StayAreasEixample or Gothic Quarter: where should you stay in Barcelona?
- Gothic Quarter is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $235 a night, against $270 in Eixample.
- Eixample is closer to 5 of the 8 big sights we timed; Gothic Quarter wins on 1.
- Eixample has quieter nights.
- From El Prat, Eixample is quicker: 35 min against 40 min.
EixampleGaudí, wide avenues & calm streetsPick Eixample if
- Families
- First-time visitors who want space and calm
- Business travellers
Gothic QuarterMedieval lanes & the cathedralPick Gothic Quarter if
- First-time visitors
- Travellers who want to walk everywhere
- History lovers
Eixample vs Gothic Quarter, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Eixample | Gothic Quarter |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Sep 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $140 | $130 (better) |
| Mid-range double | $270 | $235 (better) |
| Luxury double | $645 | $525 (better) |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Plaça de Catalunya | 10 min | 5 min (better) |
| Barcelona Cathedral | 21 min walk | 2 min walk (better) |
| Casa Batlló | 3 min walk (better) | 21 min walk |
| La Pedrera | 9 min walk (better) | 15 min |
| La Boqueria | 9 min | 9 min walk |
| Sagrada Família | 12 min (better) | 16 min |
| Plaça de Catalunya | 16 min walk | 17 min walk |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From El Prat | 35 min (better) | 40 min |
| What it's like · our ratings | ||
| Sights on foot | Very good | Excellent (better) |
| Nightlife | Good | Very good (better) |
| Quiet at night | Very good (better) | Limited |
| Food | Excellent (better) | Very good |
| Families | Very good (better) | Good |
| Transport | Excellent | Excellent |
Hotels in Eixample and Gothic Quarter
Booking through our links costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission. Learn more
Eixample or Gothic Quarter: questions
Is Eixample or Gothic Quarter better to stay in?
Gothic Quarter is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $235 a night, against $270 in Eixample. Eixample is closer to 5 of the 8 big sights we timed; Gothic Quarter wins on 1. Eixample has quieter nights. From El Prat, Eixample is quicker: 35 min against 40 min. Eixample suits families and first-time visitors who want space and calm; Gothic Quarter suits first-time visitors and travellers who want to walk everywhere.
Which is cheaper, Eixample or Gothic Quarter?
Typical doubles in Eixample: $140 budget, $270 mid-range, $645 luxury. In Gothic Quarter: $130, $235 and $525. Rates outside peak events, updated Sep 2026.
Which is closer to the sights, Eixample or Gothic Quarter?
Door to door: Barcelona Cathedral is 21 min walk from Eixample and 2 min walk from Gothic Quarter; Casa Batlló is 3 min walk from Eixample and 21 min walk from Gothic Quarter; La Pedrera is 9 min walk from Eixample and 15 min from Gothic Quarter; La Boqueria is 9 min from Eixample and 9 min walk from Gothic Quarter.
How far is El Prat from Eixample and Gothic Quarter?
35 min to Eixample and 40 min to Gothic Quarter, door to door by public transport.