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Barcelona is an exciting, trendy city on the sunny Mediterranean coast of Spain that attracts beach-lovers, art-lovers and food-lovers from the world over. The city has many budget hotels and hostels that help reduce the amount you spend on accommodation. Sites like Hipmunk will help you compare the prices and locations, so you get a good hotel that is close to the action at an affordable price.
A Variety of Cheap Lodging
Hotels, hostels and rental apartments are available in the city center, and they compete with each other for guests, which is good for you because the prices go down. The Old City and the Gothic Quarter are oldest neighborhoods in the city and attractive to visitors with their cobbled streets and Gothic architecture. The fun continues well into the night, so if you are looking for a quiet resting place, you may not want to be in the middle of the city. However, there are cheap hostels in the area, and the most famous sights including the Barcelona Cathedral and Las Ramblas are within walking distance.
Visitors should also know that star ratings are not the same as in the U.S., so a one-star hotel may be a great deal. The El Raval neighborhood is nearby and undergoing an urban renewal. This is where the university and the MACBA museum are located, and you’ll find some affordable bed and breakfasts in the area.
If you prefer a quieter area, Sant Pere/Santa Caterina has the atmosphere of a small neighborhood, but is still close enough to the city center to be convenient. Designers and artists prefer this area because it’s quiet. This is the place to look for an apartment rental because they are cheaper than hotels in this area.
Ocean Views and the Beach
Barcelona is right on the coast, and you can also get a cheap hotel with an ocean view and within walking distance of the beach. La Barceloneta is a neighborhood formerly inhabited by fishermen. It is famous for great seafood, naturally, as well as access to the beach, with the bonus of being within walking distance of the city center.
The Cheapest Options
There are a number of good hostels in Barcelona, but you need to check them out first because they cater to different types of travelers. Some are geared to singles and have parties every night and some cater more to families.
Vacation rentals may be the cheapest option for families and groups. You get a whole apartment with several bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and other amenities for about the same as a budget hotel. And with a kitchen, you can save even more because you can eat some meals at home.
Even though Barcelona has mild weather all year, there is an off season in October and April. In August, it is very hot and crowded, so it’s recommended to avoid visiting in summer if possible. Around September 24th is another time when the city is crowded and hotel rates are high, if indeed there are any vacant rooms. This is the date for the final parade of La Mare de Dieu de la Merce.
Barcelona has a unique atmosphere that is a blend of relaxation and culture. It welcomes visitors with open arms and has the affordable accommodation to prove it.
This article was contributed by Fiona Moriarty of Hipmunk, a complete travel platform that allows you to do everything from comparing charter flights and train rides, to finding the best resort hotels and Airbnb rentals.
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