The best neighbourhoods in Barcelona for luxury properties

Barcelona has become one of the most desired cities for property investment, due to its location, climate, culture and fascinating history. It’s a city that has been described by many as having “everything”: a metropolitan city sat right on the sea with the most important port in Europe, surrounded by mountains and hiking paradises, a cultural and architectural focal point and a centre of international business.
As housing prices are on the increase since 2008’s crash, properties in Barcelona are gaining more value year on year whilst still maintaining comparatively low prices to the rest of Europe. Experts have repeatedly pointed out that now really is the ideal time to invest in property in Barcelona in order to get the biggest return on your investment.
The city of Barcelona has many varied neighbourhoods with luxury properties, all advantageous for different reasons. To help you gain an idea of the best areas for you and your investment, we’ve compiled a list of the best neighbourhoods in Barcelona for luxury properties.

Centre of Barcelona

Living in the centre of Barcelona has many advantages. For those who want to be right on the doorstep of the city’s culture, nightlife and beaches, the city centre is ideal. It goes without saying that it is extremely well connected by public transport and for those who work in the centre, it would mean a very short commute maybe even within walking distance.
This is the luxury of the living in the centre of Barcelona, however, a big determining factor when deciding which neighbourhood to look in is the property type you are after. If it is a big house with a garden that you really want, then perhaps the centre is not right for you. But what you can find here are spacious, sunny and luxurious apartments.

Ciutat Vella (Old Town)

Best for: central location; short commute; culture and nightlife; boutique shopping; easy access to beaches

Ciutat Vella is the historical and cultural centre of Barcelona, full of museums, cafés, restaurants and bars. The old town is split into three principal zones: El Born; Gothic Quarter and El Raval. El Born and the Gothic Quarter are the best places to live as El Raval still has the reputation of being quite unsafe at night.
El Born and the Gothic Quarter are both characterised by charming winding narrow streets and quaint plazas and in El Born is the Ciutadella Park, a green haven in the middle of the city popular with runners and families on weekends.
In the Gothic Quarter you can enjoy some of the best gothic Catalan architecture such as the Cathedral and Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi and the landmark city square of Plaza de Jaume which houses the town hall and the Palau de la Generalitat. Plaza Real is also in the Gothic Quarter, one of the most beautiful squares in Barcelona and famous for its stunning buildings surrounding the plaza.
Check out our Luxury Properties in Barcelona – Gothic Quarter

Eixample

Best for: central location; short commute; culture and nightlife; modernist architecture; designer shopping; larger apartments

Laid out in a grid and connecting the old town to the upper parts of the city is Eixample. It is characterised by its wide streets and Modernist buildings designed by famous Catalan architects such as Gaudí and Domènech i Montaner. It is one of the most exclusive areas to live in Barcelona and is home to Barcelona’s most important shopping avenue, Passeig de Gracia.
Public transport connection is very reliable in Eixample with numerous bus and metro lines crossing the neighbourhood. Cycling is also a popular form of transport.
Check out our Luxury Properties Barcelona – Diagonal

Zona Alta of Barcelona

The Zona Alta is the area of Barcelona towards to the Northwest of the city, nestled in the surrounding hills of Tibidabo and Collserola. More houses can be found in these areas, as opposed to apartments which are the predominant property type in the city. The Zona Alta is best for families and those wanting to be away from the noisiness of the city and is the ideal place for practicing mountain sports. The area also has many sports facilities such as tennis courts and horse riding clubs as well as the Sant Cugat golf courses. Parents will find many excellent international schools as well as business schools and a university campus.

Sarrià

Best for: families; peace and quiet; proximity to Collserola national park; hiking; cycling; schools

Located on the very edge of Barcelona on the southern slopes of the Collserola mountains, Sarrià is a quiet and upmarket neighbourhood, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Most of the properties here are large, sunny apartments and houses with gardens.
Sarrià is situated right on the edge of Collserola National Park, the largest metropolitan park in the world and so is the ideal location for those wanting to go hiking or cycling or that just enjoy being in more green environment.
Check out our Luxury Properties in Barcelona – Sarrià

Pedralbes

Best for: families; schools; sports facilities; peace and quiet; scenic neighbourhood

Next to Sarrià is Pedralbes. Properties here tend to be modern, innovative and spacious houses with landscaped gardens, beautiful balconies and private swimming pools. Pedralbes is one of the most sought-after residential areas and attracts the more affluent buyers. In the area there are also a number of international schools as well as exclusive sports facilities such as the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona and the Tennis Club Turo.
It is a very scenic neighbourhood which makes it very pleasant to walk around. Pedralbes is connected through tram, metro and several buses but cars are the main form of transport here and most, if not all, houses have private parking.
Check out our Luxury Properties in Barcelona – Pedralbes

Vallvidrera / Tibidabo

Best for: families; schools; sports facilities; peace and quiet; scenic neighbourhood

The Collserola mountain range marks the edge of Barcelona city and incorporates the neighbourhoods of Vallvidrera and Tibidabo. Being in the two highest districts in the city means that you can enjoy beautiful views of the city from your home. Another great factor of living in this area is having the Fabra Observatory, Museum of Science in Barcelona and the famous Tibidabo Amusement Park all right around the corner.
Check out our Luxury Properties in Barcelona – Uptown
Font Real Estate has many luxury properties currently for sale in all of these neighbourhoods in Barcelona. See our luxury properties in Barcelona here or get in touch with us today to find your personal property advisor who will help you in your search.