Welcome to Barcelona, a dynamic city on the Iberian Peninsula, located just 100 miles from the French border and a short walk from the Mediterranean Sea. Steeped in history that dates back to prehistoric times, Barcelona has been shaped by many cultures over the centuries. Yet, it is the unique Catalan spirit that has truly defined the city’s identity.
As you explore Barcelona, you’ll discover that every sight, taste, and touch reflects the creativity and passion of Catalan culture. From its stunning architecture to its flavorful cuisine, every corner of this city tells a story. Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, charming boutique stays, or cozy rentals, knowing where to stay in Barcelona will enhance your experience. Barcelona isn’t just a destination; it’s a living dream. And just like a dream, it can be vibrant, lively, and sometimes even chaotic—yet always captivating and full of charm. So, get ready to dive into an unforgettable adventure in one of Europe’s most exciting cities!
where to stay in barcelona ? top budget hotel
These top 10 budget hotels under 150 $ per night in Barcelona offer a variety of choices for all types of travelers. Each provides comfortable accommodations and great amenities..
1. Hotel Lugano (HCC Lugano)
- Great location near 200+ restaurants
- Free Wi-Fi, TVs, and minibars
- 24-hour front desk, meeting rooms, breakfast buffet
2. Hotel Acta Antibes
- Close to Sagrada Familia
- Air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and TVs
- Public transport access, bike rental, and breakfast
3. Catalonia Rigoletto
- Near FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou
- Soundproof rooms, fitness center, and meeting rooms
- Restaurant, bar, and massage services
4. Catalonia Albeniz
- Near Sagrada Familia
- Pool, gym, and breakfast buffet
- Car hire, dry cleaning, and free Wi-Fi
5. Pestana Arena Barcelona
- Near Plaza de Espana
- Fitness center, sauna, and spa
- Rooms with LCD TVs, air conditioning, and minibars
6. Hotel Gran Derby Suites
- Located in the La Diagonal district
- Terrace, outdoor pool, gym, and luxurious rooms
- Pet-friendly and business services available
7. U232 Hotel
- Quiet Eixample neighborhood
- Sustainable practices and water softening system
- Free Wi-Fi, fitness room, and bar
8. Pol & Grace Hotel
- Located in Gracia
- Rooftop terrace, bicycle service, and breakfast buffet
- Modern rooms with air conditioning and flat-screen TVs
9. Hotel Teatre Auditori
- Functional rooms with air conditioning
- Complimentary breakfast buffet
- Close to Sagrada Familia and other attractions
10. Hotel Upper Diagonal
- Close to public transport and key attractions
- Elegant rooms in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi neighborhood
- Gym, restaurant, and lounge bar
The best time to visit
the best time to visit Barcelona is during spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). I found that these months strike the perfect balance – the weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and there are countless festivals happening that really bring the city’s energy to life. It’s the perfect time to soak in the culture without feeling overwhelmed by the usual summer tourist rush
best things in barcelona
1. La Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia was definitely the most impressive attraction I visited in Barcelona. This stunning cathedral was designed by Antoni Gaudí, the famous Catalan architect whose work can be seen througho!ut the city. Even though it’s still under construction, it’s expected to be completed by 2026, and its unique style completely blew me away, both inside and out. If you only have time and money for one attraction in Barcelona, I’d say this is the one to go for.
Also, make sure to stay until the end of the post, where I’ll share a super helpful tip on how to get tickets to visit this incredible place. You won’t want to miss it
2. Park Güell
Park Güell is a must-see in Barcelona, famous for its colorful mosaic benches, striking architectural features, and the iconic salamander statue. And who’s the mastermind behind it? None other than Gaudí! However, keep in mind that the park only allows a limited number of visitors each hour, so it’s best to buy tickets ahead of time, especially during the busy season. In our case, we didn’t plan ahead and bought our tickets when we arrived. Luckily, we managed to snag some, even though we were there in early summer. The park is perched on top of Carmel Hill, offering breathtaking views of the city below
3. Motjuïc Castle
Montjuïc Mountain is just a short distance from the city, and it’s where the Montjuïc Castle is located. The best way to reach the top is by taking the Montjuïc Cable Car, which is a fun ride that takes you directly to the castle. Once there, you’ll be treated to one of the most beautiful views of Barcelona. The castle itself has a dark history, as it was used during many wars and revolutions, and for over 300 years, it was also a prison and a place of torture. Luckily, today we can visit it as a museum and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the city from above.
4. Olympic Area
Further west on Montjuïc Mountain, you’ll find the Olympic Park. This was the site of the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, where the famous “Dream Team” won the gold medal. While visiting last year, we saw the Olympic Stadium, which looked completely abandoned at the time. However, it has since been renovated and is now being used as a temporary stadium for FC Barcelona while Camp Nou is being renovated.
You’ll also find other landmarks here, like the Communications Tower, and a few museums. The most beautiful one is the National Art Museum, which used to be the National Palace. From this spot, you’ll also get an amazing view of the city and the next place you’ll want to visit.
5. Plaza Espanya
At Plaça Espanya, there are a few interesting spots to check out, starting with the Venetian Towers. The name comes from their resemblance to the towers in Venice’s Piazza San Marco. In the middle of the square, you’ll also find the beautiful Fountain Monument. On one side, there’s the Arenas Shopping Center, which used to be a bullring until 1977 and reopened as a mall in 2011. If you head to the top, you’ll get an incredible view of Plaça Espanya, plus some great dining options. Just a short walk away, you’ll find Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s busiest street.
6. La Rambla
Las Ramblas is the most travel area in Barcelona and a great place to pick up souvenirs. Since it’s such a busy spot, you have to be careful of pickpockets. I’d recommend staying alert and not walking around like a zombie with your phone out, since we heard how quickly someone can snatch it and run.
We actually stayed at a hotel right next to this street, and while it had a nice view, it was a bit noisy for a peaceful stay. I know some people suggest avoiding this area, but I think it’s worth visiting—you just need to be extra aware of your surroundings. At the end of Las Ramblas, you’ll find the Columbus Monument, along with your next stop!
7. Port of Barcelona
In this area, you’ll find the marina, where you can take a boat tour, or visit the Maremagnum shopping center. The largest aquarium in Europe is also located here. If you want more beautiful views of the area, you can take the funicular. We also came across some great restaurants around here, making it a good spot for a meal.
Right next to the harbor is Barceloneta Beach, one of the most popular and iconic beaches in Barcelona. It’s a lovely place to take a stroll and enjoy a taste of Barcelona’s beachside vibe.
8. Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is another beautiful area to explore. It’s located right next to Las Ramblas and is full of charming historic squares and the impressive Barcelona Cathedral. I highly recommend taking a walk through the picturesque streets to get a glimpse of what Barcelona used to be like before it became the bustling city it is today.
One last thing to check out are the beautiful apartment buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí—Casa Milà and Casa Batlló. Both are stunning examples of Modernisme, a style Gaudí is famous for. Just standing outside these buildings, you’ll be amazed by the uniqueness of their design. You can buy tickets to go inside, but for us, the entry fee felt a bit pricey.
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For Park Güell, if you decide not to buy tickets in advance like we did, just keep in mind that you’ll still need to purchase them online. They’re not sold at the entrance, so you’ll need a phone with internet access to buy them.
One last tip I’ll share is about food. I generally don’t recommend eating at restaurants right next to major attractions. The food is usually not great, and restaurants on Las Ramblas are a perfect example of this.
Thanks for sticking around until the end of the post. See you next time!
