11 Superb Barcelona Hostels
We check out some of the best budget beds in the city
By Duncan Rhodes 
Barcelona boasts an ever-increasing range of cool hostels for travellers, in every corner of the city. Find one that’s perfect for you.
Barcelona has long been a mecca for the backpackers, particularly of the hedonistic type who enjoy lazing on the city’s beaches by day before launching themselves full throttle into the dusk ’til dawn nightlife as soon as the sun has gone down.
Thankfully the Catalan capital has more than enough hostels to accommodate even the vast swathes of travellers that descend year-round (especially between March and October), and finding a room shouldn’t be a problem, provided you do a bit of advance planning.
Beds occupy every barrio of the city, and although you pay a bit more for a pillow right near Las Ramblas or the beach, if your budget is a little smaller you can always opt for some equally comfortable but slightly less central hostels and take advantage of Barcelona’s excellent metro and public transport to reach all the main attractions.
The good news for travellers is that increased competition has driven the prices of rooms down in the last couple of years, meaning there are bargains to be had. Whilst the big booking engines are handy for comparing prices, it’s not a bad idea to make one or two direct enquiries as well – particularly off season – and ask for a little discount.
The 11 Best Barcelona Hostels
If you are looking for affordable accommodation in Barcelona then you can start your search right here, with a handpicked selection of our favourite recommendations, rated for fun, location and value for money. Here they are, in no particular order…
1. St. Christopher’s Inn
This team did a brilliant job in securing a central spot just off Plaça Catalunya and the Ramblas and, as well as all the perks you’ve come to expect when backpacking around Europe (WiFI, pod bunks and hot showers etc), they’ve opened up the lively Belushi’s Bar just next door. Book directly with them to get a free breakfast and a few other discounts. A great party hostel.
www.st-christophers.co.uk/hostels/europe/barcelona
2. Amistat Beach Hostel
If your first thought in Barcelona is to don your bikini and head down to the playa then Amistat is the accommodation you’re looking for. While the district of Poblenou is short on classic tourist sites, it does have a lovely Rambla of its own and some lively nightlife, and the metro will get you into town easily enough. If you’re in town for the Primavera Sound Festival, then you’ll find yourself nice and near the festival grounds.
www.amistathostels.com/barcelona
3. Yeah Hostel
This highly rated luxury hostel has a great location for sightseeing, as it’s just off the Passeig de Gracia and close to virtually all of Gaudi’s most famous buildings. The area itself is fairly quiet, but is not far from the buzzing Gracia barrio if you’re keen to dive into the city’s tapas and bar scene. Facilities wise and it’s hard to beat Yeah, especially the rooftop pool. Certainly not the cheapest option in town, but few regret spending the extra dinero.
www.yeahhostels.com
4. Kabul Hostel
I stayed in Kabul Hostel in 2003, on my first ever visit to the city. Yep, this is the granddaddy of Barcelona hostels that puts party-loving travellers right in the centre of the action… on the gorgeous Plaça Reial square, home to some dozen or so nightlife venues. Their website says: “Please note, Kabul is a Party Hostel where sleeping might be difficult but fun assured.” So you’ve been warned! Breakfast included in the price.
www.kabul.es
5. Hello BCN Hostel
A fun and friendly place in the up-and-coming district of Poble Sec, just under Montjuic Mountain, you can access the whole city easily, plus there’s a great pinxto and tapas bar scene right on your doorstep.
www.hellobcnhostel.com
6. Generator Hostel
A pan-European behemoth with all the mod cons, including hotel-style private rooms with ensuite facilities, Generator is situated in Gracia, a hip enclave slightly removed from the tourist maelstrom. They have a large bar and social area, where they sometimes stage Balkan/Cumbia parties, which are a lot of fun.
www.staygenerator.com/hostels/barcelona
7. Nest Hostel
Slightly further out than some of the other hostels I’ve mentioned, Nest has a pleasant roof terrace and is great place to relax if you prefer to escape the tourist madness at the end of the your own day’s sightseeing. I stayed here for two weeks in 2009, when I first moved to the city, and its very affordable prices (it’s still one of the cheapest places in 2020!) make it a good choice for a longer stay.
www.nesthostelsbarcelona.com
8. Rodamon Barcelona
This stylish boutique hostel is set in a 19th century building just off the Passeig de Gracia. The Nordic design is elegant and minimalistic and there’s a great terrace to relax on. Part of a chain that also operates in Budapest, Lisbon and Marrakech.
www.rodamonhostels.com/barcelona-hostel
9. Be Sound Hostel
Found in the rebellious and edgy Raval district, this is a fun and social place to stay that is very close to the nightlife, particularly underground clubs like Moog and Sala Apolo. The owners and the staff are a lot of fun and the rates are cheap, given the central location.
www.behostels.com/sound
10. Fabrizzio’s Terrace Barcelona
This friendly hostel is constantly rated as one of the best, on every major booking website, and is one of the best places to mingle and meet new people. The eponymous terrace is decorated with art nouveau style tiles from Barcelona’s golden era.
11. Bird House
Nice location, just by Plaça Universitat, which is particularly convenient for getting to and from the airport, using the Aerobus shuttle service. From here you can walk to Raval and Sant Antoni, or head down Carrer Tallers (one of Barcelona’s best streets for vintage shopping) to Las Ramblas. The focus on Bird House is on small dorms (max. 8 people) and rooms and breakfast is included in the price.
www.birdhouse.es/barcelona
More on Hostels
If those teasers have left you still undecided, simply click on the title links to read our full write-ups and check our reader reviews. For a comprehensive look at the Barcelona hostel scene, check Hostelz.com, which pulls reviews from all of the top booking engines to give you the most accurate global ratings.
If you are also considering apartments or budget hotels for your time in Barcelona, then head to our Sleep section for a full guide to accommodation. Buenas noches!
More on Barcelona
If you’re looking for more advice on how to make the most of your time in the Catalan capital, you’re in the right place already! From the best annual events to these awesome activities, we’ve got pretty much all the essentials covered… just have a browse or use the search box provided!
About the Author
Duncan established Barcelona Life in 2009, whilst freelancing for the likes of Conde Nast, The Guardian, Easyjet Magazine, CNN Traveller and many more. From interviews with Ferran Adria to revealing the secrets of the city’s poetry brothels, he knows the city inside out… and shares all his best tips right here.