Barcelona neighbourhoods to live in — this guide helps you choose with confidence. Moving to Barcelona means choosing how you want to experience the city: strolling under the plane trees of the Eixample, the tranquillity of Sarrià, and the Mediterranean just a stone’s throw away in Poblenou. We analyse each area using the same parameters (parks, safety when walking, promenades, sea or mountain, airport, noise, hospitals, lifestyle) and begin by telling you what each neighbourhood has to offer.

We are architects and interior designers. If you’re deciding where to live in Barcelona and want to validate a property before buying (structure, regulations, renovation and costs), book our pre-purchase consultancy or tell us about your full renovation project.

How to use this guide

Each neighbourhood includes, first, a brief description (history, character, atmosphere) and then comparable parameters:
Green areas · Promenade/walkway · Sea or mountains · Airport (car, no traffic) · Noise · Safety when walking (general feeling) · Nearby hospitals · Who it suits · Design rating.

Pedralbes (Les Corts)

Discreet villas, international schools and manicured gardens. Pedralbes has the serenity of “another city” within Barcelona: wide doorways, soft light and views of Collserola. The elegance is tranquil; here, the days pass slowly.

• Green spaces: Palau Reial Gardens, Parc de Cervantes; Collserola minutes away.
• Promenade/boulevard: Wide avenues and gardens; no classic rambla.
• Sea or mountain: Mountain very close.
• Airport: ~20–25 min.
• Noise: Low on inner streets.
• Perceived safety: High.
• Nearby hospitals: Dexeus, Hospital de Barcelona; Sant Joan de Déu, Teknon (10–15 min).
• Best for: Families prioritising calm and privacy.
• Design note: Indoor–outdoor living, noble woods, solar control.

Sarrià – Sant Gervasi 

The classic high-end neighbourhood of Barcelona: local shops, historic doorways and terraces overlooking the city. Among hidden squares and parks, Sarrià preserves the residential Barcelona of yesteryear.

• Green spaces: Turó Park, Putxet, Oreneta, Monterols.
• Promenade/boulevard: Major de Sarrià, Mandri, neighbourhood high streets.
• Sea or mountain: Mountain nearby; fine city views.
• Airport: ~20–25 min.
• Noise: Low/medium (higher along main arteries).
• Perceived safety: High.
• Nearby hospitals: Teknon, Corachan, Sant Joan de Déu.
• Best for: Premium residential life with amenities on foot.
• Design note: Timeless palette, stone and warm joinery.

Eixample Dreta (Eixample)

Modernism, boulevards and stately portals. Here, the city dresses up: façades that tell stories, marble-topped cafés and an elegant urban lifestyle that invites you to stroll around.

• Green spaces: Parc de la Ciutadella within walking distance; inner-block gardens.
• Promenade/boulevard: Rambla de Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia.
• Sea or mountain: Sea 10–15 min by car.
• Airport: ~20–30 min.
• Noise: Medium/high on main roads; low in inner courtyards.
• Perceived safety: Good (crowded tourist spots at times).
• Nearby hospitals: Sant Pau (NE), Hospital Clínic (SW).
• Best for: Classic city living near boutiques and top dining.
• Design note: Restore hydraulic tiles, mouldings and height.

Eixample Esquerra (Eixample)

A balance between residential and gastronomy. Esquerra is the Barcelona of lively neighbourhoods: markets, galleries, indoor squares; here, daily life can be enjoyed without sacrificing the urban experience.

• Green spaces: Parc Joan Miró, inner-block patios; good link to Montjuïc.
• Promenade/boulevard: Tree-lined streets; Rambla de Catalunya on the edge.
• Sea or mountain: Montjuïc close; sea 15–20 min.
• Airport: ~20–25 min.
• Noise: Medium (Aragó/Gran Via).
• Perceived safety: Good.
• Nearby hospitals: Hospital Clínic.
• Best for: Professionals valuing services and walkability.
• Design note: Acoustic comfort, climate control, open kitchens.

Vila de Gràcia (Gràcia)

Squares, local festivals and crafts. Gràcia retains its village soul within the city: conversations on street corners, films in their original language and creative workshops. By day, the neighbourhood buzzes with life; by night, its squares come alive.

• Green spaces: Park Güell, Creueta del Coll.
• Promenade/boulevard: Verdi and pedestrian axes; Passeig de Sant Joan on the edge.
• Sea or mountain: Collserola relatively close.
• Airport: ~25–30 min.
• Noise: Medium (squares); low on quiet interiors.
• Perceived safety: Good; some lively spots at night.
• Nearby hospitals: Sant Pau, l’Esperança.
• Best for: Local life, culture, young families.
• Design note: Ceramics, gentle colour, exposed joinery.

Diagonal Mar & Poblenou (Sant Martí)

The Mediterranean as routine: cycling along the promenade, brunch, creative offices and contemporary residences. Poblenou preserves its industrial past amid chimneys and new parks; Diagonal Mar offers expanses of water and skyline.

• Green spaces: Parc Diagonal Mar, Parc del Centre, seafront.
• Promenade/boulevard: Rambla del Poblenou (perfect for terraces).
• Sea or mountain: Sea on foot.
• Airport: ~20–25 min.
• Noise: Medium (seafront/events); low in well-oriented interiors.
• Perceived safety: Good on main axes.
• Nearby hospitals: Hospital del Mar.
• Best for: Beach lovers, teleworking, newer builds.
• Design note: Fresh palette (blues/sands), durable materials.

Vila Olímpica & Barceloneta (Ciutat Vella)

City and sea without transition: rushing sunrises, Sunday paellas and salty windy afternoons. Lively, open and sporty, with marked seasons.

• Green spaces: Parc de la Ciutadella, maritime promenades.
• Promenade/boulevard: Seafront Promenade, Moll de la Marina.
• Sea or mountain: Sea.
• Airport: ~20–25 min.
• Noise: Medium/high in season.
• Perceived safety: Fine by day; busy nightlife pockets.
• Nearby hospitals: Hospital del Mar.
• Best for: Sea life and outdoors.
• Design note: Salt-resistant finishes, cross-ventilation.

Poble Sec & Montjuïc (Sants-Montjuïc)

Gastronomy in Blai, theatres in Paral·lel and the mountain as a garden. Working-class history and neighbourhood pride; from here, the city can be seen from the viewpoints of Montjuïc.

• Green spaces: Laribal, Joan Brossa, Montjuïc Botanical Garden.
• Promenade/boulevard: Carrer Blai (pedestrian).
• Sea or mountain: Mountain on foot.
• Airport: ~15–20 min.
• Noise: Medium (Paral·lel/Blai); low inside.
• Perceived safety: Good in residential areas.
• Nearby hospitals: Access to Hospital Clínic and Hospital del Mar (area-dependent).
• Best for: Authentic life, parks and culture.
• Design note: Heritage rescue with measured colour.

Horta–Guinardó

Balconies overlooking the mountains and streets that breathe. Horta is clear skies, historic gardens and a peaceful pace; the city can be heard in the distance.

• Green spaces: Laberint d’Horta, Guinardó, Collserola.
• Promenade/boulevard: Local axes; no tourist rambla.
• Sea or mountain: Mountain nearby.
• Airport: ~25–35 min.
• Noise: Low/medium.
• Perceived safety: High.
• Nearby hospitals: Vall d’Hebron, Sant Pau (area-dependent).
• Best for: Families seeking calm and views.
• Design note: Natural light, liveable terraces.

Gótic (Ciutat Vella)

Stone, artisans and legends. Time is layered in courtyards and narrow streets; if you are excited by living history, this is the place for you — with all the intensity that entails.

• Green spaces: Parc de la Ciutadella; historic squares.
• Promenade/boulevard: La Rambla, Passeig del Born.
• Sea or mountain: Sea very close (Barceloneta on foot).
• Airport: ~20–25 min.
• Noise: High in tourist hotspots; low on carefully chosen streets.
• Perceived safety: Mixed due to crowds; street choice matters.
• Nearby hospitals: Hospital del Mar.
• Best for: Heritage lovers and full urban intensity.
• Design note: Acoustic comfort without losing soul.

Looking beyond Barcelona?

If you are interested in nearby towns (Sant Just Desvern, Esplugues, Pallejà etc.), follow this blog: we will be publishing new guides for each municipality using the same comparative format.

FAQs

Can I open the kitchen to the living room in an older flat?
It depends on the structure and regulations. We assess this in a preliminary consultation: we review load-bearing walls, installation routes, acoustics and licences to advise you on what is and is not possible, and at what cost.

How long do building permits take in Barcelona?
It varies depending on the type (enterado, comunicado inmediato, comunicado diferido, licencia). During the consultation, we will advise you on the administrative process, documentation, fees and a realistic timeline.

How much does it cost to refurbish a bathroom or a kitchen?
There is a wide range depending on quality and existing condition. Bathroom renovations start at around €15,000 including VAT, while kitchen renovations start at €25,000 including VAT.

Can you help me before I start looking for a flat?
Yes. We offer online consultations to help you narrow down the neighbourhood, type of property and budget before visiting properties. If you need it, we can recommend a property agent or personal shopper we usually work with.

Do you validate habitability (cédula) and the Energy Performance Certificate (CEE)?
Yes. We advise on compliance and improvements so your purchase comes without surprises. Visit our blog on Energy Performance Certificates.

Do you accompany technical viewings?
Yes, both online (document/ad review) and on-site (90 minutes). We provide you with a clear summary of risks, feasibility, and priorities.

Your next step

Before deciding on a neighbourhood or property, schedule a pre-purchase consultation: structure, regulations, costs and renovation plan. If you already have a flat, we will design your comprehensive renovation so you can experience Barcelona your way.