Budget under 90 euros
Hostels in El Raval and Gracia with dorm beds from 30 to 45 euros, or simple guesthouses and private hostel rooms from 70 to 90 euros. Often a few metro stops out, so factor travel time. Best for solo travellers and anyone spending most of their time outside the room.
Mid-range 90 to 200 euros
The sweet spot for a 2 day trip. Comfortable 3 to 4 star hotels and design apartments in the Eixample, Gothic Quarter or El Born, usually a flat walk or short metro from the sights. Expect a lift, air conditioning and a decent breakfast option nearby.
Luxury 200 to 400 euros and up
Five star hotels on Passeig de Gracia and the seafront, rooftop pools and Michelin dining. Worth it for a special trip or if you want to walk out into the smartest part of the city. Book early as the best rooms sell out months ahead.
Where to spend, where to save
Spend on location for a short trip, since a central base saves hours of transit over 48 hours. Save on the room itself if you will mostly be out. A mid-range hotel in the centre usually beats a luxury room far away.
The experience budget
Whatever you spend on the bed, leave room for one or two guided experiences. A skip-the-line Gaudi tour or a day trip often does more for the trip than an upgraded room, and it removes the queues that eat into a tight schedule.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a hotel in Barcelona cost?
- Hostel beds start around 30 to 45 euros, mid-range hotels run 90 to 200 euros a night, and luxury stays sit at 200 to 400 euros and above in high season.
- Is Barcelona expensive for a short trip?
- It is mid-priced for a European city. A comfortable 2 day trip with a central mid-range hotel, metro travel and a couple of tours is very doable without going luxury.
- Where should I spend my money on a 2 day trip?
- Spend on a central location to save transit time, keep the room modest if you will be out all day, and budget for one or two guided experiences that skip the queues.