The Top 6 Best Neighborhoods For Families in Barcelona plus BONUS: 4 Nearby Cities
Moving to Barcelona with kids is an exciting adventure, but choosing the right neighborhood—or nearby town—can make all the difference. While Barcelona itself has fantastic family-friendly districts, several nearby towns offer even more space, greenery, and top-tier international schools while remaining well-connected by public transport to consider as well and often come at a cheaper price.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best neighborhoods in Barcelona for expat families, including some often-overlooked gems, plus nearby cities and towns that provide great alternatives with a quieter lifestyle.
Best Barcelona Neighborhoods for Families
1. Sarrià-Sant Gervasi: Upscale & Family-Oriented
📍 Upscale, quiet, close to international schools
Why it’s great:
- Safest and most affluent district in Barcelona
- Top international schools (Oak House, Benjamin Franklin International School)
- Green spaces like Jardins de Sant Gervasi, Turó Park, and close to Collserola Park
- Local, family-friendly vibe (less touristy)
- Many expat focused activities for adults and children
Considerations:
- High cost of living (rents and property prices are steep)
- Further from the city center (but well-connected via FGC trains)
Best for: Expats prioritizing safety, top-tier schools, and a quieter lifestyle.
2. Gràcia: Bohemian Charm with a Community Feel
📍 Artsy, walkable, great for young families
Why it’s great:
- Pedestrian-friendly streets with plenty of squares with playgrounds, space to run around, and cafés (Plaça de la Virreina, Plaça del Sol)
- Strong expat community combined with local Catalan families
- Good mix of public and private schools (some trilingual)
- Vibrant but not as chaotic as the city center
Considerations:
- Can get noisy during festivals (like Festa Major de Gràcia)
- Limited parking
- Smaller apartments
Best for: Families who want a lively, creative atmosphere with a village-like feel.
3. Eixample: Central & Well-Connected
📍 Modernist architecture, great amenities
Why it’s great:
- Wide streets with playgrounds (Jardins de la Torre de les Aigües)
- Excellent public transport (metro, buses)
- Safe, upscale areas
- Many restaurants and activities for families
Considerations:
- Some areas are busy (especially near Passeig de Gràcia)
- Higher rental prices in prime zones
- Limited playgrounds and plazas
Best for: Families who want a central location with great infrastructure.
4. Les Corts: Residential & Business Mix
📍 Quiet, near Camp Nou, good schools
Why it’s great:
- Close to Parc de Cervantes and Pedralbes Gardens
- Safe, residential feel with expat-friendly services
- Well-connected via metro (L3) and buses
- Close to Sants Estació (train station with regional and high speed trains, along with subway lines)
Considerations:
- Less “authentic” Barcelona charm (more modern)
- Some areas feel corporate
Best for: Expats looking for a balance between calm and city convenience.
5. Sant Martí: Up-and-Coming Coastal Living
📍 Modern, beach proximity, improving amenities
Why it’s great:
- Close to beaches (Bogatell, Mar Bella)
- Newer developments with modern amenities
- Growing number of international families
- Good transport links (L2/L4 subway, tram)
- Future home to new high-speed train station (connecting to Girona and France)
Considerations:
- Still developing in some areas
- Fewer international schools (but improving; many international schools route buses through here to accommodate)
Best for: Families who want modern housing near the beach.
6. Poble Sec: Affordable & Authentic
📍 Local vibe, great food, Montjuïc access
Why it’s great:
- More affordable than neighboring Eixample
- Direct access to Montjuïc Park (great for kids)
- Authentic local atmosphere
- Good transport (L2, L3, funicular)
Considerations:
- Some streets can be noisy at night
- Small apartments
- Little parking available
Best for: Families seeking an authentic Barcelona experience on a budget.
Best Nearby Towns for Expats with Kids
1. Sant Cugat del Vallès (20 minutes by FGC train)
🏡 Suburban, green, top international schools
Why it’s great:
- One of the best places for expat families
- Top international schools (Agora, European International School of Barcelona (EISB))
- Huge green spaces (Collserola Natural Park)
- Very safe, high quality of life
Considerations:
- Requires commuting if working in Barcelona
- More car-dependent than central Barcelona
Best for: Families who prefer a suburban lifestyle with easy city access.
2. Badalona (20 minutes by metro L2)
🏖️ Beachside, affordable, good schools
Why it’s great:
- More affordable than Barcelona
- Beach access (Platja de Badalona)
- Good public and private schools
- Family-friendly neighborhoods like Badalona Centre or Casagemes
Considerations:
- Some areas are less polished than Barcelona
- Fewer international schools
- Higher crime in some areas to be avoided
Best for: Families who want a coastal lifestyle near Barcelona.
3. Rubí (30 minutes by FGC train)
🌳 Affordable, green, relaxed
Why it’s great:
- Lower cost of living than Barcelona
- Good public schools and some private options
- Close to Collserola Park (great for hiking)
- Strong local community
- Close to international schools located in Sant Cugat
Considerations:
- Fewer expats than Sant Cugat
- Limited nightlife
- Car dependent
Best for: Families looking for an affordable, quiet town near Barcelona.
4. Esplugues de Llobregat (40 minutes by tram or bus)
🏘️ Residential, safe, near top schools
Why it’s great:
- Close to the American School of Barcelona and other good schools
- Safe, family-friendly environment
- Easy access to Barcelona (via tram/bus)
Considerations:
- Fewer entertainment options
- Mostly residential (not much nightlife)
Best for: Families prioritizing proximity to schools and a quiet setting.
Key Factors When Choosing a Location
✅ Schools: International vs. local, proximity, installations, languages spoken
✅ Safety: Low crime, pedestrian-friendly streets
✅ Green Spaces: Parks, playgrounds
✅ Transport: Subway, trains, buses
✅ Community: Expat groups, family-friendly events
Final Thoughts
Barcelona offers fantastic neighborhoods for expat families, from upscale Sarrià-Sant Gervasi to authentic Poble Sec, while nearby towns like Sant Cugat, Badalona, Rubí, and Esplugues provide excellent alternatives with more space and greenery at a lower cost.
Which area suits your family best? Let us know in the comments!
