Cathy Winston is a multi award-winning writer behind UK family travel blog MummyTravels. Based in London, she’s also a mum and an expert in family-friendly European vacations. Here she gives us her tips on where to stay in Barcelona with kids in tow.
A city with a beach is always going to be a winner with kids, so it’s no wonder Barcelona makes such a popular family city break.
Throw in a warm Spanish welcome, Gaudi’s quirky and colourful art and plenty of child-friendly attractions, as well as lots of options for where to stay in Barcelona with kids, and it’s easy to fill a weekend – or longer.
The 5 Best Kid-Friendly Areas to Stay In Barcelona
- Gràcia
- Eixample
- Gothic Quarter
- La Rambla
- El Born
1. Gràcia
Stretching from the shadow of La Sagrada Familia to the foot of Mount Tibidabo, Gràcia makes a great base to explore some of the city’s highlights. But it’s not just a practical location; once an independent village, the elegant 19th century boulevards still have their own distinct identity.
Famous for its independent artists and boutiques, tempting range of restaurants and general creative flair, Gràcia is also home to Gaudi’s modernist Moorish masterpiece, Casa Vicens, and the vibrant mosaics of Parc Güell. A true slice of local life, it’s perfect with teens who’ll love the arty buzz.
Best for: Good for all ages, but will suit families with older kids and teens in particular
Stay At: The Passatge Camil Oliveras Residence
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2. Eixample
Eixample literally means extension, the newer part of the city linking the old quarter with what were once surrounding villages – think wide streets on an easy-to-explore grid, which are home to Barcelona’s flea market and the iconic Sagrada Familia.
Known for its modernist buildings, art galleries and high-price restaurants, Eixample might not have the most personality but it’s safe, stylish and well situated. Less crowded than some central areas, it’s also easier to get around with younger kids if you’re pushing a buggy, plus you’ll find plenty of public transport options.
Best for: All ages, but especially families with younger kids
Stay At: The Via de les Corts Catalanes Residence
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3. Gothic Quarter
Barcelona’s historic heart is all twisting medieval alleys, dominated by the 13th century cathedral and some of the city’s original Roman remains. Only a 20-minute walk from the beach and the waterfront attractions, you’re a stone’s throw from bustling La Rambla with picturesque squares tucked unexpectedly around corners as you explore the labyrinth of streets.
The Gothic Quarter (or Barri Gotic) is tourist central, so you’ll be sharing the temptingly Instagrammable sights with plenty of others, but if you’re happy to wander, soak up the centuries and dodge the souvenir stalls, it’s hard to beat.
Best for: Families with older kids – the area’s night-life and maze of streets aren’t ideal with toddlers.
Stay at: The del Dormitori Residence on the edge of the Gothic Quarter
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4. La Rambla
It’s hard to be much more central than La Rambla (also sometimes called Las Ramblas), the long pedestrian thoroughfare through Barcelona. Lined with child-friendly restaurants, many of the city’s sights are in walking distance.
Make a detour to find La Boqueria, the city’s famous food market, for its fresh juices and local treats, or stroll from the Placa de Catalunya down to the Columbus monument and Port Vell – look out for the Miro mosaic part-way. Do expect crowds, especially in peak season, and the southern edge closer to El Raval is better avoided, especially in the evenings.
Best for: Families with older kids – the crowds aren’t always toddler-friendly
Stay At: The Via Augusta Residence nearby
5. El Born
A strong contender for the title of most family-friendly neighbourhood in Barcelona, El Born is still very central, located just east of the Gothic Quarter, but feels far more laid-back.
Home to the Picasso Museum and MOCO Museum of modern art, there’s also a welcome splash of green space at Ciutadella Park – perfect for burning off some energy after sightseeing, the park also houses Barcelona’s zoo, and a much-loved concrete statue of a mammoth. You’re only 20 minutes from the beach too, while the charming cobbled streets are pedestrianised, making a relaxing change from some of Barcelona’s busier areas.
Best for: All ages – practical with younger kids, cool enough for older ones
Stay at: The Carrer de pau Claris Residence nearby
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Booking Your Barcelona Family Vacation
Before deciding where to stay in Barcelona with kids, decide what’s most important to you. It’s not hard to get around the city, and realistically you’ll need to take public transport at some point if you want to visit everywhere from Mount Tibidabo to the seafront. So unless you particularly want to stay near a specific attraction, stick to the neighbourhood where you’ll feel most at home.
If your must-have is somewhere laid-back and child-friendly, go for El Born for some of the city’s rare green space and more relaxed vibe. Fancy being right in the heart of everything? The Gothic Quarter is hard to beat, with so much on the doorstep.
Want to escape the crowds but still be close to the main sites? Eixample ticks your boxes. Or if you’re looking for a real slice of local life in Barcelona, Gracia has personality in buckets while still being practical enough to use as a base to explore.
Check out Kid & Coe’s Barcelona properties to find the perfect place for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Spain is famously family-friendly and Barcelona is no exception. There’s something for every age too – younger kids will love the chance to escape to the beach and green space of Ciutadella, while teens can soak up the city’s cooler side from Instagrammable streets to indie boutiques and art.
You can choose family favourites like the aquarium, quirky attractions such as the funicular up Mount Tibidabo or Gaudi’s fantastical architecture, plus medieval history and impressive modern art collections for cultured kids too. The only question is whether you can fit your whole wishlist into a weekend break!
At least a couple of days but you could easily fill a week, especially if you add in a few day trips to the nearby coast thanks to good rail links along the seafront.
If you’re thinking of where to stay in Barcelona with kids, be assured that most of the city is very safe for families. A few parts of El Raval, especially at the southern end near the port, can be sketchy after dark but otherwise any of the central areas should be fine.
Like any large city, it’s worth taking the usual precautions – in particular, keep an eye out for pickpockets in the crowds of La Rambla, as well as any other popular tourist destinations like La Sagrada Familia – but the city has been rated one of the safest in Europe.
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/gracia/the-passatge-camil-oliveras-residence-gracia?end_date=&infants=0&min_kids=0&min_sleeping_spaces=1&start_date=
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/eixample/the-carrer-de-pau-claris-residence?end_date=&infants=0&min_kids=0&min_sleeping_spaces=1&start_date=
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/eixample/the-via-de-les-corts-catalanes-residence?end_date=&infants=0&min_kids=0&min_sleeping_spaces=1&start_date=
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/barcelona/the-carrer-de-verdi-residence?end_date=&infants=0&min_kids=0&min_sleeping_spaces=1&start_date=