Barcelona, the capital of Modernism and Spain’s second-largest metropolis, is a compact and comparatively easy-to-walk metropolis. Barcelona has a number of distinct neighborhoods to discover, every with its personal vibe and various things to see and do.
This is our information to the highest neighborhoods to remain in and discover if you go to Barcelona.
Greatest neighborhood for trendsetters: Gràcia
As soon as an impartial municipality from Barcelona, Gràcia is maybe the neighborhood in Barcelona with the strongest character. Thought of the trendiest district within the metropolis, Gràcia is full of native designers’ workshops, vegan eating places and even Japanese patisseries. Regardless of all of the natural meals shops and yoga studios, conventional markets nonetheless abound, and Catalan tradition is prospering, as evidenced in the language, native folklore and well-liked occasions that happen within the neighborhood.
The streets of Gràcia are full of a number of squares which can be assembly factors for individuals of all ages who collect over drinks every night beginning round 7pm. Gràcia is one of the best neighborhood for strolling, bar-hopping and observing the native environment. The neighborhood is full of all sorts of eating places, from native tapas joints to Michelin-star eating places. It’s also possible to discover architectural gems designed by Modernist architect Antoni Gaudí, akin to Casa Vicens and Park Güell. Being well-connected with downtown, Gràcia is a strategic location for these eager to be near town heart however farther from the hustle and bustle.
17 greatest issues to do in Barcelona
Greatest neighborhood for the seashore: Barceloneta
Barceloneta, which implies “Little Barcelona” in Catalan, has grow to be a year-round trip spot and the popular neighborhood for vacationers. Initially a conventional fishing neighborhood based within the 18th century, Barceloneta later turned a working-class district. As industrial enlargement across the metropolis harbor grew, so did the neighborhood. You’ll get a way of the commercial roots as you stroll alongside the slim lanes of the historic neighborhood.
Whereas the world’s buildings lack the patrician facades that characterize different components of Barcelona, they’ve stored their very own distinctive character and as we speak home a big selection of tapas bars and nightclubs. Keep in Barceloneta in the event you take pleasure in late-night events or are searching for some Spanish sunshine on the seashore. Barceloneta is full of loads of spots for households to take pleasure in. Take a stroll round Port Vell (outdated harbor) and the animated promenade, and go to L’Aquàrium and the Museu d’Història de Catalunya.
The 11 greatest seashores in Barcelona
Greatest neighborhood for landmarks: El Born
El Born competes with Gràcia for the title of Barcelona’s trendiest neighborhood, however as a substitute of vegan eating places and concrete gardens, El Born is dwelling to idea shops, artwork studios and a distinctly worldwide vibe. Previously a craftsmen’s district, El Born is among the oldest neighborhoods in Barcelona. Search for century-old retailers akin to Casa Perris (a grocery retailer that sells in bulk) and a few of the most necessary landmarks within the metropolis, together with Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, a Gothic church from the 14th century, and Palau de la Música, a music corridor and among the best examples of Modernist structure.
In case your price range permits, El Born has a variety of fine-dining eating places, principally providing Mediterranean and Spanish delicacies. For these on a price range, you may as well discover loads of worldwide quick meals eateries and an limitless provide of bars. El Born enjoys a main location between Barceloneta and town heart and is inside strolling distance of most metropolis landmarks, making it probably the most well-liked neighborhoods for lodging.
High free issues to do in Barcelona
Greatest neighborhood for Gaudí structure: L’Eixample
L’Eixample, which implies the “enlargement district” in Catalan, is a neighborhood constructed between the Nineteenth and twentieth centuries that was constructed as Barcelona expanded past the Outdated Metropolis. Its strict avenue grid sample that is crossed by vast avenues makes it well-liked for aerial pictures. The district of L’Eixample is often divided into Left Eixample and Proper Eixample, that are separated by Passeig de Gràcia, probably the most elegant and unique avenue in Barcelona, and the place you discover Gaudí-designed buildings akin to La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.
Concentrated in Proper Eixample are necessary historic websites, akin to La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s nonetheless unfinished masterpiece, and Hospital Sant Pau, named a Unesco World Heritage web site for its Modernist structure. L’Eixample is a well-connected neighborhood, and it additionally has probably the most in depth vary of lodging choices within the metropolis.
One of the best time to go to Barcelona
Greatest neighborhood for hustle and bustle: El Raval
El Raval is probably the most vibrant of Barcelona’s neighborhoods, and it is the place all the things is going on. A part of the Outdated Metropolis and positioned southwest of La Rambla, this neighborhood is dwelling to the Museum of Modern Artwork of Barcelona, in addition to Mercat de la Boqueria, the busiest native market in Barcelona, the place stall-holders prepare dinner with a few of the very best quality components within the metropolis. El Raval can be probably the most multicultural neighborhood in Barcelona, making it an space of big contrasts. When you fancy a extra native celebration vibe than in Barceloneta, take a look at El Raval’s bar-hopping scene. Cease into Bar Marsella, a late-night establishment recognized for being the oldest constantly open bar within the metropolis.
Spirit of the evening: exploring Barcelona after darkish
Greatest neighborhood for historical past: Barri Gòtic
The historic heart of Barcelona is Barri Gòtic, the Gothic Quarter, that includes the oldest buildings within the metropolis. Many of the buildings on this space are neo-Gothic, the results of a large Nineteenth-century restoration venture. Advantageous examples of authentic Gothic structure might be discovered within the interiors of La Catedral and La Llotja de Mar. For historical past buffs and first-time guests to Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter is a must-visit. Even in the event you’ve been to Barcelona earlier than, you are certain to search out new-to-you bars, eating places and historic squares hidden down the slim alleyways. Rambling the labyrinthine lanes is a delight. Being proper within the metropolis heart, Barri Gòtic is inside strolling distance from most vacationer sights. Some components of the Gothic Quarter are recognized for late-night events, so preserve this in thoughts when searching for the fitting neighborhood to remain in.
La Mercè: my information to Barcelona’s greatest competition
