Being the second largest city in Spain and holding a population of about 2 million people, Barcelona does not disappoint with its interesting variety of attractions that lure tourists from all over the globe. You’ll never run out of places to visit in Barcelona. From the medieval Old Town, long sandy beaches, green parks, to its beautiful architecture like the world-famous Sagrada Familia. If you’re traveling on a budget and looking for a nice place to stay without spending too much, the perfect place for you are hostels, of course!
Based on your preferences and travel itinerary, a great hostel with the right setup and amenities can be found somewhere in Barcelona. Whether you’re a solo tourist, a couple, a family, or a group of backpacker friends, there is something for everyone. There are quiet, laid-back hostels, and party hostels alike.
The location is vital in your selection, so we listed out some of the best hostels in excellent locations for you to have easy access to sight seeing all over the city.
Top 5 Hostels in Barcelona:
- 1. Soul Backpackers Barcelona
- 2. Generator Barcelona
- 3. Black Swan Hostel
- 4. Hostel One Sants
- 5. HelloBCN Hostel Barcelona
What Are the Best Youth Hostels in Barcelona?
Soul Backpackers Barcelona
Price: $41 to $61
Whether you aim to relax in a nice, clean room, or paint the town red and socialize with fellow backpackers, Soul Backpackers Barcelona is a perfect pick. This hostel is one of the best options if you’re mainly considering the location, too. There is a big supermarket right next to the hostel if you feel like making your own meals. This hostel welcomes you to use their kitchen! You must also know that this cool place has a fully equipped kitchen that makes the most delicious pizzas.
The hostel offers a free walking tour every morning for all guests. Being in a central location, you will probably enjoy more of your trip joining these walking tours in the morning and exploring on your own the rest of the day. It is 10-20 minutes away on foot from the prime architecture spots like the Casa Mila, Casa Battlo, and La Sagrada Familia. It’s about 10 minutes away from local transit stops, too.
Guests at this hostel have plenty of opportunity to socialize as rooms have lovely outdoor terraces, a cafe, and common rooms where you can relax in a comfy shared atmosphere. There’s a great vibe and energy at night if you wish to mingle and party. The reception is open 24 hours to assist guests and one thing you don’t have to worry about is keys as you are provided access codes to enter the rooms. The rooms are very comfy and are offered in a variety of 4, 6, or 10 beds. You can simply lay back in your room to rest after a long day of touring. A plus is that the bunk beds come with curtains, its own light, and plug for you to have more privacy while sharing a dorm.
- Great location
- Near public transit
- Superior service
- Great atmosphere
Generator Barcelona
Price: $44 to $45
Located on a bustling street in downtown Barcelona, this hip hostel is a quick 6-minute walk to Barcelona’s shopping district, Passeig de Gracia, and the Diagonal metro station. This hostel offers nothing but the best view of Barcelona. Take a peek at the 7th floor and enjoy a different view of the La Sagrada Familia from a small distance. If you’re in the mood for a stroll at the beach, get on a train for a 15-minute ride to the famous Barceloneta Beach. Generator Barcelona is the perfect hostel for those looking to combine style, comfort, and a great atmosphere.
The rooms have spacious outdoor terraces where you can hang out and savor the beauty of Barcelona. The showers are a plus. They’re just amazing. This vibrant hostel right in the city center offers no less than streamlined dorms and private rooms, so you can relax and enjoy the most out of your trip. The beds are great and there is a communal TV room with an outdoor patio that leads to a chillout lounge/cafe where you can enjoy a shared friendly atmosphere and the best drinks and snacks. If you’re hungry for good food, there is no need to look further as this hostel offers food within the budget that is surprisingly delicious. The hostel is also located very close to the city’s buzzing bars and restaurants where you can socialize and chill out after a long day of walking and sightseeing. You can choose from a wonderful selection of dorm rooms quads, and private en-suites
Also, the staff is a highlight in this place. Most of them are multilingual and are always known to go the extra mile to help you in any moment of need. Their experts can help you devise an itinerary upon request and they’ll take you through the mazes of beautiful Barcelona.
- Accessible to shops and public transportation
- Restaurant in hostel
- Buzzy bar
- Friendly atmosphere
Black Swan Hostel
Price: $56 to $59
The Black Swan Hostel is a great place to stay in a convenient location, plus the most happening places in Barcelona. Located in the center of town, popular tourist spots like the Cuitadella Park are only 10 minutes away on foot. Head to Nord Station and jump on the train to Catalonia and you will see almost all the places to visit on your list to explore. There’s always something going on around this hostel. Be it a salsa class or a flamenco show for free, or a laid-back chill-out time in its common areas over a game of pool, there is always much to do and great opportunities to meet other people. Grab a cup of fine coffee from the caffe or check out the free cooking classes and learn how to make delicious paella from the hostel’s secret recipe. There’s free breakfast and dinner daily, so you don’t have to scout for places to eat. The hostel offers a free trip to the Magic Fountain with other travelers, and if you’re up for it, you can also visit the nice beaches nearby. Plus, there’s a super fun pub crawl at night!
The rooms are cool and comfy. There’s mixed or female-only dorms with shared bathrooms and bed linens are provided free every day.
- Access to action-packed shopping and cultural quarter
- Cool bars
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Free light breakfast
Hostel One Sants
Price: $54 to $58
Here’s one amazing hostel at an amazing price where you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Barcelona. Located on a tree-lined street near various shops and eateries, this nice, laid-back hostel won’t disappoint with the places to go around and fun shared activities. In a few words’ description, this fine hostel is complete with relaxed dorms and private rooms, a communal kitchen, a lounge, and a terrace. It’s a great place to easily meet people. Walk into this hostel and instantly feel the good vibes. Feel at home with the helpful and dynamic staff who go above and beyond to make your trip as comfortable and exciting as possible. It is a quick 12-minute walk from Sants Station and it is very close to Camp Nou and Montjuic, Barcelona’s largest mountainous park. Hostel One Sants offer many great activities to engage guests day and night. There are free day time activities and bar crawls at night. This includes free entrance to the best clubs around! Apart from these, there’s a free home-cooked dinner every night for all guests, too. The hostel has a beautiful rooftop terrace where you can mingle with other travelers. Enjoy the large basement area equipped with a pool table, reading corner, a TV with Netflix and PS3, and a kitchen common area, all where you can meet and make new friends.
The hostel provides rooms for two, three, four, and up to six people. Shared toilets and baths are available on each floor.
- Incredibly friendly staff
- Nice cozy atmosphere
- Free swimming pool access
HelloBCN Hostel Barcelona
Price: $49 to $51
Located in a compact district with charming squares, a creative dining scene, and theaters all around, you will make ridiculously charming memories in Barcelona staying in this hostel. It’s a 4-minute walk from the Paral-el Metro Station, 1km from ferry service, and 3km from the beach! Meet other travelers through the free walking tours and club-hopping sessions organized by this hostel. If you are into mixing it up, enjoy the shared space in the terrace or common area playing table tennis or jenga.
This hostel offers free breakfast and organizes dinners together for anyone who wishes to join. The kitchen is open for you to make your own meals on a budget if you wish.
Rooms come in dorms that include a female-only option with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. Private double rooms come with an en-suite. There are backpack-sized security lockers for your backpacks or luggages. Plus, it’s a keyless yet secure entry as you only wear an electronic wristband instead.
- Great location
- Fun activities day and night
- Free breakfast
- Bar and fitness room
What Should I Look for in a Youth Hostel in Barcelona?
Naming the best hostel will differ based on your needs for accomodation and activities. Do you need a place that’s affordable, a place to work, a private room for you and your partner, or anything in between? Take a look at the factors that you should consider:
- Price – Barcelona may be a wee bit pricey as it is a prime location for tourists. Transport around the city could be around $3 per day. A night in a practical hostel of your choice may be at $23-$24. With minimal spending you can get by with $40 daily in Barcelona. Choose where you dine and if you walk, you’ll save on transport and get to enjoy more or the culture and the views of this beautiful city.
- Amenities – One of the best strategies to save money on traveling is to find hostels that offer free breakfast. There are others that even offer free home-cooked dinner and organize dinners for guests who are willing to join. It will add up after many trips, and there are some hostels on this list that have this feature (or some other amenities like towels or lockers). These little freebies can add up.
- Location – There are some less expensive options if you go outside the city center, but it doesn’t feel the same as staying pretty close to the main attractions. Having said that, if you do explore a bit beyond the city limits, you’ll still be able to find your way around with Barcelona’s fantastic public transportation system. Plus, you can count the commute as part of your sight seeing.
The Youth Hostels in Amsterdam
1. Hostel One Paralelo
Price: $32
Pros: Super clean, knowledgeable staff, day tours, good location
Cons: Can get quite noisy
2. Unite Hostel Barcelona
Price:
Pros: Good location, friendly staff, rooftop, terrace, city views, varied nightlife
Cons: No hot tub
3. Bed & Bike Hostel
Price: $29
Pros: Affordable rooms, great location, clean, comfortable common area, free dinner, bike rental
Cons: No pool, no hot tub
4 Party Hostel Kabul
Price: $50
Pros: Clean, affordable rooms, smoke-free, free breakfast
Cons: Parking is a challenge, no pool, spa, or fitness center, no pets allowed
5. Pars Teatro Hostel
Price: $26
Pros: Geat location, kitchen in rooms, awesome amenities
Cons: No parking
6. TOC Hostel Barcelona
Price: $23
Pros: Outdoor pool, breakfast buffet, smoke-free property
Cons: Extra charge for parking, no fitness center, no pets allowed
7. 360 Hostel Barcelona
Price: $28
Pros: Great accessibility, kitchen in some rooms
Cons: Parking with extra charge
8. Alternative Creative Youth Hostel Barcelona
Price: $26
Pros: Friendly and helpful staff, affordable rooms
Cons: Not easily accessible, no parking, small kitchen
9. BCG Hostel
Price:
Pros: Excellent overall location
Cons: Paid parking, no pool or hot tub
10. Ideal Youth Hostel Barcelona
Price: $42
Pros: Kid-friendly, smoke-free property, business center, kitchen in some rooms
Cons: Can get a bit noisy
About Barcelona
Barcelona is not one destination you should miss. With the beaches, the clubs, the food, and the architecture, you are in for a breathtaking adventure. Being a major port and passage for business and tourists, through the northeastern Meditteranean coast of Spain, Barcelona offers more than a few adventures to make your trip unforgettable. The face of this city is ever-changing, fueled by its long-standing penchant for design and innovation. You are in for a wealth of experience, adventure, and amazing attractions. Barcelona holds a well-developed accommodation base, a very lively nightlife, and a robust transportation system to get you to as many attractions in your limited time in the bustling city.
What Should I Pack for My Trip to Barcelona?
Always, always, always have these travel essentials with you on your trip:
- Travel Soap: When traveling around the globe, hygiene sometimes comes a bit short. So, make sure that your soap can wash your hands, clothes, or anything else, wherever you are.
- Water Bottle: Sturdy and durable, a water bottle survives the roughest adventures while keeping your drink hot or cold for at least a day. Vacuum-sealed and made from stainless steel, the container can fit 25 oz, which is more than enough to keep you hydrated. Aside from that, you can reduce your usage of single-use plastics.
- Power Bank: Everyone knows the feeling of having a mini heart attack when your phone runs out of juice. Surviving long bus rides without charging stations in sight can be unbearable, which is the reason why every traveler should carry around a power bank.
- Toiletry Bag: Is your toothpaste lost under your clothes again? You won’t have this problem if you have a toiletry bag!
- Headphone Splitter: Being stuck on an airplane or bus if you want to share a movie or music with your traveling companion. With a headphone splitter, you won’t have to share your headphones (with germs and earwax) anymore. Your friend or partner can plug in their headphones simultaneously, so both of you are entertained (without being gross).
- Universal Travel Adapter: A universal travel adapter is one of the most underrated things that you should bring on a trip. Covering the standards of over 150 countries, you’ll always have the right plug to juice up your phone. Aside from that, you can also charge up to 5 devices at the same time through the multiple USB ports.
Why Should I Head to Barcelona?
Barcelona stimulates the senses on every level. Take a walk on the streets of Barcelona and experience the beauty and culture and the unique mix of history and innovation. If this is not reason enough to head to Barcelona for your next adventure, what else could be? Experience art, architecture, food, and beaches. Nestled between majestic towering mountain ranges and the Meditteranean coast, Barcelona offers a ton of fun and adventure for just about everybody. Get in and out of the box in an extraordinary exploration of the city that is also a shopping paradise.
Related Questions
The busiest time for tourists and travelers in Barcelona is August. Most locals gear up for vacations elsewhere, while tourists flock the hotels and streets of Barcelona. It’s relatively warm and humid around this time, so you’ll want to head to the beaches. Explore Costa Daurada (south), Costa Brava (north), or the Balearic Islands. If you want to visit on off-peak months, Barcelona is equally magical in the winter months of January to February. The most ideal temperatures and weather come in April to June and late September to November.
Depending on your interests and the time of year you’re traveling, you may head to nearby attractions such as Terrassa, Montserrat, Tarragona, Madrid, Montpellier, Paris, and Toulouse in France, or in Lisbon, Valencia, Seville, Sao Paulo, Rome, Amsterdam, or London.
The happiness of babies and toddlers are considered public responsibility in Spain, generally. People all over will observably make an effort to make your toddlers at ease and delighted whenever he or she becomes bored or fussy. You will find a great list of things to do with children while in Barcelona.
A Barcelona Card gives easy entry to more than 25 museums and offers various discounts. It includes a travel pass for public transportation around Barcelona. It is available for purchase for periods of 2 to 5 days, ideally, for tourists and backpackers. However, if you wish to visit other attractions and just a few museums, you may just get a transport-only card, to save on cost. In addition, if you are on a tight trip schedule, you might want to get a Barcelona City Pass. This card offers a package that combines preferential skip the line tickets and transport tickets all over Barcelona to save you time and money on your visits to the attractions on your list.