Sants deserves more recognition as one of the best neighborhoods in
Barcelona. Perhaps it's because its industrial origins make people think that there's nothing noteworthy about the place. It also doesn't help that the area has few popular tourist spots, so most of the attention is given to more crowded neighborhoods. But is that fair? Of course not! Sants is a great city district with so much to offer, including Barcelona's main train station, the ever-bustling Mercat d'Hostafrancs, and eye-catching street art. Who wouldn't want to stay in such a fascinating place?
Where is Sants in Barcelona?
Sants is a city district that's right in the middle of the city. Not only is it just 3.5 kilometers away from Plaça de Catalunya, the city center, but it's also surrounded by many of
Barcelona's central neighborhoods. Sants is surrounded by popular districts like Les Corts, El Poble Sec, Montjüic, and l'Eixample, to name a few. The proximity to these areas is one of the biggest reasons why many people chose to stay here, whether they're just visiting as tourists or they're relocating to the Catalan capital altogether.
Is it Safe in Sants, Barcelona?
Yes, it is. Though central city districts like Sants in Barcelona tend to be rougher and more rowdy, the real case is the opposite. Sants is a safe neighborhood at the heart of the Catalan capital that's even friendly to families with small kids. The place boasts a sense of tranquility, thanks in large part to the largely residential vibe of the area. Naturally, it helps that
Barcelona's crime rates aren't that high. The metropolis stands out as one of the very few major cities that have only mid-range crime rates, allowing for many parts to be largely safe too.
What's The Vibe in Sants, Barcelona?
Many, especially locals, regard Sants as the “real Barcelona.” Stripped of famous landmarks and other popular tourist spots, its largely working-class vibe is a refreshing contrast to the flashier parts of the city. This isn't to say that there aren't many tourists here. Ironically enough, it's authentically Barcelonian feel is what draws many tourists to the neighborhood who want to truly witness and experience what the city is all about. But overall, Sants champions the local spirit of the Catalan capital, one that you'll only ever understand if you
move to Barcelona yourself.
Is it Expensive in Sants in Barcelona?
Sants is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Barcelona. Firstly, however, it's worth noting that
Barcelona's living costs are relatively high, so regardless of how much more affordable Sants is compared to the city's more affluent areas, it's still a bit pricey here. Nonetheless, Sants has retained its working-class vibe with its lower prices. The average price for a meal here, for example, is only €10.00 to €35.00 per person ranging from cheap places to eat to mid-range restaurants. The shopping in Sants is also a lot more humble compared to the more glamorous Passeig de Gràcia and the like.
What to See in Sants, Barcelona
As already mentioned, Sants doesn't have any notable sights to see in Barcelona. This isn't where you'll find La Sagrada Família, Park Guell, the Gothic Quarter, and the city's other famous landmarks. For typical tourists, this may mean that Sants is worth avoiding, but for those who truly want to witness what living in Barcelona is truly like, the entire neighborhood is a must-see. Witness how they shop for food and other necessities in Mercat de Sants, for instance, which is perhaps the closest thing to a “famous spot” in Sants. Since Montjuïc is nearby, you can always head over there if you want to see more touristy places.
What to Do in Sants, Barcelona
If you want to spend a truly authentic local
day in Barcelona, you'll want to stay in Sants. Again, this is far from the most touristy place in Barcelona. You won't find famous landmarks or popular shopping districts here. Instead, Sants offers a more humble lifestyle that includes family times at the park, shopping at the market, going to underrated spots to hang out with friends, and the like. It's easy to consider all of these are normal and perhaps even a little boring, but they do present a true picture of Barcelona's working class.
The Best Restaurants in Sants, Barcelona
The closest thing to popular tourist spots Sants has might be its slew of amazing restaurants. Visitors and locals alike get to benefit from the city's reputation as a food capital, and this neighborhood is no different. Sants has everything a foodie could ever ask for, ranging from humble diners and hidden gems to even some of
Barcelona's best Michelin-starred restaurants. As many would expect, one of the best parts about eating out in Sants in Barcelona is that it's relatively cheaper here than the rest of the city. Even many of the area's best restaurants listed below are largely affordable.
- La Mestressa on Plaça d'Osca
- Tramendu Encenem els fogons on Passatge d'Andalusia
- SUTO barcelona on Carrer de Violant d'Hongria Reina d'Aragó
- La terraza Miró on Carrer de Tarragona
- La Tere Gastrobar on Carrer de Riego
- L'Home dels Nassos on Carrer de Melcior de Palau
- La Mama Acasa on Carrer de Guitard
- El Cullerot de Sants on Carrer d'Olzinelles
- La Mundana on Carrer del Vallespir
- Addis Abeba on Carrer del Vallespir
What to Know About Sants, Barcelona Apartments for Rent
You only ever need to look at its real estate market to understand just how much more affordable Sants is in Barcelona compared to other parts of the city. For one thing, there are many types of
luxury apartments in Barcelona, specifically in Sants, that allow for all types of residents to live here. For single adults who can afford their own studio spaces to families who need multi-bedroom homes, they're all in Sants in Barcelona! Fortunately, the average rent here is only about €900.00 to €2,400.00 per month, truly reflective of its diverse real estate market.
While it's not exactly the most popular neighborhood, there's still a lot to look forward to in Sants. The district has since grown for its industrial origins and is now one of the most vibrant parts of town, rich in cool hotspots and beautifully decorated with striking street art.
