Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) has been the center of Barcelona since Roman times. This neighborhood is one of the most popular destinations in the city, crammed with splendid palaces, Gothic churches, and narrow pedestrian alleys that open up into beautiful squares. Most of the Barri Gòtic is closed to regular traffic, so you’ll be able to enjoy it at a slow pace, and there’s so much to see: historic landmarks, trendy boutiques, art galleries, farmers' markets, cafés and restaurants.

Eixample boasts some of Barcelona’s finest Modernista buildings, including masterpieces by Gaudí and Puig i Cadafalch: the Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló foremost among them. Eixample’s Quadrat D'Or is home to the city’s best boutiques and their wealthy clients. Aside monumental structures, on Paseo de Gràcia you’ll find the best restaurants in town, touristy and crowded, but authentic, nevertheless. Beware, this is the second most expensive street in Europe, so everything comes at a price.

El Born, part of the greater La Ribera, was once the city’s main trading centre, and one of the richest neighborhoods of Barcelona. El Born is still one of the trendiest and most touristic districts in Ciutat Vella, a hotspot of bars and boutiques housed inside stunning Medieval buildings, with cozy terraces in the summer, when people watching becomes a favorite occupation for both tourists and locals. Attractions include: Santa Maria del Mar, Museu Picasso, and Museu d'Art Precolombí.

El Raval, a historic neighborhood of the Ciutat Vella district, is a diverse melting-pot of those on the way up from, and those on the way down to, the bottom of the pile. Particularly in the Upper Raval, art galleries, restaurants and late-night bars are making inroads. The MACBA (the Modern Art Museum of Barcelona) and the CCCB are two major cultural centres that add a different kind of sharpness to El Raval’s traditional edge. La Boqueria, a famous market, is also situated in El Raval.

Gràcia’s most popular attraction is Gaudí’s wonderland, Parc Güell, with its stunning Modernist architecture. Gràcia is far less touristy, compared to El Born, Barri Gotic and El Raval, and thus ideal for those who look for an “off-the-beaten-path” experience. On Carrer Verdi you’ll find many small boutiques where locals like to shop. Last but not least, some of Barcelona’s finest restaurants can be found in Gràcia.

Les Corts is not that pretty, but is ideal for those traveling on a budget, as accommodation here is far more affordable than what’s offered by hotels in the center of the city. An important financial business district, Les Corts boasts many good restaurants, excellent shopping opportunities, convention centers, and health and fitness facilities. There are a few notable museums as well, and the historic center of Barcelona is a walk away.

Sants-Montjuïc is marvelous in the spring, especially at Miramar viewpoint, where the rose blooms and fountains create the ideal setting for a romantic date. The most popular attraction in this neighborhood is the Montjuïc Castle, which offers beautiful vistas over the rest of the city. In the summer, Plaça d'Espanya comes alive with music, while locals and tourists alike stroll around, in the quest for the next café. And what would Sants-Montjuïc be without FC Barcelona?

Despite many modern structures, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi still retains a certain old charm, and a village atmosphere, reminding of what Barcelona used to be like before the tourist boom. Visit Galvany market for an authentic shopping experience, or go to Tibidabo’s amusement park, the oldest in Barcelona, to enjoy the good old fair times. Last but not least, make a stop on the road to Sant Cugat to enjoy stunning views of Barcelona.