Districts of Barcelona
Every part of Barcelona has its own special things to see and do. When you’re looking for a place to stay for your Erasmus Program, it’s important to do some research. It can be hard to find the right apartment in Barcelona. Below, we’ll give you a quick look at the 10 districts of Barcelona, so you can see which one you like best. Check out our article on how to find accommodation for more tips!
1. Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella is a popular tourist spot, so prices at restaurants and shops might be higher. However, rent can be reasonable. Some parts have lots of museums, eateries, and bars. If you prefer a quieter area, avoid apartments with bars and restaurants below. Ciutat Vella is linked to the University Area by Lines 1, 3, and 4. If you’re after city center living, close to the beach with lively nightlife, this is the spot for you!
Neighbourhoods in Ciutat Vella: La Barceloneta, El Gòtic, El Raval, Sant Pere, Santa Caterina, la Ribera
2. Eixample
Eixample, located in the city center, is perfect for architecture, food, and shopping lovers. It showcases Modernista architecture, including Gaudí’s Sagrada Família. With a vibrant dining scene, high-end boutiques, and diverse nightlife, it’s a lively area. Eixample Esquerra and Corts form the University Area, popular among students, but rents can be high. Home to universities like Universidad de Barcelona, Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña, and ESADE, Eixample offers rich cultural experiences and vibrant nightlife.
Neighbourhoods in Eixample: L’Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample, La Nova Esquerra de l’Eixample, Dreta de l’Eixample, Fort Pienc, Sagrada Família, Sant Antoni
3. Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, located in the peaceful North-West of Barcelona, is a tranquil residential area favored by affluent residents. Known for its safety and elegance, it boasts spacious mansions and lush green spaces, offering a village-like ambiance. Explore hidden gems like Gaudi’s Torre Bellesguard, Tibidabo amusement park, and scenic viewpoints. Trendy bars, restaurants, and nightclubs cater to young adults, while shops range from supermarkets to independent boutiques. Opt for this district if you seek a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Neighbourhoods in Eixample: El Putget i Farró, Sarrià, Sant Gervasi – la Bonanova, Sant Gervasi – Galvany, les Tres Torres, Vallvidrera, Tibidabo i les Planes
4. Sant Andreu
Sant Andreu, nestled in the North-East of Barcelona, offers tranquility away from the tourist hustle. Rich in history, it boasts authentic eateries with affordable tapas and quaint streets for shopping. Despite its distance from the city center, it’s well-connected, with lower rental prices, leaving room for adventures and nightlife. Easily accessible by train or metro, Sant Andreu ensures convenience for students across Barcelona.
Neighbourhoods in Sant Andreu: Baró de Viver, Bon Pastor, El Congrés i els Indians, Navas, Sant Andreu de Palomar, La Sagrera i Trinitat Vella
5. Les Corts
Les Corts, situated to the west of the city, is a bustling area with plenty of shops, hotels, universities, restaurants, and bars. Although lacking tourist attractions, it’s home to FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou Stadium. The neighborhood also features lovely parks and the large L´Illa Diagonal shopping mall, conveniently located on Avenida Diagonal. It’s notable for hosting the main campuses of the University of Barcelona (UB), the Polytechnical University of Catalunya (UPC), and the IESE Business School.
Neighbourhoods in Les Corts: les Corts, la Maternitat i Sant Ramon, Pedralbes
6. Gràcia
Gràcia is a charming district with narrow streets, cozy plazas, and a bohemian vibe. In warmer months, the plazas buzz with people soaking up the sun. You’ll find plenty of trendy bars and restaurants here, popular with the younger crowd. Don’t miss Gaudí’s iconic Park Güell for stunning city views and his remarkable creations!
Neighbourhoods in Gràcia: Vila de Gràcia, el Camp d’en Grassot i Gràcia Nova, la Salut, el Coll, Vallcarca i els Penitents
7. Nou Barris
Nou Barris, situated northeast of the city center, is mainly residential with cozy local bars and eateries. Quiet and untouched by tourism, it’s historically working-class with immigrant communities. Ideal for budget-conscious students, you might find a great deal on apartments here. Plus, it offers easy access to Collserola nature area and boasts a good library.
Neighborhoods in Nou Barris: Can Peguera, Canyelles, Ciutat Meridiana, La Guineueta, Porta, La Prosperitat, les Roquetes, Torre Baró, la Trinitat Nova, El Turó de la Peira, Vallbona, Verdum, Vilapicina i la Torre Llobeta
8. Horta-Guinardó
Horta-Guinardó, situated northeast of Barcelona, is the city’s greenest district. It’s not very touristy, so you’ll mainly encounter locals here. With its hills and quiet streets, it offers fresh air and a peaceful atmosphere, stretching from the city center to the Collserola nature reserve. Most streets are residential, and some are so steep that escalators have been installed. It’s an ideal spot for budget-conscious students.
Neighbourhoods in Horta-Guinardó: El Baix Guinardó, El Guinardó, Can Baró, El Carmel, la Font d’en Fargues, Horta, la Clota, Montbau, Sant Genís dels Agudells, la Teixonera, La Vall d’Hebron
9. Sant Martí
Sant Martí, situated east of the city center, boasts a vibrant coastal area with plenty of commercial and business zones, offering a plethora of hotels, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, making it an exciting place to reside, particularly along the coast where several beaches and popular nightclubs like Opium, Pacha, or Catwalk can be found. With landmarks such as Port Olímpic, Barcelona’s iconic twin towers, and the historic industrial neighborhood of El Poblenou, Sant Martí offers a blend of traditional architecture, industrial spaces, and modern shopping centers. Its proximity to both the city center and the beach allows residents to enjoy the best of both worlds. Additionally, the district is home to various universities and colleges, including Pompeu Fabra University (Campus del Poblenou), BAU, Escola Superior de Disseny, L’Idem Barcelona, UPF Campus de la Ciutadella, and many more.
Neighbourhoods in Sant Martí: El Besòs i el Maresme, el Clot, El Camp de l’Arpa del Clot, Diagonal Mar i el Front Marítim del Poblenou, el Parc i la Llacuna del Poblenou, Poblenou, Provençals del Poblenou, Sant Martí de Provençals, La Verneda i la Pau, la Vila Olímpica del Poblenou
10. Sants-Montjuïc
Sants-Montjuïc, Barcelona’s largest district, sprawls across the southern part of the city, boasting popular attractions centered around Montjuïc hill and Plaza Espanya. While much of the district consists of residential areas, Montjuïc hill, a pivotal site for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, offers a wealth of attractions, including Poble Espanyol, Museum Palau Nacional, the funicular cable car, scenic parks and gardens, and the mesmerizing Magic Fountain at Plaza Espanya’s base. Additionally, Sants Estacio, Barcelona’s main train station, and the Arena, a converted bullfighting arena turned shopping center, call this district home. Ideal for students attending EAE Business School, Politècnica de Catalunya University, or ESADE Barcelona.
Neighborhoods in Sants-Montjuïc: la Bordeta, la Font de la Guatlla, Hostafrancs, la Marina de Port, la Marina del Prat Vermell, El Poble-sec, Sants, Sants-Badal, Montjuïc, Zona Franca – Port
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