Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about safe areas in Barcelona for first-timers and car-free travelers (I will put the links to them at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Barcelona for families with kids.
I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in Barcelona for families, along with a map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Barcelona and recommend some of the best family-friendly hotels for various budgets.
Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and Mediterranean beaches. It is the capital and largest city of Catalonia, an autonomous community in northeastern Spain.
Barcelona is renowned for its impressive architecture, with the works of Antoni Gaudí being particularly famous. The Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera (Casa Milà) are some of the iconic landmarks designed by Gaudí.
Popular points of interest in Barcelona include La Rambla, Plaça de Catalunya, Gothic Quarter, Barcelona Cathedral, and Plaça del Rei. The city also boasts several beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean coast, including Barceloneta Beach, which is easily accessible from the city center.
Is Barcelona a good place to visit with family?
Yes, absolutely. Barcelona is a great destination for families. The city offers a rich blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities that can appeal to visitors of all ages.
Your family can explore the city’s stunning architecture, visit various museums and cultural attractions, enjoy the beaches, explore parks and zoos, and try different Catalan and Spanish cuisine.
Where to stay in Barcelona for families with kids?
The best areas to stay in Barcelona for families with kids are Plaça de Catalunya, The Gothic Quarter, Eixample, El Born, and La Barceloneta. These are safe central locations, offering plenty of family-friendly accommodations, and easy access to major sights and public transportation for further exploration.
Plaça de Catalunya is a central hub, making it convenient for transportation. It’s well-suited for families who want easy access to major attractions, shopping, and dining.
The Gothic Quarter is best suited for families who enjoy history, narrow medieval streets, and a lively atmosphere. The Gothic Quarter is rich in history and close to many iconic landmarks.
Eixample is a great base for families who are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere and proximity to iconic landmarks. This area is known for its wide streets, modernist architecture, and upscale shopping.
El Born is a trendy and historic neighborhood with a bohemian vibe. It’s suitable for families who enjoy art, culture, and a more fashionable atmosphere. The area is home to the Picasso Museum, Parc de la Ciutadella, and trendy boutiques.
La Barceloneta is a great choice for families looking to combine city exploration with beach relaxation. It is a seaside neighborhood with sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, and a relaxed vibe.
During my trip to Barcelona, I traveled as a couple and stayed in the central area at the budget-friendly Catalonia Avinyo. I was an easy walking distance from iconic landmarks, including Barcelona Cathedral. There was lots of shopping, restaurants, and cafes in its surroundings.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Barcelona for families. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Barcelona, especially for families. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Barcelona have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
5 Best areas to stay in Barcelona with family:
1. Plaça de Catalunya
Plaça de Catalunya is one of the best areas to stay in Barcelona for families who want to be in the heart of the action, with easy access to transportation, shopping, and cultural attractions. Plaça de Catalunya is located at the heart of the city, making it an excellent starting point for exploring Barcelona.
Within walking distance, you’ll find cultural attractions like the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona cathedral, Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, and Palau de la Música Catalana. Your family also has easy access to the iconic Casa Mila and Casa Batlló by Gaudí.
Plaça de Catalunya is a major transportation hub with several bus stops, metro lines, and the main railway station. This makes it easy to access different parts of the city, including beaches, airports, and mountains.
The area is surrounded by popular shopping streets like Passeig de Gràcia and Portal de l’Àngel, offering a wide range of shops from international brands to local boutiques.
There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and tapas bars in the vicinity, offering a variety of cuisines to suit different tastes.
Consideration: Due to its central location and popularity, the area can be crowded and noisy, especially during peak tourist seasons. While this area is generally safe, like any popular tourist spot, there is a risk of pickpocketing. But, if you take care of your belongings, you should be fine.
Best places to stay in Barcelona near Plaza Catalunya with kids:
Luxury ($$$): Hotel El Palace Barcelona, great 5-star good value for money family-friendly hotel located in a prime location close to Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia, and easy access to the metro. It is surrounded by many wonderful restaurants and bars. It has an outdoor swimming pool and excellent breakfast. The Family Suite can accommodate up to 7 family members.
Mid-range ($$): El Avenida Palace, popular 4-star child-friendly historic hotel located on Gran Via, 5 mins walk from Plaza Catalunya, La Rambla and Paseo de Gracia. Metro just across the street, very central but quiet for a good night sleep. The hotel has a rooftop terrace, a swimming pool, a 24-hour front desk, and Very Good Breakfast. Families of 4 can consider staying in Two Connecting Family Rooms.
Budget ($): Boutique Hotel H10 Catalunya Plaza, 3-star family-friendly hotel set in an unbeatable location, right at Catalunya Plaza square, a short walk from Las Ramblas. Easy access to Catalunya Metro/train stations, and the Aerobus shuttle to Barcelona Airport. The Three Bedroom Loft can accommodate up to 6 adults, while the Two-Bedroom Loft can fill up to 4 adults.
Apartment ($$): Aspasios Rambla Catalunya Suites, nice apartment-style accommodation, great base in central Barcelona for big families. Easy access to major attractions including Plaza Catalunya, Las Ramblas Gothic Quarter, La Pedrera, and Casa Batllo. 3 mins to Passeig de Gracia Metro/Train Station for services to Barcelona El Prat Airport. The Deluxe Four-Bedroom Apartment is a great option for families of 8.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN PLAZA CATALUNYA2. The Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is a fantastic choice for a family who want to stay in the historic part of the city. The Gothic Quarter is known for its medieval architecture, including the Barcelona Cathedral and the Plaça del Rei. Exploring the narrow, winding streets can give you a sense of the city’s rich history.
The neighborhood is home to various cultural attractions, including the Picasso Museum, the Gothic Barcelona Cathedral, and the History Museum of Barcelona.
The Gothic Quarter is centrally located, making it easy to walk to several major attractions, such as La Rambla, El Born, and Plaça de Catalunya.
There are numerous charming cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops tucked away in the narrow alleys, providing a unique and atmospheric experience.
Best places to stay in Barcelona in Gothic Quarter with kids:
Luxury ($$$): Grand Hotel Central, Small Luxury Hotels, 5-star family-friendly design hotel, located in the heart of Barcelona, featuring an rooftop infinity pool with stunning views of the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona Cathedral. Breakfast has a wide selection of dishes to meet all tastes. Good base to do the sightseeing, as you can walk/ use the metro to most major attractions.
Mid-range ($$): Duquesa de Cardona 4 Sup, 4-star child-friendly accommodation located in the Gothic Quarter, close to the marina, Maremagnum Shopping Center and Barcelona Aquarium. It has a comfortable, spacious family room, a rooftop terrace with city views, and a fitness center. This is a perfect place to stay in Barcelona for a family of 4.
Budget ($): Hostal Fernando, 2-star kid-friendly guesthouse in a safe central Barcelona, close to La Rambla and Plaça Reial which is a beautiful square, full of bars and restaurants. 10 mins walk from Barcelona Cathedral, Picasso Museum and Boquería Market.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN GOTHIC QUARTER3. Eixample
Eixample is often an excellent choice for families looking for a comfortable and spacious environment with easy access to cultural landmarks and family-friendly amenities.
Eixample is a large and well-planned district in Barcelona known for its distinctive grid pattern, modernist architecture, and a more spacious layout compared to the older parts of the city.
This area is renowned for its modernist architecture, with iconic buildings such as La Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà (La Pedrera). These architectural wonders can provide a unique and cultural experience for your family.
Passeig de Gràcia, one of the major avenues in Eixample, is a shopping paradise with high-end boutiques and international brands. It offers a variety of shopping options for different tastes.
The district is well-connected with multiple metro and bus lines, making it convenient to explore other parts of Barcelona.
Best places to stay in Barcelona in Eixample with children:
Luxury ($$$): Monument Hotel, 5-star children-friendly hotel in Eixample district, 5 mins walk from both Gaudi’s masterpieces Casa Battló and La Pedrera. Easy access to Paseo de Gracia Train Station for regular trains to Barcelona El Prat Airport. Family Suite is a good base for families of 4 and 5.
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, 4-star family-friendly hotel in central Barcelona, welcomes children of all ages. Only 5 mins foot from the famous Passeig de Gràcia Boulevard. It has a swimming pool, a fitness center, and 24-hour reception. Great space in Barcelona for a family of four.
Budget ($): Hotel Granvia, 3-star kid-friendly good value for money accommodation, centrally located in the heart of the city. Easy access to many shops and restaurants of Passeig de Gràcia. Short stroll from iconic Plaza de Catalunya, Las Ramblas, Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. It has an excellent breakfast.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN EIXAMPLE4. El Born
El Born is an exciting choice for families looking for a lively and artistic atmosphere with proximity to cultural attractions and the beach. This area offers easy access to family-friendly Ciutadella Park, Barcelona Zoo, Aquarium Barcelona, and Barcelona Beach.
El Born has a unique atmosphere, blending historic charm with a bohemian and artistic vibe. It’s known for its creative energy, with many art galleries, boutiques, and trendy cafés.
The neighborhood is home to the Picasso Museum, where you can find collections of artworks of Pablo Picasso, the 20th-century Spanish artist. There are also historic sites such as the Santa Maria del Mar church.
Best places to stay in Barcelona in El Born with family:
Mid-range ($$): Decô Apartments Barcelona-Born Apt., stylish apartment-style accommodation located close to Passeig del Born, 5 mins walk from Picasso Museum and trendy bars, cafés and restaurants in the Born District. Also easy access to family-friendly Ciutadella Park, Barceloneta Metro Station, and the old port. The Three-Bedroom Apartment is a good option for families of 8.
Mid-range ($$): Park Hotel, popular 3-star kid-friendly hotel in the trendy Born district, 10 mins walk from Barceloneta Beach, in front of Estació de França Station. Close to Mercat del Born market, Ciutadella Park, and Barcelona Zoo.
Budget ($): Pension Ciudadela, 3-star child-friendly accommodation conveniently located on Carrer del Comerç, close to França Train Station, Ciutadella Park, and Barceloneta Beach. It has air-conditioning family rooms, baggage storage, and daily housekeeping.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN EL BORN5. La Barceloneta/ Beachfront area
La Barceloneta is a great base for families who love the beach, seafood, and a relaxed coastal vibe. La La Barceloneta is famous for its sandy beaches, providing easy access to the Mediterranean Sea. This is a significant advantage if your family enjoys spending time by the water.
The neighborhood is known for its seafood restaurants, beachside bars (chiringuitos), and vibrant culinary scene. It’s a great place to enjoy fresh seafood and a relaxed dining experience.
The Passeig Marítim, the waterfront promenade, is perfect for family strolls or bike rides, offering beautiful views of the sea and the city skyline.
La Barceloneta provides opportunities for various water sports and outdoor activities, making it a suitable choice for families who enjoy beach activities.
Best places to stay in La Barceloneta for families with kids:
Luxury ($$$): W Barcelona, 5-star beachfront hotel, good choice for families who want a relaxing beach holiday experience in Barcelona. The hotel has reath- taking views of the city and Sea. It has 3 swimming pools, Good Breakfast, and a paid airport shuttle. Easy access to buses, and 20 mins walk from Barceloneta Metro Station.
Luxury ($$$): Hotel Arts Barcelona, 5-star beachfront family-friendly hotel, conveniently located close to Barcelona’s Olympic Port, Barceloneta Beach, and Ciutadella Park. The hotel has 2 swimming pools, free airport shuttle services, and an awarded 2 Michelin stars restaurant serving fine Mediterranean dishes. Three-Bedroom Penthouse can accommodate up to 6 family members.
Luxury ($$$): Sofitel Barcelona Skipper, 5-star child-friendly beachfront accommodation, next to Olympic Port. Easy access to Ciutadella Vila Olimpica Metro Station, family-friendly Barcelona Zoo and the Ciutadella Park. They have wonderful breakfast, comfortable family rooms, and outdoor pool.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN LA BARCELONETAIn conclusion, Plaça de Catalunya, The Gothic Quarter, El Born, Eixample, and La Barceloneta are the best places to stay in Barcelona for families with kids. These areas offer central location and a wide range of kid-friendly accommodations, making them great bases for families to explore the city.
You can continue reading about Barcelona in these articles:
There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas and neighborhoods that you can stay during your family trip to Barcelona. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.