Barcelona's 4 Coolest Neighborhoods to Stay, Eat, and Party

Make your way toArc de Triomfnext, where locals skateboard, hang out and play guitar. The arch is an awesome backdrop for your Instagram shots. Cross the street and frolic inCiutadella Park, Barcelona’s biggest park, full of benches and polished lawns, where you can nap or have a picnic. There is a small pond which you can take a boat to. Go for a stroll down the Rambla del Born and stop atRestaurante Santagustinafor a glass of white wine from Catalonia.

If you’re looking for a quick bite, I recommend the hipster pizza shopLa Mezcla. Make sure to have a glass of their cheap and delicious homemade wine. Check out the funky bars in the neighborhood, such asParadiso, which is a speakeasy masquerading as a pastrami sandwich shop.Restaurant Club Bananasis decorated like a tropical island. If you like hookah, go toZiryab Fusion Tapas Barand don’t missRestaurante Rosa Negra’s happy hour. If you’re craving Asian food,is your spot. This Vietnamese restaurant is tops for ban xeo. You will find the famousPlaça d'Isidre Nonell— a piece by photographer Joan Fontcuberta — around the corner.

Gothic Quarter

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is the most photographed area in town, so wake up early and go experience it before anyone else. You can’t leave the city without walking downCarrer del Bisbeat sunset. The charm of this neighborhood lies in its quiet plazas. Being horrible with directions is an asset here, as getting lost is the best way to experience the neighborhood. Stop byIntripid.funand have an ice cream in the shade. Then proceed to the center of the Gothic Quarter to hang out by the big church.

Cathedral of Barcelonais 174 feet tall with a formidably sharp roof. The church has a line of visitors out the door at all times of day. Newlyweds pick the surrounding area for their wedding photoshoots. Make your way up Calle Ferran until you reachPlaça de Sant Jaume. If you need to refuel, stop byfor a couple of empanadas. The cozySchillingis a great lunch choice as well.Bacoa Burger Barceloneta | Hamburguesería en Barcelonahas awesome burgers and fries, plus, they have a great vegan option.

Go go toPlaça Reialto party. This is one of the most photogenic squares in town. The fountain in the heart of the square is a perfect spot to sit around and meet people. This is not to be mistaken with Rome’s Trevi fountain – throwing coins in here doesn’t bring any particular luck, just creates more work for the local cleaning crew, so keep your change in your pockets. Plaça Reial has it all – restaurants, clubs and bars.Ocañais one of my favorite bars here, especially for their Thai Massage cocktail.

Hotel Roma Reialis a fun and low-key bar tucked in the corner. Ask for Simo and tell him you’re a friend of Dayana’s. If you like live music and dancing, I recommendJamboree. This club hosts great jazz parties and is open until dawn playing hip-hop and R&B on any weeknight.

Gràcia

Gràcia is one of the fanciest neighborhoods in the city — and where many locals hang out. You’ll hear lots of Catalan speech and eat well. Stay atCasa Graciaif you want to feel what it’s like being a part of the city’s social scene. This boutique hotel organizes food and wine tastings, yoga classes and other events that bring together Catalan people and international visitors. Gràcia is very laid-back and far from the bustle of the Gothic Quarter. Here, you can actually get a good eight-hour sleep in peace, so it’s the best option for those who favor slow and immersive travel. If you’re more of the social-butterfly type who prefers hostels, definitely stay atThe Loft Hostel Barcelona. This hostel’s backyard is cool and quiet in summer, so it’s worth coming here to relax even if you’re not staying over.

Passeig de Gràcia is where you’ll lose your shopaholic friend and never see them again. Here you will find all the big players – Valentino, Gucci, and Rolex as well as Mango, Zara, and H&M. Slip in some culture into your shopping trip and go inside Gaudi’sCasa Batlló. The curvy facade of the building is truly photogenic, especially during the Sant Jordi festival when it is decorated with red roses. Have a glass of wine or hot chocolate at[CLOSED] Tenoriodownstairs.

Gràcia is most famous for is its summer fiesta which lasts for the entire third week of August. The streets are decorated with funky floats of California beach babes and old Hollywood movie themes. Music is everywhere, as well as open-air concerts and pop-up bars. Vermouth flows freely and bar owners spread the love with a couple of free shots here and there. Go toEntre Horeswhere you can enjoy a chilled glass of the spicy wine at any time of the year. Check outaround the corner for a great jazz show in an intimate atmosphere.

El Raval

Barcelona’s former “bad” neighborhood is currently making a splash on the social scene. El Raval, a little dirtier and more alternative-looking than shiny Gràcia, is where you’ll find street art, skateboarders, and bizarre bars. Check out– the modern art museum, and watch the skaters show off outside. Go for lunch atFlax&Kalejust around the corner. Chef Teresa Carles leads the Barcelona enthusiasm for healthy food, with her green juices and nutritious vegetable bowls. If you prefer to go for a good old slice of pizza, head to Pizza Circus. The Italian crew sweats for hours at a time to bring you a delicious thin-crust slice. And their pesto is as fresh as it comes.

Go for a walk down La Rambla del Raval and take a photo withEl Gat de Botero. The curvy, Botticelli-style cat sculpture by artist Fernando Botero is adorable and deceivingly hard to climb. Across the street, you’ll find the burlesque-themed bar[CLOSED] Josephine Barcelona. Continue down and you’ll end up atAmbar, where bartenders will go above and beyond to make you happy, including throwing a Bloody Mary together even if it means going on a scavenger hunt for ingredients. A few feet away, you’ll find one of100 Montaditoslocations, famous for €1 beer and cheap tapas. This is a perfect place to meet locals. If you’re looking for a little more luxury, stay at the Barceló Raval Hotel and finish the night with a cocktail at their Hotel Barceló Raval for the best view of the Barcelona skyline.

From art to architecture, parties and cuisine, everyone falls in love with Barcelona. Prepare to lose your heart here, and return in search of it for years to come.