Barcelona, a coastal city and Spain's second most populated urban area, is one of the hottest tourist spots in Europe. It was founded as a Roman city and even after being merged with the kingdom of Aragon, Barcelona remained to be one of the most important cities in Spain.
If you are planning to get away from your tedious work routine and looking for a destination where you can park yourself and spend a little time relaxing, Barcelona should be top of your list.
Of course, that would have to wait for all the COVID restrictions to be abolished, and with the vaccine coming it might be sooner rather than later. When you get the first chance you can book a tour to explore the wonders of Barcelona.
When to Visit: The best time to enjoy the Mediterranean climate of Barcelona is between May and October.
Currency: The Euro is accepted throughout Spain.
Let's take a look at the most charming neighborhoods of Barcelona, without any fixed order of coolness.
Gothic Quarter
Locally known as Barri Gòtic, Gothic Quarter is one of the oldest, most visited neighborhoods of Barcelona. This area has many popular tourist attractions including the Cathedral of Barcelona and a handful of Roman ruins. However, be aware Gothic Quarter is known to be crowded year-round.
Gothic Quarter is safe for tourists. You will find people on the streets even after midnight.
Places to visit: This beautiful neighborhood has some mesmerizing attractions, such as:
- Placa Reial
- Placa Sant Juame
- Plaza De San Felipe Neri
- Plaza del Rey
- Design Museum of Barcelona
- Placa del Pi
Where to stay in Gothic Quarter: You will not only find a few luxury hotels in Gothic Quarter, there are also some extraordinary Barcelona apartments, which are perfect for a longer stay. You can also find beautiful cottages or villas to rent. Being close to the center of Barcelona, Gothic Quarter is perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time.
La Barceloneta
If you love beaches, La Barceloneta is the place for you. With around 6 kilometers of easily accessible coastline, La Barceloneta has transformed into one of the city's hottest spots. This place features amazing seafood restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine.
Where to stay in La Barceloneta: Being a beach area, you are sure to find the best accommodations along the coastline. You can choose from luxury sea-facing rooms to budget-friendly furnished apartments Barcelona very easily.
El Born
El Born is probably the most artistic and trendy neighborhood in Barcelona. With numerous bars, restaurants, taps, cafes, vintage shops, and art galleries, the place is also home to the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar and Santa Caterina Market. El Born is a must-visit place for people who want to enjoy Barcelona's famous nightlife.
Places to visit: When in El Born, do not miss visiting:
- Passeig del Born
- Xventura Barcelona Treasure Hunts
- Carrer de Montcada
- Museu de Cultures del Mon
- Fossar de les Moreres
- La Seca
Where to stay in El Born: Compared to Gothic Quarter and La Barceloneta, El Born is slightly more expensive. However, if you take the time to look around, you can find long term rentals Barcelona with decent quality. Being another neighborhood remarkably close to the central area makes it a convenient place to stay.
Barcelona is famous for its beautiful evenings. Do not miss out on visiting the markets; have a cup of coffee (or beer), strolling along the boulevards, and enjoy a sunset at the beach.
About the author
Marco is a native to Barcelona and has worked in the tourism industry for 7 years. He spends his weekends exploring his beautiful city, unearthing new attractions, restaurants, cafes, and bars.
