4 Most Popular Areas To Stay In Barcelona
Being situated along the Iberian Peninsula, Barcelona has many fantastic qualities. One being its many different quarters which make up the city, and of course its stunning golden sand beach. The beach front is one of the most popular areas to stay in Barcelona, but there are lots of great areas in the centre of the city too. Barcelona is made up of many quarters, but there are 4 most popular areas to stay in Barcelona which we think you’ll love.
Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella is Barcelona’s old town. Barcelona prides itself on the preservation of its old Gothic Centre and it is a treat to visit this area. It contains the old Barri Gothic where you will find many medieval buildings. Here you will see have the opportunity to walk Barcelona’s famous maze of narrow streets and dark little alleys. The architecture of the buildings in this area typically dates to the 14th and 15th centuries. Here, you will also find Barcelona Cathedral which is considered Spain’s most remarkable Gothic building.
The fortress wall that surrounded and protected Barcelona has been preserved in the Barri Gotic. The buildings of Ajuntament and the Palau de la Generalitat can be viewed here. The large square that the Gothic area is set around is an interesting place to visit. It is here where you will find a lively market and may be lucky enough to catch some of the weekly dances of the sardana.
Eixample
The Eixample is another of Barcelona’s quarters that is worth visiting. It is the modernist quarter and here you will find the large grid layout of Barcelona’s new infrastructure, as well as many examples of art nouveau-styled buildings. Barcelona is at the forefront of international tendencies. This area is an excellent place to see where the world is headed in terms of modernist architecture.
Gracia
Gracia was once a working class neighbourhood. It is now a very lively and somewhat gentrified area. In the middle of August there is a festival that takes place in Gracia. The streets are decorated and are filled with food, live music and parties that last through the night. There are plenty of great restaurants and bars to choose from in Gracia.
Barceloneta
Barceloneta is historically a fisherman’s quarter, full with interesting streets to explore. Barcelona contains many excellent museums and art galleries. If you are looking for a bit of culture, the museums are rich in Barcelona’s history and heritage and they have been modernised with many hands-on activities. Picasso Museum can be found in Barcelona and it houses some of the artist’s works.
Most forms of holiday accommodation are available in Barcelona. From top quality hotels, to budget hotels, as well as rental apartments. The cheapest accommodation options can be found in the old Barri Gothic quarter.
The hotels along the coastline book up very quickly and it may be difficult to find a room there unless you book well in advance. Fortunately, there are many Barcelona holiday apartments that can be found in the beachfront area, as well as in other areas of the city.
Areas to stay in Barcelona was written by Gaizka Pujana.