Guide to Barcelona Barrios

Barcelona is a huge city and is generally divided up into "Barrios" or districts which you will notice when trying to look for a Barcelona apartment.
Here is a brief guide to the most popular Barcelona barrios for tourists.






Raval
El Raval is bordered by the one of the two historic neighbourhoods near Las Ramblas along with Barrio Gotico. The neighborhood is home to 200,000 people. Raval is very famous for many different reasons. It is becoming one of the hippest up-and-coming neighbourhoods of Barcelona where many artists live and work and is home to many bars, restaurants, and night spots. However it can be a bit dangerous at night with many drug dealers and prostitutes roaming the streets and muggings have been reported. However in general it is safe and a great place to stay.

Barrio Gotico
Barrio Gotico is in the centre of the old city of Barcelona with many of the buildings dating from Medieval times, some from as far back as the Roman settlement of Barcelona. The Barri Gòtic retains a labyrinthine street plan, with many small streets opening out into squares. Most of the quarter is closed to regular traffic although open to service vehicles and taxis. It is on the other side of Las Ramblas and is very popular with tourists.

Eixample
Eixample is very famous for being home to the most famous buildings in the whole of the city: Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila and Casa Batllo all designed by the world famous Antonio Gaudi. It is divided into 2 sides Izquierda (left) and Derecho (right) with the famous Passeig de Gracia splitting them down the middle. The area is characterized by its long straight streets like a grid across the city. The left side is very beautiful with many great bars and clubs and the right being a very popular business and residential area. Overall they are both great areas to stay for tourists as you are very central but still can retain a sense of peace and quiet.

Gracia
It is the area home to the world famous Parc Guell and is a place full if quaint little shops stores, boutiques, bars and restaurants. This is where the bohemian arty types like to reside and it is one of the most expensive areas to live in. Although it is not cheap, no one can deny it is not a beautifully charming area. So if you have the money to pay for Barcelona accommodation there then it will definitely be worth it.

Barceloneta
It was originally and old fishing quarter as part of the Cuitat Vell district but after the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Barceloneta was redeveloped and now is one of the most popular summer barrios for tourists and locals alike. This is due to the fact it is located along the beach and near the port. It is not too far from Las Ramblas and at night, especially in the summer, there are a wide range of bars restaurants and clubs. This is a great area to stay in but probably would be more suited to during Spring and Summer time.