Barcelona: Stay in El Born

There are not many criteria that Barcelona’s El Born district does not meet:

Close to tourist attractions? Check! A fifteen minute walk from La Rambla, La Catedral and the beach.
Restaurants and cafes? Check! Some of Barcelona’s trendiest and chicest.

Shopping? Check! You’ll do better than Spanish staples Zara and Desigual here.
El born is home to exclusive boutiques and stores, showcasing both Spanish and international designers for kids and adults.

My favorites were Muna, a trendy little shop carrying haute couture for kids you won’t match anywhere else in Europe on Flassanders street and Almacen Marabi, a few paces away for uniquely Barcelona handmade toys and accessories.

The unassuming cobblestone locations and understated but confident atmosphere of these stores show that only those in the know go here. Mouth-watering bakeries showing the best of Catalan confectionery such as Brunells and Hofmann and the Picasso Museum are more reasons to stay in El Born, if you weren’t already convinced. Finally, check out this chain of tapas restaurants, Lonja de Tapas, with a couple of locations in El Born, great varied tapas menu and the only restaurant I found with a high chair!

For basic and functional family apartments in El Born, check out Habitat Apartments. The apartments look better on the website than in reality, but they do the job and the neighborhood more than makes up for it.

Little grocery shops at every corner and one larger supermarket will fulfill all your grocery and convenience needs.

El Born was the best place to experience the real Barcelona, away from but close to the crowds!