3 BEST Hostels in Barcelona (with our Secret Map 2024)

The BEST Hostels in Barcelona Spain? Well, we have a great selection including a fabulous 5 Star Hostel. We handpicked the 3 absolute best hostels in Barcelona. The hostels we handpicked come with a swimming pool, incredible cool design and a whole BCN-Experience.

This is the only guide you need, with not just hostels but also our favorite bars, bike tours and safety tips (must-read!). 

Your Shortcut:

1. The Central House Barcelona Gracia - best for Couples
2. Casa Gracia - best for Solo Travellers
3. Yeah Hostel Barcelona - best for Backpackers

Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.

We put all our favorite hostels on the map plus our insider tips on epic stuff to do. We share what these handpicked hostels make special and if the location is any good.

Did you know? We actually LIVE in Barcelona. This is our home; we know it inside-out! If you have any questions, just leave a comment below. We will reply back to you in person!

For the party travelers, check out our guide to the absolute coolest party hostels in Barcelona.

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

🦸 Solo Traveler:	Casa Gracia
🙎‍♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler:	Hostelle – Female Only Hostel Barcelona
🥳 Party Hostel:	Kabul Hostel
👩‍❤️‍👨 Couple Hostel:	The Central House Hostel
👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel:	Barcelona Central Garden Hostel
👩‍💻 For Digital Nomads:	Colmpact Coliving
🧘 Cozy Hostel:	Barcelona Central Garden Hostel
👫 For Socializing:	Casa Gracia

Quick Introduction to Barcelona Hostels

The 3 BEST Hostels in Barcelona – PERIOD!

We visited all hostels and know them personally!

Important: All hostels come with a kitchen, free WiFi, a great location and social vibes. We picked these three hostels as they stand out due to their design, facilities and vibes.

1. The Central House Barcelona Gracia

Our #1 choice on this list and recommendation is The Central House Barcelona Gracia. 

It’s also just a 10 minute walk away from Placa Catalunya and the old town with its Las Ramblas. This design hostel in Barcelona offers free walking tours, free alternative walking tours as well as original tapas tours.

The rooms are top-notch, and of course super clean. The Central House Hostel is perfect for the stylish traveler.

The luxury hostel has no free breakfast included, it costs 5.50€. There is however free tea and coffee all day long. As for breakfast, we recommend bakeries nearby. There are many bars in the area offering a croissant and café con leche for 2€.

For breakfast, we really like the nearby Jamaica coffee in Carrer Mallorca 253. A croissant with a café con leche costs around 2€.

Location of The Central House Hostel: Perfect!

The location is outstanding, since you will be staying on the top of famous Passeig de Gracia, just a short walk from bustling Gracia (perfect for bohemians and nightlife). Come here for a drink at night with the locals. From The Central House Hostel it takes you around 15 minutes to walk downtown, meaning the famous Placa Catalunya and Las Ramblas. You have the La Pedrera House and Casa Batllo by Gaudi in the famous Passeig de Gracia just a 2 minutes walk away. Check our map for reference.

In the direct area you’ve plenty of bars and restaurants as well as a direct metro connection to the beach.

I especially recommend Placa del Sol to hang out with locals and mingle.

There is also a great tapas bar, just a 5 minutes walk from The Central House Hostel . The name is Nou Candanchu. If you speak Spanish or Catalan, call them before to reserve a table. If not, just come here before ±7:30pm and you should get a table.

Who stays here?

Everyone who loves a cool hostel with style! The Central House Hostel has guests from all over the world: Japan, Germany, USA, UK, Australia, Italy, Netherlands, Korea, Argentina, you name it. No nationality really dominates the scene.

Thanks to the lounge, you can mingle and connect with other fellow peeps.

This is one of the best design hostels in Barcelona for

• couples
• families

Book The Central House Barcelona Gracia here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Note: This hostel was previously named “Rodamon Hostel“, but it is now named The Central House Hostel.

2. Casa Gracia (5 Star Hostel + Fun!)

WOW in so many ways! Casa Gracia is located in an in impressive modernism building, right at the end of Passeig de Gracia (central and awesome nightlife nearby!!).

The building will make you wow right away. It gets even better inside. The design is carefully picked and it feels really like an exclusive hostel.

There are plenty of common areas. From the library, the lounge to terraces. Some of the rooms come as well with ensuite terraces. So, that’s pretty cool!

Location:

Same as The Central House Hostel, it is located at the end of Passeig de Gracia. This is a super safe hostel in Barcelona with a safe location!

This street is the shopping mile with all famous shops and the two famous buildings by Gaudi: Casa Mila and Casa Batllo. From here it takes you 15 min to walk to Las Ramblas and the very downtown.

You are right next to bohemian Gracia district.

This is the BETTER district for a night out.

This is where students go, artists hang out. Head over to Placa del Solo and have a drink there, it’s especially awesome in summer when everybody just sits with a drink in hand on the square.

Who stays here?

Here you find a mix of young people from all over the world.

This is a great spot for solo-travelers, small groups as well as couples! It is one of the hostels in Barcelona with private rooms and a top location.

You won’t find the cheap backpacker here since Casa Gracia costs more than the cheap hostels in Barcelona you can find all around. This is worth it since it comes with a top location, a cool design and so many events to join.

Casa Gracia is our top hostels in Barcelona for solo-travelers and groups.

• Social couples
• solo-traveler (male and female)
• groups (they offer apartments)

Book Casa Gracia here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Full Review

3. Yeah Hostel Barcelona – Backpacker Hostel in Barcelona

The #3 on our list is Yeah Hostel Barcelona.

The rooms are less luxury than Casa Gracia and The Central House Hostel, yet, they are cool and comfy. Choose a range of different rooms to stay in.

YEAH Hostel is the best option out there for the solo-traveler, in our opinion. It is easy to socialize and the clients here are usually younger. A youth hostel, if you will. Barcelona hostels best place for the youth to stay!

So if this is what you are looking for, go for it. This is more the backpacker-kind of cool hostel.

The location is again great.

You can have a good sleep at night, and discover the busy city by day.

Book Yeah Hostel Barcelona here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Extra Feature: The Hostel has its own roof top swimming pool! Pretty epic!

Location:

The YEAH is located near a metro station with access to downtown. You can also take a bus to Placa Catalunya. By walking, it takes you around 15-20 minutes to enter downtown.

The area is more local and fun than busy old town.

You can walk from here to Sagrada Familia, it takes you around 10 minutes.

Who stays here?

YEAH is the perfect hybrid if you enjoy a cool hostel on a cheaper price than the other two accommodations in this list.

If you happened to search for ‘places to stay in Barcelona cheap’, you’ve found your hostel Barcelona cheap accommodation! Yeah is a certified one of the cheap hostels Barcelona has to offer!

The average age is young, between 18 and 24. If you are looking for a bit more party and nights out, this is the place to be.

Recommended for:

• Backpacker
• young traveler
• more “party”-oriented

Book Yeah Hostel Barcelona here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

What about cheapest hostels in Barcelona?

Looking for cheap hostel Barcelona accommodation? Of course, there are always cheap hostels.

It can be tempting to opt for the cheap places to stay in and only look for a Barcelona cheap stay.

We think, it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.

Why?

The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen. Although, keep in mind a bad location – or seemingly cheap areas to stay in – far away from the city center costs you more in transport.

Also, some insider knowledge: Many of the very cheap places in Barcelona are illegal, without proper license to run.

However, if you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheap lodging in Barcelona.

One great way of finding where to stay in Barcelona cheap is to:

1. Open Hostelworld  and Hostelz.com with full list of budget accommodations in Barcelona
2. Order the listing by price

Hostelworld usually offers the best rates as well as deals.

Read: How to book hostels with Hostelworld.

My recommendation for cheap hostels in BCN

A cheap and super family-style hostel is Barcelona Central Garden. They also have a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities, really useful!

It is a family run hostel, with a small terrace inside. One of the cosy hostel Barcelona Spain has to offer!

They also run their own little events like Paella Nights (but not regularly!). If you fancy a super cute, family-vibes hostel, make it BCN Central Garden.

Book Barcelona Central Garden Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at:  Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Best Hostels in Barcelona for Solo Travellers?

What is the serious, best hostel in Barcelona for solo-travellers? As someone conquering the world on your own, you need a fun, clean and cool hostel to meet and greet. Right?

In the beginning we already mentioned it.

There is basically 3 hostels we would recommend to the social solo-traveler here.

1. Casa Gracia is best for groups and solo-travellers in luxury version
2. YEAH Hostel is best for young solo-travellers and backpacker
3. Pars Tailors Hostel – a great mix of party and fun backpacker place

Good to know: Not all hostels in Barcelona are social! Many are just cheap accommodations with dorms to sleep in. Make sure you pick a great hostel in Barcelona for solo-traveller; like the ones above!

#1 is Casa Gracia – more luxury

Casa Gracia Barcelona Hostel is our top recommendation for solo-travellers looking for the best and also a safe hostel in Barcelona.

It is a luxury gem with an in-house bar, plenty of events, and even karaoke. Easy to connect, easy to have fun – all that in the hostel luxury.

The beds in the dorm rooms do not have curtains though. There is a huge communal equipped kitchen and lots of social areas.

Book Casa Gracia here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Full Review

#2 is YEAH Barcelona

We already introduced you to YEAH Hostel.

It is perfect for the younger traveler, and now even has an instagrammy swimming pool on their roof top.

It is best for the young solo-backpacker, looking to meet people of their own age and have a drink at the bar and go out at night.

Book Yeah Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld | Booking.com

#3 Pars Tailors Hostel – more backpacker-style

Our 3rd recommendation for best hostels in Barcelona for solo traveler is Pars Tailors Hostel.

It is the best option when you are traveling backpacker style and want a bit of party and international flair. The rooms are simple and there are only shared facilities such as dorms and shared bathrooms. No private rooms.

Pars Tailors is also mentioned as one of the coolest party hostels in Barcelona.

The glory here comes from its social life. They have a Foosball, pool billiard and a stylish common area.

It is the coolest Hipster Hostel in Barcelona!

Their Paella nights are legend.

The hostel also organizes many events inside and outside the hostel for little money. So if you are in search of where to stay in Barcelona on a budget and you’re more the backpacker kind of traveler, Pars Tailors Hostel is a top choice.

At night, they also host a Pub Crawl. So seriously, Pars Tailors is fantastic!

Book Tailors Hostel here

Compare rates at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Hostels for Female Only in Barcelona?

Hostelle – Female Only Hostel Barcelona is the first and only all-female hostel in the city. It was created with the aim of offering a safe and enjoyable place for women traveling to Barcelona, allowing them to focus on sightseeing and having a great time.

Located in the Nou Barris district, Hostelle is conveniently situated near some of Barcelona’s top attractions. Park Güell, Sagrada Familia, and Tibidabo are all within a short distance of the hostel. Additionally, La Pedrera, Casa Batllo, and Passeig de Gracia are easily accessible, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Barcelona’s architectural wonders.

Hostelle’s primary focus is on ensuring the safety and comfort of its female guests. As a female-only hostel, it provides a secure environment where women can relax and enjoy their stay. Each room is equipped with a safety deposit box, offering a reliable place to store valuables.

Book Hostelle here

Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

The hostel’s shared facilities foster a sense of community among guests. A shared kitchen allows travelers to prepare meals and interact with fellow travelers, while the shared lounge provides a space for relaxation and socialization. These areas create opportunities for new friendships and memorable experiences.

The guest rooms at Hostelle are cozy and well-equipped. They feature a seating area, a television, and a safety deposit box. The tasteful decor enhances the homelike atmosphere, while the shared bathroom with a shower and hairdryer ensures convenience. Each room also includes a fridge for storing food and drinks.

With free WiFi available throughout the property, guests can stay connected and plan their Barcelona adventures with ease. Hostelle’s excellent transport links make it easily accessible from both the airport and the city center. Barcelona El Prat Airport is within reach, guaranteeing a smooth arrival and departure.

In addition, Hostelle offers a Genius discount to eligible guests. By signing in, travelers can take advantage of this exclusive offer and save on their accommodation expenses, making their stay even more affordable.

To summarize, Hostelle – Female Only Hostel Barcelona provides a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for female travelers. Its convenient location, friendly atmosphere, and excellent facilities make it an ideal choice for women visiting Barcelona. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, traveling with friends, or on a budget, Hostelle ensures a memorable and enjoyable stay in the city.

Book Hostelle here

Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Party Hostels in Barcelona

As said before, we wrote a specific guide for the coolest party hostels in Barcelona. If you are planning to go wild, then there are a few party hostels in Barcelona to choose from.

However, you can also stay at one of the top hostels we mentioned above and then join a Pub Crawl.

The Barcelona party hostels we recommend are:

1. Kabul Party Hostel – in Old Town at Placa Reial (top location if you want to party every day)
2. Onefam Sants by Hostel One
3. Sant Jordi Hostels Rock Palace
4. Onefam Paralelo by Hostel One
5. Pars Tailor Hostel – in Sant Antoni (downtown with Paella nights and Pub Crawls – our best recommendation for party)
6. St Christophers Inn – at Placa Catalunya (super central with a huge in-house bar and live tv for sport events)

Our favorite choice for partying and to have a cool backpacker time is Pars Tailors Hostel.

It is a smaller hostel, very clean, and they even organize trips and activities like Paella Nights. They even organize going together to the Bunker del Carmel for the Sunset – a panorama view over the city.

What we also really like: the rooms are separated from the common area.

So you can either have a drink and listen to music downstairs, or sleep in the upper floors without being bothered.

Hostels really have different characters that will suit you. If you want to party, you should go to Kabul Party Hostel, St. Christophers or Pars Tailors Hostel.

Read: 64 Best Party Hostels in the World

More Barcelona hostels worth a mention

Still looking for more? We have listed more Barcelona hostels that are worth considering.

Of course, our personal favorites are The Central House Hostel, Casa Gracia and YEAH Barcelona. These are the hostels was always recommend to our friends!

But you deserve to have more for your once in a lifetime backpacking experience!

• 360 Hostel Barcelona
• Mediterranean Youth Hostel Barcelona
• Pars Teatro Hostel
• Sant Jordi Hostel Sagrada Familia
• Onefam Paralelo by Hostel One
• Generator Hostel Barcelona
• TOC Hostel Barcelona

Just make sure that you will be staying in hostels not hotels in Barcelona Spain. You might be surprised because hostels are awesome. Have a look, Backpackers!

360 Hostel Barcelona

360 Hostel Barcelona is a good hostel to stay for solo travellers since they have common rooms.

The hostel doesn’t have private rooms but they have mixed dorms.

The staffs are very accommodating and helpful. There’s free dinner every night that the guests help make, which is a great way to socialize with other people.

Hostel Highlights:

• Free WiFi
• 24-hour front desk
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Bar
• Laundry

Location: Situated in Barcelona city centre, just 10 minutes’ walk from Plaza Catalunya square and the Ramblas. Urquinaona and Tetuan metro stations can be reached in less than 5 minutes’ walk from the hostel.

Book 360 Hostel Barcelona here

Compare rates at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Mediterranean Youth Hostel Barcelona

Modern design hostel that offers dorm rooms for solo travellers and backpackers.

In our opinion, it is not ideal for couples because they do not have private rooms. All dormitories at Mediterranean Youth Hostel Barcelona include air conditioning and individual storage lockers.

The hostel organized some tours and some of them are free. Staffs are helpful and polite!

Hostel Highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Non-smoking rooms
• 24-hour front desk
• Terrace
• Air conditioning

Location: The famous Sagrada Familia cathedral, La Rambla and the bars, clubs and medieval streets of the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) are all under 30 minutes away by foot. Girona metro station is around the corner – ride the train to the beach in eight minutes. The city’s buzzing main square, Plaça Catalunya, is nine minutes by bus. The airport train runs every 30 minutes to Passeig de Gracia station – a 10 minute walk from the hostel.

Book Mediterranean Youth Hostel Barcelona here

Compare rates at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Pars Teatro Hostel

Unique design that you will surely love. This hostel will give you a modern rustic feeling because of their lovely interior.

Pars Teatro Hostel private rooms and dorm rooms that will surely meet your needs.  The hostel organises sangría nights, pub crawls and group dinners.

The rooms were clean and well maintained, as were the bathrooms and common areas.

Hostel Highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Non-smoking rooms
• 24-hour front desk
• Lift
• Laundry
• Good breakfast

Location: Pars Teatro Hostel is located just 5 minutes’ walk from Barcelona’s port and the famous Ramblas. In fact, it is one of the coolest hostels near Las Ramblas. El Raval district and La Sala Apolo nightclub and concert venue are within 5 minutes’ walk of the hostel. You can walk to Parallel Metro Station in 5 minutes and Plaza Espanya is 2 stops away. The multilingual staff can provide information on Barcelona 24 hours a day.

Book Pars Teatro Hostel here

Compare rates at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Sant Jordi Hostel Sagrada Familia

Sant Jordi Hostel Sagrada Familia is one of the Barcelona Spain hostels that you might consider staying!

This is one of the Sant Jordi hostels. It has modern facilities, a fun international atmosphere, and a friendly staff. Their theme is a fixed-gear bicycle so guests can experience the character of Barcelona.

Good place to just kick back and relax! It is clean and cosy!

Hostel Highlights:

• Parking
• Free WiFi
• Family rooms
• Non-smoking rooms
• Good breakfast

Location:Sant Jordi Hostel is less than 5 minutes’ walk from Sant Pau Metro Station. 15.1 km away from Barcelona El Prat Airport and it is near to a lot of attractions.

Book Sant Jordi Hostel Sagrada Familia here

Compare rates at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Onefam Paralelo by Hostel One

One of the good hostels in Barcelona, from the very friendly and accommodating staff to the array of little extras they organise.

Onefam Paralelo by Hostel One has the perfect balance if being social while not being a party hostel.

The hostel was very nice, clean and well located, walking distance from the city center. Everything was great, from the common dinners to the breakfasts until everybody wakes up. The staff was incredibly friendly and always available for any kind of request, they make you feel home from the first moment, very recommended for solo travelers. I’ll definitely book it again during my next stay in Barcelona. The staffs are incredibly friendly and always available for any kind of request, they make you feel home from the first moment, very recommended for solo travelers.

Hostel Highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Family rooms
• Non-smoking rooms
• 24-hour front desk
• Lift
• Fabulous breakfast

Location: Las Ramblas is 15 minutes’ walk from Onefam Paralelo by Hostel One and the Barcelona Port is 800 m away. It is less than 1 km away from Montjuich.

Book Onefam Paralelo by Hostel One here

Compare rates at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Generator Barcelona

The rooms are spacious, clean and it has a terrace which is a bonus! The staffs are friendly and accommodating.

Generator Barcelona Hostel lobby is well designed and it is really a good spot to just relax and meet fellow backpackers.

The hostel is the perfect place for those looking to combine style with great atmosphere.

Hostel Highlights:

• Parking
• Free WiFi
• Family rooms
• Non-smoking rooms
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Good breakfast

Find out more about Generator Hostels in Europe & USA.

Location: Generator Barcelona is located 500 m from the fashionable Passeig de Gracia Avenue. Diagonal and Verdaguer metro stations are within 5 minutes’ walk from Generator Barcelona. The Gràcia district, which has plenty of boutique shops and bars, is only 200 m away.

Book Generator Barcelona here

Compare rates at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

TOC Hostel Barcelona

TOC Hostel Barcelona is a unique hostel that comes with a fabulous interior design.

The good thing about this hostel is their advance security system like the fingertip keys and security camera.

The hostel has private rooms and dorm rooms.

Hostel Highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Swimming pool
• Airport shuttle
• Family rooms
• Outdoor pool
• Bar
• Good breakfast

Location: Set in the heart of Barcelona, just 700 m from Plaza Catalunya Square. Metro Universtitat is a 2-minute walk from the property and a 25-minute metro ride will take you to Barceloneta Beach. Sagrada Familia is 10 minutes’ metro ride away.

Book TOC Hostel Barcelona here

Compare rates at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Any Discounts?

You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.

It is completely free to join!

How to book?

The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.

We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.

Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld

We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Barcelona best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.

The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.

Download the Hostelworld App here

Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!

Our Favorite Hostels in Barcelona put on a map + sights

Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Barcelona hostels on a map. We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:

• Sagrada Familia
• Casa Batllo
• Las Ramblas
• Camp Nou Stadium
• Magic Fountain
• Park Güell
• Barceloneta Beach

All accommodations are located near a metro stop and bus stop. So you can get to every single sight and old town within no time or even in walking distance.

Below I included a neighborhood guide.

Here I show you what the areas are about and perfect for. We share details of the districts and what to do there below the map. Scroll down.

• Blue is Gracia (great for art, small shops and nightlife bars)
• Yellow is Eixample (the “chess” field district with Sagrada Familia)
• Red is Old Town (including the parts El Gotico, El Born and El Raval)
• Green is beach (we recommend Bogatell Beach, much less people than Barceloneta)

The OLD TOWN is the district you find Las Ramblas and all the narrow, beautiful streets. In Gracia you find the bohemian nightlife we recommend.

Read our guide on fun things to do in Barcelona. Here we share a bunch of the coolest stuff we do as locals.

Neighborhood Guide for Barcelona Hostels

Barcelona is quite big. I want to give you a quick overview of the different districts. All the hostels we cover in this article are perfectly located to go out and have fun at night and enjoy sights by day.

The four main areas you need to know are colored in the map above.

Downtown Areas (red)

The downtown area is actually the historic part. The part with all the narrow streets. The districts here are:

• El Gotico
• El Born
• El Raval

Gotico is known for shopping, and the lower part near the harbor for bars and tapas bars. El Gotico is also known as Gothic Quarter. There is plenty of hostels in Gothic Quarter Barcelona. However, they are loud at night.

I would stick to the hostels we recommend above to have a quiet night sleep!

El Born is one of my favorite parts of town. For having a drink, I recommend the area around Passeig del Born. Here you can also eat really great tapas at La Luna.

For having a burger, I recommend Pim Pam Burger.

Anyhow, you will find many bars, cocktail bars and tapas places around. Just get lost!

Last but not least, El Raval. This is the “rough” part of town. Here you will find more alternative bars and at the same time more prostitutes and drug dealers, thieves. It is a really interesting place, actually quite safe. Just do not show how much money you have and leave your smartphone in your jacket.

In Raval you find the famous bar Marsella.

This is where Ernest Hemingway had his drinks. It is an Absinthe bar. Come here, it’s pure fun!!

Gracia (blue)

This is the more bohemian part of town. Here you find many small boutique shops, artists, students, expats. Especially Placa del Solo is awesome to hang out at night. People here have a drink on the square, eat tapas.

Casa Gracia and The Central House Hostel are nearby.

Eixample with Sagrada Familia (yellow)

The famous “chess-fields” neighborhood in Barcelona is called Eixample. You will find here the famous Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila ad Casa Batllo.

This neighborhood was built for connecting the old town with the surrounding villages like Gracia. Eixample was planned on the table and it was supposed to be as useful as possible. The idea was to have the space optimized and in case of an emergency the firemen could cross the city within no time.

Anyhow, walk around this area. It’s interesting. A walk from Sagrada Familia to Casa Mila will take you around 20-25 minutes.

Beach Area (green)

We all love beach and Barcelona has a selection to choose from.

The beach area in Barceloneta starts from W Hotel to the Port Olimpic. Here is where most pickpockets are and it is always packed in summer.

A more local beach area is the one behind Port Olimpic, the beach is called Bogatell. Come here, play volleyball with locals or expats, and enjoy a 1€ beer on the beach. Find here the best choices for hostels in Barcelona near the beach.

Find here a full guide to where to stay in Barcelona (+ neighborhood guide and handpicked hotels)

10 Best Things To Do in Barcelona

We know Barcelona like no other city in the world. This is our home, this is our home base.

So, we welcome you to join our best things to do in Barcelona. These are the things that I consider you’ve to do when coming over:

1. Visit Sagrada Familia – but the right way, get the skip the line ticket BEFORE wasting 2 hours in line
2. Wander Park Güell – and enter, but you’ve to book before getting there
3. Wander Las Ramblas – that’s free!
4. Enter La Boqueria Market with its fresh fruits and vegetables. Get a smoothie here
5. Climb up the Columbus Statue (for a small entrance fee)
6. Get lost in el Gotico and El Born
7. Have an Absinthe in the oldest bar in Barcelona, Marsella
8. Visit the Magic Fountain and its show at night
9. Have a drink in bohemian Gracia district
10. Head to the beach and slow down

We created a huge list of:

• How to get around Barcelona?
• 23 fun things to do like riding a Vespa and pillow fighting
• 5+3 local secrets to really become a local
• 59 FREE Things to do in Barcelona (including live music, museums and events)

Tickets you have to pre-book

If you want to do sightseeing in Barcelona, then this is a must-read too.

Because: You need to pre-book Sagrada Familia Tower and Park Güell before! these are the two only sights you should pre-book as soon as you can!

1. Sagrada Familia Tower
2. Park Güell

1. Sagrada Familia (Visit the Towers)

You may already done your research and saw that there is always a long queue for entering Sagrada Familia. The queue can be easily 2 hours long.

Anyways, you cannot book and visit any of the Towers when queuing. This is only possible online!

Therefore: Yes, you can queue and can enter without booking. But I highly recommend climbing up the towers. It is impressive, you have a panoramic view over the city and you see so much more of the Sagrada Familia.

Seriously, once you go up or down the towers, you will notice so many more details.

How to book the towers? You can book the entrance ticket along with your tower visit. There is usually only 1 tower open for visit since they are still working, so this always changes.

Book Sagrada Familia Tickets with Tower here

2. Park Güell (13€ only)

Of course you want to visit the famous Park Güell. After all, this is the iconic photo of Barcelona.

However, there is a limited entrance now to see the main area of Park Güell. It is limited by people per entrance, and it is usually sold out for the next 7 days (except these 8am spots nobody wants…).

You can also enter for free when the sun sets and 20 minutes before closing. I personally do not like this. So so soooooo many people do exactly that. So you save 13€ for the ticket but suddenly you have to fight for your iconic photo.

Sorry, for 13€ I won’t do this…

You can buy your Park Güell ticket here.

Book Park Güell here

Safety tip for Barcelona (Please read!)

I am really sorry, but we have to include this one here.

I want you to be safe!! Please read this section.

I am not your mommy, but I consider our readers very good friends. And I want my friends to be safe! Barcelona is a SAFE city,but there are many pickpockets.

You don’t have to worry about physical abuse (generally speaking!), but you’ve to watch out for your belongings. Especially in the downtown area, you will notice pickpockets.

Keep your belongings near you and you are fine.

Do not leave your valuables unattended on the beach or in a bar.

When you head to the beach, do not leave your belongings back on the towel without someone watching over it. You can ask the group next to you to keep an eye out.

This usually works well, and the other group is usually grateful when you return the favor.

Or, if you go in a group, someone has to stay back on the towels. Make also sure you have your valuables in front of you, and not behind.

Pickpockets are clever here….unfortunately.

My best recommendation would be to leave your valuables at home. Sure, you want to bring your smartphone to take photos, that’s normal.

Then, again, ask your neighbors group to keep an eye or one of you has to stay.

There’s no need to get paranoid, just pay a tiny bit of attention and you’re fine.

As for las Ramblas: Here you will find many pickpockets and scams. Do not fall for it. Do not let anyone “dance” towards you and especially “touch” you.

Always remember: you can only get pick-pocketed when someone is close enough to touch you.

A common trick is to pass you a football, and play. Another trick is to pretend they are drunk and start wanting to “sing” with you by hugging you and such.

Pay attention.

Another common place to pay more attention is the metro. When the metro stops and people go in and out, some people push – therefore, there is contact. You won’t notice in this moment when someone opens your backpack and takes out your wallet.

Again: No need to be paranoid. Just don’t be naive! 🙂

We consider the bus is the safest way to travel around in Barcelona.

Please follow my proud tradition: Many many friends of mine visited me in Barcelona, our home. Not a single friend got robbed. I always told them to stay safe and all the safety tips I just gave you. Again, not a single one got robbed or anything.

Please, please please: Follow this proud tradition of mine! 🙂

Airbnb in Barcelona

Airbnb is always an interesting option, right?! It can be cheaper, more comfy even.

However, please note that renting a full apartment in Airbnb in Barcelona can be illegal. Not for your part as a tourist, but since the owner most likely will not have a proper license to rent.

Anyways, you can also rent a private room in Airbnb. This is not illegal, and can be a fantastic way to meet locals.

When looking for rooms on Airbnb, read the reviews to see if the owners of the place actually socialize and mingle or simply rent out.

Good to know: We even heard of a traveler that did not receive the keys from the owners. He had to call the owner all the time to check if someone was at home so he can get in. One night he went out for a few drinks. And since he didn’t want to disturb, he booked another night in an expensive hotel.

Make sure this is not what will happen to you!

More of our handwritten Barcelona guides:

We even wrote a secret guide to Barcelona – with our 8 best secret tips, download for free!

Here we collected our favorite 23 fun things to do in Barcelona. And since there is so many things to do for free, we wrote down the 59 best free things to do as well as the best bikes tours in town.

FAQ

Well, we have provided you best hostels Barcelona has to offer so we are sure that you already have your favorite hostel in mind! Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Check it out backpackers in Barcelona!

Flights to Barcelona?

Barcelona has fantastic connections all over Europe. You can even fly to the Canary Islands from here cheaply. We scored a flight for 15€ to Fuerteventura from Barcelona.

There’s three airports in and near Barcelona:

1. Barcelona El Prat (The City Airport)
2. Girona, 100km North of Barcelona at the Costa Brava
3. Reus, 100km South of Barcelona

From all 3 airports you have good connection to the city center, there’s always buses. If you can, then chose El Prat as your arrival airport, it’s much easier, faster and cheaper to get to the center from there.

We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.

More guides around Spain and Europe

Alright, we now covered our hometown, Barcelona. Yet, there are more epic destinations around Spain and Europe.

We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:

• best hostels in Spain
• best hostels in Madrid
• best hostels in Malaga 
• best hostels in Granada
• best hostels in San Sebastian
• best hostels in Bilbao
• best hostels in Valencia
• best hostels in Seville
• best hostels in Cordoba
• best Hostels in Las Palmas
• best Hostels in Fuerteventura
• best hostels in Tarifa
• best hostels in Alicante
• best hostels in Palma de Mallorca
• best hostels in Mallorca
• best hostels in Ibiza
• best hostels in Gran Canaria
• best hostels in Tenerife Island
• best hostels in Costa Brava

And party hostels:

• party hostels in Ibiza
• party hostels in Madrid
• party hostels in Barcelona

And surf hostels:

• best surf hostels in Spain
• best surf hostels in Donostia-San Sebastián

You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.

We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.

Over to you

Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!

Your question will help us to improve this Barcelona guide.

Last note: Our commitment

This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.

Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks