If someone were to tell you that La Guineueta is the heart of
Barcelona, you can believe them. One of Barcelona's nine original districts, the area remains an integral part of the metropolis. Many government offices, schools, and even metro stations still operate here, not to mention a whole slew of popular establishments as well. Though many other districts have gotten bigger and have become more popular over the years, La Guineueta was and has remained one of the most important parts of town. It's a nice blend of a residential neighborhood and a trendy district.
Where is La Guineueta in Barcelona?
Though it's one of the city's 9 original districts, it may be more accurate to say that La Guineueta is one of Barcelona's suburbs. Not only is it a fair distance away from
Barcelona's central neighborhoods and the city center, but it's also located along the outskirts of the city. Not to mention the fact that La Guineueta is also largely residential, making it more of a suburb than a city district. For more context, the area is a whopping 12.4 kilometers away from Plaça de Catalunya, the city center.
Is it Safe in La Guineueta, Barcelona?
Generally speaking, La Guineueta is a safe neighborhood in Barcelona. It's far from what a dangerous area would be, and it's quiet enough that families can easily settle down here. There's also the fact that
Barcelona's crime rates were never that high to begin with. Currently, the city's general crime rate is only 57.21%, which is mid-range, thus making the Catalan capital one of the safer major cities in the world. So overall, La Guineueta is a safe place. It may not be the safest part of town, but it's safe enough to be considered a suburb.
What's The Vibe in La Guineueta, Barcelona?
La Guineueta is so peaceful and laid-back that you'd easily forget you're still in Barcelona. It still gets a bit lively since many people work, live, and study here, but overall, the place truly feels like a suburb. There are barely any popular tourist spots nearby, and the community here is fairly tight-knit and almost completely local. While it's a great place to stay, La Guineueta isn't even a common choice for those
moving to Barcelona from other countries. That's how underrated and quiet the neighborhood is, which, for many, is its strongest point.
Is it Expensive in La Guineueta, Barcelona?
No, it's not. But this doesn't mean that La Guineueta is cheap either. It's worth noting that
Barcelona's living costs are generally high. No matter where you decide to stay in the city, you're still bound to spend a lot to stay comfortable here. As for La Guineueta specifically, this outer suburb offers a more affordable alternative to the affluent central districts. The average price for a meal here, for instance, is only about €10.00 to €20.00 per person in a mid-range restaurant. You also won't find high-end stores here, so shopping on a budget is also fairly easy.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Victor Pelayo
What to See in La Guineueta, Barcelona
Admittedly, there isn't a lot to see in La Guineueta, Barcelona. For many, especially locals, this is the best part about the neighborhood. Since there's barely any spot to draw in tourists here, residents and visitors alike can easily navigate the area without having to contend with tourists. Nevertheless, Parc de la Guineueta is undoubtedly a must-see in this part of town. It's arguably the greenest of all the
parks in Barcelona, even more so than the more famous Parc de Cervantes and Parc Güell. It's a great spot to relax, hang out with loved ones, and more.
What to Do in La Guineueta, Barcelona
La Guineueta is one of those neighborhoods where you can truly live and experience the city like a local. Go to the shops, eat out, relax in the nearby park, get to know residents, and more. This may seem boring at first, but it's still a refreshing contrast from the tourist-heavy attractions in Barcelona's central districts. In La Guineueta, you can even forget that you're in one of the world's most popular major cities. You can simply live life, meet new people, and truly experience what being a local in Barcelona is all about.
The Best Restaurants in La Guineueta, Barcelona
Don't underestimate La Guineueta's culinary scene just because it's one of the more underrated, suburban neighborhoods in Barcelona. The district may not have the trendiest hotspots or even any of
Barcelona's Michelin-starred restaurants, but they're still some of the most worthwhile places to eat in the city. It's worth noting that it's also a fairly diverse foodie haven, complete with a few foreign menus on offer. Bar Restaurante Granja & Sushi Fu on Carrer de Lorena is a good example of this as it serves delicious takes on Japanese cuisine. This and many of La Guineueta's finest restaurants listed below are not to be overlooked!
- Bar Restaurante Granja & Sushi Fu on Carrer de Lorena
- Casa Angelita on Carrer de Lorena
- Brisket grill Barcelona on Carrer de Lorena
- Bar El Encuentro on Carrer d'Albert Einstein
- Restaurante Casa Castro on Carrer de l'Isard
- La Forquilla on Carrer de la Font d'en Canyelles
- El otro sitio on Carrer del Doctor Pi i Molist
- Restaurante Tío Pepe on Rambla del Caçador
- Bar El Racó de la Carme in Mercado de la Guineueta on Passeig de Valldaura
- Restaurante Valzac on Passeig de Verdum
What to Know About La Guineueta, Barcelona Apartments for Rent
As already mentioned, La Guineueta is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Barcelona. This also rings especially true when it comes to its rental real estate market. The average rent in La Guineueta ranges from about €900.00 to €1,200.00 per month, and that spans many different kinds of
luxury homes in Barcelona. Whether it's a cozy studio apartment or a full-blown house & lot, the places you can rent here will still be considerably cheaper compared to the central districts. Hence, even locals who already live in other parts of the city would prefer to live here instead.
From one of Barcelona's nine original districts, La Guineueta has become one of the most beloved neighborhoods in the city. It's not far-fetched to say that it's the heart of the Catalan capital, complete with great schools, government buildings, many residences, and more.
