Barcelona Hostels

Are you planning a trip to Barcelona and looking for hostel options in the city? Take a look at these Barcelona Hostels for some suggestions.

I was able to visit Barcelona twice within a couple of months earlier this year and both times I stayed in hostels.

They were very different and chosen for different reasons, but both were ones I would happily recommend.

I will tell you about each of them, and I will also recommend a few other highly-regarded hostels too.

Contents

Chic & Basic Tallers Hostal
Yeah Barcelona Hostel
Other Barcelona Hostels
Tips for Booking Hostels in Barcelona

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Chic & Basic Tallers Hostal

For my first visit to Barcelona, I was travelling with my husband and we stayed in a private room at the boutique Chic & Basic Tallers Hostal, located in the Tallers area of the city, adjacent to the popular Gothic Quarter.

This image captures a private bedroom with a double bed neatly made with white linens. The room includes a small sink, a mirror, a hairdryer mounted on the wall, and some amenities placed on the bed, including slippers and a tote bag. The design is clean and modern, with a subtle decorative touch on the wall behind the bed.

This image shows a small bedroom with a minimalist design. The room features a bed with white linens, a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, and a small sink with a mirror. The space is compact but functional, with a simple, modern aesthetic.

The location of the hostel was fantastic. It was perhaps 200m from where the airport bus dropped us off – which was great since we arrived at about 10 pm.

It was also just metres from the Universitat Metro station and 7 minutes walk to Plaça Catalunya.

There were lots of restaurants and food options right near the hostel, and it had a local student vibe about the area.

Chic & Basic Tallers Hostal doesn’t have a reception on site, check in is done at their sister hotel (which also looked good), about 100m away around a corner.

The reception there is open 24hr so checking in late was not an issue.

This image depicts a dining area with a large wooden table in the center, surrounded by stools. The space has a warm, inviting atmosphere, with pendant lights hanging above the table and a mirror reflecting the room. The kitchen area in the background includes modern appliances and storage.

This image shows a small, cozy office space with a long wooden desk along a window. The desk has two orange chairs, a desktop computer, a small lamp, and a few books arranged on floating shelves above the desk. The room has a modern yet warm design, ideal for working or studying.

The whole hostel had a modern, funky feel to it, with little touches such as funny sayings on the toiletries, and multicoloured lighting in the room.

Our room was small, but it had everything we needed. We did have the world’s smallest ensuite though. It was like a built-in wardrobe had been converted into a space with a toilet and a shower head – nothing else!

It was okay, with great water pressure and plenty of hot water, but everything got wet, so we did have to remember to remove the toilet paper each time we showered!

This image captures a small, simple bathroom with white tiled walls. The setup includes a toilet and a wall-mounted showerhead, with two rolls of toilet paper placed on top of the toilet tank. The space is minimalistic and functional.

This image features a bottle of hand wash with a black label that reads "chic&basic Touch me darling" in white text. The bottle has a pump dispenser and is set on a white bathroom sink.

There was a small but nice communal area, with a kitchen and desk area. The best part here was the breakfast/snacks provided.

It wasn’t just tea, coffee, toast and fruit like most hostels, but there was also a variety of ham & cheese, perfect for toasted sandwiches. There were also muffins and biscuits, fruit juice and a variety of milk.

This meant that not only could we have breakfast, but also a light dinner if we wanted after a big lunch while we were out.

This image features a section of the kitchen dedicated to gluten-free food items. The setup includes loaves of gluten-free bread, jars of cereal, chocolate chips, and various other snacks. The items are neatly organized on a countertop with wooden accents, and a sign indicating the gluten-free options is visible.

This image shows a small coffee station within a kitchen area. It includes a coffee machine, several black mugs, a selection of tea bags stored in a wooden box labeled "Storage Box," and a variety of sweeteners and stirrers. The wooden countertop and backsplash give the space a warm, cozy feel.

Chic & Basic Tallers Hostal does not have dorm rooms, all rooms are double, twin or single rooms, perfect for those wanting privacy but the hostel feel.

Overall, this was a good option. Every place has that one thing that is less than perfect, and here it was the bathroom.

It’s probably not a great choice if you are travelling with someone you are less “friendly” with.

Take a look at the latest prices and availability for Chic & Basic Tallers Hostel here

Yeah Barcelona Hostel

The second time I was in Barcelona I was travelling with my (adult) daughter and we chose to stay in an all-female 4-bed dorm at Yeah Barcelona Hostel.

This image shows the exterior of a hostel in Barcelona. The building has a modern facade with large glass windows, and a neon sign above the entrance reads "Barcelona Hostel." A few red bikes are parked at a bike rack in front of the building, and a person is seen walking towards the entrance. The street is lined with trees and has a typical urban vibe.

We were only going to be in Barcelona for one night, and I wanted somewhere relatively close to the Sagrada Familia so that we could hopefully squeeze in a visit there (spoiler – we did!)

This is only the second time I’ve ever stayed in a dorm and was pleased to see how it was set up.

There were two very solid bunk beds, with curtains on the bottom bunks for privacy.

Our room also had its own shower and separate toilet, so we weren’t sharing with the whole hostel, just the people in our room.

This image shows a cozy dormitory room with wooden bunk beds lined up along the wall. Each bed has a privacy curtain and appears to be neatly made. The room has a modern and minimalist design, with light wooden floors and a small desk near the door that opens to a small balcony, providing natural light to the space.

This image shows a small bathroom sink area within a hostel room. The sink is placed against a tiled wall with a large mirror above it, and the setup includes a wall-mounted hairdryer and a small shelf holding toiletries. The area has a modern and clean design.

The bedding was included with the price, but we did have to pay €2 each for towels, which is fairly standard when staying in dorms.

The other two beds were occupied by two young sisters from Brazil and we were very lucky that they were thoughtful with noise.

It was tough because we were in bed early after our long flights from Australia and it was a Saturday night so they wanted to go out (and nothing starts in Barcelona until 10 pm any night!).

This image captures the breakfast area of a hostel, with a central island counter made of wood and topped with a marble surface. The area is warmly lit with hanging lamps, and the walls are decorated with vibrant murals. A sign on the wall humorously reads "Today's Menu: EAT IT or STARVE."

This image shows a bar area within a hostel, featuring a long wooden bar counter with a marble top. The space is well-lit with pendant lights hanging from the ceiling, and the seating area includes wooden tables and benches. The walls are decorated with colorful murals, adding a vibrant atmosphere to the room.

The hostel provides a good breakfast for €7, but we had an early morning, leaving before breakfast was served, so we grabbed a coffee and croissant nearby instead.

They also have meals in the evenings for €12 – usually a main course, dessert and drink.

The night we were there it was burgers, but we preferred something more local from the markets. It’s a good cheap option though.

This image captures a cozy common room in a hostel, furnished with comfortable cream-colored couches arranged in a circular pattern around a small table. The room is softly lit by hanging lightbulbs, and there's a large TV on the wall, along with some plants and modern decor elements, creating a welcoming space for guests to relax.

This image shows a spacious living area in the hostel, with a mix of seating options including sofas, bean bags, and cushioned benches. The room has a warm, inviting feel with wooden floors, bookshelves, and plenty of natural light coming through the large windows. There's also a small nook with extra seating near the windows, making it an ideal spot for guests to unwind.

Apart from the bar/dining area, there is also a small rooftop area with a tiny bar that is open in the evenings. There is also a small pool here to cool off in if it is hot!

I did get the feeling that this could be a bit of a party hostel, but we stayed on a Saturday night and did not hear any noise or have any disruptions.

The hostel is less than two blocks from the nearest Metro station making it easy to get around the city. The Metro from the airport stops at that station making arrival and departure easy too.

This image features a rooftop pool with pink-tinted water, surrounded by a wooden deck. The wall behind the pool is decorated with vibrant murals, including a large, colorful butterfly and lush green foliage, along with the word "yeah" in bold letters. The mural also includes a black and white illustration of whimsical buildings and architectural elements, likely referencing Barcelona's iconic designs.

This image shows a view from a high vantage point overlooking a street intersection in a European city, likely Barcelona. The scene includes classic multi-story buildings with balconies, lush green trees lining the streets, and a few vehicles, including a taxi, navigating the intersection. The sky above is partly cloudy, adding depth to the urban landscape.

There are plenty of restaurants and other food options around the area.

Overall the hostel was great for someone willing to spend a little more than the bare minimum. It’s a little more classy than some hostels I’ve stayed in before and that is reflected in the price.

It was spotlessly clean, the staff were good and it has a lift so no need to carry luggage up lots of stairs.

Depending on your plans, Yeah Hotel Barcelona might not be the perfect location, but it is still walking distance (in my opinion ) from La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter and only a 10-minute walk from Sagrada Familia.

Take a look at the latest prices and availability for Yeah Barcelona Hostel here.

Other Barcelona Hostels

There are so many fantastic-looking hostels in Barcelona. Both of my choices were mostly based on location and availability first (I only booked a few weeks in advance for each) and then on price.

Here are a few other Barcelona hostels I’ve not stayed at but I would seriously consider another time.

Generator Barcelona

This image shows the exterior of the Generator Hostel in Barcelona. The modern building features large vertical slats and a glass facade on the ground level. The hostel's name "GENERATOR" is prominently displayed in bold letters across the front, and a few people are seen walking on the sidewalk outside.

The Generator brand of hostels have been on my wishlist ever since I discovered them years ago.

With locations across Europe and the US, they are boutique hostels with funky decor and plenty of space for socialising.

They all offer dorm accommodation, but also a good range of private rooms for those who like a little more luxury but with the community of a hostel.

In Barcelona, Generator is just up the road from the Yeah Barcelona Hostel in the Gràcia neighbourhood, surrounded by plenty of restaurants and bars and walking distance to the Sagrada Familia and two metro stations.

While not the cheapest hostels around, they do have great facilities and are a great choice for those not on a strict budget who still want the fun of a hostel.

Take a look at the latest prices and availability for Generator Barcelona.

Itaca Hostel

If I was looking for dorm bed accommodation right in the middle of everything in the Gothic Qaurter Itaca Hostel would be my choice.

It has lovely funky decor and is bright and airy. They are highly rated on Trip Advisor, Booking.com and HostelWorld.

I like that every night they have activities to join in on, making this perfect for the solo traveller to meet other people. They also do free city tours each day, to get you started on exploring Barcelona.

Take a look at the latest prices and availability for Itaca Hostel

Primavera Hostel

For a hostel with private rooms, this one really caught my eye. It’s in the Eixample area, between the Gothic Quarter and the Sagrada Familia and just a couple of blocks from a metro station.

It’s in an old renovated building and the rooms look bright and clean with lovely decor. It looks like a calm place to come back to after a busy day.

There are a variety of private rooms, with and without ensuite, and dome dorm rooms too.

Take a look at the latest prices and availability for Primavera Hostel

Tips for Booking Hostels in Barcelona

Even if you have never stayed in a hostel before, you might be considering it in Barcelona as accommodation can be quite expensive. Here are some tips to help you choose the right place for you.

Book Early

I cannot stress how important this is. You may have heard that Barcelona is incredibly popular with tourists. It is no joke. In 2023 more than 12 million people visited the city.

This means that all the good accommodation books up really quickly, and what you are left with is either really expensive or not so great.

As soon as you know your dates, even if you just *think* you know your dates, lock in some accommodation with free cancellation so that it can be changed if you need to.

Know What Type of Hostel You Want

Not all hostels are created equal. They are not all party hostels for solo 20-something travellers looking to spend each night at the hostel bar.

Many are more luxurious, targeting a slightly older market with funky decor, private rooms and even workspaces.

Location, Location, Location

Like booking any accommodation, think carefully if it is in a location that is easy for you to access and convenient to the things you want to do in Barcelona.

The amount of time you are spending in Barcelona and how you are planning to get around once there might make a difference too.

For example, my short overnight stay had us coming from the airport on the metro, and our main focus was to see the Sagrada Familia and other Gaudi sites, so we chose a hotel nearby that was also close to a metro station.

Breakfast?

I always like to choose a hostel with breakfast if I can, even if it is as simple as coffee and toast. It saves time in the mornings if we don’t have to hunt down food, and it is better on the wallet too.

Sometimes you may not need breakfast, so it’s good to have the option to NOT include it too. Perhaps you have early tours or you are leaving for a flight, or you’re enjoying an experience with breakfast included.

Either way, work out which is best for you and include that in your search filters.

Dorm vs Private Room

The choice may seem obvious, but occasionally there will be some grey areas and you have to be ready to compromise.

When I chose to stay in a dorm, it was because I was travelling with my daughter and we could get beds in a 4-person female dorm with our own bathroom.

If I only had the choice of a 20-person mixed dorm, I may not have gone down that road.

I do not choose a dorm room if I travel with my husband.

Hostels Are Not Always Cheaper

The common perception is that hostels are cheap, but that is not always the case, especially in a city like Barcelona.

A private room in the popular hostels is likely on par with a decent 3-star hotel in the same area, so there would be cheaper options available in small local hotels and pensions.

The benefit of a hostel though is the social atmosphere and services offered, so consider if you are willing to pay for that.

Read these next to keep planning your Barcelona visit
Barcelona Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Things to Know Before Going to Barcelona
Is the Park Güell Tour Worth It? Here’s My Take

TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS

Find flights – I always use Skyscanner as my starting point when searching for flights. One search will give many options including airlines I may not have thought of. This means I can find the best possible flights to suit my needs

Book accommodation – my go to is always Booking.com for the best places to stay. It’s not just hotels anymore, but hostels, apartments, B&Bs and more. I love that the bookings are usually cancellable, and that I can book now and pay later.

Hire a rental car – RentalCars.com is my go to here. It allows me to do just one search and it finds cars from many of the different supplies, so no checking multiple websites to compare.

Get travel insurance – you would have heard by now that saying “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”. If we’ve learnt anything from the last couple of years it should be how essential travel insurance is. I use CoverMore for my insurance.

Pick up an eSIM – I tried an eSIM on my last trip and it was fantastic. I set it up before I went so it was ready as soon as I landed, and I still had access to my home number for emergencies. Get your own eSIM at Airalo.

Book activities, tours & attractions – I use a few different websites for this. Viator and Get Your Guide tend to be the first places I look. In Asia, Klook often has more options, and in Australia it’s Experience Oz.

Manage your money – the best way to manage your different currencies is with an account from Wise. You can hold money in many different currencies, and use them with the ATM card or from your phone.