Top 5: Neighborhoods in Barcelona

The sprawling city of Barcelona is home to dozens of neighborhoods, each with its own unique appeal and characteristics. For visitors with limited time to explore the capital of Catalonia, here are the top five in which to spend time for a well-rounded peek into Barcelona’s multiple personalities.

El Gòtic

The first three neighborhoods on this list comprise Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella (or Old Town). Smack dab in the middle is the Gothic Quarter (El Gòtic), made up of tiny cobblestone alleyways that link large, architecturally inviting squares, like Plaça Reial, Plaça Sant Jaume and Plaça de la Seu in front of the Barcelona Cathedral.

El Born

Due north of the Gothic Quarter is El Born, another maze of a neighborhood with slightly fewer tourists. Boutique shops and cozy cocktail bars can be found around every corner, but the central spots are the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar and the Santa Caterina market. 

El Raval

The south side of Las Ramblas is home to El Raval, the alternative ‘hood where skateboarders whiz through alleys and plazas, including in front of the city’s contemporary art museum, MACBA.

Eixample

Catalan for “expansion,” this large neighborhood spans about 2.8 miles in the center of the city and is separated by the luxury shop-lined Passeig de Gràcia. Eixample Esquerra (the left section) is considered the unofficial gay district while Eixample Dreta (the right section) is home to outlet shops and borders the famous Sagrada Familia cathedral.

Gràcia

As the northwesternmost neighborhood on this list, Gràcia is located out of the fray of Ciutat Vella, which gives it more local appeal. Vintage shops, up-and-coming eateries and casual cervecerias (beer bars) dot the area that hosts an impressive handmade street decoration festival each August.