The Districts of Barcelona

The Barcelona 10 specific districts,  broken down into a further 73 different neighborhoods. In order to be better prepared to find Barcelona apartments for rent here is a quick breakdown of the most important stats and aspects of these districts.

Ciutat Vella (Barcelona)

This is considered the old district which is also the heart of the city and is numbered 1, as the historical center of the city. With 100,000 residents it is the third most densely populated area in the city. It includes the popular neighborhoods of El Raval, Barri Gotic, and Barceloneta. As the heart of the city, it also includes many culturally and significant architectural structures including Plaza Real, Barcelona Cathedral, and many others.

Related article: Catedral de Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia

Eixample District

This is the second numbered district in Barcelona and actually occupies the center of the city. However, it is the most populated part of Barcelona and all of Spain with over 260,000 inhabitants. In the late 1800s, this district was literally the expansion of the city and part of the new urban planning experiment happening all over Europe as cities expanded and industrialization took off. Today it is home to high-class residential and shopping areas and some of the most famous plazas in Barcelona.

Sants-Montjuic

This district is on the southwestern border of the city of Barcelona and is bordered by the city, the shore in the mountains of Montjuic. As a third most populous district with over 180,000 people, it ranks ninth in population density because of the inclusion of the mountain ranges.

Les Corts

Les Corts is a third smallest district by area size what is the smallest in population size. The district centers around Las Corts de Sarria that was annexed by Barcelona in 1899 by decree. A financial hub of Barcelona and home to the famous Camp Nou football stadium.

Sarria-Sant Gervasi

As a second largest district by area it is also the highest per capita income district in Barcelona located in the northwest corner with much of the district sitting atop Sierra de Collserola. It is urban population centers around a number of previously annexed towns.

Gracia

Although it is the smallest district by area size in Barcelona it is the second most densely populated district with over 120,000 people within 4.2 km². Within easy reach of downtown being just north of it is a popular district amongst locals to be out of the central tourist areas yet have all the amenities in a quieter setting.

Related article: Cheap eats in Gràcia

Horta-Guinardo

As the third largest district of Barcelona its development has centered mainly around the physical and typographical elements of the area. With the Valley of Hebron, the stream of Horta, and the Sierra de Collserola its inhabitants populate areas surrounding these three physical demarcations. Its total area represents almost 12% of the land area of Barcelona with almost 170,000 inhabitants.

Nou Barris

As the most ethnically diverse district in Barcelona this district is the center of most immigration into the area surrounding Barcelona. If you are looking for ethnic cuisine this would be the district in which to visit. The district is now one of the most cost-effective areas in which to live in Barcelona.

Related article: All about Nou Barris

Sant Andreu

Centered around the old town of Sant Andreu, the largest portion of its inhabitants lives in this town of about 52,000 people, whereas the entire district is over 170,000 population. The district itself was only created in 1984 when the Council of Barcelona created the 10 major districts. San Andres church is one of the most significant architectural buildings in the district.

Sant Marti

Another district given its name from the old town at its center, San Martin de Provensals, named after the local parish church. It is the second most populous and urbanized district with over 220,000 people. Sitting to the east of downtown it rests on the Barcelona plain overlooking the Mediterranean Sea

Looking for a Barcelona apartment for rent will take some research into each of these 10 districts and further into the 73 neighborhoods included within the districts to find the one that suits your needs including amenities such as restaurants and cultural institutions. Visit ShBarcelona to see the amazing apartments we have to offer.