rivermama

If you were to rent an airbnb/vacation apartment in Barcelona what neighborhood would you choose?
And if you have any recommendations for 2 bedroom (preferable at least one room with twin beds) for 4 adults apartments let me know!
Thanks

Underhill

See today's news about Barcelona and plan accordingly.

rivermama

Tickets booked, will be spending Christmas there
We went to Brussels after the attack, Italy after the car was taken from there for an attack, and now Spain. We are more likely to die in a car crash. Can't let fear hold you back. But thanks for the comment.

docdan1

Good job, River mama! Indeed, fear is a very bad trip planning strategy. I plan on going in Sept, '18. I do hope someone responds to your question!

outwest

We spent a week in the Gracia neighbourhood (Aparthotel Silver near the Fontana Metro) last December and absolutely loved it. It's further from the center than many people like but the neighbourhood was actually the highlight of our trip. Each night we'd sit in one of the squares after supper and watch all the street life--little kids zooming around on bikes, kicking a soccer ball, people having drinks/dinner, dogs goofing around--it was great.

If I ever return to Barcelona I would definitely stay in that neighbourhood again.

yestravel

In the past we stayed in the Barric Gotic and el Born neighborhoods. Esp liked el Born, We're going this winter and have a 1 bedroom apt in the university area. We're renting thru Destination BCN Apartments which was recommended here and elsewhere.

I'm with you about not letting fear hold you back. Was in Paris days after the November 15 attack and London days after the London Bridge attack. Sadly it's a fact of life if you want to continue traveling.

Have a good trip!

Traveler_Nick

You might want to make sure any apartment is legal first.

Assuming you're going to the touristy sights any place between placa catalunya and the sea is within an easy walk to the other touristy places

ribeirasacra

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...mment-10057274
***See today's news about Barcelona and plan accordingly.***
Just look at the information given about safety on TA the beginning of this month.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...Catalonia.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...Catalonia.html
You cannot say what will happen.
Maybe you predicted the events in London, Charlottesville,Paris, Brussels etc

bilboburgler

AirBnB issues in Barcelona are worth reviewing. I might just review that the appartment is legal.

ribeirasacra

OP you first should ensure that any rental you have has a registration number and that number corresponds with the property.
Many illegals are being closed https://www.theguardian.com/technolo...s-in-barcelona
http://www.eldiario.es/catalunyaplur...676482747.html
At Christmas things will be closed from around 14:00 on the 24th Dec until the morning of the 27th Dec. As 24 is a Sunday I do not know if the early closing will start on Saturday or not.
Some bars and restaurants may open on the 26th and look at the various websites covering sights to see if what you want to visit is open or open on restricted hours for that day.

di2315

Click on my screen name to see my report from Barcelona. Our accommodation there was a two bedroom apartment - since we stayed there, two other groups of friends have used it and were equally as happy as we were. Di

kimhe

I use to stay in medieval and vibrant El Born, fabulous tapas bars, restaurants and sights and a cradle of Catalan identity and culture. Close to "everything", a short walk to Las Ramblas and plenty of apartments for rent.
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html
http://www.barcelona-life.com/barcelona/born
http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/thi...-and-sant-pere

Here are 15 apartements right in the heart of El Born, but also plenty of other possibilities: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/deci...rne.en-gb.html

thursdaysd

I much preferred the Eixample, where I stayed on my second recent visit. I agree with the advice to reconsider AirBnB unless you can be sure it is legal - I think mine was, as the "host" registered me with the police, but would check more carefully in future.

suec1

IMO apartments in Eixample was be larger - try to cehck the size (how many square meters) as we rented an apartment one time and the second bedroom was about as big as a closet. We were in the El Born neighborhood, liked the location but Eixample would be convenient to many sights as well and public transportation is excellent. As far as "legal" - when we were looking there were several large agencies with many listings so I'm sure they could provide with with many options. Enjoy!

rialtogrl

A good agency with apartments in L'Eixample (and beyond)
https://www.habitatapartments.com/barcelona-apartments

I like staying in L'Eixample, lots of micro neighborhoods to explore and you can still walk to many of the sights. But it may be better to narrow it down to some apartments you like then decide on the 'hood.

kimhe

El Born and Eixample are not far apart but very, very different areas. El Born is the medieval centre of Barcelona, narrow streets, small shops and fabulous tapas bars while the huge Eixample is the modern and upscale 19th century extension district (eixample means extension), great restaurants, luxcury shopping etc. Lots of wonderful parts of Eixample, fabulous nightlife in Carrer Aribau for example, but I very much prefer El Born.

Anyhow, ¡No tinc por!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AInRhOETv0Y

Cowboy1968

As kimhe wrote, Eixample is a huge area, not just one neighborhood.
Some parts of Eixample are very centrally located with hundreds of restaurants and eateries - others are more residential with fewer options. The area between Aribau or Muntaner and Passeig de Gracia offers the most lively neighborhood, IMO. But it does not mean that other parts of Eixample were dead. Proximity to a metro station would be a plus for me.

Since I am not that fond of medieval living conditions (just kidding), I don't like to stay in Barri Gotic or El Born. But that's just a subjective preference or dislike.

My personal favorite so far has been Poble Sec - especially the area near metro Paral.lel. Centrally located, not overrun with tourists (at least my impression), though a nice mixed crowd of locals and tourists at the (very affordable) restaurants or tapas bars. The usual round for tapas before dinner was appr €10 for 2 glass of wine and 2-3 tapas or pintxos.

kimhe

<My personal favorite so far has been Poble Sec>

A great part of town for the reasons Cowboy mentioned: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...to-bodega.html

rivermama

Thanks for all the replies!! I've been working and having had time to delve into all the responses...but I can't wait too!

danon

Over the years we stayed in five different areas of Barcelona ..I .still prefer Eixample close
to Rambla de Caralunya ( not Ramblas)