The largest square in Barcelona, Placa Catalunya is considered the heart of the city – it's where many of Barcelona's main streets meet. Stay here and you'll be in the thick of the city, close to the buzzing social scene and popular attractions like La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter. The trade-off: the cost of rooms in nearby hotels tend to be a little bit higher.

Connecting Placa Catalunya with the Christopher Columbus Monument, the tree-lined La Rambla is a thriving pedestrianised street. Enjoy your pick of shopping opportunities, take a trip to the La Boqueria food market, and make sure you stop to admire the Miro Mosaic, created by famous artist Joan Miro. There's a good selection of hotels along La Rambla, but do be prepared for some noise if staying here.

Soak up the culture and architecture of Barcelona in one of the oldest parts of the city: the Gothic Quarter. Let the narrow, winding streets guide you to the many laidback bars, cafes and restaurants. Lodgings range from apartments to boutique hotels, so there's something to suit every style of holiday.

Poble Sec is nestled between Montjuic and Parallel Avenue (named so as it runs parallel to the equator). A 20-minute walk from La Rambla, book accommodation here and you'll enjoy peaceful, laidback evenings. Reflect on the day's sightseeing over some tapas in one of the many restaurants, or head to one of the nearby theatres, like the El Molino or Teatre Grec.

Enjoy an upbeat community feel when staying in Gracia. Until the 19th century, it was an independent town – a proud identity that many of Gracia's residents hold on to. The area attracts a bohemian and artsy crowd, so it offers a very different vibe to central Barcelona. Gracia is well serviced by the Metro and offers a range of guesthouses, apartments and comfortable hotels.

Translated, the word ‘Eixample' means ‘expansion' and that's what this area does – it joins Old Town Barcelona with surrounding areas, like Gracia. Make Eixample your base if you're interested in seeing Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia (the unfinished church) or indulging in designer retail therapy. Five-star accommodation is the order of the day when staying here.