Barcelona districts: best places to buy property
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, attracts millions of tourists with its unique atmosphere, cultural heritage, and magnificent architecture. Situated between the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada coasts, just 120 km from the French border, Barcelona is renowned for its mild climate, picturesque beaches, and gastronomic diversity. The city perfectly combines vibrant modern life, rich history, and natural charm, making it an unforgettable destination.
According to Barcelona tourism statistics, 15.6 million people from around the world visited the city in 2024. The majority of tourists came from the USA, the UK, and Northern Europe. Due to a housing shortage for residents, the Spanish government plans to limit short-term tourist rentals by 2028, though long-term apartment rentals will remain available.
The city is already one of the most popular destinations for relocating wealthy retirees, financially independent individuals, and digital nomads in Spain. In a ranking by Nomads.com, Barcelona was named one of the top three cities in the country for newcomers, evaluated based on criteria such as high-speed internet connectivity, opportunities for an active social life, and the friendliness of locals.
1,796,000 €
Total area 175 m² 4 bedrooms
800,000 €
Total area 90 m² 3 bedrooms
480,000 €
Total area 102 m² 3 bedrooms
397,000 €
Total area 45 m² 1 bedroom
575,000 €
Total area 103 m² 2 bedrooms
595,000 €
Total area 87 m² 2 bedrooms
595,000 €
Total area 85 m² 4 bedrooms
750,000 €
Total area 115 m² 2 bedrooms
Where to buy property in Barcelona
Barcelona is divided into 10 neighbourhoods, ranging from tourist hotspots to business and residential areas. The city is designed along the coast, oriented toward the sea. The city’s waterfront is the hub of tourist activity, featuring jogging paths, sports facilities, top Catalan cuisine restaurants, and 5 kilometres of golden sandy beaches. Coastal areas such as the Old Town, Eixample, and Sants-Montjuïc are ideal for purchasing rental properties for students.
In Barcelona, the most prestigious and family-friendly neighbourhoods, known as the «Upper Zone», are located on the hills, away from the bustling Old Town and beach areas. These residential neighbourhoods, which were formerly suburbs, are home to historic villas of Catalan nobility, modern low-rise family housing complexes, international university campuses, and business schools. These areas also feature extensive green spaces and offer panoramic views of the sea. Districts such as Sant Martí, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, and Horta-Guinardó are perfect for investors looking to purchase family homes.
2,150,000 €
Total area 270 m² 3 bathrooms
1,695,000 €
Total area 273 m² 4 bathrooms
2,950,000 €
Total area 706 m² Land area: 760 m²
1,950,000 €
Total area 450 m² Land area: 511 m²
1,590,000 €
Total area 147 m² 2 bathrooms
4,600,000 €
Total area 686 m² Land area: 1,000 m²
5,000,000 €
Total area 782 m² 6 bathrooms
1,050,000 €
Total area 101 m² 3 bedrooms
Les Corts is considered an elite district of the city, home to the Spanish royal family, various embassies, and international company offices.
Cultural and business centre of Barcelona
The urban heart of the city was significantly shaped by the 1992 Olympic Games, which brought about a «city-turning-toward-the-sea» transformation. This involved relocating industrial zones from the coastline, revitalising the beaches, and developing a coastal cultural centre. Today, this area comprises three architecturally and infrastructurally distinct neighbourhoods: the Gothic Old Town, the modernist Eixample, and the high-rise district of Sant Martí.
590,000 €
Total area 84 m² 3 bedrooms
580,000 €
Total area 92 m² 3 bedrooms
795,000 €
Total area 150 m² 2 bedrooms
394,000 €
Total area 63 m² 2 bedrooms
460,000 €
Total area 99 m² 2 bedrooms
750,000 €
Total area 120 m² 2 bedrooms
922,000 €
Total area 115 m² 1 bedroom
688,000 €
Total area 97 m² 3 bedrooms
The Old Town
The historical core of Barcelona, part of which was once surrounded by city defence walls, has preserved much of the mediaeval spirit of the city. It is characterised by a maze of narrow streets winding between residential buildings and Gothic-style churches. Even on the sunniest days, the streets of the Old Town remain dim due to their narrowness and the shadows cast by building facades. The district is divided into four quarters: El Raval, the Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta, and Sant Pere, Santa Caterina and La Ribera.
El Raval and the Gothic Quarter are crossed by the famous pedestrian street La Rambla, whose ground floors are occupied by small cafés and bars, souvenir shops, and ice cream kiosks. This part of the city also features the Boqueria Market, Royal Square, Güell Palace, as well as numerous historical museums and art galleries. Parallel to the Gothic Quarter, the Santa Caterina and La Ribera neighbourhoods stretch down toward the sea. Nearby attractions include the Arc de Triomf, Ciutadella Park, the city zoo, the Palau de la Música Catalana, and the district’s main landmark — the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. Barceloneta, formerly a neighbourhood for fishermen and dock workers, stretches along the Mediterranean coastline for several kilometres.
The Old Town’s real estate primarily consists of historic buildings, some of which are several centuries old. Key characteristics of these properties include small apartment sizes and limited natural light — even at midday, interiors can be dim. Windows often face inner courtyards, blank walls, or staircases. Additionally, these buildings may feature outdated utilities, lack elevators, parking, or heating systems, and have a socially diverse range of tenants. There are also spacious, modern apartments in refurbished buildings, but these options are far less common and are priced significantly higher than other properties in the area. The cost per square metre starts at 4,570 euros, while rental rates begin at 25 euros per square metre. Such apartments may appeal to those undeterred by the influx of tourists and who are drawn to the prospect of living amidst the city’s main landmarks.
Eixample
The Eixample neighbourhoods, designed by architect Ildefons Cerdà and built in the 19th century outside Barcelona’s old city walls, represented a revolution in urban planning and a stark contrast to the city’s mediaeval structure. Its orderly grid of square blocks and wide boulevards gave Barcelona a new identity during the Modernist and Art Deco eras. This neighbourhood is home to the famous buildings with fluid, artistic facades designed by Antoni Gaudí, including the Sagrada Família.
Eixample spans the entire central part of Barcelona and is crossed diagonally by the grand boulevard Diagonal. Streets intersect at right angles, forming octagonal squares at their junctions. This layout enhances transportation accessibility and ensures good ventilation throughout the district. Due to its prime location and architectural beauty in the Art Deco style, Eixample is considered one of the most expensive areas in Barcelona. Living here is ideal for those who wish to immerse themselves in the luxurious, bohemian atmosphere of the district’s modernist surroundings.
Apartment prices in older buildings start at 5,674 euros per square metre, with rental rates beginning at 25 euros per square metre. Many historic buildings in Eixample feature high ceilings with decorative moulding, often exceeding three and sometimes even five metres in height, as well as mosaic floors and columns. However, the drawbacks of living in Eixample stem from its design: approximately half of the windows in apartments, particularly those in bedrooms and kitchens, face internal ventilation shafts. More natural light and reduced noise levels can only be found on the upper floors, where property prices are about 30% higher. Renovated and new buildings offer better layouts, but such properties are rare, with prices starting at 8,000 euros per square metre or more.
1,796,000 €
Total area 175 m² 4 bedrooms
800,000 €
Total area 90 m² 3 bedrooms
750,000 €
Total area 115 m² 2 bedrooms
400,000 €
Total area 57 m² 2 bedrooms
2,500,000 €
Total area 174 m² 3 bathrooms
1,200,000 €
Total area 193 m² 3 bathrooms
1,790,000 €
Total area 275 m² 5 bathrooms
1,150,000 €
Total area 104 m² 2 bathrooms
Sant Martí
The development of Sant Martí, one of Barcelona’s most modern and high-rise neighbourhoods, is closely linked to the city’s urban planning transformation and preparations for the 1992 Olympic Games. The relocation of former industrial facilities outside the city freed up significant coastal space for the construction of contemporary complexes, the creation of advanced infrastructure, and the establishment of a new business hub. Diagonal Mar, located in this area, hosts numerous international corporate headquarters, research centres, laboratories, art galleries, luxury hotels, restaurants, and bars.
The average property price in Sant Martí is 3,880 euros per square metre, with rental rates starting at 23 euros per square metre. While residential buildings are not brand-new, they are comfortable. Along Marina Street, modern high-rises feature apartments with terraces offering sea views. Some streets also have townhouses that once accommodated important guests during the Olympics. In the most prestigious location — Diagonal Mar Street — property prices start at 7,800 euros per square metre, with rental rates beginning at 30 euros per square metre.
Best neighbourhoods in Barcelona for families with children and retirees
The so-called «residential neighbourhoods» of Barcelona are those located outside the city’s tourist centre. However, nearly all of these neighbourhoods feature cultural, sports, and historical landmarks, with life flowing at its own unique pace. Native Catalans often prefer living outside the city centre due to the high-quality infrastructure, favourable social environment, and spacious residential properties.
A distinctive feature of these neighbourhoods is their location on elevated terrain relative to the city centre. This provides many homes with panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Barcelona has seven neighbourhoods situated some distance from the centre: Sants-Montjuïc, Les Corts, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Gràcia, Horta-Guinardó, Nou Barris, and Sant Andreu.
Sants-Montjuïc
Sants-Montjuïc is the largest district in Barcelona, bordering the Old Town, Eixample, and Les Corts. The neighbourhood is home to the largest port in the Mediterranean region, Barcelona’s main train station, and Montjuïc Hill, which hosts numerous attractions: a panoramic viewpoint offering stunning views of the sea and the city, a fortress with a weapons museum, an amusement park for children, and a botanical garden. Following the 1992 Olympics, Montjuïc retained several sports facilities that are now regularly used for concerts and international exhibitions.
The district is also rich in cultural landmarks. It houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia on Plaça d’Espanya, the famous Magic Fountain, the renowned German Pavilion designed by modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and several theatres.
The rich history of Sants-Montjuïc is reflected in its architecture: former port and working-class neighbourhoods intersect with the bohemian theatrical centre of early 20th-century Barcelona and the sports complexes built for the 1992 Olympics. The neighbourhood is ideal for those who value being within walking distance of the city’s historic centre while remaining somewhat removed from the main tourist crowds. Property prices in this district, considering the price-to-space ratio, are among the most attractive in the city, starting at 3,880 euros per square metre, with rental rates beginning at 20 euros per square metre.
Les Corts
Les Corts is considered one of the most promising neighbourhoods for real estate investment. It is home to the city’s best medical clinics, top universities, and business schools, as well as international offices of major companies and consulates of various countries.
The neighbourhood serves as one of Barcelona’s financial hubs while remaining highly comfortable for everyday life. Les Corts features numerous parks, tree-lined streets, and ground floors of buildings occupied by restaurants and small cafés. The district also hosts the best international schools in Barcelona for children, including Kensington School and Saint Peter’s School (British), Benjamin Franklin School (American), and Lycée Français de Barcelone (French). Property prices in Les Corts start at 5,724 euros per square metre, with rental rates beginning at 20 euros per square metre.
The elite Pedralbes neighbourhood is home to members of the Spanish royal family. This area houses the Royal Palace of Pedralbes, the Royal Polo Club, and the Royal Tennis Club. The most expensive real estate in Barcelona can be found here, with property prices starting at 6,880 euros per square metre and rental rates from 23 euros per square metre.
In the Maternitat i Sant Ramon neighbourhood lies the district’s most iconic attraction — the Camp Nou stadium, where FC Barcelona plays its home matches. Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe, with a capacity of 100,000 spectators. Apartments in this area are highly rentable, both for short-term stays by Barça fans and for long-term leases to students.
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is the most prestigious area of Barcelona, home to Spanish and international millionaires, sports stars, and celebrities. The majority of the real estate here consists of luxurious villas, with areas of up to 500 square metres. Property prices range from 5,900 to 8,000 euros per square metre, while rental rates start at 23 euros per square metre. Apartments are located in modern buildings, most of which feature terraces and underground parking for two vehicles.
This neighbourhood is perfect for those who value comfort, tranquillity, and luxury. Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is an ideal place for families with children, as it hosts several international schools, including Oak House School (English) and the French school.
The area boasts numerous Spanish cuisine restaurants and high-end boutiques from brands like Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren, Miuccia Prada, Marc Jacobs, and many others. To the north of the neighbourhood lies Mount Tibidabo, the highest point of the Collserola mountain range. The mountain features an amusement park, the Temple of the Sacred Heart, and an observation deck offering panoramic views of Barcelona from an altitude of 575 metres above sea level.
2,150,000 €
Total area 270 m² 3 bathrooms
1,695,000 €
Total area 273 m² 4 bathrooms
1,590,000 €
Total area 147 m² 2 bathrooms
1,050,000 €
Total area 101 m² 3 bedrooms
From 895,000 €
Completion in: 2025.II Total of 10 apartments
998,000 €
Total area 104 m² 2 bathrooms
3,000,000 €
Total area 250 m² 4 bathrooms
3,600,000 €
Total area 320 m² 5 bathrooms
Gràcia
Gràcia is often referred to as the Montmartre of Barcelona. The district is located just above the central part of Eixample, and the Sagrada Família is only a 10-minute walk away. The main attraction of Gràcia is the stunning architectural ensemble of Park Güell, created by Antoni Gaudí.
The neighbourhood is home to a young, active, vibrant, and bohemian crowd, including students, artists, and poets from around the world. Gràcia is known for its lively street events, such as exhibitions, parties, and concerts held in squares and café terraces. On Carrer Verdi, you’ll find small family-run restaurants offering dishes from various world cuisines. The neighbourhood also features second-hand bookstores, handmade jewellery shops, vegetarian restaurants, and trendy student art cafés.
Demand for housing here exceeds supply. Most of the housing stock consists of small apartments in older buildings, with prices starting at 4,900 euros per square metre. Spacious apartments in well-located, renovated buildings are less common, with prices starting at 5,500 euros per square metre and rental rates beginning at 25 euros per square metre. The most sought-after properties are located in the central area of Vila de Gràcia.
Horta-Guinardó
Horta-Guinardó is located on the northwestern outskirts of Barcelona and is considered the city’s hilliest district, offering stunning views of Barcelona from many homes. It is also one of the greenest areas, home to several large parks. To the north, the neighbourhood borders Collserola Park, which is 22 times the size of New York’s Central Park, while the Labyrinth Park of Horta, the city’s oldest garden, serves as a key attraction. The main architectural highlight of El Guinardó is the Hospital de Sant Pau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Horta-Guinardó primarily features older residential buildings. Property prices here are relatively lower than the city average, at approximately 3,440 euros per square metre, with rental rates starting at 17 euros per square metre. This neighbourhood is ideal for those seeking an affordable yet quality living option away from the tourist-heavy city centre.
Sant Andreu
Although this neighbourhoods was once an industrial suburb of Barcelona, Sant Andreu is now part of the city’s main urban development investment plan. The area is actively improving its transportation infrastructure, and new residential buildings with spacious apartments designed for families with children are being constructed.
Property prices in Sant Andreu start at 3,535 euros per square metre, with rental rates beginning at 16 euros per square metre.
Less favourable neighbourhoods in Barcelona
Traditionally, the Nou Barris neighbourhood is not recommended for real estate investment due to its unstable social environment and underdeveloped infrastructure. This area was previously an industrial zone and later transformed into a residential district with typical housing designed for immigrants from various countries.
Property prices in Nou Barris start at 2,465 euros per square metre, with rental rates beginning at 15 euros per square metre.
Tranio’s managers will provide consultation on choosing the best location for purchasing real estate in Barcelona and will help find properties that meet your requirements.
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