Holliday apartments in Barcelona
Where to stay in Barcelona
Bounded one one side by mountains and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean Sea on the other, Barcelona stretches along the coast with a range of neighbourhoods from medieval to ultra-modern. With so much diversity, you may be wondering where to find the ideal location for a holiday apartment in Barcelona. You might fancy the bustling nightlife of the city centre, or you may prefer the refined modernist appeal of the Eixample suburbs. Then again, you could also opt for Barcelona apartments near the seashore and sleek modern vibe of La Barceloneta. Whatever the case, peruse our comprehensive Where to Stay in Barcelona guide and you'll be in the know.
When to go to Barcelona
One endearing feature of Barcelona is that it's always a great time to visit and stay in Barcelona apartments. The balmy Mediterranean climate means that winter nights rarely dip below 5 degrees with daytime highs around 14 degrees. This explains why so many visitors from northern climes flock to cottages in Barcelona for a break from the winter blues. During the summertime from June through September, expect the daytime temperatures to reach 27 to 30 degrees, which will cool off by ten degrees overnight. July and August are peak tourist months, so expect crowds and longer lines. June and September are ideal times to book holiday homes in Barcelona and enjoy the summer atmosphere with a little more elbow room. With almost 300 days of sunshine a year, there is ample opportunity to leave the comfort of your holiday apartment in Barcelona and enjoy brilliant weather.
Getting to and around Barcelona
All flights to Barcelona arrive at its only airport, Barcelona International Airport in El Prat de Llobregat, located 10km outside of the city. However, some low cost airlines advertise Barcelona flights landing at Reus and Girona-Costa Brava, both of which are approximately 100km from Barcelona. Another option to reach holiday cottages in Barcelona is to travel by rail. Sandwiched between France and the rest of Spain, Barcelona has high speed rail links with both countries. Once you arrive at your apartment or villa in Barcelona, you can hop on the Barcelona Bus Turístic, which links all of the major Barcelona tourist attractions. The metro rail system is a fast and comfortable way to get around the city. Many apartments in Barcelona will be located near a metro station.
Discover Barcelona
With a fiercely independent spirit and no-holds-barred approach to individual expression, Barcelona is the beating heart of Spain's Catalonia region. The flair of Catalan culture can be seen in Gaudi's famous architecture, the city's beautiful promenades and medieval city centre. Millions of visitors travel here each year, and many prefer holiday apartments in Barcelona neighbourhoods over hotels for a more authentic, local take on the city.
Start your journey in El Gotic, the medieval centre of Barcelona. Ancient stone churches stand over quaint squares, and tiny, meandering streets are lined with cafes, shops and restaurants. This area is home to many of the city's museums. Filled with young people, many choose Barcelona apartments here to be close to the nightlife and clubs. Take a stroll along Las Ramblas, the city's most famous promenade where you'll find dancers, musicians and street performers. Don't miss the remarkable Mercat de la Boqueria, a fantastic market where you'll find exotic delicacies, fresh produce and myriad delights for the senses. Grab a bite there or take your ingredients back to your holiday apartment in Barcelona and whip up a home-cooked meal.
Just outside the city centre you'll find Eixample, one of the city's first suburbs to be built outside the city walls. Holiday apartments in Barcelona Eixample are very popular for their proximity to sights and for the quiet neighbourhoods with tree-lined streets. Here you'll find wonderful bodegas, alternative bars and an artistic flair. Most of the buildings reflect the Catalan style of Art Nouveau, which was popular at the end of the 19th century. Many of the historic Barcelona houses here have tall ceilings and vintage tile or wooden floors.
Integral with Barcelona is one of its most famous architects, Antonio Gaudi. He designed the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, which has become the landmark of Barcelona and can be seen from the rooftop of many holiday apartments in Barcelona. Looking like something from a fairy tale, this building is unmatched for its unique style. Construction has continued for over a century, giving visitors a unique opportunity to see a cathedral in the making. Other Gaudi highlights include historic villas in Barcelona like Case Mila and Casa Battle. He also designed Park Güell, which provides a colourful green space with a panoramic view over the city.
Shopping in Barcelona is a local pastime, and you'll find a number of local Spanish labels like Mango, Zara, Bershke and Custo Barcelona. The city is also home to a thriving creative class, so one of a kind garments and works of art can be found in hip areas like El Born. While you're out of your holiday apartment in Barcelona, be sure to take a break and enjoy some refreshing sangria at a streetside cafe or rooftop bar. Food is also a serious affair here. Although you can save money cooking some meals at home in your Barcelona apartment, don't miss the vast array of tapas - small portions of food ranging from fried fish and olives to cheese and vegetables. Paella, a saffron rice dish with seafood like mussels and shrimp, is a local speciality. Besides the many holiday apartments in Barcelona, be sure to check out our Barcelona food guide, which is jam packed with helpful hints and tips from locals as to the best places to experiences local food while in Barcelona.
Experience the modern side of Barcelona with a jaunt to Barceloneta. Along with its sandy beach, this harbour-side area has been transformed with a boardwalk, sleek contemporary architecture, bars, music and a younger crowd. Barcelona apartments in this area often have a seaside view and puts you just steps from the water. Also check out the Vila Olimpica, the site of the 1992 Olympics. Fashionable folks bask in sunshine along dazzling beaches by day and dress to impress when they head out on the late night club scene.