Exploring the colourful districts of Barcelona

Barcelona is a sprawling metropolis. Take a look at my guide to the districts of Barcelona and find the right neighbourhood for your trip to the city, as well as investigate those you may to visit and explore!

Barcelona's Districts

Barcelona is a huge city with many different districts and neighbourhoods. When you’re deciding on where to stay in the city, you’ll have to choose the correct district in Barcelona for your needs; some are catered towards travellers, some have a young population, while others are quieter and more residential. The good news is that attractions in Barcelona are spread out over a large area, so most neighbourhoods have different something to offer travellers. In all, Barcelona has 10 districts, each of which have a number of neighbourhoods located within them. It is these neighbourhoods, the Barrios, that are most referred to when giving a location in Barcelona.

Ciutat Vella: Barcelona’s most important district

Ciutat Vella is literally the number one district in the city. It translates to “Old City”, and is the beating heart of Barcelona, containing many of the oldest parts of the city. It is located on the sea and stretches to the Eixample district. Inside there are four of the most famous neighbourhoods in Barcelona: La Barceloneta, El Gòtic, El Raval, and Sant Pere. Within these neighbourhoods you’ll find many, many attractions - indeed, stay here and you can consider yourself centrally located. In El Gòtic you’ll find some of the best representations of old Barcelona life, with narrow, winding streets filled with cafés and small squares. Ciutat Vella is also home Las Ramblas, the city’s most famous street, which bridges the gap between El Gòtic and El Raval.

Other friendly districts in Barcelona

Another popular destination for travellers to Barcelona is to stay in Eixample, which translates as ‘Extension’ and was developed in the late 19th/early 20th century once the city began to get overcrowded. This district is popular because, although it’s just a short walk from the Old Town, it has its own vibrancy and energy that makes it a unique place to stay. The neighbourhood boasts the best shopping in Barcelona, and features wide, tree lined streets with cafés and restaurants. Eixample also has some of the best architecture in the city, including Barcelona's most famous building - Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia. Another Gaudi masterpiece, Casa Milà, is also located here.

While it’s quieter than the two districts mentioned above, Sants-Montjuïc is an increasingly popular district with travellers. It's more residential, but it’s superbly located to many of the city’s attractions. The district also features the Montjuic neighbourhood, a hill with an amusement park, the Palau Nacional, and the incomparable Magic Fountain, which has made it one of the most popular attractions in the city.

You’ll find restaurants, cafés and shopping all over the city, so if you want to stay away from the center you’ll find there are many options available to you. The Les Corts district, for example, is located just 15 minutes from the city center by public transport, and features many fine dining restaurants, shopping stores and complexes. This is considered the city’s business district, so things tend to quieten down after business hours have come to an end, except on the weekend, when the district’s many ritzy bars and nightclubs are filled with the young and wealthy.

Planning your trip to Barcelona? Check out my YouTube video below!

Happy Travelling! <3