Top 10exploreBarcelona

Top 10 Best Places to Explore in Barcelona

Barcelona's neighborhoods each tell a unique story, from medieval Gothic lanes to modernist boulevards and beachfront promenades.

Updated January 21, 2026

All-Time Best

1.

Gothic Quarter

Gothic Quarter
$$

The heart of old Barcelona with narrow medieval streets, Roman ruins, and hidden plazas dating back 2,000 years.

Highlights

  • Barcelona Cathedral
  • Placa Reial
  • Roman Temple of Augustus
  • Jewish Quarter (El Call)
  • Placa Sant Jaume
Also available on:Book Tour
Barcelona CathedralPlaca ReialRoman Temple of Augustus
2.

El Born

El Born
$$

A trendy neighborhood packed with art galleries, boutique shops, cocktail bars, and the stunning Santa Maria del Mar basilica.

Highlights

  • Santa Maria del Mar
  • Picasso Museum
  • El Born Cultural Centre
  • Passeig del Born
  • Ciutadella Park
Also available on:Book Tour
Santa Maria del MarPicasso MuseumEl Born Cultural Centre
3.

Barceloneta

Barceloneta
$$

The beloved beach neighborhood with golden sands, seafood restaurants, and a lively Mediterranean atmosphere.

Highlights

  • Barceloneta Beach
  • Port Olympic
  • Seafood restaurants
  • W Hotel sail building
  • Maritime Museum nearby
Also available on:Book Tour
Barceloneta BeachPort OlympicSeafood restaurants
4.

Gracia

Gracia
$$

A former independent village with a bohemian spirit, charming plazas, and one of Barcelona's best local festivals.

Highlights

  • Park Guell
  • Placa del Sol
  • Festa Major de Gracia
  • Mercat de l'Abaceria
  • Independent boutiques
Also available on:Book Tour
Park GuellPlaca del SolFesta Major de Gracia
5.

El Raval

El Raval
$$

Barcelona's most multicultural neighborhood with a gritty edge, world-class museums, and diverse culinary scene.

Highlights

  • MACBA (Contemporary Art Museum)
  • La Boqueria Market
  • Palau Guell
  • Rambla del Raval
  • El Gato de Botero sculpture
Also available on:Book Tour
MACBA (Contemporary Art Museum)La Boqueria MarketPalau Guell
6.

Eixample

Eixample
$$

The elegant grid-planned district showcasing Barcelona's finest modernist architecture including Gaudi's masterpieces.

Highlights

  • Sagrada Familia
  • Casa Batllo
  • Casa Mila (La Pedrera)
  • Passeig de Gracia shopping
  • Block of Discord
Also available on:Book Tour
Sagrada FamiliaCasa BatlloCasa Mila (La Pedrera)
7.

Poble Sec

Poble Sec
$$

A local favorite for tapas hopping along Carrer Blai, with easy access to Montjuic and authentic neighborhood charm.

Highlights

  • Carrer Blai tapas street
  • Teatre Grec
  • Refugi 307 (Civil War shelter)
  • Local vermouth bars
  • Montjuic cable car access
Also available on:Book Tour
Carrer Blai tapas streetTeatre GrecRefugi 307 (Civil War shelter)
8.

Sant Antoni

Sant Antoni
$$

A rapidly gentrifying neighborhood with a stunning renovated market, trendy brunch spots, and Sunday book market.

Highlights

  • Mercat de Sant Antoni
  • Sunday book market
  • Specialty coffee shops
  • Vintage stores
  • Federal Cafe
Also available on:Book Tour
Mercat de Sant AntoniSunday book marketSpecialty coffee shops
9.

Montjuic

Montjuic
$$

The hillside park district with stunning city views, world-class museums, Olympic venues, and magical fountain shows.

Highlights

  • Magic Fountain light show
  • Fundacio Joan Miro
  • Montjuic Castle
  • Olympic Stadium
  • Botanical Gardens
Also available on:Book Tour
Magic Fountain light showFundacio Joan MiroMontjuic Castle
10.

Poblenou

Poblenou
$$

Barcelona's former industrial district transformed into a tech hub with beaches, street art, and creative spaces.

Highlights

  • Rambla del Poblenou
  • Bogatell Beach
  • Palo Alto Market
  • Street art
  • Design Museum (nearby)
Also available on:Book Tour
Rambla del PoblenouBogatell BeachPalo Alto Market