Are you searching for the ideal place to live in Barcelona? Somewhere conveniently located so you can easily access all that the city has to offer, yet quiet and relaxed at the same time? If so, the suburbs of Barcelona are where you should explore. If you base yourself in one of Wimdu’s holiday apartments in the city, you can spend time getting to know each area, before making the final decision on where you would like to live in the city.
Below is a short list of three of the best suburbs in Barcelona. Search these areas for your dream apartment or home if you want to live near, but not in the city.
San Cugat
San Cugat is fantastically located if you’re planning on moving with your family to a suburb of Barcelona. There are easy local train connections to the city centre, while the slower, easier pace of San Cugat is a welcome change for those who want to give their children a quiet place to grow up while still having easy access to the city.
Residents who enjoy nature can take a relaxed stroll through the forests found in the Collserola mountain ridge. The area also features a large park and the quaint downtown area has everything you will need. This sought after area commands high prices, but if you’re looking for a small home or a large townhouse, you'll be happy to know that those options are available, especially since you can’t find them easily in Barcelona.
Photo by Jose Luis Mieza
Esplugues de Llobregat and St Just Desvern
These inner suburbs, found in northwest Barcelona, are ideal for those seeking plenty of green open space, horse riding facilities and tennis clubs. Beware that bus rides into the centre of the city take more than an hour and there aren’t any trains or metros in the area, so you'll need to invest in a car.
Even though traffic can become an issue, you won’t need to go far to find what you need, with traditional stores and supermarkets all within close-proximity.
Photo by franb217
Sitges
Sitges is a coastal town located a mere 30 minutes to the south of the city. It’s a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. The area is relaxed with a bohemian flair and is served by a train that will transport you right to the centre of Barcelona in under a half hour. This area is perfect for those looking for a beachy place to live while still commuting to Barcelona for work.
As with other areas of Barcelona and its suburbs, don’t expect property here to be cheap. Nevertheless, there are many options to check out, such as small apartments in the middle of the town that provide a host of conveniences, and El Vinyet, a residential area filled with apartments.
Photo by Jose Gimenez
Ciutat Vella
If you want to live within Barcelona itself, Ciutat Vella is a good option. This is one of the uniquest locations in the city and is split up into three areas: El Raval in the south, El Borne in the north and Barri Gotic, which is the gothic quarter of the city. Especially ideal for professional couples and those who don’t want to have to commute for too long to get to work, Ciutat Vella is home to some of the city’s best museums and art galleries.
Not the best place for families, due to the small apartments and the inability to get a car to most of the properties here, it could still be a viable option if you want to be at the centre of everything. Ciutat Vella is, however, a touristy neighbourhood, so expect street noise and a higher than average crime rate.
Photo by MorBCN
For those who want to be close to Barcelona yet in a neighbourhood that’s perfect for raising a family or relaxing in a peaceful environment, the suburbs have plenty to offer.
