Alexander Meddings
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Flexible TravelUnless you’ve been living under a rock you’ve probably noticed that Barcelona has become a top-rated tourist destination in recent years, but that doesn’t mean that finding a place to stay has to break the bank. There are things to do all over the city and you can get just about anywhere you fancy with public transport, so it’s not necessary to stay in the city centre to see the main attractions. From a pocket-friendly holiday to a luxurious getaway, there’s something for everyone.
In this guide we’ll give you Barcelona accommodation recommendations by neighbourhood based on your budget, offering affordable, mid-range, and premium options for every type of traveller.
You can’t come to Barcelona and not spend time in Ciutat Vella, a vibrant neighbourhood including the subdistricts of El Raval, El Born, and the Gothic Quarter. This thrilling territory trifecta has all of the ingredients for a perfect holiday. History buffs will love exploring Roman ruins and 15th century cathedrals, foodies will savour Spanish flavours at Boqueria Market, and shopaholics can get their fix at trendy boutiques and big name shops.
There’s also plenty to do after dark too, as this neighbourhood is home to some of the best bars in the world including Paradiso and Dr. Stravinksy. Oh, and if you happen to be looking for a drinking buddy this is also where you’ll find our Tipsy Tour—just saying.
The lush green haven of Parc Ciutadella is perfect for picnics and a stroll on a lazy afternoon and if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even row a boat in the duck pond. When you’re done, catch a glimpse of the archaeological ruins housed in the iconic iron marvel of Mercat del Born, sitting pretty surrounded by bustling bars and restaurants.
Since Ciutat Vella is highly walkable, you won’t need to take public transport to explore the mediaeval maze of the Gothic Quarter or strut the promenade of the famous Las Ramblas. Getting to other parts of the city is simple enough though, all you have to do is take the metro or train in Plaça Catalunya.
Ciutat Vella is the most popular area for tourists to want to stay, so it’s not surprising that it’s one of the most expensive. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ball on a budget in the old town. Safestay Hostel offers a bed in a mixed room for as low as €10.80 a night. For just 3 euros more you can even get breakfast! If you’d prefer to stay a bit farther from the centre, the hostel also has a location on the beautiful Passeig d’ Gràcia.
The hotel chain H10 has locations all over Europe, with several spread across Barcelona. The one in Ciutat Vella is situated next to the quaint boat-lined Port Vell, within close proximity to the bohemian El Born district. This four star hotel features modern rooms, the Hollywood restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with a plunge pool. Hearing about all of the amenities might make you want to clutch your purse strings, but it’s actually cheaper than you may think. Depending on the season, you can get a basic room for as low as €87 a night or €108 with breakfast.
If luxury is your motto, look no further than Ohla Barcelona, conveniently located on Via Laietana, straddling both the Gothic and El Born neighbourhoods. The suites in this five star hotel are the epitome of luxury and they offer a range of additional services such as a private driver, a wellness centre, personal shoppers and fitness curators. When the weather is good you can relax at the pool and have a drink on the rooftop terrace. The amenities come at a pretty penny though, with rooms starting at €300 a night.
Beach lovers won’t be able to resist Barceloneta, a vibrant and lively neighbourhood hugging the city’s main beach. Its origin as a fishing district is palpable while walking the narrow streets and the small historic buildings give the neighbourhood a Mediterranean feel.
Here you can enjoy the best of the beach while just a stone’s throw away from the city. Sunbathe in the company of beach volleyballers, paddle surfers, and skateboarders sliding down the promenade. Continue to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere at one of the many chiringuitos or beach bars sprinkled along the coast or indulge in a seafood platter at a restaurant on Joan de Borbo. If you’re after enjoying the beachy side of the city, Barceloneta is the best place to be.
Of course, everything is more expensive with a beachfront view and the scent of sea breeze wafting in the air—and places to stay in Barceloneta are no exception. The cheapest option is Sea Hostel. For €15 a night, you stay a short walk away from the beach, but you’ll have to sleep in the same room as 10 strangers but hey–all good things come at a price, and this one is pretty reasonable!
Just a five-minute walk from the beach you’ll find Hotel 54, a 3-star hotel operating in the emblematic building of the fisherman’s guild, boasting spectacular views of Barcelona’s Port Vell. For as low as €70 a night, you can enjoy the best of both the beach and the city, as it’s only a 7-minute walk from the metro station connecting you to other parts of Barcelona.
Everyone who’s anyone knows about Barcelona’s iconic W-Hotel, as its sleek and unique glass facade can be seen lurking in the background of every influencer’s beach photos on Instagram. As you can imagine it’s not cheap to stay there, but if you’re looking for something extravagant, this is it. Rooms are around €250 per night but since it’s owned by the reputable Marriot Hotel chain, you can be sure that you’ll be spoilt with excellent amenities and services.
Get ready for modernist par-excellence as you wander the diamond-shaped streets of Eixample, one of Barcelona’s larger neighbourhoods and arguably the most difficult to pronounce. Home to architectural wonders like the world-famous La Sagrada Familia and more of Gaudi’s masterpieces like La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, this is the place to be to cross tourist attractions off of your list. This chic and elegant neighbourhood is known for its wide boulevards and urban grid layout—-oh and lots of luxury brands like Prada, Gucci, and all of the other designers you’re likely to see in fashion magazines. Its cosmopolitan flair coupled with its history makes it one of the most desirable places to stay in Barcelona.
Just like in Ciutat Vella, Safestay also has a location in Passeig d’ Gràcia, though prices are slightly higher with a one or two euro difference. A similar low-budget option is St. Christopher’s Inn, a backpacker hostel in the city’s university area. With various locations across Europe, you can be sure that the chain is reputable, offering a standard level of service in every destination. The price is unbeatable, with a bed in a shared dormitory as low as €17. Talk about a steal!
Sercotel Rosellon is the hotel you’d expect to find in a city like Barcelona. It offers guests a stunning glimpse of the city, with an exclusive view of La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s most famous attraction. For as low as €110 a night, you can enjoy a comfortable room and get access to the rooftop for Insta-worthy photo-ops and a drink or two.
It should come as no surprise that one of the most lavish hotels in the city is the former Ritz. Now called El Palacio Hotel, it lives up to its name, and when you walk inside, you’ll feel like you’re entering a palace out of a fairytale. You won’t find anything for under €300 a night, and depending on the season, rooms can cost up to €1000. One thing’s for sure: the royal price tag comes with the royal treatment.
Travellers who want more of a local experience might be inclined to stay in Gràcia, a trendy neighbourhood loved by locals and tourists alike. Known for its open squares and free-spirit atmosphere, Gràcia is the perfect place to stay in Barcelona for slow travel, doing as the locals do. Peruse the artisan shops, sip a cerveza on a terrace, admire art at one of the independently-owned galleries, and hear Catalan— the regional language.
Even though it’s home to many locals, there are tourist attractions too. Gràcia is also home to the whimsical Parc Güell where you can see more of Antoni Gaudi’s work including colourful mosaics. Foodies, movie-buffs, and everyone in between will find themselves enamoured with Calle Verdi, a lively street full of restaurants, cafes, shops, and cinemas.
Here, there's something for everyone and Gràcia is more than a neighbourhood, it’s like a mini village inside a metropolitan city; finding Barcelona accommodation in Gràcia is the best way to get a feel for the true spirit of the Catalan capital.
Located just off of Barcelona’s iconic Passeig d’ Gràcia, Arc House Gràcia is a safe and clean hostel that offers dormitory accommodation starting at just €17. Since it’s a short walk from Gaudi’s Casa Mila and relatively close to Parc Güell by car, it’s the best option for travellers looking to tick things off their itinerary at a bargain.
Casa Bella Aspacios features a rooftop terrace and internal courtyard and all of their rooms have everything you need for a seamless stay. For around €100 per night, you’ll have a spacious bed, television, kettle, and coffeemaker at your disposa,l and you’ll be in a prime location to explore Gràcia with ease.
For a Barcelona experience unlike any other, you can stay in Hotel Casa Fuster, located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building, designed by Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, embodies opulence and class. The hotel boasts a spa, gym, and rooftop with panoramic views of the city and an outdoor pool. But of course, luxury comes at a price, and in this case, prices start at €234 per night.
Poblenou or “new village” has a fitting name, offering a village-like atmosphere with a residential ambience. This neighbourhood might not be the first choice for most travellers but for people who want a quieter, small town experience, there’s nothing like it. Oh, and we forgot to mention, it’s right on the beach! Unlike Barceloneta, Poblenou’s beaches like Marbella and Bogatell are cleaner and more relaxing as they aren’t overrun by tourists, making for the ideal beach holiday. See Catalan Art at Museo Can Framis, sample local and international flavours at one of the many restaurants on Rambla de Poblenou, or experience the best of Barcelona nightlife at the famous Razzmatazz nightclub.
Just a short walk from Marbella Beach sits Latroupe Poblenou Beach Hostel, a cosy place to stay in Barcelona, away from the hustle and bustle of city crowds. For as low as €20 a night, you can sleep in a mixed dormitory and enjoy other amenities such as a terrace, free wifi, and 24-hour reception.
For a bit more comfort at a more reasonable price tag, Holiday Inn offers the most bang for your buck at Holiday Inn Express City 22@. When it comes to Barcelona accommodation, this hotel offers a standard experience. For around €100 per night, you can sleep in a comfortable room and enjoy a complimentary breakfast.
Promising celebrity treatment is The Level at Meliá Barcelona Sky, a five-star hotel located in a skyscraper scaling 120 metres high. A room with a city view starts around €190 but if you want to gaze at the Mediterranean from your window you’re looking to pay upwards of €200.
At Carpe Diem our goal is to connect people with a passion for wanderlust with unique experiences from a local perspective.
🚶♀️Explore the Old Town on foot with our walking tour of the Gothic Quarter!
Barcelona Walking Tour
🍸 Experience Barcelona after dark and get a taste of some of the best nightlife in Europe on our Tipsy Tour of Barcelona!
Barcelona Tipsy Tour
🥘 Sample Spanish cuisine on our Tipsy Tapa Tour and experience the city through your taste buds!
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The Barcelona Tipsy Tour is the perfect way to meet other adventure-seekers, sip the finest Spanish drinks, and immerse yourself in Barcelona’s iconic nightlife while learning secret history that the locals don’t want you to know.
Forget your dry, standard city tour and live your best life while travelling. Our tour puts the “bar” in Barcelona and it’s 18+, but not just because of the booze. You’re going to find out the city’s best kept secrets and forbidden history that they definitely leave out of the tourist guidebooks. If you’re a sober traveller but you still want to join in the fun don’t worry! We’ve got alcohol-free beverages you can sip on while you enjoy the company of your new friends.
After a warm welcome, we’ll get started in El Born. A chic, trendy neighbourhood with great nightlife–and a scandalous past.
You’ll sip some vermouth (aka sunshine in a glass) and learn some of Barcelona’s most twisted secrets. Discover the undercover lives of its former residents and be wowed by forbidden stories as we follow in the footsteps of where these events played out. There are ghosts, secret graveyards, and sex of all sorts – but we’ll leave it to your guide to tell you the rest.
We’ll discover some of Barcelona’s most vibrant bars and neighbourhoods. Try some unique white sangria – very hard to find but oh so easy to drink, and sip other authentic tipples as you hear about the history behind the city’s favourite drinks.
Then, a surprise. Try a shot of traditional Catalan liqueur and see how well you do, then wash it down with a famous cocktail to really get the night moving. As you’re drinking, dancing and singing, we’ll be mixing up a cocktail of our own with a splash of history and a spritz of legend. These stories are so good, you’ll even remember them when you’re fighting a hangover the next day.
When the tour is over, the night out officially begins. We’ll enjoy Barcelona long into the night, making unforgettable memories with our newfound friends.
Spaces fill up fast, so book your Barcelona Tipsy Tour today!
4.97(315)
There’s a reason why Barcelona is one of the most beloved cities in Europe; art, architecture, history—what more could you ask for? The best way to see the city is with a local guide who will lead you through the whimsical streets of the Gothic Quarter and share a fascinating history spanning 2,000 years. As you walk along the route you’ll see the city’s evolution starting from Roman-occupied Barcino through the Golden Age and all the way to the Barcelona that we know and love today. We’ll visit some must-see sites like the Barcelona Cathedral where you’ll hear about the brutal death of the city’s patron saint or Placa del Rey, where you’ll learn about the darker side of Spanish history during the Inquisition. Along the way we’ll also see some hidden gems and hear about urban legends. By the end of the tour you’ll have gained a new perspective into Catalan tradition and history that will leave you falling in love with Barcelona.
5(108)Taste your way through the Catalan capital on our Barcelona Tapas Tour. Food is an essential part of Catalan culture, and no trip to Barcelona is complete without sharing tapas or “small plates.” Over two and half hours you’ll visit four of the city’s best tapa hotspots in the trendy neighbourhoods of El Born and the Gothic Quarter, trying croquettes, patatas bravas, pintxos, paella and more. This tour is perfect for all types of foodies; whether you’re on a family holiday, a romantic couple’s retreat, or solo travelling through Europe–this tour is the best way to meet people with a passion for food!
Food and culture are interlinked in Catalonia, so there’s no better way to explore the beautiful city of Barcelona than through its cuisine. Wander the mediaeval streets and plazas of El Born and the Gothic Quarter while your local foodie guide feeds you intriguing tidbits of history. As your guide fills you up with fun facts and cultural insights, you’ll sample a variety of tapas and drinks, and enjoy the company of fellow travellers.
So bring yourself — and your appetite — and prepare to discover the essence of Barcelona’s tapas and drinks culture! Spaces are limited; reserve yours now!
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