Best family-friendly areas Barcelona 2024. Where to stay in Barcelona with family with kids.

Where to stay in Barcelona family with kids

Which Barcelona area is best for a family with children stay in Barcelona this Christmas.

Tips, maps and family-friendly places to stay with children in Barcelona, Spain. Scroll down for Barcelona area information, apartment suggestions and useful links and recommended areas for families visiting Barcelona.

Updated November 2024
 
Family with children - Map best areas to stay Barcelona
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Barcelona family-friendly places to stay


Barcelona is both safe and fun for families with kids to visit. There are 4 central Barcelona areas which are popular, and generally considered the best place to stay in Barcelona for visitors in general, and especially for families. These 4 areas are as follows: near the central square Plaça de Catalunya, in the Eixample district, in the medieval Ciutat Vella district and in the Sant Marti district. The Barcelona areas to avoid for families, in our opinion as locals, are parts of the Raval area in the old medieval city. All other areas in the center are safe and fun for familes.

For families with children all four areas (described in detail below) are suitable to stay in, however each area has a distinct profile and features, which we will describe in more detail below - and we've added our local tips for family-friendly hotels and apartments. For larger families of four persons and above, we recommend family apartments or apart-hotels. This type of family accommodation is generally better value and gives more space and considerable savings on services, snacks and meals.

Apartments can either be in residential blocks managed by a private host - or could be in dedicated apart-hotel buildings with a choice of apartment sizes and a reception service, which is more convenient for check-in and check-out. Be sure to check reviews to make sure that your apartment is licenced, has good reviews and fast and reliable WiFi available, if you don't have roaming deals on your phone. You can usually check details in the reviews.

Before you begin to look for places to stay with your family in Barcelona, maybe you want to have a look at our guide to Barcelona's top attractions for kids inside the city. Top childrens' attractions are the Barcelona Aquarium, FC Barcelona Camp Nou stadium (currently closed for renovation), Barcelona Zoo, Tibidabo fairground (in the summer), Montjuic Magic Fountain (currenly closed due to drought), the hilltop Montjuic castle, riding cable cars, Barcelona boat tours, the Ciutadella park and of course, Barcelona's beaches in the summer period of June to September.

Below, you'll find some initital suggestions for family-friendly apartments that are both central and have good reviews from family stays near the popular Sagrada Familia church. Scroll down this page for more details about all the family friendly areas of Barcelona. Contact us if you have questions - we're happy to share our knowledge.

Top pick! Sensation Sagrada Familia
Rated Superb and near Sagrada Familia in 04 Eixample area
Recent family reviews 2024:
"We were a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children below 14 yrs). We loved it! The apartment was very clean, comfortable, fully loaded with all the amenities for a home-from-home stay. The staff went above and beyond to help us when we needed assistance with our little one and came back to the apartment after we'd checked out hours ago."

“View from the rooftop terrace was exceptional, and the location was great in terms of walk ability to the various places we wanted to see and explore.”

Hotel Sagrada Familia Apartments
Rated Very Good and near Sagrada Familia in 04 Eixample area
Recent family review:
"The view was absolutely amazing, definitely the highlight of the apartment. The beds were nicely made. Two towels provided for each person. Dishwasher, microwave, hob, fridge&freezer, kettle provided. We got a cleaning half way in our stay and the cleaners did a great job, changed our all bedsheet and towels, and cleared up the kitchen. There was a hairdryer in the bathroom too. Very goot apartment."

BBarcelona Central Boutique Apartments
Rated Good and in central 04 Eixample area
Recent family review: "Great location, spacious apartment, nice neighborhood. Great for families."

Ola Living Sagrada Familia 
Rated Superb and near Sagrada Familia in 04 Eixample area
Recent family review:
"The apartment was excellent, clean, and equipped with all facilities. The location was also perfect, just 3-5 minutes away from the Sagrada Familia. I would highly recommend this place."

Apartaments-Hotel Hispanos 7 Suiza
Rated Fabulous and near Sagrada Familia in 04 Eixample area
Recent family review:
"Convenient location, near Sagrada Familie, metro and supermarket downstairs. Good and clean facilities. Washing machine with dryer. Room make up everyday. Big balcony. 24-hour reception and staff are friendly."

Capri by Fraser Barcelona - hotel studio apartments
Rated Very good and in 03 Santa Marti area in Vila Olimpica
Recent family review:
"Everything was great! We loved our stay there. As a family we appreciated the kids room, and the laundry room is a plus. Our room was beautiful and spacious. We also liked the fact that you use your card for everything (main door, lift) so you feel secure staying there. It’s a ten!"

The Lonely Chimney Apartments
Rated Good and in 03 Santa Marti area in Vila Olimpica
Recent guest review:
"Great location for a family vacation in Barcelona. Location (close to touristic areas, restaurants and grocery stores), cleanliness, staff courtesy and availability (we had an issue accessing the apartment with the pin and they answered the call and directed me immediately), spacious balcony and fully equipped kitchen."

Tendency Apartments 7 - Barcelona
Rated Good by guests and in central 04 Eixample area
Recent family review:
"Large apartment, well equipped, mobile phone as a key is very comfortable 9.0 Liked · Electronic key system - open the doors with the mobile phone very roomy well equipped kitchen large private balcony coffee machine and coffee capsules."

Home to Home Barcelona apartments
Rated Fabulous by guest reviews and in Sants-Montjuïc area on left on above map
Recent family review:
"The location was perfect, 5 minute walk from Placa Espanya. The apartment was clean. The facilities are excellent. The bathrooms had Shampoo, conditioner and Shower gel so we didn't need to get them from supermarket. The kitchen had everything we needed, including salt, pepper, sugar, dishwasher tablets. The apartment has a washing machine and also included were liquid pods. Everything we needed was included. Checkin was very simple."

More Barcelona apartments

Tips for hotels with family rooms


Hotel Paxton - rated Fabulous
Recent family review:
"Very, very friendly and helpful staff, with attention to details to their guests with kids!!! We are very satisfied!"

Novotel Barcelona City rated Very Good
Recent family review:
"Breakfast was diverse and kid friendly, room for you/them to choose. The location is just perfect, very close to metro and supermarket. We had 14th floor room with a great view: we could see Sagrada and Torre Glories :)."

Gran Hotel Havana rated Very Good. 
Recent family review:
"Our stay was amazing, the hotel located 5 minutes walk from a metro station and 10 mins from Catalunya plaza. The Room was clean spacious even with a baby Cot. breakfast was very good and fresh. The staff were very kind and helpful."


Family friendly areas of Barcelona

Here are more details about the 4 central Barcelona areas which are the most popular and generally considered the best places to stay in Barcelona for families with kids visiting Barcelona. These areas are as follows: near the central square Plaça de Catalunya, in the Eixample district, in the medieval Ciutat Vella district and in the Sant Marti district.

1st choice area familes with children

In Plaça de Catalunya area

  • Barcelona's downtown central city square
  • Located between 19th century area and medieval area 
  • Best place to stay for central access to everything.
  • Good for familes with children of all ages

Why this neighbourhood is good for families:

From here you can walk to a number of Barcelona's top sights including Casa Mila ;and Casa Batlló by Gaudí, the gothic area, Barcelona cathedral and more. You will be close to all metro connections. The yellow metro line L4 takes you directly to Barcelona's own beaches but you can also take a coast train and be on amazing beaches north and south of the city in 1 hour or less. You will be close to hop-on-hop-off buses and the airport shuttle bus and the T2A bus to Barcelona's vintage amusement park Tibidabo at top of Tibidabo hill.

You will be close to regional train connections, so you can travel outside Barcelona to theme parks like PortAventura World, Ferrariland and to beaches outside Barcelona and sights/areas outside Barcelona.

You can be on very nice quiet beaches north and south of the city in 1 hour or less. There is also a supermarket open til 10pm at department store Corte Ingles, if you are staying in an apartment. If you have children who enjoy shopping in brand name stores, then most popular brand stores are close by. Important safety tip: The metro and trains are very safe but be aware of pickpockets. 

What's the cost? Staying in the downtown central area of Barcelona is of course a little more costly and the area is quite touristy and more noisy. But you save on convenience and travel time and most kids love the bustle of being in the center of a city.


Top rated family friendly apartments near Plaza Catalunya

Best reviewed Apartments Pl Catalunya
Family apartments Barcelona
Hotels near Plaça de Catalunya


Our top picks:

DestinationBCN Universitat  - Rated Superb.
Recent family review:
"Very nice property in a central location in Barcelona. It is quite spacious for 4-5 persons. Plaça de Catalunya and La Rambla are just a 5 minute walk. The open area attached to the apartment is quite relaxing in the evenings. The kitchen is also well equipped, not only with essential utensils and all equipments, but also tea, coffee, sugar, milk etc. The apartment also has good wines which are on payment basis."

Central Suites Barcelona - Rated Fabulous
Recent family review:
"We really enjoyed our stay and recommend this accommodation for a family of 6! Location was spot on. Centrally located, 2 minute walk from the metro and bus stops. Near Plaza Catalunya, La Rambla, and Casa Batllo"

You Stylish City Centre Apartments - Rated Very Good
Recent family review:
"Stunning - lovely apartment for a large family of 5"

Serennia Apartamentos Ramblas - Rated Very Good
Recent family review:
"The apartment is centrally located, favourite touristic attractions like Las Ramblas, Casa Battllo, Casa Mila, etc., are within a walking distance. Very close to two underground stations and bus stops which makes getting around the city easy and covenient. Furthermore, the neighbourhood is very lively, with lots of cafes and restaurants with Catalan and international cuisine. Last but nor least comes the cleanliness of the place and the hospitality and responsiveness of the staff and of our host Albert in particular. Many thanks indeed and would be glad to be back again soon!"

Aspasios Rambla Catalunya Suites - Rated Fabulous
Recent family review 2024:
"Perfect location, ideal flat. We felt v luck to be there 10 Liked · It was all to a high standard, clean, comfortable and any questions I had were answered immediately"

BCN Apartments 41 - rated Superb
Recent family review 2024:
"Very nice place to stay. It was clean and nice, with enough space for a family of four. The host was also very friendly. There are plenty of amenities nearby, and tourist attractions like Casa Batlló, Casa Mila, and Sagrada Familia are within walking distance. I would definitely stay here again if I were to visit again."


2nd choice area family with children

In Ciutat Vella medieval district


  • Medieval city area
  • Narrow streets and old architecture. 
  • Best place to stay for history and charm
  • Good for familes with children of all ages

Why this neighbourhood is good for families:

The medieval parts of Barcelona are very charming and fun for kids. So if you want to give your children some history and culture then the medieval part of Barcelona has plenty of it. This is also where you will find the famous La Rambla street, Barcelona Cathedral, Roman walls and Palau Guell house by Gaudi. The Ciutat Vella ( it means 'old city') is one of the largest medievel city areas in Europe and includes the five oldest neighbourhoods of the city which are called La Raval, Barri Gotic, La Ribera / El Born and Barceloneta.

For families with children under 18 we recommend the Gothic neighbourhood and El Born neighbourhood. These are the oldest and have the most history and charm. Here you can visit three gothic churches, wander around the narrow streets and find shops, cafes and restaurants are great. The Cuitat Vella borders the Port Vell marina where you can find the aquarium, harbour boats and bike tours. If you are in the Ribera/Santa Catarina/Born part of the Ciutat Vella then you are also close to the Park Ciutadella. Know that if you book private minivan tours then pick-ups are more difficult. Taxis can usually take you close to your hotel or apartment, but tour buses and minivans prefer to avoid the narrow streets of this area.

If you stay in the Gothic area but find a place still be in walking distance of Plaza Catalunya, then that is ideal. Travel tips for guests staying in Ciutat Vella: Be careful of pickpockets. Don't careful buying bags, shoes, soda on the street. It's illegal and some street items can be infected with E.coli bacteria. Also be aware of street sellers selling drinks - they sometimes store drinks in sewer drains and other equally unsanitory places. 

Some recommendations for family friendly stay in Ciutat Vella

Portal de Angel Barcelonastuff Rated Fabulous
Recent family review 2024:
"Perfect location for family time ! 8.0 Liked · Close to the center of city and walking distance to the subway station,nice owner of this home and he gave us all information needed to enjoy our stay."

Barcelona Mercaders Apartments Rated Very Good
Recent family review 2024:
"Excellent stay! Would definitely recommend!!! Location was excellent. Walking distance to most of the cities attractions and bodega around the corner. Comfortable and spacious enough for our family."

Apartments Ramblas108 Rated Very Good
Recent family review 2023:
"Loved the apartment and great for families. Location is amazing and very clean. Coffee in room is Nespresso. Everything in nearby and if you want local dining also very close by."

All hotels Gothic area


3rd choice area family with children:

in Sant Marti district 


  • Former industrial area
  • Now office and residential area near beaches
  • Modern architecture and big beach promenade
  • Great place to stay for sea and beaches

Why this neighbourhood is good for families:

In the summer months children love being near the sea. There are many lovely apartments and hotels near Barcelona's beaches. The beaches are safe with lifeguard services and cafes open in the summer months. There are many activities like bike tours, segway tours etc near the beach promenade. For sea activities like jet-ski, SUP paddle visit the marinas Port Olimpic or Port Forum. If you enjoy walking one can walk from Port Olimpic neighbourhood or Poblenou neighbourhood in 20 minutes to the older city center areas - and Barcelona Zoo is also quite close. The yellow metro line L4 connects you to the city center and there are some tram connections too. 

Canela Homes BARCELONA MARINA Rated Very Good
Sunny Playa Apartment Rated Very Good
Feelathome Poblenou Beach Apartments Rated Very Good
Lugaris beach Apartments Rated Very Good
Barcelona Apartment Republica Rated Good
RAMBLA BEACH Barcelonastuff Apartments Rated Very Good
Hotel SB Icaria ★★★★ Rated Good 
Hesperia Barcelona Del Mar ★★★★ Rated Very Good
Diagonal Zero ★★★★ Rated Good
Princess hotel ★★★★ Rated Very Good

More useful pages:

Map Barcelona beach hotels
Guide hotels near Barcelona beach
Apartments near Barcelona beaches
Guide Best Barcelona beach hotels
Map Barcelona beach hotels


4th choice area family with children: 

in Eixample district


  • Central area with 19th century modernist architecture. 
  • Good  for shopping and comfort
  • Eixample is a big district with local 'barrio' neighbourhoods
  • Check metro access before booking

Why this neighbourhood is good for families:

Eixample is our third choice for family-friendly stays in Barcelona for families with kids. Eixample's a little more upmarket, and perhaps a little more boring for children. Getting to the children's attractions can involve more walking or more transfers on public transport. If you kids are a bit older and can appreciate a bit of history and architecture, fine dining and trendy cafes, then Eixample is a good choice, but maybe for younger kids it will might a bit more dull.

Sensation Sagrada Familia Rated Superb
Hotel Sagrada Familia Apartments - Rated Very Good
WeFlating City Center Rated Fabulous
Central Suites Barcelona Rated Fabulous
Ps de Gr. Bas Apartments by Aspasios Rated Superb
Aspasios Rambla Catalunya Suites Rated Fabulous

Hotel America ★★★★ Rated Very Good
Boutique Hostemplo Sagr Familia ★★★ Rated Fabulous
Hotel Casa Bonay ★★★★ Rated Superb
Villa Emilia ★★★★ Rated Fabulous

Hotels in Eixample area
Hotels nr Passeig de Gracia
Apartments nrr Passeig de Gracia
Hotels near Sagrada Famila church
Apartments nr Sagrada Famila
Hotels near Plaza Espanya
Apartments nr Plaza Espanya

FULLSCREEN map Barcelona Family Apartments

Where are Barcelona's top attractions


Barcelona's top 10 attractions are spread around the city as you can see from the map below. 

The most central place for all top sights is near Plaça de Catalunya central square, but the city is small, safe and well connected by metro and tram so you can stay almost anywhere.

Best area to stay in Barcelona Spain


Related pages


Attractions children Barcelona
Plan 2 day visit Barcelona
Plan 3 day Barcelona visit.
Guide to Barcelona's top 10 attractions
Barcelona Cruise passenger guides
Barcelona Travel Tips
 
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Last Updated on Saturday, 23 November 2024 11:02
 

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