Barcelona Holidays & Hotels

Hotels in Barcelona

From stylish 5* accommodation to cheap hostels, holidays in Barcelona offers something for everyone. Design hotels are a particular local favourite, providing cutting-edge interiors, rooftop pools, and stunning city views.

This Spanish city itself is a city of two halves. There’s the city centre with all its cultural hotspots and Gaudi architecture; and then there’s the beach area with its long stretches of golden sands. Whether you’re after a weekend city break or a relaxing beach holiday, Barcelona promises to deliver.

Where to stay

Gothic Quarter

Las Ramblas, one of the most famous streets in Barcelona, skirts the perimeter of the Gothic Quarter. It’s in the heart of all the action and is where you’ll find many hotel chains, cafes, restaurants, boutique shops and bustling nightlife. A holiday in this picturesque neighbourhood guarantees you’re on the doorstep of some of the city’s cultural sights, including Barcelona Cathedral and the Museum of the History of Barcelona.

Barceloneta

A handful of places to stay are scattered around Barceloneta, the former fisherman’s quarter that still retains some of its traditional charm. If you want to guarantee the best spot on the palm tree-lined beach in the morning, this is the best area to stay in - plus you’ll also be on top of delicious seafood restaurants and a variety of vibrant bars, clubs and casinos.

Eixample

The Eixample area makes up the bulk of the city after the Barceloneta and Gothic Quarter neighbourhoods. Although it’s a 45-minute walk from the beach, it’s home to some of the most luxurious 5* hotels in the city. It’s also where you’ll find several of the city’s biggest sights, such as La Sagrada Familia and the classical archway of Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona.

What to see

Barcelona has more than its fair share of famous sights and hidden gems. Millions chose a holiday in the city every year to see the world-famous Gaudi architecture, the most famous of which being the La Sagrada Familia. Construction of the iconic cathedral started back in 1882, and still isn’t complete! Another famous spot in Barcelona is Park Güell, a public park that’s made up of colourful Gaudi architecture. It’s best to head there early on in the day to beat the crowds.

Part of the excitement of Barcelona is in exploring more of the city’s neighbourhoods. Take a stroll down Las Ramblas for museums and shops, and have a wander around the charming medieval streets of the Gothic quarter. After dark, don’t miss the spectacle of the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc; from March to January, the fountain erupts several times throughout the evening in a flurry of colour, music and colour for a visual feast for the eyes.

Nightlife

From chic cocktail bars to all-night parties at nightclubs, Barcelona’s nightlife is some of the most eclectic around. Las Ramblas is a natural starting point for party holidays, with dozens of bars and pubs within easy reach. It’s also close to jazz bars, venues offering live music, and thumping underground clubs. The marina area is also home to a selection of nightclubs which remain open until the early hours of the morning; and don’t miss a visit to the Ice Bar where you can drink your tipple in sub-zero temperatures, surrounded by hand-carved ice sculptures.

What to eat

Holidaymakers to Barcelona will be bowled over by the amount of feasting opportunities on offer. Experience all the flavours under one roof at La Boqueria Food Market along Las Ramblas, which is home to dozens of food stalls where you can pick up light snacks and more substantial meals. Barcelona isn’t short on tasty treats - no visit to this eclectic city is complete until you try paella, patatas bravas (crispy fried potato wedges) and, of course, some refreshing gazpacho soup.

Shopping

One of the most popular shopping destinations in Europe, Barcelona has boutique stores, souvenir shops and shopping centres galore. Las Rambla is one of the most iconic shopping streets in the city, and along here can be found a number of high street brand favourites as well as the small but perfectly formed Centre Comercial El Triangle shopping centre. And just opposite here you’ll find El Corte Inglés department store, where everything from clothes to food and toys is sold. For something a little different, however, it’s worth checking out Encants Vells flea market which sits underneath a mirrored canopy. It’s on four days a week and sells a wonderfully diverse range of objects.

Fast facts about Barcelona

• Direct flight time: 2 hours
• Transfer time from Barcelona airport to Barcelona city centre: 30 minutes
• Time zone: GMT +1
• Currency: Euro
• Language: Spanish
• Average price of a domestic beer: €0.70
• Average price of a bottle of wine: €5
• Number of Brit tourists per year: 19 million