I live in Barcelona – here are my favourite neighbourhoods to escape the crowds

Mass tourism is a hot topic right now. Airlines are projecting to transport 4.7 billion travelers in 2024, surpassing the numbers before the Covid-19 pandemic. Barcelona is one of the destinations where the large influx of tourists is causing annoyance among locals. This season, the popular Catalan city has witnessed protestors using water guns on tourists, prompting the city's mayor, Jaume Collboni, to promise a complete prohibition on short-term vacation rentals by 2028.

Collboni has proposed additional actions to address the issue of overcrowding, such as increasing the tourist tax for cruise passengers staying in the city for less than 12 hours (currently set at €7/£6). Barcelona is the most popular cruise port in Europe, receiving approximately 3.1 million travelers annually. A large number of cruise visitors only spend a short time in the city and typically head to the historic district of Ciutat Vella. However, there are many other attractions worth exploring beyond this popular tourist area.

The city is divided into neighborhoods known as barrios, each with its own unique appeal. Those who explore these areas will experience less congestion and a more genuine taste of daily life in this lively city. Here are five barrios worth checking out.

Great for spending time at the beach, this area in the northeast of the city is lined with some of the best sandy stretches. Throughout the year, the clean and not too crowded Platja Bogatell and Platja Mar Bella are bustling with activity, including paddle boarders, swimmers, and sailboats in the water, and volleyball, yoga, and sunbathing on the shore. Once an industrial zone, Poblenou has undergone a transformation in recent times and is now a vibrant area filled with small art galleries, art schools, and shared workspace areas, as well as some of the city's top new restaurants and bars.

What to see: Visit the city's top design museum, Disseny Hub, and explore the vast historic flea market at Encants.

Where to dine and enjoy drinks: Visit Little Fern for brunch (try the kimchi pancakes), Masa Vins for organic wine and contemporary tapas, and Can Fisher for a delicious Sunday lunch paella.

Accommodation recommendation: Hostal Poblenou is a lovely place to stay with its bright yellow exterior and a terrace covered with a roof for shade. It's only a five-minute walk away from the beach. Prices start at £121 per night for a double room.

Gracia has a unique vibe, almost like a small town within a big city. Situated in the northern part of Barcelona, at the foot of the hill that leads to Park Güell and bordering the natural park of Collserola, there are plenty of green spaces nearby. The streets are mostly car-free, making it a great area for pedestrians to explore.

Things to do: Gaudí's early impressive creation, Casa Vincens, is often overlooked but definitely worth a visit. La Boqueria market, located near the famous Rambla street, is a popular spot for tourists, but each neighborhood has its own indoor market. Explore Mercat de Llibertat, Gracia's food market established in 1883, and then enjoy a glass of wine and a snack at Hermós' bar.

The best places to eat and drink: Start your day with delicious pastries from Coush Armo, have a taste of vermouth at La Vermu, and indulge in unique tapas at Fonda Pepa.

Accommodation Recommendation: Casa Gracia is a unique hostel that provides a luxurious experience, set in a beautiful modernist building with elegant furnishings. Guests can enjoy complimentary activities such as yoga and guided walking tours. Prices for double rooms start at £63 per night.

Located right next to the Collserola natural park, Barcelona's largest protected area spanning 8,000 hectares, this residential area offers a peaceful escape in the bustling city. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful Modernista architecture, a unique Catalan style inspired by Art Nouveau. With a variety of restaurants and charming shops, including boutiques, bakeries, and delis, there is plenty to explore in this upscale and refined district.

Things to do: Gaudi's Torre Bellesguard, a neo-Gothic mansion, is located away from the typical tourist spots but is definitely worth checking out. The Muñoz Ramonet Gardens are also a great option for a peaceful and enjoyable stroll in the afternoon.

Where to dine and drink: Start your day with a delicious breakfast and top-notch coffee at Flying Monkey, head to the quaint Bar Tomás for their famous patatas bravas, or indulge in gourmet tapas at Colmado Wilmot.

Accommodation recommendation: Primero Primera is a charming boutique hotel with a beautiful garden full of bougainvillea flowers and a unique kidney-shaped pool. This 30-room hotel offers a tranquil retreat for guests, with prices starting at £187 for a double room per night.

The residential area on the slope of Montjuic park has a quaint village atmosphere, even though it is near the city center. The main attraction in this area is the variety of trendy restaurants and bars that are constantly opening. In addition, Carrer de Blai, a bustling street running through the neighborhood, is a popular destination for trying out different tapas and pintxos options.

Things to check out: Montjuic is in the vicinity. You can visit Fundació Joan Miró (the Miro museum), Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, the beautiful botanical garden (please note that it is closed until 31 August), the Greek theatre, and the castle on top of the hill.

Looking for a place to enjoy food and drinks? Quimet and Quimet is a traditional tapas bar, and Denassus is a newer spot with a unique take. If you're in the mood for pasta served on a peaceful outdoor terrace, check out Xemei, a Venetian restaurant.

Accommodation Recommendation: Located on a peaceful road, Hotel Brummell is a small and stylish getaway spot with a tropical vibe and a small rooftop swimming pool. Prices start at £157 per night for double rooms.

People often think of Sants as just the place where the train station is in Barcelona. But, a lot of visitors don't take the time to discover the area around it. This neighborhood has bustling plazas and amazing dining spots that are worth checking out for a longer stay.

Things to check out: The food market El Mercado de Sants and the gardens Los Jardines de la Rambla de Sants are worth a visit.

Best places to eat and drink: If you're in the mood for authentic tapas, make sure to visit Bodega Bartoli (definitely try the classic tortilla) and Vermut i a la Gàbia (don't forget to order the fried aubergine with honey and cheese, and pear croquettes). If you're looking for a more modern option, NEØ is a fantastic choice for grabbing coffee or having brunch.

Accommodation Recommendation: If you're looking for a stylish and minimalistic hotel in Barcelona, check out Nobu's hotel. Their rooms have a sleek design and the roof terrace offers stunning views of the city. Prices start at £172 for a double room per night.

Check out Turisme de Barcelona and Visit Barcelona for additional information.