Barcelona by area
Where to Stay in Barcelona with Kids
A short guide to Barcelona’s neighbourhoods to help you choose the best base for your stay.
Barcelona by Area
Barcelona is compact, so wherever you stay you’re never far from the main sights, but each neighbourhood has its own feel. Here’s a quick look at Barcelona by area and what each one is like with kids, whether you want the beach on your doorstep, an easy walk to the Gaudí buildings or a quieter base for your family trip.
Eixample
Barcelona’s elegant grid district, with wide, flat streets that are easy with a pushchair and metro stops on almost every corner. It’s split in two by Carrer de Balmes: the Dreta de l’Eixample (right) is home to Passeig de Gràcia, Gaudí’s famous houses and upmarket shops, while the Esquerra de l’Eixample (left) is more residential and local, with neighbourhood markets and often better-value apartments.
At a glance
First-time visitors and families who want everything close by. Wider streets for pushchairs, easy metro access and plenty of family apartments.
Nearby
Where to eat
Restaurants and cafés throughout the grid, from smarter places around Passeig de Gràcia to neighbourhood spots in the Esquerra.
Good to know
Eixample covers a large area, so check the apartment’s exact location and nearest metro stop.
Sant Antoni
On the Esquerra side of the Eixample, Sant Antoni is a friendly, up-and-coming neighbourhood built around its beautifully restored 19th-century market. Several streets have been turned into car-free “superblocks” with benches, trees and play areas, so it’s quieter than most areas this close to the centre.
At a glance
Families who like a local feel within walking distance of the centre. Calm “superblock” streets with benches and play areas.
Nearby
Where to eat
Lots of brunch spots and cafés around the market, and still within walking distance of the city centre.
Good to know
The book and comic market brings crowds around the market on Sunday mornings.
Barceloneta
This old fishermen’s quarter is squeezed between the port and the sea. Its narrow back streets are interesting to wander, there’s a local market on an open square and many restaurants to choose from. The beach and its promenade are right nearby.
At a glance
Families who want the beach on the doorstep. Marina Port Vell, El Born and the bottom of La Rambla are all within walking distance.
Nearby
Where to eat
Seafood restaurants in the old streets and along the seafront.
Good to know
Lively and crowded in summer. Many apartments are in older walk-up buildings, so check whether there’s a lift before you book
El Born
Charming medieval streets full of cafés, galleries and small shops, around the soaring 14th-century basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. It’s central and walkable, with medieval streets and old buildings, but the lanes are narrow and can be noisy at night. The Picasso Museum is here, and the old Born market is now the El Born Cultural Centre, where it’s free to go in and look down on the excavated streets of the 1714 city from the walkway. Visits down into the site cost extra. Cross Via Laietana to reach the cathedral square, or walk up to Santa Caterina market. It’s also a short walk to Parc de la Ciutadella, the Zoo, the Chocolate Museum and the beach.
At a glance
Families who like exploring on foot and want to stay in the historic centre, within walking distance of Parc de la Ciutadella, the Zoo, the Chocolate Museum and the beach.
Nearby
Where to eat
One of the city’s most popular areas for eating out, with plenty of cafés, restaurants and tapas bars.
Good to know
There’s plenty to explore for free, with boutique shops and hidden squares.
Poblenou & Vila Olímpica
Further out of the centre, Poblenou has become popular with visiting families. It’s a residential neighbourhood with its own Rambla, lined with restaurants and cafés, leading down to the beach, the playground at Parc del Poblenou and Mar Bella beach. A good option for families, just a few metro stops from the centre.
At a glance
Quieter beaches and longer family stays. A relaxed Rambla where you’ll mix with local families.
Nearby
Where to eat
Restaurants and cafés along the Rambla del Poblenou.
Good to know
Further from the old town and the Gaudí sights, but the yellow metro line goes straight into the centre
Poble-sec
Poble-sec is just across Avinguda del Paral·lel from Sant Antoni, at the foot of Montjuïc. It has small squares, local shops and plenty of bars and restaurants, especially along Carrer de Blai, known for its pintxos bars. Staying here puts you close to Montjuïc’s parks, museums, cable car and castle.
At a glance
Families planning days out on Montjuïc and wanting good value. Walk to the funicular, cable car and gardens; Paral·lel metro is 3 stops from Plaça de Catalunya.
Nearby
Where to eat
The pintxos bars of Carrer de Blai. They get busy later in the evening, so go early for a family dinner.
Good to know
Less polished than some areas, with small squares and local shops.
Gràcia
Gràcia used to be a separate village and it still feels much like one. It starts just above Avinguda Diagonal, where Passeig de Gràcia ends. Small streets open onto leafy squares where children play and families meet up in the evening, and streets like Carrer d’Astúries are full of independent shops, bakeries and cafés. Fontana metro is only 3 stops from Plaça de Catalunya. Every August the Festa Major de Gràcia fills the streets with colourful decorations. They’re best seen with children during the day, as evenings get busy with a party atmosphere.
At a glance
Families who want a local feel and a slower pace. Traffic-free squares where children play while parents have a coffee.
Nearby
Where to eat
Bakeries and cafés on Carrer d’Astúries, and terraces on the squares.
Good to know
A traditional neighbourhood with lots of local character and independent shops to browse
Sant Gervasi & Sarrià
Green, peaceful and residential, at the foot of the Collserola hills where many local families live. Sarrià still has the feel of a small village, with a pretty old main street, while Sant Gervasi offers spacious apartments and easy access to CosmoCaixa and Tibidabo.
At a glance
Families wanting space, calm and a residential feel. Quieter streets, more green space and larger apartments.
Nearby
Where to eat
Local cafés and restaurants along Sarrià’s old main street.
Good to know
Maybe not for a short visit if you want the main sights on your doorstep, as you’ll need the metro, FGC trains or taxis
What to Look For in a Family Stay
Lift: Many older buildings only have stairs, so check before you book that you can get up easily with cases and a pushchair.
Air conditioning: You’ll probably want it from June to September.
Neighbourhood: Check reviews for mention of street noise as you may want a quieter area.
Space: Family rooms or apartments with a kitchen are often a better option for families.
Cots and high chairs: Request them when you book, or hire them locally.