Spotahome's Guide to Renting and Living in Horta-Guinardó

by Sabrina Bertazzo

Spotahome is a mid-long term rentals platform that allows you to book your new home from anywhere!

Today, we asked our local experts to tell us EVERYTHING about Horta-Guinardó, in Barcelona. In this article, you'll find why you should book your accommodation in Horta-Guinardó, what to visit, the best places to eat and go shopping. And, if you are a student you'll also find out about libraries, green areas and best places to practise sport.

Here's your guide to renting and living in Horta-Guinardó

Photo by Alina Stiba / Unsplash

Horta-Guinardó

Located in the northeast of Barcelona, ​​between Gracia and Nou Barris, Horta-Guinardó neighbourhood is surrounded by hills, mountains and valleys and also offers stunning views of the city.

One of the biggest advantages of renting a room or apartment in Horta-Guinardó is that in this part of town, the accommodation is cheaper while still featuring good public transport connections.

The area has retained its village atmosphere and if you are looking for a place to truly experience real local life in Barcelona, Horta is perfect. Life here is calm and streets are filled with families rather than tourists.

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What to see and do in Horta-Guinardó

The Hospital de Sant Pau, which is located next to the Sagrada Familia was declared as an Artistic Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1984.

Parc Laberint d'Horta is the green lung of the Horta and Guinardó neighbourhood and Barcelona's oldest garden. It was designed in 1792 by the Italian engineer Domenico Bagutti, as a project of Joan Desvalls, the Marquis of Llupià and Alfarràs, the owner of the estate. Parc Laberint d'Horta is a great example of  artistic gardening and definitely worth a visit (or more!).  The park takes its name from the maze in it and it's made of cypress trees and it's loved by people both young and old.

Photo by Alina Stiba / Unsplash

If you are feeling like you need to get some exercise, the Barcelona Palau d'Esports and the Olympic Velodrome are also in Horta-Guinardó. There are also many football and basketball courts throughout the district.

Head to the Turó de la Rovera viewpoint where you can enjoy an incredible 360º view of the entire city of Barcelona. Head there at sunrise or sunset for an extra special experience.

Or if you are looking for a place to relax, you can also head to the northern part of the district which is covered by a forest.

Photo by tommy boudreau / Unsplash

Student life in Horta-Guinardó

In the north side of the neighbourhood, you can find the Education Campuses of Barcelona University and the Universitària d'Hostaleria i Turisme-CETT. In the south, instead, there is the Faculty of Ciències de la Salut Blanquerna - URL.

If you are looking for a place to study, there are a few libraries so you can quietly study close to your student accommodation, like Guinardó library- Mercè Rodoreda, Laboratoris Dr. Esteve library and El Carmel library - Juan Marsé.

If your Spanish isn't great yet, you can practice at one of the many language schools in the area like Escola Oficial d'Idiomes Barcelona VI – Guinardó, Tecniber-5 and Escola Oficial d'Idiomes Barcelona - Vall d'Hebron.

Food in Horta-Guinardó

There are several restaurants in the Horta-Guinardó neighbourhood and you won't be left hungry here.

Los Noveles is a favourite among locals and their anchovies are delicious here. If you are in the mood for sandwiches instead, head to El Quimet d'Horta on Plaça d'Eivissa which also serves the best Patatas Bravas in Horta-Guinardó.

Photo by Nacho Carretero Molero / Unsplash

Nightlife

The district of Horta isn't very famous for its night life nor for its busy activities in its streets at night. However, Horta is home to excellent bars, like La Whiskeria, where you can grab a mojito and meet the locals. And what's best than feeling at home in a new city?

Photo by Adam Jaime / Unsplash

If you feel like dancing, there are also a few nightclubs, small but with a great vibe.

Transport & Getting Around

L3: You can get to Horta via the Green Line, exiting at Vall d'Hebron, Montbau, Mundet or Valldaura, all in the north section of the city.

L5: From the Metro station Horta you can get to the Sagrada Familia in 10 minutes.

L6: You can get to Barceloneta Beach in around 20 minutes by getting the Metro from Maragall to Barceloneta.

Are you looking for a place to stay in Barcelona? Look no further, Spotahome has the best apartments and rooms in the city.

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