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The Best Barcelona Hotels

Barcelona › Best Hotels
Updated: May 22, 2023
By Santorini Dave

My Favorite Hotels in Barcelona

• 5-star: El Palace • Cotton House
• 4-star: Mercer
• 3-star: Praktik Rambla
• For Couples: Hotel Bagues
• For Families: Grand Central
• Hotel Pool: Grand Central
• Near Beach: Hotel Arts
• Airport: Sleep&Fly
• Cruise Port: Grand Marina
• Kitchen Suite: Citadines Ramblas
• Best New Hotel: Casa Sagnier

Exterior entrance of an elegant hotel, with red velvet drapery hung in stone archways

The 5-star El Palace has a great Eixample location near the Ramblas and is one of our favorite hotels in Barcelona.

Barcelona Hotels – My Advice

Best Barcelona Neighborhoods for Visitors

  • Barri Gòtic & El Born: the historic heart of Barcelona, super central, great for museums, dining and nightlife.
  • L’Eixample: superb Modernist architecture, museums, upscale dining and shopping.
  • Gràcia: proximity to the Sagrada Familia, trendy restaurants, good transport connections.
  • El Raval: convenient for exploring the historic center, great restaurants and bars.
  • Barceloneta: best for beaches, seafood restaurants, easy walk to historic center.
  • Montjuïc & Tibidabo: lofty views, art galleries, and amusement parks.

All hotels I’ve included on this page are centrally located or have easy access to the central tourist areas. Central Barcelona (Barri Gòtic, El Born, and El Raval) is a compact and walkable maze of narrow streets. It’s often faster to walk than take public transport. L’Eixample, Montjuïc, and Barceloneta can all be reached on foot from the historic city center.

The 20 Best Hotels in Barcelona

1. El Palace

Opulent hotel bar with a crystal chandelier hung overhead
Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
This former Ritz is the grand dame of Barcelona hotels – all onyx and marble, vast chandeliers, ornate antique furnishings, and liveried doormen in top hats. Old European style prevails throughout, with Regency furniture and fireplaces in the ivory-and-cream guest rooms, and Roman-style step-down, marble tubs in the Classic Deluxe baths. Service is old-school and impeccable, and family-friendly amenities include kiddie bathrobes and welcome kits; under-11s stay for free. Of the two excellent restaurants, the refined Winter Garden serves beautifully-presented signature cuisine, while bar 19 is the spot for tapas and British-style afternoon tea. The Bluesman Bar has regular live jazz and blues music. Amenities include a rooftop pool and a Mayan-themed spa that specializes in volcanic stone treatments. Convenient location for high-end shopping and visiting some of Barcelona’s best Modernist architecture.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for El Palace

2. Mandarin Oriental

Plush hotel lobby with white furnishings and large floral bouquets
Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
Chic, opulent 5-star hotel right on the Passeig de Gràcia, a stone’s throw from two of Gaudí’s most celebrated buildings. Suites here are enormous, compared to the mid-sized standard rooms; all are decorated in soothing neutrals, with oriental touches reflecting the hotel name. There are three superb restaurants: Moments (2-Michelin-starred fine dining), Mimosa (contemporary international cuisine in a tranquil garden setting) and Blanc (light meals, afternoon tea). The Banker’s Bar is a popular place to meet for cocktails. There’s a fitness center, shallow rooftop pool, indoor lap pool, and a luxurious basement spa offering a full range of treatments. Casa Pedrera, Casa Batllò, and several other attractions are an easy walk away, as well as numerous restaurants and boutiques.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Mandarin Oriental

3. Casa Fuster

Exterior of an elegant stone hotel with arched entryway and iron balconies
Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
An unmissable treat for fans of Modernist architecture, 5-star Casa Fuster is an Art Nouveau masterpiece. Built in 1908, this was the last project of renowned architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, also responsible for the gorgeous Palau de la Música Catalana. Expect vaulted ceilings, antique lamps, Gaudí-designed chairs and broken-tile mosaics, and plenty of marble. The 85 guest rooms and 20 suites are a little more subdued, with tall French windows and Loewe toiletries in the ornate bathrooms. There are two dining options: Restaurant Galaxó (avant-garde Mediterranean) and Café Vienés, which offers light meals in a historic space. There’s live jazz on Thursday nights and cocktails on the Blue View roof terrace, next to the large rooftop pool. Amenities include a sauna and gym. Well-situated for shopping and dining in both Gràcia and L’Eixample, and for exploring the best of Barcelona’s modernist architecture.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Casa Fuster

4. Cotton House

A doorman helps a passerby at a luxury hotel entrance flanked by two palm trees
Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
A 5-star design hotel that combines historic elements with bold, contemporary design. Located on the site of the former HQ of the former Cotton Textile Foundation in L’Eixample, this 19th century mansion retains the building’s grand marble staircase, newly complimented by bold colors and modern art. Guest rooms and suites are spacious, light-filled, and come with Nespresso machines, iPod speakers, and sizable rain shower bathrooms. In standard rooms, parquet floors and an all-white color schemes convey an understated elegance. Interconnecting rooms are available for families. Amenities include a rooftop pool and solarium, and the atmospheric library provides a perfect spot to drink the hotel’s signature Gossypium cocktail. An on-site restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine. The Cotton House is well-located for exploring Barri Gòtic and nearby sights such as Casa Batlló.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Cotton House

5. Hotel Bagués

Salmon and cream-colored stone hotel building with arched windows on a corner lot
Hotel phone: +34 933 43 50 00
Ritzy, super-central hotel housed in a former jeweller’s showroom. Due to the historic nature of the building, guest rooms vary both in size, amenities, and views: some overlook La Rambla, others the Betlem church. All are sleek and modern in design and richly appointed in ebony, rosewood, and gold leaf; the modern en-suite bathrooms are dressed in Indian slate. There is a rooftop terrace and swimming pool, an excellent on-site Mediterranean fusion restaurant, and plenty of other options in the surrounding streets. Located between the Barri Gòtic and El Raval – a perfect location for sightseeing and dining out in Barcelona’s historic center.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Hotel Bagués

6. Claris GL

Corner view of a vast and ornate stone hotel with rooftop deck
Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
This vast, luxurious hotel in the heart of Eixample is an eclectic mix of early 20th century architecture, thoroughly modern amenities, and ancient Egyptian history. Inside this renowned Egyptologist’s hotel, you’ll find a private Egyptian artifact museum, archeological artwork, and archaeological finds throughout, all alongside silk, chrome, and tropical hardwood-accented decor. The Brazilian rosewood-panelled rooms are suitably sumptuous and bathrooms are equipped with rain showers. Dining-wise, guests can choose between a rooftop restaurant serving typical Mediterranean fare during warmer months, and the year-round Mr Kao (superb dim sum). Besides an excellent spa, the hotel has a rooftop pool and fully-equipped gym. Located just steps away from Gaudí buildings and convenient for dining and shopping. Easy walk to historic centre.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Claris GL

7. Condes de Barcelona

Corner view of a sprawling historic hotel in Barcelona
Hotel phone: +34 934 45 00 00
Excellent 4-star with rooftop pool terrace and bar in the Eixample neighborhood. Set within a sprawling 19th-century palace on the Passeig de Gracia, rooms here have a pleasing contemporary design that’s modern without being stark, and feature nice extras like Rituals toiletries, USB charging ports, and complimentary minibar. Some rooms have balconies or views of the Passeig de Gracia, some overlook the hotes’l cool spiral-inspired interior courtyard. Perfect Eixample location between Casa Milá and Casa Batllo.
• Hotel Website • Check prices Condes de Barcelona

8. Hotel Arts

View of Frank Gehry's Golden Fish Sculpture with Mapfre Tower and Hotel Arts at Port Olympic with cloudy sky in the background at Catalonia in Barcelona, Spain
Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
Rising 44 stories above the Mediterranean, this luxurious art-themed skyscraper sits on Barcelona’s string of beaches. Fine art and sculpture feature in all the common areas and minimalist, sizable guest rooms are flooded with plenty of natural light; ask for a corner room to get the best of the sea and city views. Suites have more character, and the top-end penthouse apartments come with butler service and kitchens equipped for chef-prepared private meals. Five on-site restaurants range from the child-friendly Bites and Café Veranda to 2-Michelin-star fine dining at Enotecta; Frank’s is the hotel’s top-notch bar. The range of amenities – large outdoor swimming pool, spa, gym, hammam, and children’s pool – is hard to beat. Located near the Ciutadella park, beaches, and Barceloneta’s restaurants; a long-ish walk from Barri Gòtic and El Born.
• Hotel Website • Check prices Hotel Arts

9. Sir Victor Hotel

SIdewalk view of a Barcelona design hotel with pedestrians walking by
Hotel phone: +34 934 45 40 00
Barcelona’s first design hotel (formerly Hotel Omm), with a cutting-edge interior, a winning Eixample location, and excellent dining. Of the minimalist rooms, superior ones come with large tubs and private terraces, while suites are decked out with four-poster beds and antique furnishings. Both Michelin-starred and casual dining on-site and excellent views of Gaudí’s La Pedrera from the rooftop pool.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Sir Victor Hotel

10. Majestic Hotel

Corner view of a large and opulent historic hotel
Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
Located between the two iconic Gaudí houses on the Passeig de Gràcia, the Majestic is all unrestrained opulence, with grand staircases, plenty of marble, Louis XV chairs and luxurious furnishings in all the rooms. Sizable guest rooms are more understated and contemporary than the common areas, with Nespresso machines and numerous other conveniences. Bathrooms come with deep tubs, Bvlgari toiletries, and rain showers. Service here is among the best in the city, and facilities include a spa with an extensive range of treatments, rooftop pool, and well-equipped gym. There’s excellent dining on-site, from the refined seasonal menus at the Condal and traditional Catalan dishes at the Petite Comitè to snacks and cocktails at the rooftop Dolce Vitae bar. The restaurants have children’s menus and the hotel provides cots for babies and free stays for one child under 12.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Majestic Hotel

11. Mercer

Sleek and sophisticated hotel lounge looking out to a garden courtyard.
Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
Hidden down a tiny pedestrian street in the heart of Barri Gòtic, 5-star Mercer is a layered history of Barcelona: a medieval building sitting on top of an ancient Roman wall and with an intact Roman watchtower. Neutral decor harmonizes with the ancient lintels and the thick, exposed stone walls keep the rooms quiet and cool at the height of summer; the most atmospheric rooms are in the Roman tower. Bathrooms are thoroughly contemporary, with rain showers and Molton Brown toiletries. On site-dining consists of a casual bistro serving French and Catalan dishes and high-end Mediterranean cuisine. Due to heritage building status, amenities are limited to a plunge pool and bar on the decked rooftop. Ideal for exploring the museums and sights of Barcelona’s historic center, with convenient transport links to other attractions and numerous restaurants and bars just minutes away.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Mercer

12. Hotel Neri

Two men eat at an elegant restaurant near large windows overlooking an urban square.
Hotel phone: +34 933 04 06 55
Stunning Gothic Quarter boutique hotel with rooftop terrace and plunge pool. Across two historic properties (one of them a 12th-century medieval palace), 22 chic rooms and suites feature a simple yet elegant design coupled with high-end finishes and amenities. A fantastic ground-floor restaurant and rooftop terrace bistro offer top-notch cuisine. Excellent atmospheric location on Sant Felip Neri square, just around the corner from the cathedral.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Hotel Neri

13. Miramar

View across a water fountain of a luxury hotel on a sunny day
Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
Surrounded by lush gardens on the slopes of Montjuïc, this converted early 20th century palace benefits from excellent sea views and relative proximity to downtown’s restaurants and nightlife. The majority of the understated yet luxurious rooms come with either a terrace or balcony. Guests can enjoy creative Mediterranean dishes at the on-site Forestier restaurant; children’s menu available. The tranquil location, babysitting services and large pool make this hotel a favorite with families. The L’Occitane spa offers a full range of treatments, and there’s a fully equipped gym as well. Ideally located for exploring Montjuïc’s art galleries, fortress and landscaped gardens; a short walk or taxi ride to El Raval.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Miramar

14. W Barcelona

Sleek angled skyscraper hotel on a sandy beach at sunset
Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
This trendy, all-glass hotel at the south end of Barcelona’s string of beaches has some of the best views in the city. The vibe attracts the young and the vogueish, with DJs in the stylish lobby and upstairs Eclipse bar on Friday and Saturday nights. With the exception of suites, all rooms are the same size, but price varies, depending on the view and how high up you are. Guest rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows and beds set in the middle of the room for contemplating the horizon; views from the Extreme Wow corner suite are breathtaking. Dining options include Bravo24 (fine dining, Catalan dishes) and Salt (gourmet burgers and cocktails), and the W is a short walk away from Barceloneta’s many restaurants. The rooftop infinity pool is hugely popular with guests. The hotel’s location is ideal for beach-going and for catching the cable car across the marina to Montjuïc; Barri Gòtic is within walking distance, too.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for W Barcelona

15. Sonder DO Plaça Reial

Historic stone hotel on a narrow street in Barcelona
Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
This 18-room boutique hotel has a lot going for it: a winning location just off La Rambla on the popular Plaça Reial, super-helpful multi-lingual service, and excellent on-site dining. All the rooms are bright and cheerful; most have balconies with a view and there are lots of little welcome touches, like a pillow menu and complimentary fruit. Apart from rain showers and Molton Brown toiletries, most bathrooms come with tubs. The atmospheric wine cellar hides an excellent restaurant, La Cuina del DO (inspired Mediterranean cuisine), while La Terrasa del DO offers casual tapas-style dining. The rooftop plunge pool and a small but well-equipped spa make this a favorite romantic retreat. Barri Gòtic’s museums, attractions, and restaurants are right on the doorstep.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Sonder DO Plaça Reial

16. Grand Hotel Central

Exterior of a large stone hotel building in Barcelona
Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
Sitting on Via Laietana, opposite Barcelona’s cathedral, this Art Deco hotel is a super-central mix of old-world grandeur, professional service, and contemporary comfort. 147 comfortable guest rooms and suites are characterized by neutral tones, high ceilings, and state-of-the-art conveniences; light sleepers should ask for a room facing away from the main street. City Restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes in gastropub surroundings, City Bar offers tapas, light meals, and DJ nights, while the rooftop bar next to the infinity pool is popular with both guests and young professionals during the warmer months. There are numerous other restaurants and bars right on the doorstep, too. Amenities include a wellness center, gym, and an exhibition space that showcases the work of up-and-coming artists. Ideally located for the Picasso Museum, the Ramblas and other sights and museums in Barri Gòtic and El Born; short Metro ride to other major attractions.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Grand Hotel Central

17. ABaC

Modern slatted-wood building behind a garden hedge
Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
A fantastic dining/lodging combo, this intimate 5-star boutique’s fifteen rooms and suites surround one of the best restaurants in the city. ABaC is housed in a revamped 19th century mansion within a leafy, residential corner of the city. Blonde-wood, minimalist guest rooms come with plasma-screen TV and large bathrooms sporting Hermès toiletries; some with whirlpool tubs. The penthouse suite has a roof terrace. The hotel’s eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for some of Barcelona’s most creative cooking, and several other restaurants are a short walk away. Though the hotel is compact, there’s a full-service spa with a pool, hammam, and Jacuzzi. The helpful staff can arrange sightseeing itineraries, or hire a personal shopper to help guests navigate Barcelona’s many boutiques. Located on the northern outskirts of the city, near Mount Tibidabo; most attractions and restaurants are an easy Metro or taxi ride away.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for ABaC

18. Praktik Rambla

Hotel doorway, framed by ornate marble columns.
Hotel phone: +34 933 43 66 90
Cozy and stylish, good value 3-star in a prime Eixample location. Within an elegantly-converted 19th-century palace, single, double, and triple guest rooms are dressed in a minimalist design, but don’t skimp on modern comforts. A sunny lobby/common room houses a coffee and croissant station that’s complimentary for all guests, and leads out to a spacious furnished garden terrace. Excellent location for exploring the city on foot.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Praktik Rambla

19. Ohla Barcelona

Ornate hotel building in Barcelona on a sunny day
Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
This chic yet understated 5-star hotel is equally popular with holidaymakers and business travelers, straddling the divide between Barri Gòtic and El Born in Barcelona’s historic centre. Rooms have a tranquil color scheme and customizable pillow and sheet menus. The ones facing the busy Via Laietana are well-soundproofed, and all bathrooms come with rain showers. There are two superb dining options: Caelis (Michelin-starred French and Catalan cuisine with a modern twist) and La Plassohla (hearty, classic Catalan dishes). Award-winning mixologists mix cocktails in the lobby Vistro bar, which also offers a wide range of wines. There are standard fitness and relaxation amenities – gym, spa, sauna – but the highlight is the clear-sided rooftop dipping pool. Easy walking distance to central museums, sights and numerous restaurants and bars.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Ohla Barcelona

20. Gran Hotel La Florida

Large castle-like hotel on a hill overlooking Barcelona.
Hotel phone: +34 917 01 67 67
Sitting at the top of Mount Tibidabo, this 5-star urban resort hotel offers unparalleled views of the city below. 70 Art Nouveau style rooms are decked out in neutral tones and come with large marble bathrooms. 8 suites are individually designed by acclaimed artists, boasting private terraces with views of the city and the Pyrenees mountains. There are two excellent restaurants, serving tapas and contemporary Catalan cuisine, as well as a as poolside lounge and bar. A full range of amenities includes a large indoor pool, small outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, gym, and spa; families are made to feel welcome with special activities for kids, children’s menus, and child-minding services arranged on request. The location is ideal for visiting the Tibidabo Amusement Park, but it’s quite far from Barcelona’s other attractions; the hotel provides three daily shuttles to downtown Barcelona.
• Hotel Website • Check prices for Gran Hotel La Florida

Barcelona Travel Tips

  • Central Barcelona is connected to neighborhoods further afield by an excellent, efficient Metro system. A single trip to most destinations costs €2.40, but if you’re looking to use the Metro a lot, it’s worth buying a 10-trip ticket (€11.35) to save money. A Metro ticket to the airport costs €5.15 and trains run from both Passeig de Gràcia and Barcelona Sants. Barcelona’s main train stations are attached to Metro stops. The Citymapper smartphone app makes it easy to get around the city using public transport, which runs roughly between 6am and 11.30pm daily. Taxis can be booked though an app called Cabify. Driving is not recommended in the historic center due to the proliferation of one-way and pedestrian streets, and lack of parking.
  • Barcelona is a 24-hour city. People dine late (typically, many restaurants don’t open until 8:30pm). Bars stay open until the early hours of the morning, and in nightclubs, action doesn’t really kick off until after midnight – It’s easier to get a seat in a restaurant or bar if you get there close to opening time. Barcelona’s most popular restaurants get booked weeks in advance; if you have your heart set on a particular place, plan accordingly.
  • Spain’s Catalonia region is world-famous for cutting-edge, experimental cuisine, and as Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona wows foodies with its proliferation of Michelin-starred restaurants. Spanish food is, of course, known for its tapas and Barcelona has a myriad tapas bars, from traditional Spanish and Catalan to Basque pintxos, Galician seafood, and more. In recent years, vegetarian and vegan cuisines have become an established part of Barcelona’s dining scene.

Staying in Barri Gòtic & El Born

Flamboyant style bridge between buildings in El Bisbe street in the Gothic Quarter in central Barcelona, Spain

With its beguiling maze of narrow medieval streets, interspersed with secluded little squares, Barri Gòtic is the oldest and most central part of Barcelona, built on the ancient remains of the original Roman settlement. The beautiful architecture and proliferation of bars, restaurants, shops make it the best introduction to the city. The pedestrian promenade of Las Ramblas marks the western border of Barri Gòtic, which is home to Barcelona’s Cathedral and the Barcelona History Museum. To the east, across the busy Via Leiatana, is El Born, a site for jousting during medieval times and now one of Barcelona’s nightlife hotspots. The neighborhood’s main street, Passeign del Born, is dominated by a beautiful 19th century wrought-iron market; other attractions include the Picasso Museum, Museum of World Cultures, the splendid Modernist Palau de la Música Catalana, and the Chocolate Museum. El Born shares an eastern border with the vast Parc de la Ciutadella . Accommodations in Barri Gòtic & El Born are an excellent mix of 5-star and boutique hotels and hostels, and the dining scene is second to none.

Best Hotels in in Barri Gòtic & El Born

Best Restaurants in in Barri Gòtic & El Born

  • Viana Barcelona • $$-$$$ • Vintage decor, internationally-inspired tapas meant for sharing, signature blackberry mojitos. Bar-seats for walk-ins; book a table in advance.
  • Irati Taverna Basca • $-$$ • Crowded little Basque tapas bar, popular with locals and tourists. Grab pintxos (sandwiches) from platters at the bar, or order hot dishes from the menu.
  • Shunka • $$$ • Casual, minimalist Japanese restaurant. Super-fresh ingredients, toro (fatty tuna) dishes stand out. Popular with young professionals. Reservations.
  • Can Culleretes • $$ • Barcelona’s oldest restaurant; hearty Catalan fare in atmospheric surroundings. Particularly popular for Sunday lunch.
  • Els 4 Gats • $$ • Legendary bar-restaurant where Picasso and his avant-garde friends used to gather. Come for the ambience not the food.

Staying in L’Eixample

Colorful modernist style building on a street in Barcelona, lined with motorcycles

North of Barcelona’s historic center, just beyond the grand Plaça Catalunya, lies L’Eixample, which literally means ‘Expansion’ in Catalan. This grand grid of streets, bisected by the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, is a Modernista showcase: some of Gaudí’s most famous buildings are found here, including La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, as well as the newly-opened Casa de les Punxes by Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Other attractions include the Barcelona Egyptian Museum high-end fashion boutiques by local and international designers. Many of Barcelona’s grand 5-star hotels are found here, as well as numerous fine dining venues and upscale bars. Barri Gòtic and Gràcia are both within walking distance.

Best Hotels in L’Eixample

Best Restaurants in L’Eixample

  • Lasarte • $$$$ • Barcelona’s only 3-Michelin-star restaurant. Two seasonal tasting menus, creative, beautiful dishes. Romantic, special occasion. Smart casual dress code. Advance reservations.
  • Big Al’s American Kitchen • $$ • Award-winning burgers with unusual toppings and craft beer. Take the ‘Widowmaker’ eating challenge! Popular with families, young crowd.
  • Moments • $$$-$$$$ • Michelin-starred, contemporary take on Catalonia’s traditional dishes by one of Spain’s top chefs inside the Mandarin Oriental hotel. The tasting menu is a special treat.

Staying in El Raval

Palm-flanked pedestrian thoroughfare in Barcelona

Once a no-go area for tourists, El Raval used to be a rough working-class neighborhood, renowned for its prostitution and crime. Though it still pays to be careful in parts of El Raval at night, it’s rapidly gentrifying, and home to a vibrant immigrant population, which is reflected in the area’s diverse culinary offerings. Traditionally, El Raval has been home to a large artists’ community, so it’s fitting that the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the neighborhood’s attractions, along with Barcelona’s most famous food market, La Boquería, one of Gaudí’s Modernist buildings, and a couple of minor museums. The dining scene is a varied mix of some of Barcelona’s hottest tapas bars and restaurants and all-night kebab joints, and accommodations consist of boutique hotels and budget hostels.

Best Hotels in El Raval

Best Restaurants in El Raval

  • Teatro Kitchen & Bar • $$$-$$$$ • Circus-themed tapas bar by superstar chefs. Playful, globally-inspired dishes. Choose from a la carte or decide how much you want to spend. Casual, fun. Reserve weeks in advance.
  • Pinotxo Bar • $-$$ • Longstanding, popular tapas bar at the Boquería food market. Hearty daily specials, owner is a local legend. Casual, busy.
  • Dos Palillos • $$$$ • Fun, Michelin-starred Spanish-Asian fusion tapas bar. Two tasting menus, two nightly seatings, open kitchen. Casual, buzzy. Reservations essential.
  • Alkimia • $$$-$$$$ • Refined, Michelin-starred dining. Simple, ingredient-driven dishes that make the most of local, seasonal produce. The tasting menus are worth the splurge. Reservations.

Staying in Gràcia

Overhead view of Gaudi's colorful Parc Guell in Barcelona

Formerly a small village on the outskirts of Barcelona, Gràcia was linked to Barcelona’s historic centre by the building of the Eixample neighborhood and it still retains an intimate village feel. With its many staircases, narrow pedestrian walkways, and mom and pop stores, Gràcia has a relatively young, artsy population and is home to a clutch of excellent restaurants and a few boutiques. Gaudí’s famous Park Güell is found along its northern fringes, while Barcelona’s single most popular attraction, the Sagrada Familia church, and the Modernist Hospital de Sant Pau are within walking distance to the east. There are few accommodation options here, beyond one 5-star hotel and several budget options. Good transport links to more central attractions.

Best Hotels in Gràcia

Best Restaurants in Gràcia

  • Somodó • $$ • Light, beautifully presented Japanese-Mediterranean fusion dishes. No a la carte menu; just three wonderfully affordable set menus.
  • Con Gracia • $$$ • Innovative, affordable fine dining that makes the most of local produce. Two tasting menus; if you choose ‘Experience’, then all dishes come as a surprise. Reserve ahead.
  • Spoonik • $$$$ • Underground hipster restaurant combining a multi-course tasting menu with opera and more. A remarkable sensory experience! Only 20 seats, so reservations essential.

Staying in Montjuïc & Tibidabo

Aerial view of the Expiatory Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor) in Tibidabo mountain in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

Montjuïc hill lies south of El Raval, across the main Avenida del Paral·lel. Overlooking the Mediterranean, Montjuïc is one of Barcelona’s most picturesque spots, notable for the views from the fortress at the top, its landscaped gardens and its heavyweight art museums: Joan Miró Foundation and the National Museum of Catalonian Art (MNAC). Montjuïc’s foothills are dominated by imposing 1920s architecture, built for the 1929 World Expo and lining the grand pedestrian boulevard. The Font Màgica is found here, with a few restaurants and bars along the nearby streets. There is little in the way of accommodation, with the exception of a 5-star hotel along Montjuïc’s slopes. The hill is connected to Barceloneta by the Aeri del Port cable car and is a short walk from the bars and restaurants of El Raval. Mount Tibidabo sits on the northernmost outskirts of Barcelona, with unparalleled views of the city from the Tibidabo funfair at its summit. Its isolated location is both a boon and a bane. There are a couple of 5-star hotels here, along with some cheaper options, and several excellent restaurants, but the majority of Barcelona’s attractions are a good ride away.

Best Hotels in Montjuïc & Tibidabo

Best Restaurants in Montjuïc & Tibidabo

  • ABaC • $$$$ • Original, 2-Michelin-star dishes and a designer-inspired bar inside an intimate 5-star hotel. Romantic ambience; reservations essential.
  • Bangkok Café • $$ • Thai street food packing some authentic heat served in cosy, relaxed surroundings. The place gets packed in the evenings, so reservations are recommended.
  • Blai 9 • $-$$ • Informal, buzzy tapas bar locally renowned for its tiny, towering masterpiece pinxos (open sandwiches) and croquettes. Great value for the money.
  • El Asador de Aranda • $$$ • Hearty Castilian cuisine served inside a gorgeous Modernist building at the foot of Tibidabo hill. Roast lamb cooked in clay oven is a specialty.

Staying in Barceloneta

Wide sandy beach at dusk, with a highrise hotel in the distance

Dominated by a string of beaches, the former fishing village of Barceloneta juts out into the Mediterranean just east of El Born. The beaches, the long pedestrian promenade, and the neighborhood’s many seafood restaurants are the main draws here, along with the Barcelona Aquarium at the nearby marina. With the exception of a couple of 5-star hotels and a few budget options, there isn’t much to be found here in the way of lodging. Barcelona’s historic center is reachable on foot.

Best Hotels in Barceloneta

Best Restaurants in Barceloneta

  • 7 Portes • $$-$$$ • Refined, elegant restaurant with formal service; rice dishes and seafood specialties. Popular with families; book ahead on weekends.
  • Restaurante Can Ros • $$-$$$ • Classic Catalan dishes in one of Barcelona’s oldest restaurants. Casual, inexpensive, home-style cooking.
  • Restaurante Barceloneta • $$$ • Superb Mediterranean and Catalan seafood dishes with great seafront and marina views. Extensive wine list. Bookings advised.
  • Torre d’Alta Mar • $$$ • Fine, seafood-based dining in the old port’s cable car tower, high above the marina. 360-degree views, relaxed ambience.
  • La Cova Fumada • $-$$ • Casual tapas bar popular with locals, locally renowned for its spicy-potato-and-meat bomba. Hearty portions, busy.

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave Santorini Dave was started in 2011 by a guy who loves Greece and Europe, travel and great hotels. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece, offering recommendations for top hotels, neighborhoods, and family-friendly hotels worldwide. Dave can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.