Barcelona apartment locations
 

I'm planning a first trip to Barcelona, and thinking about renting an apartment for the five nights we'll be there ("we" being two single women, early 30s, who like activity but not into clubs/nightlife). We rented an apartment in Rome a few years ago and loved having that space and kitchen, but being unfamiliar with Barcelona neighborhoods, I'm hoping to get some feedback on the area I've found a couple of possibilities in for our dates. Any thoughts would be much appreciated! We're not scaredycats, and don't need a posh area, but would prioritize safety, ease of getting around to the usual attractions and airport, and cafes, etc close by.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/676555?...uests=3&s=zTHw

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2419114...uests=2&s=52vp

The location of the second one is not clear
The first one is in a good location ...
Seems a very very narrow street
I prefer the area of Eixample...wider streets, more light

http://www.habitatapartments.com/barcelona-apartments

We rnted from habitat a couple of times. Liked it

Thanks so much for the feedback, danon! Based on the Airbnb map, I thought the second one was around/in Placa de la Cucurulla, but you're right - when I Google Map the street they list, I get an entirely different area. I may check with the owners for clarification.

I do have a couple from Habitat on the list too, thanks to searches here (and probably some of your posts!), but was thinking the El Born/old town area might be more up our alley. Definitely open to either though! Our Rome apartment was in a tiny piazza in the area near Piazza Navona and I loved it, hence the attraction to Barri Gotic, but definitely not locked in there.

Don't forget all apartments in Catalunya, Spain now have to comply with new regulations.
http://bit.ly/lawrequirements
None of the adverts so far listed have complied with this. Hopefully they can show you that they are complying with this.

some parts of Barri Gotic are not the safest late at night
I would stay with El Born or north of Ferran in BG

Given the large market for short-term rental properties in Barcelona, there is no reason to deal with airbnb, whose participants may not follow the Catalunyan regulations for rental properties.

Go to apartur.com and just peruse from there. Stay in the box formed by Tetuan, Diagonal, Placa Catalunya and Verdaguer metro stations.

Thanks, all - that information is all very helpful! The regulations are noted, and danon, thanks for the specifics on where to avoid - definitely noted.

BigRuss, am I right that the box you mention is all in Eixample? If so - is it personal preference for that region, or do you not think El Born is safe/convenient?

I stayed in five different areas in Barcelona including El Born
EB is safe, popular, full of cafes and restaurants. Easy walk to the sea.

Barcelona 's public transit is excellent ..the very center of town is Placa Catlunya.

it is also a very walkable city.

Sorry..Catalunya

The area BR mentioned is " central" Eixample...( Eixample is a big area)
It is upscale, Gaudi buildings, wide streets ,best stores.
El Born has a more casual, young vibe.
Raval is not recommended at night.

Thanks so much, danon - that's extremely helpful! I'd read that about Raval and have been avoiding that side of La Rambla - there seem to be plenty of options elsewhere.

This one looks like it could be a great fit for us...

http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...rea=4&pagina=1

I can very much recommend vibrant and medieval El Born.

Excellent cafés, tapas bars and restaurants all over, the beautiful Gothic 14th century Santa María del Mar church, the Picasso museum etc. etc. Much Barcelona history here: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html

The oldest food market in the city has recently reopened as the Mercat del Born Cultural Center: http://www.mercatdelborn.org/en/welcome/

Take a look at great value Hotel Banys Orientals, doubles for 105€: http://www.hotelbanysorientals.com/en/

Three of my favourite tapas/pintxos bars and restaurants in the area:
Txakolín: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Catalonia.html
Euskal Etxea: http://www.euskaletxeataberna.com/co...etxea/?l=en_en
And fabulous and expensive Cal Pep: http://www.calpep.com/

Gourmet burgers at Kiosko in Av/ Marquès de l'Argentera, 1:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Catalonia.html

I use to have breakfast every day in Navia, a fine, no fuss and friendly place for a glass and a bite almost 24/7 (they close at 3-4, and opens at 6.30). Also great value three course lunch menu del día: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Catalonia.html

It is a good location , easy to get to BG, Eixample and Metro.

The "action" in Born is closer to the area of Santa Maria del Mar
church. I stayed in Princessa Apt. Building ( also Habitat) some years ago.

Excellent location, three minutes walking to the heart of El Born, and almost next door to the spectacular Palau de la Música Catalana: http://www.palaumusica.cat/ca/

Thank you both so much! I'm going to check in with my friend but this one might be a winner. danon, I saw the Princesa apartments as well, but it seemed like they were more studio apartments with dividers - since we're two friends traveling together, it might be nice to have some actual walls between us at the end of our trip! :)

kimhe, as always your posts are incredibly helpful. We decided to go to San Sebastian before Barcelona, so I'll be revisiting your previous posts about SS on an earlier thread for sure!

The box I recommended is walkable to anyplace north of La Rambla (remember, most Barcelona street maps are "tilted" so that East is down and north is to the right) that you'd want to see other than Parc Guell (which is cab-able). El Born is nice, so is the Barri Gotic. But the easiest guideline for where to look is the general area I gave.

The only place in Barcelona I didn't like at night was a quick sojourn into the Raval. And I'm a city boy who knows how to avoid people effing with him.

Just booked that apartment - thanks again to everyone! I'm very excited.

Sorry, BigRuss, I missed your post. I appreciate the followup! This is all great to know. We'll avoid the Raval at night for sure.

Bookmarking! Thank you!

What do you think of the location of this flat?

http://www.destinationbcn.com/marimon.php

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