Hostel ranking

The Best Hostels in Barcelona Based on My Experience

Barcelona is packed with hostels, but not all are created equal. After staying in TOC Hostel, Black Swan, Pars Tailors, Onefam Ramblas, Generator, and Safestay, I’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best one based on your travel style. Whether you’re looking for a social atmosphere, a quiet place to work, or something in between, there’s a hostel for you.

Best for Meeting People: Black Swan & Onefam Ramblas

If you’re traveling solo or just want to make new friends, Black Swan and Onefam Ramblas are the best bets. Both hostels focus on community vibes with free group dinners, pub crawls, and activities.

• Black Swan: Great mix of social and laid-back. The staff organizes nightly events, but there’s still space to chill if you need a break.
• Onefam Ramblas: A true backpacker experience with free dinners and daily activities. Perfect if you love a close-knit hostel vibe. Note it is a more party oriented hostel.

Best for a Stylish Stay: TOC Hostel

TOC Hostel is the most stylish of the ones I’ve stayed at. It feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional hostel, with modern decor, comfy beds, and a pool and bar. That being said, the hostel doesn’t organize activities if that’s what you’re looking for.

• Great for couples or solo travelers looking for a quieter stay.
• Has private rooms of varying sizes perfect for families.
• Higher price, but worth it for the comfort and location.

Best for Budget Travelers: Pars Tailors & Safestay

If you’re looking for an affordable stay in a good location, Pars Tailors and Safestay are solid choices.

• Pars Tailors: A small, vintage-style hostel with a friendly atmosphere. It’s a good mix between social and chill, out of all the hostels on the list probably.
• Safestay: Basic but does the job. If you just need a cheap, clean place to sleep, this works Plus it has a rooftop bar which offers amazing views of Passeig de Gracia and the city in general.

Best for a Big Hostel Experience: Generator

Generator Barcelona located in the Gracia neighborhood is one of the biggest hostels in the city. It has a hotel-like feel with a stylish lobby, a bar, a restaurant, and plenty of space to hang out. Despite its size, I found it to be quite social.

• Best if you want comfort, style, and a more independent stay.
• Not the best for solo travelers looking for a super social atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right hostel depends on what you’re looking for.

• Want to meet people? Go for Black Swan or Onefam Ramblas.
• Prefer something stylish and quiet? TOC Hostel is your spot.
• On a tight budget? Pars Tailors or Safestay work well.
• Like a hotel-style experience? Generator is a safe bet.

No matter which you pick, Barcelona’s hostel scene is one of the best in Europe. Hope this guide helps you find your perfect stay!