Barcelona has a huge range of accommodation, but also some of Spain's highest prices, especially in summer and during big congresses. Choosing the right area saves travel time and lets you enjoy the city more. It is part of the Barcelona guide.
The best areas
| Area | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eixample | Central, elegant, safe, near Gaudí | Less medieval atmosphere | First visit, families, couples |
| Gothic Quarter | In the historic heart, all on foot | Noise, crowds, pickpockets | Short stays |
| El Born | Charming, trendy venues, near the sea | Noisy at weekends | Couples, evenings out |
| El Raval | Cheap, alternative, near the Rambla | Some streets rough at night | Budget, young travellers |
| Barceloneta | By the sea, seafood and beach | Crowded in summer, small rooms | Sea, summer |
| Gràcia | Authentic, squares, lower prices | A bit far from the sea | Independent travellers |
| Poblenou | Quiet beaches, design, modern hotels | Far from the old city | Families, business, sea |
| Sant Antoni and Poble-sec | Neighbourhood life, tapas, near Montjuïc | Few monuments | Mid budget, food lovers |
| Sants | Train station, low prices | Little charm | Arriving and leaving by train |
To get to know the districts see Barcelona neighbourhoods.
Types of accommodation
- Historic and luxury hotels: some modernista buildings in the Eixample have become hotels, like Casa Fuster in Gràcia; on the seafront there are big hotels like the sail-shaped W.
- Boutique hotels: plentiful in the Born, the Gothic Quarter and the Eixample, often with pools or rooftop terraces.
- Guesthouses (hostales): cheap family-run places, often on upper floors of central buildings.
- Hostels: modern, with private rooms and dorms, common in the Gothic Quarter, Raval, Gràcia and Poble-sec.
- Tourist apartments: the city has frozen new licences and plans to phase out existing ones by 2028; book only apartments with an official registration number (HUTB), as illegal ones are fined and can be closed.
How much it costs
As a rough guide, for a double room:
- Dorm bed: 25-50 euros.
- Guesthouse or two-star: 70-120 euros.
- Three-four star in the centre: 140-280 euros.
- Luxury: from 400 euros upwards.
In summer and during the Mobile World Congress, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and big events, prices can double. November, January and February are the cheapest months.
Tourist tax
Barcelona charges one of Europe's highest tourist taxes: a municipal surcharge is added to the Catalan regional tax, and both have risen in recent years. The amount depends on the type of accommodation, is paid per person per night up to a maximum of seven nights, and is almost never included in online prices: you pay at the property. Under-17s are exempt.
Booking tips
- Book well ahead for summer and congress periods.
- In the Gothic Quarter, Born and Raval ask for an interior room or check soundproofing.
- In summer air conditioning is essential.
- Check for a lift in old buildings.
- If you arrive by train at Sants or by Aerobús at plaça de Catalunya, choose a well-connected area (see from the airport to the centre).
- Respect building rules in apartments: noise and parties are the main cause of conflict with residents.