La Rambla is the boundary between the quarters of Barri Gòtic, to the east, and El Raval, to the west. Barcelona's safest areas tend to be the more affluent neighborhoods, such as Eixample, Poble Sec, and Poblenou.
If it's your first time in Barcelona, you can't go wrong with staying centrally in l'Eixample. It's right on the center of the city, conveniently located between the Old City and Gràcia, and it's well connected to just about every place you'll want to visit over the course of your Barcelona itinerary.
The Bari Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is arguably the most desirable area to stay in, which is why it gets so much foot traffic. It's close to many of Barcelona's most popular attractions and has many great restaurants—another reason why people love it.
Gràcia is the best place to escape the tourists, with its tranquil plazas and cafés full of locals and an appealing small-town atmosphere. Barceloneta has the closest beach to the center of Barcelona, within easy walking distance from Las Ramblas. It's also Barcelona's longest beach, and popular with families.
It is generally safe to walk at night in Barcelona though you should avoid doing it alone and in secluded areas. Some areas are safer than others. Stay in well-lit areas and avoid exploring abandoned streets and beaches after dark. Traveling with a group is better at night.
One of the best things about staying in a hotel on La Rambla is you will be in the heart of the city, and therefore close to most of the main tourist attractions: the Cathedral is a few minutes walk, as is the MACBA, several other art galleries, Plaça de Catalunya, plenty of shops and close to the beach.
The Gothic Quarter is located in the historic center of Barcelona. You'll find it between two streets: the famous La Rambla (sometimes called Las Ramblas) and Via Laietana. You can easily get there by metro from the Liceu or Jaume I metro stations.
Barcelona is easily worth two days, and no one would regret having a third day (or a fourth, or a fifth…). If you can spare only one full day for the city, it will be a scramble, but a day you'll never forget.
Barcelona is a very walkable city. We could stroll through the differernt neighborhoods first hand and get a feel for the local markets and shops. Of course a stop at the open air market of La Boqueria is a must. You will find fruit stands, sweets, tapas, cheese, and of course meat vendors.
The Eixample District is one of the most comfortable areas to stay in Barcelona. Mainly because there's always a restaurant, shop, supermarket or bar at walking distance. The Eixample is also famous for having one of the most dinamic shopping districts of the city.
Las Ramblas, the main promenade through central Barcelona, is humming with activity 24 hours a day and – pickpockets and tourist scams aside – is considered safe. Late at night, the south end of the street may feel a little seedy but is still relatively safe (and pretty easy to avoid if you prefer).
Similar to Madrid's Plaza Mayor, Las Ramblas is extremely popular with tourist crowds. In fact, there's a good chance you won't find anyone else on this street other than tourists and vendors selling to tourists.
The Ramblas is famous for street performers including human statues. Did you know there is a Miró on La Rambla? The famous painter Joan Miró actually created part of the Ramblas. Many thousands of people walk right over the Miró circle on the Ramblas every day and don't even know it.
La Rambla street is the main tourist street in Barcelona and the most famous street. It is also called Las Ramblas because the street has different sections with different names. La Rambla goes from Plaça de Catalunya to the Port Vell marina of Barcelona.
As a general rule, you should avoid the bars and restaurants on La Rambla because they are of poor quality and ridiculously overpriced. Some establishments can charge up to €10 for a beer or a Coca Cola, which sell for around €2.50 elsewhere in Barcelona. That said, there are a few exceptions and places worth visiting.
According to regulations, it is allowed to make noise in your own home from Monday to Friday from 8.00h to 21.00h. Although some Spanish municipalities have chosen to extend this to 22.00h or 23.00h, on weekends everyone is obliged to follow the same regulation: you are only allowed to make noise from 9.30h to 21.00h.
Dress code for Barcelona clubsGuys should go for dark shoes rather than light ones and avoid trainers like the plague. For women, heels aren't common at most of Barcelona's clubs, except the fanciest ones. The beachfront clubs generally have much smart dress codes, with dresses for women and collared shirts for guys.
Late nights in Barcelona may have a slightly different connotation than in other cities; as late night usually means partying well into the wee hours of the morning. Most of Barcelona's clubs don't get going until after 1am with some closing around 3am or 4am, but with a large majority remaining open until later.