If you haven't heard about El Carmel in
Barcelona, trust that you should know about it. Not only is it one of the central neighborhoods in the Catalan capital, but it's also one of the best places to stay here. Located within the larger Horta-Guinardó district, El Carmel offers some of the best panoramic views of the city. Looking out from here will make you feel like you're on top of the world! At the same time, the neighborhood itself is peaceful, almost as if it's no longer part of the ever-bustling Barcelona. What's not to love?
Where is El Carmel in Barcelona?
Located within the Horta-Guinardó district, El Carmel is one of
Barcelona's central neighborhoods. Though it's a fair distance away from the Plaça de Catalunya, the city center, approximately six kilometers away, it's still very much part of central Barcelona. It's because of this that El Carmel is a fairly in-demand neighborhood. Though it's not too far from Catalonia's mountainous region, it's still very much part of the big city. The vibe here is still fairly urban and it has all the conveniences you'd normally expect in a big city.
Is El Carmel, Barcelona Safe?
Generally speaking, yes, it's safe in El Carmel in Barcelona. In truth, however, the neighborhood isn't exactly the first thing people will mention when talking about safety in Barcelona. Many would even argue that El Carmel is one of the grittier parts of the city, especially compared to the more affluent areas. But overall, you will still stay safe in the neighborhood as long as you're aware of your surroundings and you remain careful going out at night. It also helps that
Barcelona's crime rates are only mid-range, making it one of the safer major cities in the world.
What's The Vibe in El Carmel Barcelona?
Since El Carmel is closer to the more mountainous parts of Barcelona, the vibe here is quiet, calm, and chill. You'd sooner think the place is in the Spanish countryside than in one of the biggest Spanish cities. It's that rural-like and nature-centric here! Some people may find it boring, but it's this chill vibe that draws in many people to settle down in El Carmel. Those who
move to Barcelona but want to stay a fair distance away from the hustle and bustle usually include this neighborhood as one of their options for their new hometown.
Is it Expensive in El Carmel, Barcelona?
The
living costs in Barcelona are generally high, so no matter where you stay here, it's still gonna be pricey. This rings true in El Carmel even though it's one of the quieter outskirts of the city. Typically, such neighborhoods are the cheaper parts of town, but El Carmel is still fairly pricey. Is it expensive here? Not exactly! But it will still cost you about €20.00 to €35.00 per meal here, especially in a mid-range restaurant. The shopping here, fortunately, isn't all that expensive. El Carmel's retail scene offers a nice mix of popular brands and local labels.
What to See in El Carmel, Barcelona
Without a doubt, the Carmel Bunkers, or “Bunkers del Carmel” as the locals call it, are the best things to see in El Carmel, Barcelona. They're famous viewpoints that offer some of the most fantastic views of the rest of the city. Do you know what's another great place to take in amazing city views in Barcelona? The iconic Park Güell! Famous for its Antoni Gaudí-designed mosaics, it's a picturesque spot you won't want to miss. Technically, the park is in the
Gràcia district but it's near enough that you can easily get to it from El Carmel.
What to Do in El Carmel, Barcelona
Barcelona gets so busy that sometimes, you just need a break. Fortunately, El Carmel is a near retreat for exactly that! If you want to spend a peaceful
day in Barcelona, then head on over to this neighborhood. Its almost countryside-like appeal is a refreshing contrast to the city's hectic urban energy. Not only is it much more chill here compared to the rest of the city, but its famous bunkers make for great spots for hanging out too. They offer the best city views and lots of sunshine—what more could you ever ask for?
El Carmel, Barcelona's Best Restaurants
Don't think that because El Carmel is largely considered a peaceful outskirt there are no noteworthy hotspots here. On the contrary, the neighborhood has many amazing places to eat! You might not find the
best Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona here, but these are still worth checking out. El Mirador on Carrer de Pasteur, Restaurante El Paso on Carrer de Dante Alighieri, and La vermuteria Los Bunkers on Carrer de Segimon are only some that you simply have to try yourself. These and any of the other awesome restaurants listed below are some of the best restaurants in El Carmel, Barcelona.
- ANTICA OSTERIA on Passeig de la Mare de Déu del Coll
- Bar El Rincón Sevillano on Carrer de Calderón de la Barca
- Bar Restaurant Hortal on Carrer de l'Hortal
- Delicias on Carrer de Mühlberg
- El Mirador on Carrer de Pasteur
- La Madurada on Passeig Maragall
- La vermuteria Los Bunkers on Carrer de Segimon
- Parisien Restaurante on Carrer de Dante Alighieri
- Restaurante Cocina Global on Carrer de Puig i Cadafalch
- Restaurante El Paso on Carrer de Dante Alighieri
What to Know About El Carmel, Barcelona Apartments
As already mentioned, El Carmel is a fairly pricey neighborhood in Barcelona. It may not be a particularly affluent area, but you'll still have to spend a lot to stay comfortable here. Especially when it comes to renting! The good news is that El Carmel's real estate market is relatively diverse. Not only does it have many types of
luxury apartments to rent in Barcelona, but its average rent has a pretty wide range. It typically costs as low as €950.00 to as high as €2,100.00 per month to rent a home in El Carmel, Barcelona. Not too bad, right?
If you want gorgeous city views, awesome hotspots, and a lovely Mediterranean vibe all at once, then look no further than El Barmel in Barcelona. This neighborhood is a beautiful representation of just how idyllic the Catalan capital is even though it's a major metropolis.
