When you think of Barcelona, you probably think if gothic architecture, grandiose churches, and live flamenco performances. As stereotypical as they are, a lot of the Catalan capital do offer these and more. However, did you ever come to think of Barcelona as this paradisal seaside town? Nope? Well, it sort of is! Barceloneta Barrio is the city's closest area to the beach. Just a hop and a skip away and you'll already be swimming in the Mediterranean sea! For those who want a quiet stay in Barcelona, this neighborhood is for you!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Out of all the neighborhoods on this list, the Eixample District is probably the busiest of them all! Made up of two areas, one left and one right, this place never seems to empty, even in the wee hours of the night. And it's because they have a litany of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants for visitors and locals alike to enjoy themselves and socialize. Not to mention a handful of Antonio Gaudi's famous works, from Casa Batlló to the iconic Sagrada Família!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Barcelona's El Born Barrio neighborhood is somewhat of a "two-header." On one side, the area houses traditional buildings, a lot of which carry historic significance. It's here where you'll find the beautiful Santa Maria del Mar Basilica, a baroque monument that shows the very best of classic Barcelona architecture and art. And speaking of art, this is also the district where the world-famous Picasso Museum can be found too. But on the flip side, the neighborhood has also become the trendy hotspot, full of nightlife establishments for the young and young-at-heart!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
For many out there El Raval is a place you needn't go to. Both locals and tourists alike consider it a sketchy place where it doesn't have as much going for it other than the pleasures of the night. However, this shouldn't stop you from exploring and even staying in this neighborhood. Despite its reputation, El Raval is simply the bohemian epicenter of the city. It's where artists, writers, and more commune to share ideas and, of course, have a little bit of fun. And what's so wrong about that?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
What El Raval is today, the Gothic Quarter probably was back in the day. Regarded as the "old city" within the city, the neighborhood is most famous for its preserved Gothic architecture, hence its name. It's almost as if the area never reached the 20th-century, let alone the 21st century! Picturesque and atmospheric almost to a fault, this is a side of Barcelona that is truly all its own. It's no wonder that famous artists like Picasso and Dali loved staying here when they were in the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Barcelona's Gracia neighborhood is famous for two things. First, it has become quite a trendy district over the years. Many establishments here have geared more towards the young ger crowd, with all sorts of cafes, shopping districts, bars, and more. If you're a young traveler yourself going to Barcelona, it's highly likely many people will advise you to stay here. Secondly, the neighborhood also celebrates the Festa Major de Gracia yearly, during which they partake in a sort of street-decorating contest. Their works are truly such sights to behold!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Don't let the financial side of this district fool you, Le Corts is still a fun place to stay at when in Barcelona. It's not so popular with tourists and, while this may seem disqualifying, this is actually a plus. Because with less tourists around, you'd get to see how the locals really live. You'll see what they do, taste what they eat, listen to their music, and so on. At times, especially in a city like Barcelona, this is a lot better!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
You've probably seen photos on social media on how well-organized the grid layout of Barcelona is. And while this is impressive, this isn't the only side of Barcelona that's worth marveling at. The Catalan capital actually has its own mountainous neighborhood, Montjuïc. Though a good distance away from city proper and its many tourist spots, Montjuïc is a wondrous area with its own attractions, the most famous of which is a fun and vintage-style amusement park. However, it's the view from this point that will really convince you to stay here.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Here's yet another hidden gem that's probably waiting for tourists to find it: Poble Sec! Though it doesn't have a lot of tourist attractions to spare, this neighborhood has its own fair share of charms. A number of good tapas bars can be found here, offering some scrumptious appetizers to keep your stomach full and happy. Its many bars, or "drinking dens," also provide a unique drinking experience that's not to be missed.
Source: Flickr.com/ Oh-Barcelona.com
It's been quite a number of years now but Barcelona is still proud of having hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics games. So much so that many of the areas in which they held the events have become a whole neighborhood in of itself. The best thing about Port Olympic is that you can still see the remnants of the glorious sporting achievements and records that were broken here. As well as it gives you easy access to the beach, which can't be said of many other neighborhoods in the Catalan capital.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Sants neighborhood is probably one of the quieter areas in all of Barcelona. And for this particular city, that's saying something! Though not a lot of tourist spots to discover, it does have a nice nightlife that can keep you entertained at night. It's the sort of area with which, when you've seen all of the more famous tourist spots of the city and you still have one final night to yourself in Barcelona, go outside, explore Sants, and have a ball!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Barcelona is more than its gothic architecture, grand churches, and colorful festivals. When you go here, you'll discover its many neighborhoods that will either give you a whole new accommodation experience or remind you of home!
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