Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona to Live—2023 BCN Life Rankings
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What are the Best Neighborhoods to Live in Barcelona?
There are lists that provide the best neighborhoods to stay in Barcelona or the trendiest or coolest neighborhoods, or even the best areas for tourists. However, the 2023 BCN Life Rankings provide the best neighborhoods in Barcelona to live in. BCN Life focuses on the best neighborhoods for expats moving to Barcelona. Please note that BCN Life focuses on expats moving to Barcelona from the US and from the UK.
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1. La Vila de Gràcia
La Vila de Gràcia (Village of Gràcia) is a neighborhood within the Gràcia district of Barcelona. It is known for its charming and authentic atmosphere, with a village-like feel that is different from other parts of the city. La Vila de Gràcia is a wonderful place to experience the local culture and is very family friendly. It is known for its well-preserved 19th century buildings, many of which have been converted into trendy shops, cafes and restaurants, giving it a unique and charming character. It’s a lovely place to take a stroll and admire the architecture, and it’s home to many independent and local businesses where you can find one-of-a-kind items and support small, local businesses. Furthermore, it hosts the annual La Festa Major de Gràcia street festival, which is one of the most popular events in the city, resplendent with colorful decorations, parades and traditional music and dance performances.
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2. L’Eixample Dreta
L’Eixample Dreta (Eixample Right) is a neighborhood in the center of Barcelona. Known for its wide boulevards, elegant architecture and chic shops and restaurants, it is characterized by its grid-like street pattern, designed by the famous urban planner Ildefons Cerdà in the 19th century. It boasts some of the city's most iconic modernist buildings, including works by Antoni Gaudí such as Casa Batlló and La Pedrera and it’s known for its high-end shopping, with a variety of exclusive boutiques, designer shops and luxury brands. It has a lively nightlife scene with plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants and is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation, with many metro stations and bus lines.
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3. L’Eixample Esquerra
Also located in the Eixample district, l’Eixample Esquerra (Eixample Left) is known for its wide boulevards, elegant architecture and posh shops and restaurants. It is to the left of l’Eixample Dreta when you are facing the mountains, not the sea. Also part of Ildefons Cerdà’s 19th century plan to modernize the city, it is filled with modernist architecture designed by famous Catalan architects. It is home to the gay district of Barcelona, known as “Gayxample,” and has a wide range of dining options, from traditional Spanish restaurants to international cuisine and a hopping nightlife scene with plenty of bars, clubs and entertainment options. It is very well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation, with many metro stations and bus lines.
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4. Sant Gervasi-La Bonanova
Sant Gervasi-La Bonanova is a neighborhood located in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district. It is known as a fashionable residential area with wide leafy streets and peaceful atmosphere, making it a coveted location for families and professionals. It is home to many prestigious schools, making it an excellent choice for families with children. Additionally, it offers a good range of dining options, from traditional Spanish restaurants to international cuisine and high-end shops. It is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation and is conveniently located near several business areas, making it a great place for those relocating to Barcelona for work.
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5. Turó Park
Turó Park is an affluent enclave located within the Sant Gervasi-Galvany neighborhood. Known for its luxurious homes and high-end properties, it is considered one of the most exclusive and desirable areas in the city. It is characterized by leafy streets, large gardens and parks, such as the Turó Park itself, which is a large green space that offers a peaceful place for outdoor activities. It is near prestigious schools and high-end shops, restaurants and cafes as well as embassies and consulates, making it a prime location for expats. It is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation, making it easy to get around. All these factors make Turó Park a highly sought-after location, offering a unique and upscale living experience in one of the most privileged areas of Barcelona.
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6. Sarrià
Sarrià is a neighborhood located in the upper part of Barcelona, in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district (Sarriá in Spanish and Sarrià in Catalan). Sarrià has a village-like feel similar to La Vila de Gràcia, although it has a more laid-back vibe with a quieter and older population. Sarrià is known for its residential atmosphere and peaceful environment, making it very desirable for both families and professionals. It is near many prestigious schools, making it an attractive option for families with children. Additionally, it offers a good range of dining options, from traditional Spanish restaurants to international cuisine. It is well connected to the rest of the city by public transportation and conveniently located near several business areas, making it attractive for those relocating to Barcelona for work. Sarrià is a peaceful neighborhood offering a unique and authentic experience of the city. It is an exceptional location for families, professionals and people looking for a more relaxed, quiet lifestyle in Barcelona.
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7. Sant Antoni
Sant Antoni is a hipster neighborhood located in the Eixample district just below the Eixample Esquerra. It is known for its Bohemian atmosphere, trendy bars and restaurants and a dynamic nightlife scene. It is home to a number of vintage and second-hand clothing shops, as well as the famous food market, the Mercat de Sant Antoni, and is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation, with many metro and bus lines. It is a choice location for young professionals and students who are looking for someplace lively and trendy to call home. Sant Antoni offers the opportunity to experience the city's alternative side, with a mix of tradition, culture and a lively atmosphere.
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8. El Poblenou
El Poblenou is a neighborhood located in Barcelona’s Sant Martí district. It is known for its startup community and the technological innovation that it has brought to the zone. It is home to a number of co-working spaces, incubators and accelerators, as well as a number of startups, which has made it an ideal location for entrepreneurs and those in the tech industry. It’s also known for its modern architecture, with many buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, and has a long promenade called Rambla del Poblenou. Additionally, Poblenou is along the beach, which is a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea. It is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation, with many bus lines and metro stations. Poblenou is a prime location for those who are in the startup community and looking for somewhere to grow their business while enjoying beach-side living.
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9. El Born
El Born is located in the Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera neighborhood in the Ciutat Vella (Old City) district. It is known for its super-cool vibe, with a mix of trendy bars, restaurants and shops, as well as historical and cultural sites. It is home to many of the city's museums and art galleries—including the Picasso Museum—and it has a number of charming plazas, such as the Plaça del Born, which is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It is also home to the beautiful Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, a 14th-century church that is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. It is well connected to the rest of the city by public transportation, with many bus lines and metro stations. El Born is a great place to experience the city's history, culture and its trendy side, making it a unique and desirable place to live in Barcelona.
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10. El Poble-sec
El Poble-sec is a neighborhood located in Barcelona’s Sants-Montjuïc district. It's considered an up-and-coming area of the city, with a mix of traditional and modern cultures. Known for its lively atmosphere, with a variety of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, El Poble-sec is also home to the Montjuïc Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city, as well as a number of museums like the Joan Miró Foundation. It is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation, with many bus lines and metro stations. El Poble-sec is a vibrant neighborhood to live in, especially for those who are looking for a mix of traditional and modern culture and a lively atmosphere.
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Best Neighborhoods to Live in Barcelona
Barcelona is a fantastic place to live for many reasons, one of them is the variety of neighborhoods it offers, each with its own unique character, atmosphere and amenities when moving to Barcelona.
The BCN Life 10 Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona 2023 Rankings considers client demand for certain areas, but its focus is on those neighborhoods that clients actually choose to live in based on our invaluable home finding services. BCN Life is the premier relocation agency in Barcelona for buying an apartment or renting an apartment long-term. The 2023 ranking not only includes the best neighborhoods for families, but also for young people, executives, singles, couples, students, retirees, those on a budget and more. However, while these are Barcelona’s 10 best neighborhoods to live in, and you should definitely add them to your moving to Barcelona checklist, choosing the perfect neighborhood is the most important thing you need to get right when moving to Barcelona. This is why expats who want a guaranteed smooth transition use BCN Life when moving to Barcelona.
You can learn more about BCN Life Relocation Experts at bcn-life.com.
Lia Morse Mashaka, Akida Mashaka.
Akida Mashaka is co-founder and managing director of BCN Life, the leading Barcelona relocation agency for English-speaking expats. Akida is an American Harvard Law trained attorney from Los Angeles, California. He lives in Barcelona with his wife, Lia who is also his business partner, and his two children.
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