EDITOR PICKS: THE BEST HOSTELS IN BARCELONA

Casa Gracia is a stylish hostel, packed with modern charm. Choice is one of the main features here, with a good selection of shared and private rooms available in the property, from a 6 bed dorm to a deluxe one-bedroom apartment. The décor and furnishings feel modern and new, blending well with their setting in an historic old building. Located at the top of Passeig de Gracia, there are plenty of restaurants and bars within easy reach close by, as are Barcelona’s best sights.

A calm oasis in the bustling city, Jam is not located in the bohemian Gracia neighbourhood by accident. Considered less of a party hostel than many of the other locations in Barcelona, the spacious terrace hosts the occasional yoga class, and the hostel itself has been noted for its eco-friendly status. Dorms and rooms have lockers and many people have positively noted the cleanliness. The soundproofing of the rooms means the only noise is likely to come from your roommates. Like many hostels in Barcelona, towels are available to rent.

Located right next to the Arc de Triomf, Born Barcelona is a cosy medium sized hostel, offering dorms of up to 6 beds. There are some great common areas in this property, including a sun terrace, comfy lounge and TV area, and a shared kitchen if you’d prefer to cook rather than eating out at one of the many restaurants close by. Bathrooms are spacious and there is air conditioning in the rooms, when you need to escape the Catalonian heat.

Alternative Creative Youth Hostel is a popular option, especially with younger travellers. The name says it all. There is an extensive library on site, in case you have finished the book you’re on and need something new to read on the beach. Located close to the University of Barcelona and the Plaça de Catalunya, this is a great option for nights out and being right in the heart of the city. There is also a shared kitchen and bicycle rental on site. Rooms are basic 8 bed dorms with shared bathrooms.

Although a little further out from the main sights of Barcelona than other options on this list, Paralelo should certainly not be overlooked. Prices are as competitive as all other hostels in the city, but with one major bonus: free dinner is included every day. You can dine with the other guests out on the terrace, where there is also a hot tub. You can rent bicycles, roller blades and skate boards on site, or simply walk to La Rambla in 15 minutes. If that doesn’t sound cool enough, the staff have been praised time and time again for their friendliness, and might even organise a bar crawl for you.