From the rich history reaching back hundreds of years to the local and colorful city vibes of everyday life in the different districts – it’s hard to choose the best thing about staying and touring Barcelona as a solo traveler. Vast flavors of food, fashion, and architecture fill every neighborhood, and there is literally something for every traveler to enjoy.
Finding the right hotel and district can make your solo trip to Barcelona far better if you plan ahead, and we’ve helped compile a list that will help you navigate this process from start to end.
7 Safety Tips When Booking a Hotel
For solo travelers, safety is high on the list of essentials when traveling. This includes Barcelona, even though it’s one of the safest cities to enjoy when embarking on your journey. Regardless, here’s a list of priorities to keep in mind when you’re booking a hotel:
- Research the location: Check for safety concerns or issues in the area.
- Read reviews: This is the best way to know how the hotel staff treats its guests.
- Check for security measures: Look for smoke detectors, CCTV cameras, and security.
- Keep valuables secure: When leaving your room, secure your valuables in a room safe or keep your important items on your person.
- Be cautious of strangers: While Barcelona is loved for the friendly nature of its locals, be cautious of strangers who ask for too much personal information.
- Be aware of emergency procedures: Know where the emergency exits are.
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Top 3 Highly-Rated and Budget-Friendly Hotels in Barcelona
1. Generator Barcelona
- Reviews: Over 3000 ratings with above 4-star average
- Starting Price: £41/ $43.25
- Amenities: Full-service laundry, free Wi-Fi, child-friendly, parking, a bar, and restaurant
- Location and Nearby Attractions: Located on Calle de Còrsega, amazing sites to see nearby are places like Casa Milà, Passeig de Gracia, Jardins de Gracia, and Sagrada Familia; wander around the Gracia neighborhood; and explore the Fundació Antoni Tàpies
2. TOC Hostel Barcelona
- Reviews: Over 1200 ratings with a solid 4.3-star average
- Starting Price: £64/$67.51
- Amenities: Breakfast, free Wi-Wifi, an outdoor pool, air conditioning, a bar and restaurant, full-laundry service, and an airport shuttle
- Location and Nearby Attractions: Located on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, close to some spectacular sites nearby like Plaça d’Espanya, Casa Batlló, and the Gothic Quarter; the Montjuïc Hill; and stroll down La Rambla
3. Hotel Alimara Barcelona
- Reviews: Over 2300 reviews with an average of 4.2 stars
- Starting Price: £65/$68.56
- Amenities: free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a bar and restaurant, full-service laundry, breakfast, and more
- Location and Nearby Attractions: Located on Carrer de Berruguete, close to some beautiful sites nearby like Park Güell and Casa Vicens, explore the Gracia neighborhood, and enjoy the thriving nightlife of Carrer de Verdi
The Best Places to Stay in Barcelona to Experience Its Culture
While it’s hard to choose the best places to stay and visit while traveling in Barcelona, we’ve narrowed down the top 4 places that are perfectly located to some of the most amazing sights Spain has to offer.
1. El Born
This area is recognized for its tiny alleyways, old structures, and chic boutiques. It houses some of the top museums in the city, including the Barcelona City History Museum and the Picasso Museum.
Hotel Oasis
- Reviews: Over 1000 reviews and a 4.1-star rating
- Starting Price: £67/$70.94.
- Amenities: Breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, air conditioning, a bar and restaurant, and full-service laundry
- Nearby Attractions: There are some amazing sites to see nearby like the Picasso Museum, exploring the Gothic Quarter, the park of Parc de la Ciutadella, Santa Maria del Mar church, and the concert hall Palau de la Música Catalana
Canton Hotel Barcelona
- Reviews: Over 560 reviews and a 4.1-star rating
- Starting Price: £70/$74.11
- Amenities: Breakfast, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, restaurant, child-friendly, and more
- Nearby Attractions: Surrounded by historic and beautiful sites like the Mercat de Santa Caterina market, the famous stress of Passeig del Born, the much loved Chocolate Museum, the Born Cultural Center, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain
2. Gracia
This bohemian neighborhood is famous among artists and young people for its vibrant squares, independent retailers, and street art. There is also a strong sense of community and rich culture, with various events held throughout the year and amazing historic sites for solo travelers to visit and explore.
The Central House Barcelona Gracia
- Reviews: Almost 600 reviews and a solid 4.5-star rating
- Starting Price: £49/$51.88
- Amenities: Breakfast, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, parking, airport shuttle, and more
- Nearby Attractions: Some of the phenomenal sites you can explore include Park Güell, Casa Vicens, Casa Ramos, the bustling streets of Gracia famous for its local cuisine, and the exciting and fun nightlife that comes to life when the sun sets
Casa Gràcia
- Reviews: Over 1500 reviews and a 4.1-star rating
- Starting Price: £63/$66.70
- Amenities: Breakfast, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, full laundry service, and more
- Nearby Attractions: There are many beautiful places and spots you can visit, like the Mercat de la Llibertat, the famous and inspiring Sagrada Familia, Jardins de la Torre de les Aigües, the historic museum of Museu del Modernisme Català, and the cultural icon of Palau Robert
3. Gothic Quarter
This is Barcelona’s oldest neighborhood, famed for its small lanes, antique architecture, and Gothic architecture. Several museums are located here, such as the Gothic Quarter History Museum and the Barcelona Cathedral.
Hostal La Terrassa
- Reviews: 500 reviews and a solid 4.3-star rating
- Starting Price: £83/$88.58
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, parking, smoke-free property, and more
- Nearby Attractions: There are some amazing sites you can explore nearby like the Gothic Cathedral, the famous Picasso Museum, Palau de la Música Catalana, and the local cultural hotspot Mercat de la Boqueria
Hotel Catalonia Avinyó
- Reviews: Over 500 reviews and a high 4.3-star rating
- Starting Price: £93/$99.26
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, air conditioning, pet-friendly, a fitness center, parking, and more
- Nearby Attractions: The Gothic Quarter and nearby neighborhoods are full of beautiful places to visit like the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, Ciutadella Park, Barcelona History Museum, and the historic El Call Jewish Quarter
There are many fantastic hotels and accommodations in the Gothic Quarter you can choose from, all located within range of some of the most beautiful sites in Spain.
4. Raval
This cosmopolitan neighborhood is noted for its street art, unconventional shops, and ethnic restaurants. It is an excellent location for experiencing Barcelona’s diversity and inventiveness.
Sant Jordi Hostels Rock Palace
- Reviews: Almost 900 reviews and a solid 4.4-star rating
- Starting Price: £49/$51.88
- Amenities: Breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an outside pool, parking, and more
- Nearby Attractions: Some of the best places to visit nearby include the MACBA, the CCCB, the La Rambla del Raval street, Sant Antoni Market, and the Joan Miró Foundation
St Christopher’s Inn | Hostel in Barcelona
- Reviews: Over 2800 reviews and a 4.1 rating
- Starting Price: £40/$42.35
- Amenities: Breakfast, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, pet-friendly, bar and restaurant, and more
- Nearby Attractions: Raval has many amazing sites to see nearby like Montjuïc Castle, Palau Güell, Passeig de Colom, El Raval Cultural Center, and the Parc de la Ciutadella
The Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Places to Stay in Barcelona
If you want to visit a city where LGTBQ+ rights are not just practiced but actively celebrated, Barcelona is an excellent choice. If there weren’t enough reasons to visit Spain, many are pleased to learn that Spain is home to one of Europe’s largest and most proud LGBTQ+ communities.
There is a thriving and active LGBTQ+ community in the city, with several LGBTQ+-friendly bars, clubs, and events. With a high number of LGBTQ+-owned businesses and a vibrant nightlife scene, the neighborhood of Eixample is particularly popular among the LGBTQ+ community.
Gaixample
The Eixample neighborhood, is called Gaixample because of the proud and thriving LGBTQI+ scene. It is an excellent place to begin for some of the city’s more conventional viewing routes, including the Modernism path and the Gothic Quarter.
It is also close to the city’s important commercial areas, like the Barcelona Shopping Line, which links the Diagonal with the city’s old port, Port Vell. The LGTBIQ+ route also extends to close neighborhoods, such as Raval, Poble-sec, and Poblenou, where a variety of clubs offer LGTBIQ+ events.
Primavera-Hostel
- Reviews: Over 500 reviews with a 4.6-star rating
- Starting Price: £68/$72
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, parking, restaurant, smoke-free, and more
- Location and Nearby Attractions: There are some amazing places to see nearby like the Sagrada Familia, Passeig de Gracia, Casa Milà, Hospital de Sant Pau, and the fantastic variety of local food and culture
Yeah Hostel
- Reviews: Over 1300 reviews with a 4.6-star rating
- Starting Price: £53/$56.12
- Amenities: Free Wi-F, pool access, air conditioning, restaurant, full-service laundry, and more
- Location and Nearby Attractions: Some of the magnificent sites to see nearby include the Plaça Catalunya, Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Casa de les Punxes, Casa Amatller, and other iconic architecture from world-famous artists
Fabrizzio’s Petit
- Reviews: Nearly 600 reviews with a solid 4.7-star rating
- Starting Price: £45/$47.64
- Amenities: Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, restaurant, child-friendly, and more
- Location and Nearby Attractions: There are phenomenal sites and places to see nearby like the Palau de la Música Catalana, the historic market Mercat de la Concepció, the Sagrada Familia, the rich and historic Gothic Quarter, the beautiful beaches, and so much more
Our Conclusion
It may seem daunting to find the right neighborhood and hotel. That’s why we have made this process a lot easier for you, giving you the time to plan the exciting aspects of your solo travel trip. Head over to our travel section and learn all about the different districts that can add that extra color to your solo trip through Barcelona. Or, find the perfect hotel for you below.
Note: Some of the links here are affiliate links. There’s NO additional cost for you, but it does help our team to earn some coffee money to help write more travel guides for you.
