zanne

Is anyone familiar with Flats By Days company? Any other companies to recommend? I need an apartment for 5 days for 4 people mid March. What areas do you recommend? I've been told Gothic area, what is Eixample like? Want convenience to sites, bars/tapas, but safe!

yk

Many, many of us here use Habitat Apartments for Barcelona. Do a search for Habitat here and you'll see lots of + reviews.

Barri Gotic is where the old town is. It's convenient for the old town sighsteeing. I've been to Barcelona twice and have stayed in Barri Gotic both times. It's good for a first-time traveler, but I find Barri Gotic kind of cramped (old, narrow streets) and claustrophobic.

Eixample is the "new" development (done in late 1880s), so the streets are wide and grid-like. It's a lot more residential and quieter.

Barcelona sights are spread out, so whichever area you stay, you'll end up taking the metro to *some* sights. Both areas you mentioned have tons and tons of restaurants and shops anyway.

If you choose Barri Gotic, most here will recommend staying in El Born area of Barri Gotic.

zanne

Thanks, I'll look at that....

Eurocentric

El Born can be a little noisy depending on where you are but it's a great place for a first visit, near good sights, tapas, bars etc. and to Metro stops.

There are many, many owners and agencies serving Barcelona. Where you stay may depend on your budget and some of the best prices are in this area.

Eixample is more upscale and quieter once you get off of Passeig de Gracia. Apartments and restaurants tend to be a little pricier.

danon

I have stayed in both El Born and Eixample...

I like Eixample .. close to Rambla de Catalunya below Diagonal.

( NOT Las Ramblas)