‘Oh, to be a young adult,’ we here at Plum Guide lament, ‘travelling through the Gothic Gaudí wonderland that is Barcelona.’ We're not jealous, we promise – we just can't wait for you to set off and explore one of our favourite cities. So, what is it that you have coming to you, aside from a healthy dose of tapas, seafood and paella? Lots of fun, plenty of late nights (if you're up for it), and lots of walking – definitely pack comfortable shoes.

Anyway, we digress, it’s now time to look into the wheres and the hows. We here at Plum Guide pride ourselves on doing the hard work so you don't have to, so we've put together a varied list of the best places to stay in Barcelona for young adults that’ll suit every kind of traveller, from ravers and culture-vultures to sleepy-heads and sunbathers. And you could even dip your toe into each of those themes, making your vacation a little like tapas – a little something for everyone.

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Trendy and fashionable, you may be, but you’re no match for this quarter of central Barcelona, Gràcia. Savour a glass of Cava on one of the plazas and check out the tapas restaurants. Drink a few beers at a local bar before chatting with the waiter about football – we hear it's something of a favourite pastime for Catalans. During the day, pick out some cool bohemian attire from one of the boutiques, catch a film at the arthouse cinemas or scour the independent shops for a vinyl – in trendy Gràcia, you can do it all. There's also a place called La Sagrada Familia nearby if you fancy some sightseeing, perhaps you've heard of it?

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We think Poblenou is one of the best places to stay in Barcelona for young adults as it's considered a bit hipster and alternative, which makes sense, given its name means New Town. So, it’s edgy and cool enough for those looking to make it their temporary home. Delve into the converted warehouses for contemporary art galleries and artisanal beer breweries. Rummage through the vintage markets and pick up some crafts that won’t fit in your case or play a game of volleyball on Bogatell Beach.

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If you’re in the market for markets, then Sant Antoni’s got…a market for you: the Sant Antoni Market. Pick up some donuts and sip beers in some of the hip establishments centred around that market. Go for brunch at the Federal Café, watching people go by in this lively district, or venture further into the city and see all the famous landmarks. It's a mix of old and new, with plenty of local places (and locals, of course) to discover.

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Barcelona is really into its gothic architecture and even Edgar Allan Poe would be proud of the Gothicity (not a word) of the Gothic Quarter. Rising from its heart (that sentence starter gothic enough for you?) is the Barcelona Cathedral. It may never be finished, but it’s the best construction site we’ve ever seen. Alongside the history, there are all manner of themed bars spread across this central part of the city, making it one of the best places to stay in Barcelona for young adults.

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Here’s a great Eixample of the best places to stay in Barcelona for young adults. Tee hee. Just walk north from the aforementioned Gothic Quarter to find yourself lifted into a land of luxury, where upscale boutiques and designers line the avenues. A youthful dandy or high-standing lady could get used to such fine delights here in Eixample, with the restaurants of the Angle Barcelona, the Lasarte and the Disfrutar Barcelona taking you to the headiest heights in all of hedonism.

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Look at us, we’ve been rambling on about the best places to stay in Barcelona for young adults, and haven’t touched on the liveliest and most happening part of the city: La Rambla. Stroll down this wide tree-lined pedestrian avenue with your loved ones (or people you just about put up with), and tuck into some Italian food in the Pasta Market. Stay into the evening, when crowds gather and the bars and nightclubs come alive.

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Badalona may sound like a bad version of Barcelona, but it’s actually a serene coastal resort with stunning golden beaches and the Pont del Petroli dock. This little town makes for a lovely escape from the hubbub of the city centre, while still being close enough for easy travel to Barça (we’re on nickname terms).

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Back in the core of Barcelona, stay on one of the narrow lanes creeping through the backstreets of El Born. Lose yourself in one of the speakeasies and get an overpriced haircut at a hipster barber. As evening falls, knock back a cocktail at one of the classy bars of the Passeig del Born.

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