Barcelona is a city of barrios, each with its own rhythm, flavour and story. From beachy stretches in the east to hillside hideaways in the west, the city unfolds across ten districts, home to dozens of distinctive neighbourhoods with overlapping borders and unique identities.
Whether you’re planning a short break, thinking about relocating or simply curious about what lies beyond La Rambla, this evolving guide dives into the heart of each barrio. Expect everything from tapas spots and indie boutiques to leafy plazas and buzzing nightlife. Bookmark this page — we’re adding new neighbourhoods regularly as we wander deeper into the Catalan capital.
Map of Barcelona Districts & Neighbourhoods
Neighbourhood List
Ciutat Vella
The historic heart of Barcelona — where the city began.
Ciutat Vella (“Old City”) is a maze of narrow streets, hidden courtyards and centuries of layered history. It’s where Roman ruins meet Gothic cathedrals, where trendy wine bars share walls with centuries-old taverns. By day, you’ll find market stalls and artisan boutiques; by night, the neighbourhood hums with tapas chatter and music echoing off ancient stone. Each quarter has its own flavour — from the atmospheric Gothic Quarter to the artistic pulse of El Raval.
- Gothic Quarter – Winding alleys, Roman ruins and moody tapas bars
- El Born – Indie boutiques, cocktail dens and medieval charm
- El Raval – Edgy energy, multicultural eats and contemporary art
Eixample
Barcelona’s grand grid — elegance, modernism and everyday life.
The Eixample is Barcelona’s most distinctive urban landscape: a geometric grid of wide avenues, leafy squares and modernist masterpieces. Built in the late 19th century as the city expanded beyond its medieval walls, it’s home to Gaudí’s most famous works and some of the city’s finest architecture. But beyond the postcard façades lies a lived-in city of cafés, boutiques and residential calm. Each section of Eixample has its own rhythm, from upscale avenues to community-driven corners.
- La Dreta de l’Eixample – Upscale elegance, Gaudí masterpieces and shopping streets
- Sagrada Família – Iconic architecture, tourist flow and everyday life
- Fort Pienc – Quiet corners, community squares and local rhythm
- L’Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample – Classic charm, café culture and leafy boulevards
- Nova Esquerra de l’Eixample – Residential vibes, hidden gems and multicultural eats
- Sant Antoni – Brunch central, market buzz and understated cool
Gracia
A bohemian village within the city.
Gràcia feels like a small town that somehow stayed intact as Barcelona grew around it. Once independent, it’s now one of the city’s most beloved neighbourhoods — a maze of pedestrian streets, local squares and creative energy. Gràcia’s community spirit runs deep: neighbours gather in plazas, indie cinemas show art films, and terraces buzz late into the night. It’s youthful, local and effortlessly authentic.
- La Vila de Gràcia – Bohemian soul, artisan shops and rooftop bars
Sants-Montjuic
From industrial heritage to hilltop beauty.
Stretching from the bustling train station to the green slopes of Montjuïc Hill, this district blends working-class roots with cultural landmarks and open space. Sants retains its local, down-to-earth feel — full of bakeries, bars and neighbourhood life — while Montjuïc offers panoramic views, museums, gardens and Olympic history. Together, they capture Barcelona’s mix of grit and grace.
- Montjuïc – Hilltop gardens, cultural icons and panoramic views
Coming soon: El Clot, El Poblenou
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