center, you can find hotels, apartments or hostels for every taste and budget. So let's start with the places where you would really like to stay in Barcelona.

Map of Barcelona districts

Old Town (Ciutat Vella)

In the central area of ​​the capital of Catalonia there are some of the most famous city attractions: the Gothic Quarter, Rambla, Liceu Theater, Christopher Columbus Monument, Picasso Museum, Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St. Eulalia, Boqueria Market, Palace Güell and many other interesting places . There are also many different cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and department stores. In short, if you want to live in the very center of tourist life, choose historical Center Barcelona!

For tourist trip As a rule, a multiple visa is issued for a period of 6 months (the maximum period of stay in the country is 90 days every 180 days). Quite often, if you have previously issued Schengen visas in your passport, the Spanish consulate issues multiple visas valid for 1-2 years.

Registration of a tourist visa to Spain usually takes 4-5 working days, but in some cases these periods may increase. You should take care of this issue no later than two weeks before your trip to Barcelona. And in the midst summer season, the day before New Year holidays or May holidays even earlier - at least a month in advance.

If you do not want to understand the intricacies of obtaining a visa to Spain, we recommend using the VisaToHome service. With it you don't even have to leave the house! You just need to answer a couple of questions, and the experts will do the rest for you: the courier will pick up Required documents, managers will fill out a form, transfer the data to the consulate, and even bring your passport with the coveted visa to your home! In short, no more queues at the embassy, ​​returns due to an incomplete package of documents and stress while waiting for an answer. Entrust your worries to professionals; getting a visa is easy!

How to get from Barcelona airport to the city

international Airport Barcelona-El Prat- the largest in Catalonia and the second in passenger turnover in Spain. You can get to the city center by train or city bus, but the most convenient way is Aerobús express buses. They run from 5:30 to 01:00 and stop at Plaça d’Espanya, Gran Via Corts Catalanesl, Pl. Universitat and Pl. Catalonia. Travel time is 30-40 minutes, the cost of a one-way ticket is 5.9 euros, a return ticket is 10.2 euros (valid for 15 days).

At night, you can take buses no. 16 and no. 17, which go every 20 minutes from 22:00 to 5:00 to Plaça de Catalunya.

However, if you are arriving with small children, elderly relatives or huge suitcases, then it will be much more convenient to order a transfer from Barcelona airport. This is easy to do using the KiwiTaxi service. Russian-language interface, ready-made offers, guaranteed meeting at the airport - these are just a few of the advantages this service provides. Travel in greater comfort!

Car rental in Barcelona

Those who have been traveling independently for a long time should consider an even more attractive option - renting a car in Barcelona using the RentalCars service. This way you get maximum freedom of movement: you can rent a car immediately at El Prat airport, drive it comfortably to the hotel, then drive around Barcelona as much as you like, go to Valencia, Madrid, Figueres, and maybe even France or Italy. All in your hands!

Barcelona city transport

Transport system Barcelona is vast, branchy and not always easy to understand. The city and surrounding area are divided into zones that determine the cost of travel. However, most of the attractions are concentrated in zone 1.

Barcelona Metro consists of 11 lines and 164 stations. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday - from 5:00 to 23:00, Friday, Saturday and holidays- from 5:00 to 2:00, Sunday - from 6:00 to 24:00.

In Barcelona there are 109 bus routes, including night ones. Thus, route network covers the entire city and suburbs. In order for the bus to stop, you need to give a hand signal at the stop or press a special button inside the cabin. Barcelona's trams also connect remote areas of the city with the center.

Valid for all types of transport single ticket, for one trip it costs 2 euros and allows you to make a transfer within 30 minutes after validation. Buying a ticket for 10 trips will allow you to save significantly: it costs 9.80 euros and can be used by several people at once. There is also a 1-day unlimited pass that costs €7.25 for one zone.

Tourist cards in Barcelona

Check out our Barcelona travel guides as well. You don’t even need to think through anything with them - we’ve developed them especially for you. ready routes for walks:

Well, if you prefer to walk around the city in the company of people rather than gadgets, pay attention to a service called Excursiopedia. You can find a lot there interesting excursions around Barcelona accompanied by professional guides. Here are a couple of extremely tempting offers for example:

• Sagrada Familia from the service entrance - you can meet the current architects of the legendary temple and even climb the scaffolding! Most tourists don’t even dare to dream about this!
• The Salvador Dali Theater-Museum in Figueres is a must-see for true fans of the brilliant Spanish artist. This is not just a museum, it is a real immersion into its surreal world!
• All the sights of Barcelona. Explore the capital of Catalonia in comfort - two-story tourist bus will take you around the most significant places cities. All you have to do is go out and visit them. Visit time is unlimited!

Mobile communications and Internet in Spain

Barcelona has a municipal free Wi-Fi network with a total of 444 hotspots. You can find them using a blue indicator with a “W” sign. Many cafes, restaurants and shopping centers also have free chains.

Operators mobile communications offer special rates for tourists. For example, with a SIM-holidays card from Orange mobile calls to Russia will cost 8 cents per minute, and every 10 MB of traffic - 30 cents. Operator Movistar offers to buy a SIM card with 75 minutes of talk time and 1 GB of traffic for 9 euros. If you purchase several SIM cards Lebara Movil or Happy Movil, then you can talk to each other at very competitive rates or even for free.

Shopping in Barcelona

As in any big city, in Barcelona there are modern shopping centers, designer boutiques and stores of affordable brands. The main shopping avenue of the city - Passeig de Gracia. Clothing, shoes and accessories of Spanish brands are presented on a parallel street Rambla de Catalunya, mass market - on the street Pelai. Souvenirs can be viewed on the boulevard Rambla, delicacies - cheeses, jamon, wine - at the Boqueria or Sant Antoni markets.

Everything at once and under one roof can be found in large shopping centers - L'Illa, Maremagnum, Bulevard Rosa, Il Cortes Ingles. From Monday to Saturday, shops are open from 9:30 to 13:30, then a siesta break, and then from 16:30 to 22:00. Sunday is usually a day off. Large shopping centers are open from 10:00 to 22:00. Sales in Barcelona - Rebajas- take place twice a year: in January-February and July-August.

Catalan cuisine

During the years of repression, the richest Catalan cuisine was almost completely lost and, with great difficulty, was revived in 1996 at a special congress of chefs. The basis of Catalan cuisine is meat, seafood and vegetables; tomatoes, onions, red peppers, eggplants, artichokes and mushrooms are especially popular.

The simplest and most traditional snacks are toasted bread rubbed with garlic, olive oil, tomato and salt (pa amb tomaquet) and grilled onions served on clay tiles.

No meal is complete without four sauces: sofrito (made from garlic, onions, tomatoes, peppers and herbs), samphaina (from tomatoes, peppers and eggplant), picada (from garlic, herbs and roasted almonds) and ali-oli (from garlic with olive oil).

Various sausages and sausages are very popular - fried ones are usually served with a side dish of white beans (botifarra amb mongetes), dried ones are eaten just like that. Pay attention to “Mar i Muntanya”, which means “sea and mountains”, is a whole group of Catalan dishes that combine meat and seafood. Don't forget to try real paella - for example, black “arros negre” with cuttlefish.

In Barcelona, ​​the attitude towards tips is restrained: they are not left obligatory, but as a reward for good service. The usual rate is 5%, in exceptional cases - 10%; in cafes and bars you can simply round up the bill. Keep in mind that in many establishments, sitting at a table on the terrace will be the same 5-10% more expensive than inside the restaurant.

History of Barcelona

There is no reliable information about the time of Barcelona's founding. It is known that the age of the city exceeds two thousand years, and during its history it has been subjected to raids and seizures more than once. Around 15 BC An ancient Roman fortification was built on one of the hills, inside which the city of Barsino began to grow quite quickly - thanks to its favorable location and convenient harbor.

At the beginning of the 5th century it was captured by the Visigoths, and at the beginning of the 8th century by the Moors. During Muslim rule, Barcelona practically did not develop. But when in 801 the son of Emperor Charlemagne, Louis the Pious, recaptured these lands from the Arabs, the city became the capital of the Spanish March - a buffer zone between France and the Moorish possessions. In the 10th-11th centuries, the Catalan counts achieved real independence from the Franks, and in 1162 Alfonso II ascended the throne of the Kingdom of Aragon.

In 1469, the marriage of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon marked the beginning of the unification of Spain - and the decline of Barcelona. Numerous sieges, captures and robberies ravaged the city, and the development of new sea trade routes aggravated the situation.

Only in the 19th century was Barcelona able to recover, becoming a major industrial center. The medieval walls had to be demolished to allow the city to expand. Together with economic development The national movement also intensified: Catalan activists demanded autonomy for the region. The Spanish government responded with cultural and political repression, in particular a ban on the use of the Catalan language. Only in the 70s of the last century did Catalonia gain the right to develop its language and culture.

It is important to know:

Holidays and non-working days:

Good Friday and Easter

Well, it seems that we have told you almost all the organizational nuances, it’s time to move on to dessert - decide what to watch! , plan your trip to Barcelona on the interactive city map, synchronize it with the Ever.Travel mobile application and enjoy your trip!

How to have a cheap holiday in Barcelona? The recipe is simple: look for airline ticket sales and book an inexpensive hotel. If everything is simple with tickets - we compare prices for flights and choose the cheaper ones, then prices for hotels in Barcelona “bite”, and one night in a hotel can cost as much as a plane ticket. Therefore, experienced budget travelers first they check on what dates and where to stay inexpensively in Barcelona, ​​and then they select transport tickets for these dates. However, friends, if you cannot change your travel dates, then we have some tips for you and a list of proven cheap hotels.

To book a cheap hotel in Barcelona, use these tips:

• Book your hotel three months in advance, and for summer and holidays – six months in advance. If you don’t have time, then try three weeks in advance, then 1-7 days in advance - this is the time when free reservations are canceled, so there is a chance to find a hotel in Barcelona inexpensively.
• Don't be afraid to book hotels with prepayment, without cancellation - usually these hotels are the cheapest. But in this case, you need to be sure of the travel dates, otherwise the money for the reservation will not be returned.
• For those traveling solo or in a large group, a hostel is better suited. Hostels offer accommodation in a shared room with other travelers for 4-10 people, but they are cheap and you can meet new friends. As a rule, friendly and sociable people stay in hostels. Very interesting! And for a large group, a hostel is an opportunity for everyone to stay in one room at a low price.

In order not to search for a long time, we have prepared a list with inexpensive hotels, hostels and apartments in Barcelona - only the best and proven options! Use and add your favorite hotels in the comments.

Note, advice for tourists.
Average hotel prices in Barcelona: cheap hostels - from 15 euros per person, cheap hotels in Barcelona - from 40 euros for a double room. Inexpensive hostels - from 25 euros per person, hotels - from 60 euros per room.
Please note that from June to September, as well as on holidays, prices double. Therefore, for example, if in August you find a good hostel in the center for 25 euros or a hotel for 60 euros - this is very cheap, book without hesitation.

List the best hotels Barcelona in terms of price/quality ratio:

Best cheap hostels in Barcelona

A hostel is not necessarily a “dorm”; there are also double rooms (usually with a shared bathroom). But in hostels, unlike hotels, guests are often provided with a kitchen where they can cook, and they can also use a washing machine for free, which is important in long journey. In addition, finding inexpensive hostels in Barcelona is much easier than finding hotels.

Do you know that…
in youth hostels they often conduct free excursions, they have fun parties, dinners together, there are even free classes yoga, etc.

Giving out good places for accommodation, you risk being left without a room on your next visit - yes, this happens))) My friends asked me not to write about hostel No. 1 on this list - and so places need to be booked much in advance, but double rooms busy even in the off season. But my opinion: there is a lot of competition among hostels in Barcelona, ​​so every year better places to stay appear - there is enough for everyone! In the meantime, this hostel is really the best in Barcelona:

1. Yeah Barcelona – the best hostel in the center of Barcelona

Keep in mind that in Barcelona they charge extra city ​​tourist tax– sometimes it is already included in the price, but it happens that they charge additionally upon check-in (this is normal). The exact amount of tax depends on the establishment, it is always indicated in the description, read carefully before booking.

3. Jam Barcelona – the best cheap hostel in Barcelona and the most friendly :)

Jam Barcelona is a cozy and clean hostel located in the bohemian Gràcia district of Barcelona, ​​between the cathedral and Park Güell. The best of the cheap ones (from 19 euros per person). Everything here is thought out to the smallest detail: near each bed there is a personal locker with a magnetic key, as well as a shelf with an outlet for charging your phone; two common living rooms, a library and a terrace for yoga, a washing machine. If you're lucky, you'll get to a “family dinner” that the hosts sometimes host for all the hostel guests.
See photos of rooms, reviews and prices.

4. Fabrizzio’s Petit – hostel in the heart of Barcelona

Fabrizzio's Petit Hostel is located in the city centre, a 15-minute walk from the Sagrada Familia and Plaza Catalunya. There are both dormitory rooms for 8 people and double rooms (as in the photo). During the day you can have a free snack - croissants, jam, cereal, juice, milk, eggs. A shared kitchen and washing machine are provided free of charge.

5. Inout – a unique and very cheap hostel in Barcelona

This hostel may not be the best or most comfortable, but it is very cheap (from 17 euros) and has its own characteristics. Located outside the city, in a park, 20 minutes by train, then 10 minutes on foot. The nature around is magnificent! Nearby is Collserola Park, where you can walk and meet wild boars. Ideal not only for visiting Barcelona, ​​but also for a relaxing holiday away from the bustle of the city. Not suitable for those who come to quickly see Barcelona in one day.
See all photos, reviews and prices.

The best cheap hotels in Barcelona center

Hotels are convenient because the room has its own bathroom and you are independent from anyone. However, in mini-hotels or guest houses there are cheaper rooms, they may have a shared bathroom.

6. EddyRooms Barcelona – cheap mini-hotel in the very center of Barcelona

Guest house in Art Nouveau style, located next to Plaza Catalunya. The best of cheap hotels, prices from 46 euros for a double room. The atmosphere of Barcelona is well felt here. There is a terrace where you can drink coffee. Guests can also cook in the fully equipped kitchen.
See photos, reviews and prices.

7. Amrey Sant Pau – inexpensive hotel in Barcelona

The hotel is located within walking distance of the main attractions, but in a quiet location. There is a non-tourist one very close by. In a hotel spacious rooms with private bathroom, there is even a balcony and good view. Prices vary greatly for different dates, but even in summer you can find a room for 60-70 euros per night! So check different days.
See all photos and prices.

Lifehack! If you are staying in Barcelona for more than 2 days, then do not focus on one hotel, but combine different accommodations. For example, it will be cheaper to stay in the center on weekdays, and a little further from the center - on weekends. This way you will not only save money, but also time by living first in one area and then in another.

8. Cantón – cheap hotel in the center of Barcelona

Hotel Cantón is located in the center of the Old Town and a 10-minute walk from the sea. The rooms, although small, have their own bathroom. Prices from 40 euros per night! In summer you can also find “inexpensive dates” from 75 euros.
See all photos and prices.

9. Casita Amarilla – cheap hotel in Barcelona near Park Güell. Champagne as a gift!

If you are looking for a cheap hotel in Barcelona for a summer holiday, but at the same time comfortable, then this is best option! For the price of a hostel you get a room with a private bathroom, and even a bottle of champagne upon check-in - a small thing, but nice :)
See reviews, photos and prices.

10. Hotels in Barcelona by the sea, inexpensive

Where to stay in Barcelona inexpensively, and even right by the sea? There are no good cheap hotels in Barcelona very close to the beach. For those who are not picky, there is the Safestay Barcelona Sea hostel, very cheap, first line by the sea, but it’s difficult to call it comfortable.

Inexpensive hotels in Barcelona by the sea start from 120 euros in the summer, more expensive in August.

NH Hesperia Barcelona del Mar Hotel– one of the best inexpensive hotels in Barcelona by the sea. There are often discounts, so you need to monitor prices.

If you choose a hotel not on the first line, but at least 10-15 minutes from the beach, and not in the very center of the city (by metro to the center), then Hotel BestPrice Diagonal is a good option.

But it’s best to go to the outskirts of Barcelona and rent an apartment by the sea for the price of a cheap hotel in the center of Barcelona. Moreover, the journey is only 20-30 minutes by bus. Here are the best options:

Cheap apartments in Barcelona

For those traveling with children for three days or more, it is more convenient to rent inexpensive apartments in Barcelona or the surrounding area. In this case, you can rent an apartment near the sea and combine a city holiday in Barcelona with a beach holiday.
Cheap apartments in Barcelona in summer are up to 100 euros, inexpensive ones are 100-150 euros. But the apartment can accommodate 3-4 people, so it is more profitable to rent an apartment instead of two hotel rooms - the price is the same, but the comfort is much greater.

Previously, it was possible to rent apartments in Barcelona inexpensively through AirBNB, unfortunately, recently the city authorities have been fighting against unlicensed landlords, and now you can increasingly see reviews from tourists whose reservations are canceled at the last minute. That's why we made it onto our list only proven apartment options, with whom there will be no problems upon arrival.
Here are some apartments you can rent inexpensively in Barcelona:

11. Apartamentos Atica – cheap apartments near the center

Apartment Ática is located just 10 minutes' walk from the Sagrada Familia and 5 minutes from the metro. There is a kitchen and all necessary utensils. Experiment with dates - for the summer you can find prices up to 100 euros per night. Keep in mind that the price for one day will be higher than for three or more.
See photos and prices.

12. Royal Marina Gardens – inexpensive apartments near the sea

If you want to live near the beach and without crowds of tourists, then choose a complex of modern apartments Royal Marina Gardens in the suburbs of Barcelona – Castelldefels. Great apartments 5 minutes from the sea: studio, single and double. There is silence and beauty all around, only cheerful parrots are talking. Buses L95 and L94 (to Plaza Catalunya) run to Barcelona every 10-20 minutes, the stop is right opposite the apartments - convenient: we alternate a beach holiday with walks around Barcelona. If you have a car, there is free parking nearby.

Magnificent Barcelona is one of the most visited places on the planet. City attractions, well-groomed beaches, profitable shopping and sunny weather attract tourists from all over the world, predicting a rich and pleasant stay. However, before the trip, travelers have a very reasonable question: “Where is the best place to stay in Barcelona?” The answer will be given in today's article.

Traveler-friendly areas of Barcelona

The administrative center of Catalonia consists of 10 main districts. 7 of them will be more convenient for travelers. Detailed description tourist areas Barcelona is presented below.

El Born

This area is calm and calm. It is better for curious tourists to stay in Born, because... There are many attractions in this part of Barcelona. The Palace of Music, the local zoo, the Church of Santa Maria del Mar, the Santa Caterina market, the Picasso Museum and other interesting places are within walking distance of the Borna hotels. The named area borders Barceloneta and the Gothic Quarter, in which there are many interesting places for tourists. There is also a French station in Born, which gives the traveler the opportunity to visit various cities and beaches in Catalonia and throughout Spain. Born is located near the sea, has many bars with reasonable prices and good service. There are hotels and inns here that will delight you with comfort and low cost of living.

Gracia

In former times, this area was a craft village. IN late XIX century, Gracia joined Barcelona, ​​and was immediately loved by people of creative professions - artists, musicians, performers, etc. Here, on every corner, you will come across designer workshops, benches, shops with original goods of all existing styles. In the area there are restaurants and cafes with a variety of world cuisines, where you can try new dishes. Hotels and inns are located in the most different places, and surprise tourists with their bohemian atmosphere and quality of service. Gracia is remote from the sea, so this area is not suitable for those who want to spend their holidays on the beach.

Pedralbes

This area of ​​​​Barcelona is considered the most prestigious. Many famous businessmen, athletes, show business stars, politicians, etc. live here. Pedralbes real estate amazes with its sky-high prices. The area boasts only one attraction - the Monastery of the Pedralbes Clarines, after which it received its name. Tourists will be interested in this building Art Gallery, which contains about 70 thousand works of art by famous masters of the Renaissance and the Middle Ages. Also located in the area are the Royal Polo Club and the Tennis Club. Pedralbes is located far from the sea; you need to travel to get to the beach. public transport or taxi.

Raval

This area is suitable for extreme sports and adventure lovers. In the past, Raval was a robber district with thriving brothels. The bad reputation of this area has not yet been dispelled, so many “avid” tourists consider the area dangerous for travelers. The territory of Raval is home to a large number of emigrants of Arab origin; the narrow streets with a specific oriental flavor are rarely cleaned. Drug trafficking, theft and other types of crime flourish here. Among the advantages of the area I would like to highlight acceptable prices for accommodation and a wide selection of local cafes and restaurants with a good reputation. The Raval's attractions do not live up to the area's notoriety. Here you can visit the Güell Palace, the El Molino Theater, the MACBA Museum contemporary art Barcelona, ​​CCCB – Exhibition Center modern culture of Barcelona, ​​and also visit the monument to the fat cat - the symbol of the area, located on one of the local streets. As night falls, Raval comes to life and becomes unsafe for peaceful tourists.

Upper City, or Eixample

This area is considered one of the best. The cost of hotels, rental houses or apartments is quite high. Eixample is a non-tourist area. Middle class locals live here. On its territory there are many shops and offices, world-famous boutiques and extraordinary buildings in the Art Nouveau style: Leo Morera House, Batllo House, Mila House, Amatler House, etc. A distinctive feature of the Upper Town is its grid division into boulevards, spacious squares with fantastic fountains and diagonal streets. The Eixample is recognized as the largest, cleanest and most gentrified area of ​​​​Barcelona. It has a well-developed transport infrastructure, which will help tourists easily explore all the sights of the city.

Gothic Quarter, or Old Town

The most interesting and noisy district of the city is located in the center of Barcelona. There are many interesting places and attractions: Plaza de Sant Jaume, El Call Jewish Quarter, Plaza Nova, Cathedral, Pine Square, Santa Maria del Pi Church, King Square, etc. The sea is located near the Gothic Quarter. However, living on its territory is not entirely convenient. The narrow streets do not allow taxis to pass through, it is noisy and unsafe here at night, and prices for accommodation are very high.

Barceloneta

The district of Barcelona closest to the sea, Barceloneta, is suitable for young and energetic people who love all kinds of parties and get-togethers. This place used to be a fishing area. These days, you can go to one of the many inexpensive restaurants or cafes and eat freshly prepared seafood dishes. Barceloneta has several interesting attractions: the Fish sculpture, the landscaped promenade, the maritime palace and the municipal market. There is a shortage of hotels in this area, but you can easily rent a cozy small room near the sea. The transport network is also developed here. Daily walks, sunbathing, swimming in the warm sea and noisy night parties - this is what awaits travelers who stay in this area.

Which area of ​​Barcelona is best to stay in is up to you. For a calm, measured holiday, choose quiet places. All areas are connected to each other by a single transport network, so there will be no problems with moving around the city and visiting its sights.

Dangerous areas of Barcelona

Unsafe areas of the city include:

• Raval - due to the high level of crime and prostitution.
• La Mina - because of large quantity emigrants.
• Barceloneta - due to the high crime rate, thefts, constant noise and a large number of drunk people.

Areas of Barcelona for permanent residence

If you want to leave your hometown, and become a resident of sunny Barcelona, ​​then first you need to decide on the choice of a suitable area. A few tips will help you find the perfect place that suits your needs and desires.

1. Areas for permanent residence must have a well-developed transport network. In this case, the Raval and the Gothic Quarter are not suitable, because... have narrow streets.
2. There should be supermarkets, work, schools, etc. nearby or not far from home. The Eixample and Borne areas fall under this criterion.
3. Peace and quiet in the evening and at night. For a peaceful stay in Barcelona, ​​choose sleeping and quiet areas: Gràcia, Sant Martí, Sants, Pedralbes, etc.
4. Close location to the sea. If you are a connoisseur beach holiday, then move to Barceloneta.
5. Cultural recreation. The Born, Eixample, Old Town and Raval areas are ideal for sightseeing.
6. Money question. The most expensive and prestigious areas are Pedralbes and Upper town. Search budget places For living it is better to start in areas remote from the center. Also, as an option, you can consider the suburbs of Barcelona, ​​where real estate prices are much lower.

A clear answer to the question: “Where is the best place to live in Barcelona?” It won't be possible to give. When choosing, you must take into account your desires, needs, as well as financial and physical capabilities.

Barcelona – real paradise for tourists. A huge number of attractions, hotels, boutiques and shops, warm sea, tolerance and friendliness local residents, a well-established transport network and many other factors attract tourists from all over the world, giving them a good rest and a desire to return to this beautiful country more than once.