18 best Airbnbs in Barcelona for your perfect city break in the Catalan capital

This bright, immaculate apartment is positioned in the heart of trendy Gràcia, perfectly located away from the hordes of tourists, but still easy enough to reach the centre.

The two-bedroom Airbnb is serviced, so you won't need to worry about a thing while you make yourself at home in the two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen and living area. Sleek, modern interiors and exposed beams add a sense of character throughout. Overall, a good pick if you're after flexibility and space, with the added benefit of hotel-style service.

Sleeps: 4

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This vibrant apartment is the perfect city break bolthole for two – or one, if you're off on a solo adventure. Barcelona Sants Station (the city's key train station) is just a four-minute walk away, so it's an ideal base for exploring the local towns and beaches.

There's a lovely sun-drenched rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a morning coffee or sunset glass of wine, as well as high-end mod cons throughout. After a busy day in the city, the refreshing shower in the polished concrete bathroom will be just what the doctor ordered.

Sleeps: 2

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For a taste of modernist luxury near the beach, don't miss this bright and airy Airbnb located behind the Boqueria Market and the MACBA Museum, and also next to the Gothic Quarter.

Bright and calm, it features a south-facing balcony, which makes for a perfect breakfast spot. There are also two bedrooms and two bathrooms, offering ample space for all guests.

Sleeps: 4

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The elegant neighbourhood of Eixample, where this Airbnb is based, is considered one of the most sought-after in Barcelona. Full of charming tree-lined avenues and modernist buildings, it also offers close proximity to the city's key attractions.

This bright, homely space is ideal for four (although there's space for five) with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Previous guests have praised its central location, "spotless" condition and minimalist interiors.

Sleeps: 5

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This airy penthouse on Avinguda Diagonal, one of the city's main avenues, has everything you need for a romantic getaway: a king-size bedroom, a spacious lounge with a smart TV and, best of all, a glorious terrace complete with sun loungers for lazy mornings and relaxed dinners alongside glittering skyline views.

Nearby you'll find a string of tapas bars, cafes and restaurants frequented by locals, plus boutique shops and independent galleries. It's not far from Eixample and you can easily reach the Gothic Quarter, too.

Sleeps: 2

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This sun-dappled, art nouveau-style apartment is a great place to call home during your stay in Barcelona. It boasts two double bedrooms with their own balconies (what a treat), plus one single and an expandable couch in the library area, making this ideal for family groups.

It's only a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport, and major tourist spots including Las Ramblas and Plaça de Catalunya are a short stroll away.

Sleeps: 6

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For a characterful Airbnb close to the city's Gothic Quarter and the Barceloneta beach, look no further. It's also a short walk to Santa María del Mar church and the Picasso Museum, so it's an ideal spot for culture vultures.

Blending classic and contemporary styles, the apartment offers comfort as well as memorable touches that give a sense of Catalan culture. Two bedrooms and a sofa bed mean this sleeps three comfortably, but can accommodate up to four.

Sleeps: 4

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This grand, 19th-century apartment in Eixample is perfect for a larger groups who want a bit of space. Three of the four double bedrooms here come with a bathroom, while the fourth has access to a private bathroom down the hall. You can spread out across a living and dining area, sun room, separate kitchen and spacious patio, which comes with an abundance of comfy seating.

Members of your party with a passion for interiors will probably spend most of their time indoors, however, marvelling at the art nouveau decor, elaborate coving and original hydraulic floor tiles.

Sleeps: 8

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This luxurious penthouse is perfectly located just a street away from Gaudi’s legendary Sagrada Familia.

It was was refurbished in 2023 by a Catalan architect, meaning the inside is just as impressive as one of its standout features: a magnificent terrace which offers eye-popping views across the city. A lift keeps things accessible.

Sleeps: 4

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This small but perfectly formed Airbnb in Gràcia, just a 10-minute stroll from Passeig de Gràcia, the city's major shopping street, is ideal for couples or solo adventures.

It's on the fourth floor of a modern block (there's a lift, worry not!) and boasts a private terrace. Kitted out with a table, chairs and sun lounger, it serves up views of both Tibidabo hill and the Sagrada Familia, and is the ideal spot for a mid-morning cortado.

The host lives in the same building, too, so is on hand should you need anything during your stay.

Sleeps: 2

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Looking for somewhere central? This 19th century pad is located just steps from Las Ramblas and Plaça de Catalunya. The recently renovated apartment features three bedrooms and three bathrooms, so it's great for families and groups of friends.

Interiors-wise, it's bursting with character. Think wooden beams, exposed brickwork and ornate doorways. Still it has all the mod-cons you need including a well-equipped kitchen and modern bathrooms. There's even a small balcony for enjoying a glass of vino or two.

The best part? The apartment is serviced, with daily housekeeping included in the price of your stay.

Sleeps: 6

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This gorgeous holiday pad will make you reluctant to leave the Calatan city. It's located in the neighbourhood of Sant Antoni, the unofficial centre of Eixample, full of bustling market stalls and local restaurants, and a world away from tourist traps.

Behind a modernist facade, you'll find this charming gem, which features city skyline views and airy spaces that are flooded with natural light. Previous guests rave about it – and you'll soon see why.

Sleeps: 4

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Seeking an airy, clean, modern bolthole for two? This could well be it, with a sunny terrace and a smaller balcony leading off from the bedroom. The double bedroom and shower room are excellent, as is the open-plan kitchen living space, with mod cons including a Nespresso machine.

In gorgeous Gràcia (which was, curiously, an independent town until the late 19th century), you'll be close to the historic centre of the city.

Sleeps: 2

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You simply couldn't ask for better views of the Sagrada Familia than this one-of-a-kind apartment. Its balcony is directly opposite (!), making for an impossibly good spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner – and everything in between.

Beyond this, there are two bedrooms and a good kitchen if you fancy cheffing up some tapas at home. Everything feels modern and of a good quality here, and everything else you'll want to see in Barcelona is within easy reach.

Why not book a guided tour of the basilica via Airbnb Experiences and skip the lines?

Sleeps: 4

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An 1870s apartment with effortless charm and plenty of space for the whole family – or group of friends – this chic Airbnb is not to be missed. It's located on Eixample's right side, known for its wide avenues, modernist buildings and Gaudí traces.

The flat has four grand bedrooms (one is a useful twin) and two spacious bathrooms, but it's the antique touches that make this one feel truly memorable.

Sleeps: 8

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For a stay that combines both city and beach, the location of this Airbnb, in the trendy district of Poblenou and just a five-minute walk to the beach, is hard to beat.

It's a cosy space for four, with one king size bedroom and a sofa bed for two further guests. A lovely terrace tops off this apartment beautifully, with a table and chairs for al fresco dining.

Sleeps: 4

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Situated moments from Plaça de Catalunya, this swanky, two-bed penthouse is within walking distance of the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas and Gaudí's masterpieces including Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll find no better place to kick back and unwind than on the apartment's south-facing terrace. Bi-folding doors from the living space open onto 100 square-metres of wooden decking, complete with a dining table, chairs and parasol for al fresco eating, sun loungers for catching some rays, and an outdoor shower for cooling off.

Sleeps: 4

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This three-bed apartment in Gràcia is bursting with original character. Ornate, colourful tiles line the floors, while vintage furniture and fittings have been carefully curated throughout each room. So charming are the interiors that they've been used as the location for several glossy fashion shoots.

It's a short walk to shopping boulevard Passeig de Gràcia as well as Fontana metro stop, which gives you easy access to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. The large, utterly gorgeous walled patio area, filled with potted plants and an antique dining set, is a tempting excuse to stay home, though.

Sleeps: 6

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Where to stay in Barcelona

The Catalan capital is divided into a series of districts called barrios, each with its own unique charm. Here, we break it down by neighbourhood to help you choose the right base – whether you want to stick to central or stay in a lesser-known area outside of the city.

The Gothic Quarter: A stay in the charming Gothic Quarter puts you in the heart of the city, perfect for meandering through the narrow alleys and squares, gawping at architectural gems as you go. It’s a lively, touristic neighbourhood filled with restaurants, cafes and bars.

El Born: El Born is one of the city’s buzziest neighbourhoods located between Barceloneta beach and the Gothic Quarter. Here you’ll find galleries, museums and restored mansions as well as trendy boutiques and bustling cafes and bars. Just note, it does get quite touristy.

Eixample: Built to a strict grid system, this large district is divided in two: Eixample Esquerra (left) and Eixample Dreta (right), and they have very different vibes. The left side is more laidback and includes the trendy and not-so-touristy Sant Antoni neighbourhood. Meanwhile the ride side boasts high-end shopping and some of Gaudí's best-known works.

Sagrada Familia: Named after Gaudí’s iconic masterpiece, the barrio is officially part of Eixample and is home to the magnificent basilica. It can get crowded with tourists, but it’s easy to navigate and there are plenty of shops, local restaurants and cafes to explore, plus pretty gardens and yet more modernist architecture. It’s very family-friendly, too.

Gràcia: This vibrant warren of tree-lined plazas and trendy shops, cafes and bars is the place to hang out and soak up Catalan culture without a pitcher of sangria or tourist bus in sight. A separate town entirely until the late 1800s, the district still has a village feel with local food markets and street parties galore. Still, you’re just a 30-minute stroll or 10-minute metro ride from Las Ramblas.

Poblenou: If you want to set up camp near the beach, Poblenou is worth considering. The seafront neighbourhood has an arty vibe and is home to some of the city’s coolest restaurants, galleries and coffee shops. Sights like the Sagrada Familia are within walking distance, plus the beach is less busy than Barceloneta.

El Raval: The Bohemian centre of the city in the 1920s and 30s, now El Raval is one of Barcelona’s most thriving areas, with a mix of medieval architecture, cultural centres, hipster boutiques and lively bars. It’s not as pretty as El Born, for example, but it has a certain charm. Its central location next to the Gothic Quarter and Sant Antoni means it’s a good base for exploring, too.

Sants: This sprawling suburb is away from the tourist hotspots and has a decidedly local, community feel. Home to the city’s main station, it’s a good pick if you’re looking to hop on a train and discover the surrounding area, whether it’s a trip to the seaside town of Sitges or a visit to medieval city of Girona (a filming location for Game of Thrones). It’s close to attractions like Plaça España, Montjuïc Castle and Camp Nou, too.

Best experiences in Barcelona

With a dizzying array of things to do in Barcelona, sorting out the trip itinerary can be stressful – especially when you don’t know the city well. That’s where Airbnb Experiences comes in.

It can be used to book a range of excursions and activities, from tapas tours with knowledgeable local guides to sunset sailing experiences with champagne. Here are some that caught our eye:

• Paella-making with a private chef
• Guided tour of the Sagrada Familia
• Sunrise paddleboarding with photography
• Hiking in Montserrat

MORE AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

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