The Top 10 Hostels in El Raval, Barcelona

A friendly hostel offering clean, tidy bedrooms – private or shared – the Be Mar Hostel is conveniently located in the lower end of El Raval, close to the waterfront. The facilities at the hostel are outstanding, with free walking tours for guests, free lockers and electronic keys, a 24 hour reception and activities organised throughout the week for the guests such as pub crawls, music nights or tapas nights. The hostel is ideal for young, urban travellers looking to meet like-minded people to socialise with in the city.

The Center Rambles hostel is – as its name indicates – located just a few meters from the famous Las Ramblas boulevard in Barcelona. Guests are within close walking distance to the Old Town, the Boquería market and the Plaça de Catalunya. The hostel offers clean, modern facilities with a dining room, lounge, internet access and a free towel rental service. Rooms vary from a 10-bed to a four bed dormitory, or double or twin private rooms.

This hostel was set up by four friends who fell in love with Barcelona and wanted to share their experience with others. The hostel is located at the junction of El Raval and the trendy Sant Antoni neighbourhood, known for its brunch scene and cool bars. As well as four and six bed dorms, there are also a range of private rooms with either shared bathroom or en-suite. One of the hostel’s best assets is its large outdoor terrace which is ideal for socialising in the afternoon or evening.

Located across the road from the prestigious University of Barcelona, the Alternative Creative Youth Hostel (ACYH for short) has won a number awards for its fantastic facilities and friendly, helpful service. The staff pride themselves on being able to provide original recommendations and advice to travellers, offering tips on what to see and do in the city – including some slighty off-the-beaten-track options too. The hostel also has 24 hour security screening so guests can feel safe and secure at all times.

This family run hostel has been in the same hands since the mid-nineteenth century when it first opened as a bar. Today it is a pioneering green hostel in Barcelona, fitted with all organic, recycled and ethically sourced materials. There are no dormitories in the Hostal Grau, but there is a choice of double, triple or quadruple rooms all of which are equipped with everything you need to make your stay enjoyable (hairdryers, television, mini-fridge, etc.).

A no-frills hostel offering basic, affordable accommodation in the centre of El Raval, the Hostal Nou Raval is ideal for solo travellers and those not looking for a party-atmosphere. The hostel offers a number of single bedrooms with television, heating and air conditioning as well as either a private or shared bathroom upon request. The rooms are supplied with linens, towels as well as basic supplies such as shower gel and shampoo. Nothing glamorous and not the place for socialising, it is however a much more affordable option for the older solo traveler than a night in a luxury hotel.

Located on the Nou de La Rambla street, the Be Sound hostel is within close walking distance to some of Barcelona’s best nightclubs, including Sala Apolo and the Moog. Unsurprisingly, this is a hostel that prides itself on its fun, party atmosphere and is set up so that you chill-out and relax after a night out. A comfortable common room, a sunny outdoor terrace and free internet access are some of the other perks guests can expect at the Be Sound Hostel.

The Sleep Green Hostel is Barcelona’s premier urban green youth hostel, certified with the EU Ecolabel in recognition of its commitment to sustainable tourism and protection of the environment. The hotel is fitted with energy-saving equipment, uses biodegradable cleaning products and contract a renewable energy electric supplier. The staff are able to provide guests with green travel tips for making the most of their time in Barcelona while watching their carbon footprint. All this while offering clean, comfortable rooms with modern facilities and competitive rates.