Staying overnight in Barcelona doesn’t have to be expensive, the city offers plenty of options for affordable and budget-friendly accommodations. A hostel is generally much more affordable than a hotel and can be just as clean (and even more fun!). Prefer not to share a room with strangers? Many hostels also offer private rooms. Here are ten tips to help you choose!
Generator Hostel
The trendy Generator Hostel is located just outside the bustling city center, in the charming Gràcia neighborhood. It’s well-connected to all major attractions and a budget-friendly option for those looking to save on accommodation. The bus and metro stop just a stone’s throw away, and if you’re driving, there’s a parking garage nearby. The hostel spans multiple floors, offering a wide variety of room options to choose from.
Will you opt for one of the cozy dorms with shared bathrooms? Or perhaps the spacious (and pricier) penthouse? There’s no fully equipped kitchen, so cooking your own meals might be tricky. On rainy days, there’s plenty to do indoors, with a pool table, a lounge room where sports games are broadcast, and regularly organized activities to keep you entertained.
Check availabilitySoul Backpackers
Two young Catalans run the budget-friendly Soul Backpackers hostel, located right in the heart of the Eixample district in central Barcelona. Prices are incredibly low—starting at just €8.50 per night, making it a very affordable option. The hostel is small but cozy, featuring a lovely terrace where you can relax or even have a barbecue. The kitchen is well-equipped for preparing your own meals, though breakfast is not included in the price.
At the long communal table in the shared space, it’s easy to meet other guests, most of whom are young backpackers. The hostel has one private room for two people, while the rest are classic dorm rooms. All spaces are exceptionally clean, and the mattresses are very comfortable. Don’t expect entertainment or luxurious extras—just a simple and pleasant place to stay in Barcelona.
Soul Backpackers Barcelona is located in the right side of the modernist Eixample district. Its central location allows you to walk to the historic old town, the Passeig de Gràcia to admire Gaudí’s iconic buildings, and even the Sagrada Família.
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Kabul
This hostel, located right in the heart of the city on Plaça Reial, just behind the famous Ramblas, proudly calls itself Barcelona’s ultimate “crazy party” hostel. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, this is probably not the place for you. But for party lovers, it’s the place to be. The basic rooms accommodate 4, 8, 10, or even 20 (!) people. A variety of activities are organized, such as pub crawls, and with your hostel pass, you get access to several clubs around the city.
The rooftop terrace is the perfect spot to recover after a wild night out or to gear up for the next party. Bed linen isn’t included in the price but can be rented at reception for €2. Overall, the hostel is clean, with showers and toilets being cleaned multiple times a day. Thanks to good soundproofing, there’s minimal noise disturbance from outside.
Hostel Kabul is situated in the Gothic Quarter, right in a bustling tourist area. The neighborhood is packed with nightlife spots, bars, and affordable eateries offering everything from pizza slices to kebabs. Prices on Plaça Reial are higher than elsewhere in the city, but just around the corner on Plaça de George Orwell, you’ll find cheaper options for a beer. The beds themselves are affordable and budget-friendly. Plus, it’s just a short walk from the hostel to the beach.
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Black Swan
Super central and within walking distance of the beach, the city center, the Ramblas, the Sagrada Família, and Estación del Nord bus station, you’ll find the Black Swan Hostel. The price-quality ratio here is excellent. For an affordable rate, you get a bed and a spacious locker for your belongings in one of the small but perfectly adequate rooms. A simple breakfast is included in the price.
The large, modern kitchen is ideal for preparing your own lunch or dinner, which you can enjoy in the communal dining area. With plenty of showers and toilets, you won’t have to wait in line with your towel. The staff is incredibly friendly and organizes a variety of activities, including free walking tours around the city. Another important detail: the hostel is very clean and well-maintained.
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Casa Gràcia
In a grand mansion on the upscale Passeig de Gràcia, right between the Eixample district and the vibrant Gràcia neighborhood, you’ll find Casa Gràcia. Gaudí’s masterpieces, such as La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, are within walking distance, as is the Sagrada Família. The rooms—ranging from dormitories to private rooms and accommodations for small groups—are spread across multiple floors. A bunk bed in a dorm is the cheapest option, while private rooms are priced closer to typical hotel rates.
The staff is young, friendly, and helpful. For those looking to soak up some culture during their stay, the on-site art gallery hosts regular exhibitions. There are also happy hours and occasional live music performances. When booking, keep in mind that not all rooms have natural light. The interior of this boutique hostel is trendy, featuring a fantastic kitchen, a lovely terrace, and a beautiful library.
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URBANY
There are more centrally located hostels in Barcelona, but Urbany is situated in the El Clot neighborhood. While it’s easy to reach the city center by metro, it’s too far to walk. The hostel offers both private rooms and dorms and is particularly popular with young travelers. The dorms are on the smaller side, and the beds are basic but perfectly fine for a few nights. Plus, Urbany is very budget-friendly.
On the third floor, you can enjoy a delicious cocktail or tapas dish at the bar. There’s also a lovely rooftop terrace to relax on. A simple breakfast is served at a low price, though there are plenty of nearby bakeries offering fresh bread, coffee, and orange juice in the morning.
Check availabilityMambo Tango
Not the cheapest option, but the Mambo Tango Hostel in the Poble-sec neighborhood is incredibly cozy. The owners, experienced backpackers themselves, successfully converted their home into a hostel. The decor, friendly staff, and welcoming atmosphere make guests feel at home right away. The hostel is suitable for all age groups. The small kitchen is perfectly fine for preparing a simple lunch or dinner, but the area is also packed with great bars and restaurants.
The showers could be a bit more comfortable, but there’s plenty of (hot) water, and the facilities are kept clean. Bed linen is included in the price, but towels and breakfast are not. For those interested, activities are organized every evening. Poble-sec is nestled on the slopes of Montjuïc, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle, even during peak tourist season. The neighborhood itself is largely free of tourists, and it’s just a short walk to El Raval and the Gothic Quarter. The coastline is also nearby.
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Central Garden
One of the cleanest hostels in the city, located in the Eixample district, within walking distance of the city center, and budget-friendly to boot. Don’t expect big parties here; instead, you’ll find a calm and relaxing spot in the sometimes chaotic Barcelona. Hostel Central Garden is housed in a typical Eixample-style building. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful, always eager to share their best tips for exploring the city.
Both the private rooms and dorms are spacious and spotless. The beds are simple but comfortable. Breakfast isn’t included, but the kitchen is well-equipped for preparing your own meals. Guests also enjoy free coffee and tea. For light sleepers staying in a room facing the street, earplugs are recommended. Barcelona Central Garden is located in the right-hand side of the modernist Eixample district. Its central location allows you to walk to the old town, the Passeig de Gràcia to admire Gaudí’s masterpieces, and even the Sagrada Família.
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St. Christopher’s Inn
Central, affordable, and lively—these are the three main features of St Christopher’s Inn hostel, located just a stone’s throw from Plaça Catalunya, the central square of Barcelona (you can’t get much closer to the heart of the city). The hostel is ideal for both solo travelers and large groups. Keep in mind that most guests are there to enjoy the party vibe.
The dorms are spacious compared to most other hostels in the city. The cozy communal area, open until 2:00 am, is a great place to meet other travelers or simply unwind after a busy day. You can also grab a meal or drink here at very reasonable prices. A simple breakfast is included in the price.
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Hostelle – Female only hostel
Hostelle is the first and only hostel in Barcelona exclusively for women. The main goal of the hostel is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for women, allowing them to fully focus on sightseeing and enjoying the city. Hostelle Barcelona is located in the Nou Barris district and offers colorful rooms, a shared kitchen, clean bathrooms, a dining area, and a workspace. It’s an absolute must for solo female travelers and women on a budget. Additionally, the hostel has a cozy, homey atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re staying with friends.
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