Barcelona is divided into 10 districts and 73 neighbourhoods. For visitors what matters most is Ciutat Vella, the old city, the Eixample, the great 19th-century expansion, and a few more authentic neighbourhoods around them that were once independent towns absorbed by the city. It is part of the Barcelona guide.
Ciutat Vella, the old city
| Neighbourhood | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Gothic Quarter | Medieval, the cathedral, squares, very touristy | First visit, monuments |
| El Born | Medieval and trendy, Picasso, Santa Maria del Mar | Museums, cocktails, boutiques |
| El Raval | Multi-ethnic, alternative, contemporary art | Atmosphere, budget, nightlife |
| Barceloneta | Former fishermen's quarter by the sea | Beach, seafood, tapas |
The Eixample and Gràcia
| Neighbourhood | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Eixample Dreta | Modernisme, Passeig de Gràcia, the Sagrada Família | Gaudí, shopping, hotels |
| Eixample Esquerra | Residential, the LGBTQ+ "Gaixample", restaurants | Local life, nightlife |
| Sant Antoni | The restored market, bars and brunch | Food, neighbourhood feel |
| Gràcia | Former village, squares, bars, artisans | Living like a local |
Other neighbourhoods
| Neighbourhood | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Poble-sec | At the foot of Montjuïc, calle Blai and pintxos | Cheap tapas, theatres |
| Poblenou | Former industrial district, now tech hub, beaches | Sea, design, start-ups |
| Sants | Working-class, around the station | Budget, trains |
| Les Corts | Camp Nou, the university | Football |
| Sarrià-Sant Gervasi | Elegant and residential, villas | Quiet, families |
| Pedralbes | The Gothic monastery, the wealthiest district | Monastery visit |
| Horta-Guinardó | The Horta Labyrinth, the Bunkers del Carmel | Views, greenery |
How the city grew
Until the mid-19th century Barcelona was confined within its medieval walls, overcrowded and unhealthy. In 1854 the walls came down and in 1859 engineer Ildefons Cerdà's plan designed the Eixample, the expansion, a regular grid of blocks linking the old city to the towns on the plain: Gràcia, Sants, Sant Martí de Provençals (Poblenou), Sant Andreu, Sarrià and Horta. Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries these towns were annexed, but they still have a strong neighbourhood character, with their own squares, markets and festivals. The 1992 Olympics then opened the city to the sea, transforming Poblenou and the coast.
Which neighbourhood to choose
- First visit, a few days: Eixample (near Passeig de Gràcia) or the Gothic Quarter and Born.
- Authentic atmosphere: Gràcia, Sant Antoni or Poble-sec.
- The sea: Barceloneta, Poblenou or the Port Olímpic area.
- Nightlife: Born, Raval, Gràcia, Eixample Esquerra.
- Families and calm: Eixample, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Poblenou.
- Low budget: Raval, Sants, Poble-sec.
For hotels and prices see where to stay in Barcelona.
Neighbourhood markets
Barcelona has a network of over forty municipal markets, one per neighbourhood: besides the Boqueria, Santa Caterina in the Born, with its undulating roof of coloured ceramic; Sant Antoni, one of the largest, with a Sunday book market; La Llibertat and L'Abaceria in Gràcia; La Concepció in the Eixample, famous for flowers; and Barceloneta.
Neighbourhood festivals
Each neighbourhood has its festa major, with concerts, castellers, correfocs and street lunches: the most famous is Gràcia's in mid-August, with streets decorated by residents; followed by Sants, Poble-sec, Barceloneta and Poblenou. See Barcelona festivals.