Best Neighborhoods for Families in Barcelona

Barcelona, is a vibrant city that offers a rich cultural experience, beautiful architecture, and a high quality of life. For expats and digital nomads with families, choosing the right neighborhood is crucial. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods for families to live in Barcelona, taking into account factors such as safety, schools, parks, and family-friendly activities.

Sarria-Sant Gervasi

Sarria-Sant Gervasi is an upscale neighborhood known for its tranquility and family-friendly atmosphere. Families can enjoy numerous parks, playgrounds, and green spaces. The neighborhood is home to several prestigious schools and sports facilities. On weekends, families often visit the CosmoCaixa science museum or explore the charming streets of the Sarria village.

Location: Uptown Barcelona, at the foot of the Collserola mountain range.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 1,500 EUR and 3 bedroom around 2,000 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 400,000 EUR and 3 bedroom around 550,000 EUR.

International Schools: St. Peter's School (British curriculum, ages 3-18), Benjamin Franklin International School (American curriculum, ages 3-18), and Oak House School (British curriculum, ages 3-18).

Where to Eat: Enjoy traditional Catalan cuisine at L'Antiga Esquerra de Sant Gervasi or try delicious pizzas at Parking Pizza.

Interesting History: The neighborhood was once an independent village and joined Barcelona in the early 20th century. You can still see the historic charm in the Sarria village.

Parks: The Parc de l'Oreneta and Parc del Turó del Putget are popular for their scenic views and play areas.

Gracia

Gracia is a lively, bohemian neighborhood with a strong community feel. It offers numerous plazas, parks, and pedestrian streets. Families can enjoy various cultural activities, markets, and festivals throughout the year. The neighborhood is also home to several good schools and sports facilities.

Location: North of the city center, just above Eixample.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 1,200 EUR and 3 bedroom around 1,800 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 350,000 EUR and 3 bedroom around 450,000 EUR.

International Schools: Gresol International-American School (American curriculum, ages 3-18) and Escola Martinet (Catalan curriculum with English immersion, ages 3-12).

Where to Eat: Try tapas at Gasterea or enjoy a family brunch at Mama's Cafe.

Interesting History: Gracia was also an independent town before joining Barcelona and still retains its unique identity.

Parks: The Parc Guell, designed by Antoni Gaudi, is a must-visit. Parc de la Creueta del Coll is also popular among families.

Eixample

Eixample is a centrally located neighborhood known for its modernist architecture and grid-like layout. It is close to many of the city's attractions and offers numerous schools, parks, and family-friendly activities. Families often visit the famous La Sagrada Familia or spend time in the beautiful Park de Joan Miro.

Location: Central Barcelona, between Ciutat Vella and Gracia.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 1,300 EUR and 3 bedroom around 2,000 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 400,000 EUR and 3 bedroom around 550,000 EUR.

International Schools: The British School of Barcelona (British curriculum, ages 3-18) and The American School of Barcelona (American curriculum, ages 3-18).

Where to Eat: Enjoy traditional Spanish dishes at Tickets or try Mediterranean cuisine at El Nacional.

Interesting History: Eixample is known for its modernist architecture, with many buildings designed by famous architects like Antoni Gaudi.

Parks: The Park de Joan Miro is a popular green space with a playground and sandpit.

Poblenou

Poblenou is a coastal neighborhood with a mix of industrial and modern architecture. It offers numerous parks, schools, and family-friendly activities. Families can enjoy the beach, visit the Parc del Centre del Poblenou, or explore the vibrant art and design scene.

Location: Northeastern part of the city, along the coast.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 1,200 EUR and 3 bedroom around 1,700 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 300,000 EUR and 3 bedroom around 400,000 EUR.

International Schools: Hamelin-Laie International School (British curriculum, ages 3-18) and ES International School (American curriculum, ages 12-18).

Where to Eat: Try seafood at Els Pescadors or enjoy a family meal at Can Recasens.

Interesting History: Poblenou was an important industrial area in the past, and many old factories have been converted into art and design spaces.

Parks: The Parc del Centre del Poblenou is a popular green space with a playground and water features.

Sants-Montjuic

Sants-Montjuic is a large neighborhood with a mix of residential and cultural areas. It is home to numerous parks, museums, and sports facilities. Families can visit the Montjuic Magic Fountain, explore the Montjuic Castle, or enjoy various cultural events.

Location: Southwestern part of the city, including the Montjuic hill.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 1,100 EUR and 3 bedroom around 1,600 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 280,000 EUR and 3 bedroom around 380,000 EUR.

International Schools: The Kensington School (British curriculum, ages 3-18) and The Olive Tree School (British curriculum, ages 3-18).

Where to Eat: Enjoy traditional Catalan cuisine at Can Majó or try Japanese dishes at Koy Shunka.

Interesting History: The Montjuic Castle played an important role in the city's history and offers panoramic views of Barcelona.

Parks: The Montjuic Park is a large green space with numerous gardens, museums, and sports facilities.

Les Corts

Les Corts is a residential neighborhood known for its tranquility and family-friendly atmosphere. It offers numerous parks, schools, and sports facilities. Families can enjoy the Parc de la Ciutadella, visit the famous Camp Nou stadium, or explore the vibrant shopping district.

Location: Western part of the city, near the Camp Nou stadium.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 1,300 EUR and 3 bedroom around 1,800 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 350,000 EUR and 3 bedroom around 450,000 EUR.

International Schools: St. Paul's School (British curriculum, ages 3-18) and The English School (British curriculum, ages 3-18).

Where to Eat: Try traditional Spanish dishes at La Bodegueta or enjoy a family meal at La Taqueria.

Interesting History: Les Corts was once an independent town and joined Barcelona in the late 19th century.

Parks: The Parc de la Ciutadella is a popular green space with a playground, lake, and zoo.

Sant Marti

Sant Marti is a coastal neighborhood with a mix of residential and industrial areas. It offers numerous parks, beaches, and family-friendly activities. Families can enjoy the beach, visit the Parc del Forum, or explore the vibrant art and design scene.

Location: Northeastern part of the city, along the coast.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 1,200 EUR and 3 bedroom around 1,700 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 300,000 EUR and 3 bedroom around 400,000 EUR.

International Schools: The Benjamin Franklin International School (American curriculum, ages 3-18) and The American School of Barcelona (American curriculum, ages 3-18).

Where to Eat: Try seafood at La Barraca or enjoy a family meal at Els Quatre Gats.

Interesting History: Sant Marti was an important industrial area in the past and still retains some of its industrial heritage.

Parks: The Parc del Forum is a popular green space with a playground and water features.

Horta-Guinardo

Horta-Guinardo is a large neighborhood with a mix of residential and natural areas. It offers numerous parks, schools, and family-friendly activities. Families can visit the Parc del Laberint d'Horta, explore the Serra de Collserola natural park, or enjoy various cultural events.

Location: Northern part of the city, near the Collserola mountain range.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 1,000 EUR and 3 bedroom around 1,500 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2 bedroom apartment is around 250,000 EUR and 3 bedroom around 350,000 EUR.

International Schools: The British School of Barcelona (British curriculum, ages 3-18) and The American School of Barcelona (American curriculum, ages 3-18).

Where to Eat: Enjoy traditional Catalan cuisine at Can Cortada or try Mediterranean dishes at L'Olivera.

Interesting History: The Parc del Laberint d'Horta is the oldest garden in Barcelona and features a hedge maze.

Parks: The Serra de Collserola natural park is a large green space with numerous hiking trails and scenic views.