Whether you’re a fan of historical architecture, gorgeous beaches, or everything in between, Barcelona, Spain has everything you need for a unique and adventurous European vacation. Check out one, two, or all of these unique neighborhoods in the city to ensure you see all that it has to offer.
- Gràcia
Trendy tourists won’t be able to pass up a stop in Gràcia between their Barcelona cruises. An independent municipality within the city’s limits, the neighborhood is filled with vegan restaurants, local designers, yoga studios, Japanese patisseries, and so much more. Local folklore and popular events bring in locals and tourists alike, and the streets have several squares that allow people to gather, drink, eat, and get to know one another each night. If you are looking for trendy bar-hopping, mingling with locals, and even the option to look at gems created by modern architect Antoni Gaudí, you’ll want to add Gràcia to your itinerary.
- El Born
An architectural landmark, El Born offers a web of beautiful, narrow streets just like you’ve probably imagined. Surrounding an old church known as Santa Maria del Mar, the neighborhood features a variety of backstreets dotted with hip coffee shops, unique barbers, and even speakeasies. Small art galleries and individually owned boutiques provide shopping opportunities, while Passeig del Born is the perfect street to wander about and stop for a cocktail or beer.
- Barceloneta
Barceloneta may mean “Little Barcelona,” but there is nothing insignificant about this neighborhood in the Spanish city. The year-round vacation spot is a tourist hot spot, namely because of its gorgeous beaches. Founded as a fishing area in the 18th century, the industrial buildings offer historical charm as a backdrop for daytime swimming and nighttime bar-hopping. Enjoy swanky nightclubs or casual tapas bars around every corner after an afternoon of fun in the sun with the family. Be sure to check out the promenade, including its aquarium and history museum.
- Poblenou
An up-and-coming neighborhood full of culture and young minds, Poblenou is a neighborhood full of architectural landmarks that house co-working spaces and startup businesses in its old-fashioned warehouses. After catching up on business emails in the afternoon, head to the colorful Torre Glories area to check out art galleries or grab a craft beer at one of the many breweries. Other hot spots in the neighborhood include fun coffee shops, some of the best brunch spots in the city, and a range of vintage boutiques.
- El Raval
If you’re someone who loves the hustle and bustle of the big city, you’ll love El Raval. One of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Barcelona, it’s part of the Old City and home to the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona. That isn’t all, though. El Raval also houses the Mercat de la Boqueria, which is the busiest local market in the city. Among the stalls of locally made clothing and accessories, you’ll also find some of the best food in the city, made with some of the finest ingredients available. There are also plenty of bars, including the oldest continuously open one in the city, Bar Marsella.
- Sant Antoni
Centered around its neighborhood market, Sant Antoni is the place for lovers of good books and good food to visit. The Sant Antoni market opened in 2018 and is home to both. Spend the afternoon browsing for new titles while snacking on some of the best foods in the city, such as trendy doughnuts or delicious coffee blends. In the evening, the neighborhood transforms into a central hub for nightlife, craft beer, and fine dining. You might even come across cuisine from top chefs like Albert Adria or Ferran.
The hardest part of your trip to Barcelona, Spain will be deciding which of these gorgeous historical neighborhoods you and the family want to visit first. Will it be a day at the beach or an evening of fine dining? If you’re lucky, you might even fit both into the same day!
