With so much emblematic architecture and charming areas, those coming to this Catalonian city will want to know which are best neighborhoods for remote workers in Barcelona. The city's place as one of the major cultural capitals of the world has been compounded by its strong local traditions and identity, which has shaped its position as a Spanish city with a noticeably distinct personality. For remote workers, the attractiveness of this city is in plain view - beautiful beaches, great nightlife, reliable infrastructure. As one of the European Union’s largest urban areas, however, Barcelona is a big city. To help those coming here choose the right place to live, we have outlined the best neighborhoods for remote workers to live in Barcelona.
Without a doubt, El Born is Barcelona’s most popular neighborhood. Centrally located and with excellent transport links to the rest of the city, it is certainly a convenient place to stay in Barcelona. El Born is hugely popular with tourists, expats and long-term visitors alike, and it continues to draw in crowds because of its hip vibe and famous nightlife venues. Its narrow streets and the Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral are a testament to the city’s medieval past, yet the many cocktail bars and modern art museums in the area signify Barcelona’s progressive present. The area’s popularity mean it is very crowded and prices here can certainly be more expensive in terms of rents.
Located well south of El Born is El Poble Sec, one of Barcelona’s most distinct and lively neighborhoods. This is certainly one of the best neighborhoods for remote workers in Barcelona who enjoy the arts and a vibrant nightlife. Along Paralel Avenue here you will find quaint and traditional playhouses and cabarets staging great local theater. The area also has excellent tapas bars and wineries surrounding the many beautiful squares that define the neighborhood. This is certainly a less touristic area than El Born and rental prices are bound to be a little lower.
Zona Alta is certainly Barcelona’s upscale area, and the home of the city’s wealthy professionals and expats. It is the best neighborhood for remote workers in Barcelona looking a for consistent access to nature and the best food and nightlife in the city. Set against the mountains, Zona Alta offers numerous green spaces as well low-levels of traffic and great transportation options into the center of the city. Here you are likely to find the most attractive accommodation with the best amenities, yet you should also expect prices to be relatively high.
This tiny area set on the Catalonian coast is certainly the best neighborhood for remote workers in Barcelona who are looking for a beach experience. La Barceloneta is popular among locals and visitors alike on the weekend, when its many swanky restaurants and bars along the promenade fill up as yachts pull into the local port. Sant Sebastiá Beach is a short walk away and offers sandy shores perfect for sunbathing. It is the perfect neighborhoods for lovers of sea travel, as the main Port of Barcelona is located right here, offering regular services to other cities in Spain, Italy and Morocco.
If you’ve come to Barcelona for its artistic culture and alternative vibe, El Raval is likely the place for you. Quickly gentrifying, this neighborhood still feels true to its industrial past but has recently witnessed the birth of many art galleries, EDM nightclubs and local markets. The area is also filled with great, hip cafes offering excellent spaces for getting some work done close to the city center. Rentals here are likely to be cheaper and the area maintains great connections to the rest of the city, making it one of the best neighborhoods for remote workers in Barcelona.
For more information about living in Barcelona as a remote worker, check out our complete Barcelona guide.