Where to stay in Barcelona
Where Is Barcelona in Spain?
Lying on the coast of northeastern Spain, within the Iberian Peninsula facing the Mediterranean Sea, sits the city of Barcelona. The capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, Barcelona is one of the largest metropolises on the Mediterranean Sea. This sunny Spanish city is situated on the coast between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs, bound to the west by the mountainous range, Serra de Collserola and stands 120 kilometers south of the Pyrenees and the Catalan border.
What Is Barcelona Famous For?
Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by havens of nature, Barcelona is an eclectic mix of city and country; suburban and seaside. As the second largest city in Spain, Barcelona attracts millions of tourists every year to sample its world-class culinary scene, sun-drenched beaches, sublime showcasing of nature, architectural gems, and a diverse list of urban and oceanfront activities. Home to the iconic Sagrada Familia, Casa Mìla, and Park Güell, Barcelona also pays tribute to art, showcasing some of the most highly esteemed projects created by homegrown Catalan artist, Gaudi, as well as paying homage to several other international artists in their own independent museums. A place that marries beauty and art, Barcelona is also a diverse mix of architecture, with the enchanting Gothic Quarter established in one part of the city and a congregation of commercial skyscrapers in another. Relatable yet exotic, this Catalan city is just begging to be explored.
Popular Attractions in Barcelona
- Sagrada Familia: Famous for being one of the most unconventional churches in Europe, the Sagrada Familia dominates Barcelona’s skyline. A UNESCO-listed structure, the 18 spindly towers seems to pierce the sky as it glides high above the rest of the cityscape. Arguably the most iconic of Gaudi’s creations, the Sagrada Familia, despite its intricate exterior, was never completed and remains to present day, an ornate shell and exemplary illustration of religious art. As impressive as it is on the outside, the basilica is even more stunning on the inside. High ceilings are the first thing you notice where you enter the space, followed by intricate architectural details and ethereal stained glass windows.
- Casa Milà: Amongst the designer boutiques and elegant eateries that neatly line the boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia in Eixample, Casa Milà stands out. Another example of Gaudi’s spectacular work, the building is colloquially known as the “La Pedrera” or “The Stone Quarry,” in connection to its resemblance to an open quarry. As the surrounding buildings on the avenue line up like military soldiers, Casa Milà is all waves and curves. Flamboyantly eclectic, the building looks more like a Louvre-based structure than an actual building. Enter the building and discover the small architectural and decorative details that establishes Gaudi as one of the greatest architectural geniuses in history.
- Las Ramblas: Running through the heart of Barcelona, Las Ramblas is where the party starts and ends. From elegant eateries and sophisticated boutiques to seedy red-light districts, the variation of vibes and atmospheres is staggering when you realize you’re standing on the same street. Whether you marvel at several street performers, treat yourself to fresh bites at the famous La Boqueira Market, or sit in an outdoor café reminiscent of European café culture, there is something new to be discovered when you take a stroll down Las Ramblas.
Popular Destinations Near Barcelona
- Badalona: A coastal town that lies northeast of Barcelona, on the other side of the Besòs River, Badalona is a small town that packs a big punch. Vibrant and buzzing with locals during summer, Badalona is the perfect place for tourists who wish to explore a more authentic side to Catalonia. Boasting a thriving arts scene, several recreational amenities, and stunning coastal vistas, Badalona is the place to be if you wish to discover Barcelona without the cosmopolitan and international tailoring.
- Sitges: The Catalan answer to Cannes. The Spanish solution to St. Tropez. The Iberian counterpart to Ibiza. The town of Sitges, located 35 kilometers southwest of Barcelona, is world-renowned for its Film Festival and Carnival. Bustling, lively, and vibrant, the town attracts hordes of tourists for their golden, sun-drenched beaches, buzzing nightlife scene, and fascinating historical gems. Upscale hotels, classy bars, and high-end boutiques are only some of the few gems that you can discover on the cobbled streets of this glitzy and glamorous, yet nostalgically authentic district. Named one of the most expensive European cities, thanks to its premier oceanfront location and close proximity to the Parc Natural del Garraf, Sitges looks like it has been plucked from the screens of an Old Hollywood movie, ready to be explored with plenty to discover.
Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona
- Eixample: Centrally located, the wide metropolitan-style avenues of Eixample are lined with high-end designer boutiques, chic hotels, classy bars, and diverse restaurants serving every kind of cuisine you can think of. Home to the iconic landmarks of Plaça de Catalunya, Sagrada Familia, and Casa Milà, Eixample is not just cosmopolitan commercialism. Cool and classy, Eixample is the place to be for a taste of the finer things.
- Gothic Quarter: Aplomb with relics and ruins, the Gothic Quarter seeps history from every corner, as well as plentiful amounts of antique charm. Weave through the labyrinthine network of atmospheric alleyways to discover a world that is beyond the cosmopolitan coolness of the rest of the city, which seems to be more like a historical insight into the bygone eras of Barcelona. Picturesque traffic-free squares are ubiquitous sights in this district, along with little cafes and elegant al fresco eateries, where quiet hums of Spanish and Catalan conversations mix in the air. There is a certain enchanting magical charm that permeates throughout this neighborhood, establishing the Gothic Quarter as one of the coolest areas in Barca.
Home-types in Barcelona
Barcelona has a variety of property types for you to consider when booking a trip. Here are the most popular property types in Barcelona:
- Hotel: 1,104 vacation rentals
- House: 365 vacation rentals
- Hostel: 90 vacation rentals
- Bed and Breakfast: 34 vacation rentals
- Private Room: 23 vacation rentals
Points of interests in Barcelona
Barcelona has several popular points of interest for you to check out when visiting the area. Here are the most popular points of interest in Barcelona:
- Mirador de Colom: 16,561 vacation rentals
- Plaça de Sant Jaume: 16,561 vacation rentals
- Plaza del Rey: 16,561 vacation rentals
- Port Olímpic: 16,561 vacation rentals
- Montjuïc Castle: 16,561 vacation rentals
- Palau de la Música Catalana: 16,561 vacation rentals
- Mercado de La Boqueria: 16,561 vacation rentals
- Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar: 16,561 vacation rentals
- Camp Nou: 16,561 vacation rentals
- Cathedral of Barcelona: 16,561 vacation rentals
Popular rental amenities
Price trends in Barcelona
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Nearby destinations
Barcelona Port de Pollensa Lloret de Mar Agde Ibiza Marseille Benidorm Salou Valencia Avignon Arles Sitges Montpellier Aix-en-Provence Toulouse Argeles-sur-Mer Santa Eularia des Riu Figueres Sarlat-la-Caneda Carcassonne Formentera Saint-Remy-de-Provence Nimes Sant Antoni Portmany Collioure Palma Gordes Perpignan Selva Lourdes Zaragoza Uzes Girona Tarragona Bergerac Castelldefels Pau Magaluf
