Where to Live in Barcelona: Complete Neighborhood Guide
- NOVA Barcelona
- Sep 23
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Thinking about moving to Barcelona? Choosing the right place to live is one of the most important steps in your relocation. Barcelona has 10 districts, each with its own character, lifestyle, and housing options. Whether you want to live by the beach, be close to international schools, enjoy a lively nightlife scene, or find a quiet family-friendly neighborhood, there’s a district that fits your needs.
This detailed guide will help you compare Barcelona neighborhoods, understand the pros and cons of each, and choose the best area to call home.
Quick Navigation
Ciutat Vella – Barcelona’s Historic Center
The oldest and most atmospheric part of Barcelona, home to the Gothic Quarter, El Born, Barceloneta, and El Raval. Expect medieval streets, stunning architecture, bustling plazas, museums, and plenty of bars and restaurants.
Pros:
Walk everywhere – central location.
Full of history, culture, and charm.
Great public transport.
Perfect for those who love vibrant city life.
Cons:
Crowded with tourists most of the year.
Can be noisy, especially at night.
Apartments are often smaller and older.
Petty theft is more common in busy areas.
Eixample – Iconic Grid and Modernist Architecture
Known for its wide avenues, Gaudí landmarks, classic Barcelona buildings and high end shopping (Paseo de Gracia and Rambla Catalunya). Split into Eixample Esquerra (left), Eixample Dreta (right), Fort Pienc, Nova Esquerre Eixample, Sagrada Família and Sant Antoni neighborhoods.
Pros:
Beautiful architecture, lots of light in apartments.
Great mix of shops, cafés, restaurants.
Excellent metro and bus connections.
Central but residential.
Cons:
One of the most expensive areas to rent.
Less green space compared to other districts.
Traffic noise on main streets.
Gràcia – Bohemian Village in the City
Known for its plazas, independent shops, and artistic spirit. Feels like a small town inside Barcelona, made up of Vila de Gràcia, El Coll, Camp d’en Grassot i Gràcia Nova, and Vallcarca i els Penitents.
Pros:
Strong sense of community.
Charming pedestrian streets.
Exciting cultural events and local fiestas.
Great dining and nightlife options.
Cons:
Apartments are smaller, often without elevators.
Prices are rising quickly.
Nightlife and street activity can keep things lively well into the evening.
Parking is difficult.
Horta-Guinardó – Space & Greenery
A hilly residential district that includes Baix Guinardó, Can Baró, Horta, El Carmel, El Guinardó, La Font d'en Fargues, La Teixonera, Montbau, Sant Genís dels Agudells, and Vall d’Hebron, offering multiple parks, panoramic views and a quieter lifestyle.
Pros:
More affordable rents.
Lots of parks and green spaces.
Great city views.
Local, less touristy feel.
Cons:
Longer commute to city center.
Steep streets can be challenging.
Limited nightlife.
Les Corts – Peaceful & Well-Connected
A quiet, residential district home to Camp Nou (Barça’s football stadium) and several shopping centers (L’Illa Diagonal and El Corte Inglés). Popular with families and professionals. Areas include: Pedralbes, central Les Corts, and La Maternitat i Sant Ramon.
Pros:
Calm, safe, and clean.
Good services and supermarkets.
Spacious apartments available.
Easy commuting by public transport or car.
Cons:
Limited nightlife.
Not very close to the sea.
Some parts feel more suburban.
Nou Barris – Affordable Living
One of the most budget-friendly districts, made up of Can Peguera, Canyelles, Porta, Ciutat Meridiana, La Guineueta, Les Roquetes, Prosperitat, Torre Baró, Trinitat Nova, Turó de la Peira, Vallbona, Verdum and Vilapicina i la Torre Llobeta. Residential, calm, and rapidly developing.
Pros:
Best value for rent.
Spacious apartments.
Quiet and uncrowded.
New public facilities and parks.
Cons:
Longer travel times to central areas.
Fewer restaurants and leisure options.
Less variety in housing styles.
Sant Andreu – Small-Town Feel
A charming district with a historic core, plazas, and a strong sense of community. Neighborhoods include: Baró de Viver, Bon Pastor, El Congrés i els Indians, La Sagrera, Navas, Sant Andreu de Palomar and Trinitat Vella.
Pros:
Affordable, larger flats.
Local markets and squares.
Good metro and train links.
Family-friendly and peaceful.
Cons:
Farther from beaches and nightlife.
Some areas feel semi-suburban.
No international schools
Sant Martí – Beach & Modern Living
Coastal district with modern apartments, many tech offices, and easy beach access. Includes Diagonal Mar, El Besòs i el Maresme, El Camp de l'Arpa del Clot, El Clot, and El Parc i la Llacuna del Poblenou, La Verneda i la Pau, Poblenou, Provençals del Poblenou, Sant Martí de Provençals and Vila Olímpica.
Pros:
Live near the beach.
Modern housing with parking and lifts.
Growing tech and creative hub.
Plenty of bike lanes, parks, and open space.
Cons:
Prices are increasing fast.
Ongoing construction in some areas.
Less historic charm.
Sants-Montjuïc – Local Life + Green Hills
A large district stretching from the busy Sants station to leafy Montjuïc hill. Includes Badal, Font de la Guatlla, Hostafrancs, La Bordeta, La Marina de Port, La Marina del Prat Vermel, Poble Sec and Sants.
Pros:
Variety of housing and prices.
Montjuïc park offers greenery, sports facilities and views.
Major transport hub, with Sants station offering connections to many local, regional and international destinations.
Strong local, authentic vibe.
Cons:
Farther from the beach.
Some areas are older and less polished.
Streets near Montjuïc can be steep.
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi – Upscale & Family-Friendly
One of the most prestigious districts, with elegant homes, international schools, and easy access to the Collserola hills. This upscale area is made up of Sarrià, Les Tres Torres, Sant Gervasi-Galvany, Sant Gervasi-la Bonanova, El Putxet i el Farró, and Vallvidrera, Tibidabo i les Planes.
Pros:
Quiet and safe.
Excellent schools (including many international options).
Larger apartments, duplexes and houses, some with terraces and gardens.
Fresh air, panoramic views and easy access to hiking and biking trails.
Cons:
Very expensive.
Further from central conveniences and nightlife.
Fewer bars and cafés compared to Eixample or Gràcia.
Barcelona Housing Costs by District (2025)
Understanding the cost of living in different neighborhoods can also be a significant factor when choosing where to settle in Barcelona. The table below provides an overview of average sale and rent prices per square meter across the city's districts, based on 2025 data from Idealista:
District | Avg sale price | Avg rent price (/month) |
Ciutat Vella | 4,809 €/m² (447 €/ft²) | 25.0 €/m² (2.32 €/ft²) |
Eixample | 6,185 €/m² (575 €/ft²) | 25.2 €/m² (2.34 €/ft²) |
Gràcia | 5,346 €/m² (497 €/ft²) | 22.8 €/m² (2.12 €/ft²) |
Horta-Guinardó | 3,803 €/m² (353 €/ft²) | 17.1 €/m² (1.59 €/ft²) |
Les Corts | 5,987 €/m² (556 €/ft²) | 20.6 €/m² (1.91 €/ft²) |
Nou Barris | 2,825 €/m² (262 €/ft²) | 15.7 €/m² (1.46 €/ft²) |
Sant Andreu | 3,708 €/m² (344 €/ft²) | 17.0 €/m² (1.58 €/ft²) |
Sant Martí | 4,763 €/m² (442 €/ft²) | 22.4 €/m² (2.08 €/ft²) |
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi | 6,618 €/m² (614 €/ft²) | 23.1 €/m² (2.15 €/ft²) |
Sants-Montjuïc | 4,370 €/m² (406 €/ft²) | 20.2 €/m² (1.88 €/ft²) |
Final Thoughts – Choosing the Right Barcelona Neighborhood
Barcelona offers something for everyone – from lively city streets to quiet hillside retreats. The best neighborhood for you depends on your lifestyle, commute, budget, and what amenities you value most (beach, schools, nightlife, or green space).
Need help deciding where to live in Barcelona? At NOVA Barcelona, we specialize in relocation support — from neighborhood advice to finding your ideal home. Contact us today and let’s find the perfect place for your next chapter in this incredible city.
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