The Best Neighborhoods for Students in Barcelona
Year after year, Barcelona remains one of the most popular destinations in the world for students, whether they come through Erasmus or to complete their degree here. With its beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture, it ticks all the boxes for those looking to spend a truly unforgettable time.
Although Barcelona is not the largest city in Spain, each of its neighborhoods has its own unique personality. If you’re planning to study in Barcelona and wondering where to live, keep reading our guide to the best neighborhoods for students coming to the Catalan capital!
Gràcia: Experience Barcelona’s Authentic Bohemian Lifestyle
This neighborhood, which was once a completely separate town from Barcelona until the development of the Eixample connected Gràcia to the city, has managed to preserve its authentic village feel. Gràcia is full of quirky independent shops selling sustainable fashion, vintage clothing, and delicious local products.
Gràcia is also home to some of the best squares and terraces where you can enjoy a drink and tapas in the sun. The area is well known for its annual neighborhood festival, the Festa Major de Gràcia, which will take place in August 2026. During this time, the streets compete for the title of “best decoration,” and the neighborhood comes alive with thousands of events, including workshops, activities, and live concerts.
Gràcia is a fantastic area for students looking to enjoy an authentic and unique Barcelona experience. If you like the neighborhood, here’s a selection of AB Apartment Barcelona rental apartments in Gràcia.
Universities in Gràcia: IED Barcelona, INSA Business, Marketing & Communication School
Eixample: Right in the Heart of It All
Barcelona’s largest and most well-known district, the Eixample, is another hotspot for students coming to the city. Easily recognized for its iconic grid layout, famous landmarks, and vibrant nightlife, Eixample is a truly special place. It’s a great option if you’re a student unsure about where to live, as it offers a central location, plenty of things to do, and excellent connections to the rest of the city.
The Eixample is a district made up of several neighborhoods: Eixample Right, Eixample Left, Sagrada Familia, Sant Antoni, and Fort Pienc. It’s a very large area, so we’ve narrowed it down to these neighborhoods as the best options for students:
- Sagrada Familia
It’s quite a touristy area due to Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, but it’s also full of cafés and terraces where you can enjoy a drink with friends.
- Sant Antoni
This neighborhood might not be the first that comes to mind, but it’s definitely one to consider as a student. Sant Antoni is a modern and lively area, a favorite among locals for going out and enjoying a vermouth with friends.
- Eixample Left
Voted the coolest neighborhood in the world by Time Out magazine, Eixample Left has earned this title thanks to its lively atmosphere, strong community spirit, and excellent independent shops and restaurants.
Universities in Eixample: University of Barcelona, EAE Business School, EADA Business School, Toulouse Business School.
El Born: Feel Close to Everything
El Born is a neighborhood that puts you close to everything you could want in Barcelona. From here, you’re just a 15-minute walk from the Barceloneta Beach, close to the shops along the main streets surrounding Plaça Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia, and just steps away from the green spaces of Parc de la Ciutadella, and much more.
Sant Pere, Santa Caterina and La Ribera are the official names of this area, but it has become widely known simply as “El Born.” The neighborhood has retained its traditional charm, giving you the chance to live in some of the oldest buildings in Barcelona, while enjoying apartments that have been recently renovated on the inside.
It’s also a great place to spend time with friends, as El Born is home to countless restaurants and bars. Its streets are full of life and activity from morning until night, making it perfect if you enjoy socializing and being part of a vibrant community.
Universities in El Born: although there are no university campuses in the neighborhood itself, it is well connected to the city’s main universities.
Les Corts: Live in the University District
Barcelona’s university area (Zona Universitària) is located within the district of Les Corts. It stretches along both sides of Avinguda Diagonal and, despite being popular with students, it remains a शांत and peaceful area.
Les Corts is home to green parks such as Parc de Pedralbes, which is perfect for going for a walk and getting some fresh air. This park also hosts one of Barcelona’s most famous music events, the Pedralbes Festival. For shopping and dining, its location next to Avinguda Diagonal means you’ll have a wide range of options to choose from.
This neighborhood offers both a modern and a more traditional side. If you choose an apartment near Avinguda Diagonal, you’ll find more modern buildings and be close to shopping centers such as L’illa Diagonal, as well as the department store El Corte Inglés. And if you’re a football fan, the iconic Camp Nou is also located in Les Corts!
Universities in Les Corts: ESADE, EU Business School, IESE Business School, UPC, Faculty of Law at the University of Barcelona
Gothic Quarter: Winding Streets Full of History and Culture
Another gem of Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella, this neighborhood is home to some of the oldest buildings in the city and stunning architecture. Here, you’ll find the Barcelona Cathedral, Santa Maria del Pi, as well as Plaça Sant Jaume, where the City Hall and the Generalitat de Catalunya are located.
There are plenty of squares in the Gothic Quarter where you can sit and enjoy a drink with friends, and you’ll always see students strolling through its streets. The most famous square in Gothic style is Plaça Reial, packed with bars, restaurants, and some popular nightclubs among students.
The Gothic Quarter blends the old with the new, set against the backdrop of ancient Roman walls, where you’ll find quirky shops and great spots for vegan food. It’s a lively area where there’s always something going on, so you’ll never get bored.
Universities in the Gothic Quarter: Pompeu Fabra University, Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering
Barceloneta: Enjoy the Sun, Sea, and Sand Every Day!
The dream neighborhood for anyone coming to Barcelona for its beaches! Barceloneta is the area located right next to the three beaches of Barceloneta, Sant Sebastià, and Somorrostro. Be the first to hit the beach and the last to leave by living just steps away from the sea.
Spend a relaxing day at the beach, soaking up the sun and playing volleyball, then head out at night to enjoy some of the most popular nightclubs in Barcelona, located in Barceloneta. Shoko, Pacha, and Opium are among the top spots for students and young people looking to party in the city.
Renting an apartment in Barceloneta comes with many benefits — you can easily find a place with a balcony and sea views, perfect for enjoying stunning sunsets.
Universities in Barceloneta: Pompeu Fabra University (Campus de Mar), Barcelona School of Nautical Studies
Have You Found Your Ideal Neighborhood Yet?
If you’ve already found the neighborhood that suits you best, we’d be delighted to help you find your ideal apartment! At AB Apartment Barcelona, we offer hundreds of apartments across the city to match your specific needs. Browse our website to discover all our properties or get in touch with our friendly team, available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.
