Where to Stay in Barcelona: The Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for Every Type of Traveler

Few cities can match Barcelona’s seductive charms. As the cultural and culinary capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, the city offers something for every type of traveler — particularly for unabashed hedonists like myself. Sun-soaked beaches, freshly-sliced Jamón Ibérico, and the kaleidoscopic masterworks of Antoni Gaudí promise flashes of pleasure at every turn, inviting you to discover the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden corners alike. When siesta rolls around, the greatest joy of all is returning to your room to rest and recharge — and here, we’re sharing our guide to the best hotels around the city, from opulent grande dames to boutique seaside properties, located in the best neighborhoods for optimizing your vacation.

As a travel writer who has been to a pinch-me number of countries and visited Spain a number of times, I have a particular soft spot for Barcelona. It’s one of the first cities I ever visited when I began traveling at 18, and I was captivated by the platters of glistening anchovies and psychedelic beauty of La Sagrada Familia. I’ve based myself in a different neighborhood on every visit, walking miles everyday to explore local tapas joints and world-famous wine bars, or to catch the sunset from a hotel rooftop. Many of the city’s most lavish hotels have earned a coveted spot in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, like the luxurious Majestic Hotel & Spa. Make the most of your trip with our list of the best neighborhoods and hotels in Barcelona.

Where to Stay in El Raval

Art lovers will feel right at home in El Raval, which is home to two of the city’s finest museums: Barcelona’s contemporary art museum (MACBA), and the Centre of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB), which houses rotating exhibitions, festivals, and more. Street art and a famous Fernando Botero sculpture are further draws to this multicultural hub in the city’s Old Town. To get your Gaudí fix, visit Palau Güell before heading off on a stroll along La Rambla, where you can work up an appetite as you walk toward La Boqueria, the city’s oldest and most impressive food market.

Hotel Regina

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

The fabulous Art Nouveau entrance of this century-old hotel is a preview of the memorable design highlights that await you inside. A vaulted lobby with parquet floors welcomes you, while rooms are tastefully decorated in soothing neutrals. It’s a shockingly tranquil atmosphere, given its proximity to La Rambla. Spring for a room with a balcony and don’t skip the homemade breakfast.

The Details:

• Accessibility: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, MACBA
• Loyalty Programs: None
• Rates: From $262

Hotel 1898

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

This Colonial-style gem features spacious rooms and suites, all with plush bedding and writing desks. Tuck into tapas on their sunny rooftop terrace, which offers spectacular views over the city. For a true splurge, book the Colonial Suite, which boasts a private terrace and plunge pool overlooking La Rambla.

The Details:

• Accessibility: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Picasso Museum, Plaça Catalunya, MACBA
• Loyalty Programs: None
• Rates: From $262

Where to Stay in La Barceloneta

I’m a sucker for a city beach, and Barceloneta is home to one of my favorites in the world. Sure, there are cleaner and less crowded stretches of sand around — but there’s some kind of magic in being sandwiched between the Mediterranean Sea and a metropolis. Formerly a fishing village, this seaside destination now draws locals and tourists alike when the city’s heat becomes too much to bear. Indulge in some paella and Cava along the strip before hopping on the nearby metro for quick and easy access back to the city center.

Hotel Arts Barcelona

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

For a romantic couple’s getaway or a relaxing seaside retreat, there’s no place more luxurious than Hotel Arts Barcelona, which earned a spot on the T+L World’s Best Awards in 2022 and again in 2023. Perched over the Mediterranean, it offers waterfront and city views from spacious rooms, suites, and two-story penthouses done up in sophisticated coastal tones. While it’s nearly impossible to leave the fluffy white beds (which come with bespoke pillow menus), you’ll want to rouse yourself to visit the hotel’s two Michelin-starred restaurants, sky-high spa, and two waterfront pools.

The Details: 

• Accessibility: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Barceloneta Beach, Somorrostro Beach, Enoteca Paco Pérez
• Loyalty Programs: Yes, Ritz Carlton 
• Rates: From $494

W Barcelona

If you’re looking to party, you’ve come to the right place. Get a group of friends together and spring for an Extreme Wow Suite, which features panoramic views of the sea and sleeps six — although it’s unlikely you’ll actually get much shut-eye, given the in-room DJ booth, Gaudí-inspired bar, foosball table, and private hot tub on the deck. No matter which room you choose, you can join the party at Noxe, the 23rd story Japanese restaurant and nightclub, or either of the hotel’s buzzy pools; during the summer they also host a weekly concert series. This hotel also earned a spot on our World’s Best Awards list in 2024.

The Details:

• Accessibility: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Sant Sebastian Beach, Barceloneta Beach, Museum of Catalan History
• Loyalty Programs: Yes, Marriott Bonvoy
• Rates: From $569

Where to Stay in the Gothic Quarter

If wandering medieval alleyways or sipping a leisurely coffee in a picturesque square sound like your idea of a good time, you’ll want to base yourself in the Gothic Quarter. It’s the heart of the city’s Old Town, and dates back a good 2,000 years; today, it’s a beautiful mix of historic landmarks and newer buildings, and is also home to a vibrant nightlife scene. Grab a bite at the city’s oldest restaurant, Can Culleretes, which dates back to 1786, and visit the awe-inspiring Gothic Cathedral, which took nearly two centuries to build.

Hotel Neri

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

Barcelona’s only Relais & Chateaux property feels like a home away from home. 22 exquisitely decorated rooms and suites (some with private terraces and outdoor tubs) are spread across two historic buildings, including a 12th-century medieval palace set on an achingly beautiful stone square. Stone bathrooms, vaulted wooden ceilings, and a rooftop plunge pool offer a tranquil place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

The Details:

• Accessibility: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Sant Felip Neri Square, Güell Palace, Montjuïc
• Loyalty Programs: Yes, Relais & Châteaux
• Rates: From $790

Hotel Colón

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

The location of this hotel is hard to beat: it’s smack in the center of the city and sits directly across from Barcelona Cathedral, offering unparalleled views of the gothic masterpiece from many of its 122 rooms. If the view somehow fails to inspire you, the hotel’s past guests might: Hemingway and Miró have walked these halls, which now lead to a terrace where you can sip vermouth while ogling the iconic spires.

The Details:

• Accessibility: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Barcelona Cathedral, European Museum of Modern Art, Casa Batlló
• Loyalty Programs: None
• Rates: From $278

Where to Stay in El Born

Formerly the site of medieval jousts, the winding alleyways of El Born are now home to trendy boutiques, architectural marvels, world-famous wine bars, and some of the city’s best nightlife. It’s a hotspot for luxury hotels, so you won’t have far to go after a night on the town — which, be warned, typically starts around midnight. During the day, take in the almost circus-like splendor of the Catalan Music Palace before dipping into the Picasso museum to beat the afternoon heat. At night, hop between beloved tapas establishments like El Xampanyet for marinated anchovies and a glass of house Cava, and Bar Del Pla for natural wine and crispy oxtail. Afterwards, make a beeline for Bar Brutal, Barcelona’s famously boisterous natural wine bar and restaurant.

The Barcelona Edition

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

I’ve stayed at half a dozen Edition properties around the world, and their consistently sleek, sexy designs — not to mention their signature Le Labo scent — has wowed me every time. This Barcelona outpost is yet another success, sitting right at the border of El Born and the Gothic Quarter. Walnut paneling, parquet floors, white marble bathrooms, and swoon-worthy Italian linens set the vibe in the rooms, which all boast charming window seats for people-watching. Better yet, head to the lush rooftop oasis for panoramic views, or retreat to sultry The Punch Room, where you can sip bespoke cocktails and wait for a turn on the Castilian billiards table.

The Details:

• Accessibility: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Santa Caterina Market, Picasso Museum, Barceloneta Beach
• Loyalty Programs: Yes, Marriott Bonvoy
• Rates: From $346

Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

This former textile factory is tucked above the Passatge de les Manufactures, within easy walking distance to museums, art galleries, and the beach. Rooms are somewhat on the smaller side, but tastefully accented with wood paneling and gauzy white curtains. The main draw here is the rooftop bar and pool, which offers 360-degree views over the city. Combined with a relaxing spa and yet another pool, this hotel stands out with its accessible price point.

The Details:

• Accessibility: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Plaça Catalunya, Picasso Museum, Barcelona Cathedral
• Loyalty Programs: None
• Rates: From $216

Where to Stay in Grácia

For a more local feel of the city, make time to stroll around Grácia, which has preserved all of its old-timey village charm from before it was annexed by the city in 1897. Its pedestrian walkways are studded with stone plazas, arthouse cinemas, and natural wine bars, all conspiring to get you to linger a little longer. It’s also home to several of Gaudí's most notable works, including Casa Vincens and the hilltop wonderland of Park Güell.

Hotel Casa Fuster

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

Perched at the tip of Barcelona’s upscale shopping boulevard — the famed Passeig de Gràcia — this landmark five-star hotel was built in 1908 by modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and renovated in 2004. While the amenities have been updated (they have a pillow menu and are now a member of Leading Hotels of the World), the decor remains charmingly Art Nouveau-inspired throughout the 105 rooms and suites, with heavy drapes, velvety throw blankets, and recessed headboards. If you have downtime, take advantage of the rooftop pool and jazz club.

The Details:

• Accessibility: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Passeig de Gràcia, Plaça del Sol, Park Güell
• Loyalty Programs: Yes, Leading Hotels of the World and Hoteles Center Rewards 
• Rates: From $228

Seventy Barcelona

Also available to book at Expedia.com

There’s a palpable energy at Seventy Barcelona, which has attracted a youthful mix of locals and visitors alike since opening as a guest house-meets-hotel in 2019. Digital nomads in particular will be delighted by the comfortable coworking spaces and meeting areas in the soaring, light-flooded lobby, which doubles as a library. Rooms are modern and impressively spacious, and the roof boasts an urban beach club where you can wind down after work.

The Details:

• Accessibility: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Sagrada Familia, Casa Vicens, La Pedrera
• Loyalty Programs: None
• Rates: From $282

Where to Stay in Eixample

Designed in the late 19th century, Eixample (“expansion,” in Catalan) is laid out on a grid that is surprisingly easy to get lost in. The neighborhood’s wealthiest stretch is considered an open-air museum, as it’s home to many of the architectural landmarks that define the city and its early 20th-century Modernisme movement. Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and Josep Puig i Cadafalch pioneered the movement, which favors curved lines and ornate, natural motifs. Don’t miss the Quadrat d’Or, or “Golden Block,” where you can tour several of their masterworks, including Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller, Casa Lleó i Morera, and La Pedrera. Rising above it all is the city’s crown jewel, La Sagrada Familia.

Majestic Hotel & Spa

This classic grand dame has remained a beacon of luxury on the Passeig de Gràcia since it first opened its doors in 1918. T+L readers voted it one of their favorite hotels in Barcelona in the 2022 and 2024 World’s Best Awards, thanks to its elegant rooms and divine rooftop restaurant. But the true show-stopper is the gargantuan 5,070-square-foot penthouse, which features private terraces complete with jacuzzis overlooking the Sagrada Familia.

We also love that the hotel has a room specifically designed for those with reduced mobility or severe disabilities, featuring a crane above the bed, adapted bathroom access, and remote control of doors, windows, electricity, and more.

The Details:

• Accessibility: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, La Sagrada Familia
• Loyalty Programs: Yes, Leading Hotels of the World
• Rates: From $359

Cotton House, Autograph Collection

No other hotel can quite compare to the neoclassical marvel that is Cotton House, formerly the 19th-century headquarters of the city’s Cotton Guild, where many of the building’s most charming original features have been preserved. The lobby’s commanding spiral staircase and parquet floors are a design lover’s dream — as are the airy and spacious rooms and rooftop pool. The property underwent a refresh in 2015, and has since earned a spot on T+L’s World’s Best Awards list in 2022 and 2024.

The Details:

• Accessibility: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Casa Calvet, Jardins Jaume Perich, Picasso Museum
• Loyalty Programs: Yes, Marriott Bonvoy
• Rates: From $586

Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona

The Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona has consistently won T+L readers’ affection, landing a spot on our World’s Best Awards list every year from 2021 to 2024, with its colorful, modern decor, sprawling Patricia Urquiola-designed suites, and white-glove treatment. The hotel’s wellness offerings are superlative, featuring a sultry indoor swimming pool and relaxing signature spa treatments.

The Details:

• Accessibility: Yes
• Nearby Attractions: Casa Lleó Morera, The Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Plaça Catalunya
• Loyalty Programs: Yes, Fans of M.O.
• Rates: From $627

Neighborhood Recap

Whether you’re traveling solo, adventuring with friends, or making it a family affair, Barcelona is brimming with accommodations to suit every type of traveler, from the best Barcelona hotels to intimate boutique properties. For close proximity to all the sites (plus walkable beach access), central neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter and El Raval are great picks. Those looking to get in on Barcelona’s renowned nightlife scene will enjoy the street-party vibes around El Born. While certainly still a tourist destination, Grácia offers a more bohemian, local vibe than the area around La Rambla; and neighboring Eixample is home to some of the city’s most luxurious accommodations, as well as its most notable architecture.

To take full advantage of the beach, it’s best to base yourself around Barceloneta (ideally somewhere with a view of the Mediterranean, like T+L World’s Best Awards winner Hotel Arts Barcelona) — but luckily, the city’s sandy shores are only ever a walk or quick metro ride away from any of the central neighborhoods.

Know Before You Go

Catalan is the dominant culture in Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, an autonomous region in Spain with its own distinct culture and language. While most locals also speak Spanish and a fair amount of English, Catalan is the primary language spoken.

The city is enormous, so choose a neighborhood close to your planned activities

Barcelona is a sprawling city, so when choosing a hotel, you’ll want to consider your trip priorities. Where you base yourself will make a world of difference in terms of having quick and easy walking access to the city’s art and architecture scene, its vibrant nightlife culture, or its dazzling beaches. The upside is that regardless of where you stay, the metro is easy to navigate and offers an affordable way to get around the city — you can go from the beach to La Sagrada Familia in under 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use taxis or Uber to get around.

Keep an eye on your belongings in heavily trafficked areas

Pickpocketing and street scams are extremely common in Barcelona — it’s crucial to keep a close eye on your belongings at all times, particularly valuables like your phone and wallet. While it’s always important to be vigilant in large cities and tourist destinations, pickpockets here operate at a professional level, so it’s best to take extra precautions like opting for a crossbody bag with a secure zipper. Keep your belongings close, especially when visiting densely-packed areas like La Rambla.

How We Chose These Hotels

Travel writer Sophie Dodd has visited various regions in Spain and explored different areas and attractions in Barcelona on every trip. She used her extensive knowledge of the luxury hotel scene and the city’s distinct neighborhoods to evaluate over 35 properties in Barcelona before recommending her top choices for each area. She considered elements like a property’s location, design, history, and reputation for service, as well as amenities such as spas and rooftop pools. While there are endless options to choose from in Barcelona, many of the properties featured on this list also earned a spot on our coveted World’s Best Awards list, in which Travel + Leisure readers vote on their favorite hotels. And finally, as with all our hotel stories, editors ensure all recommendations we make align with our core T+L Hotel Values.