I would like recommendations for neighborhoods to consider for lodging in Barcelona in June. We will be with my 92 yo mother for 3 nights so that my sister (mom's caregiver) can explore the city for a few days. Mom can do limited walks, so I am wanting to rent in a quiet nbrhd with good sidewalks, shops, etc that would allow for a little exploration. We may be bringing or renting a wheelchair for her. Thank you.
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
3071 posts
Districts: http://bit.ly/BCNdistricts
Neighbourhoods: http://bit.ly/BCNhoods
The district of Gràcia is likely to be a good match; traffic is "pacified" (traffic calming) and has plenty of semi-pedestrianised streets and people-friendly small squares. Poblenou, around Rambla del Poblenou, might be another good choice. Given your predicament, I'd definitively avoid staying in the neighbourhoods in the district of Ciutat Vella, especially El Raval or El Gòtic, as they're too noisy and busy all the time.
Where do you normally live?
Useful info: https://www.barcelona-access.com/ACCESSIBLE/accessibilitat-home and for wheelchair rentals here is a starting point for you https://www.barcelona-access.com/ACCESSIBLE/Productes-i-serveis/Productes-i-Serveis---Ortopedies-i-Ajudes-Tecniques/_qTOdJvTDy-I6NKjRPcbK1FW6Stk95FnlJEpN_wOlR3Wun1gzXKI6_qnJia6sFtDX
Posted by
OP
Oregon, USA
6 posts
Thank you, Enric for your help and guidance. We live in Oregon and Michigan, USA, and will be in Barcelona for a wedding celebration.
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
3071 posts
Hi aok.klein,
My question was more in the line of which city/town... Asking this cause, in my experience, one's home surroundings play a role in estimating whether one might be more comfortable staying in one district or another when visiting. If you live in a quiet small area, you might not necessarily like to stay in an area of the city which is bustling with people and traffic all the time whereas if you live in say, the area of Woodward Avenue in Detroit for example, you're surely more accustomed to it therefore you might not mind staying in similar area in Barcelona.
For those US visitors: keep in mind that Barcelona is one of the densest cities in Europe, ranking among the top 10, with an average of 40+ thousand residents per square mile. The densest major city in the US is NY, with 29+ thousand. Some folks are not necessarily comfortable with that many people around so choosing a slightly less dense area of the city to spend the night might be preferred.
Posted by
OP
Oregon, USA
6 posts
Bill, thank you for your suggestion!
Enric, We live in suburbia-- car-dependent and not used to crowded cities. And that's not even including my mom at her slow pace!! I appreciate your thoughtful considerations. There is not much to rent in Gracia proper; I can get close, but not really in it. I will continue to research availabilitiy in the areas you and Bill offered. So very helpful. Thank you for your time.
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
3071 posts
The district of Gràcia has several neighbourhoods -as you can see looking at the files I sent-, I can't believe you can't find a rental for a few days. Where (what websites) are you looking at? what sort of apartment/hotel are you looking for?
Posted by
OP
Oregon, USA
6 posts
Enric, thank you for your concern. When I changed the search to "Vila de Gràcia", I found some nice accomodations. Waiting to firm up our plans, but will definitely be booking in that neighborhood. Thank you!