If you’re like me you’re sick of hostels.
You also probably don’t see the sense in splurging on a hotel if you’re out all day sightseeing.
Luckily there’s a happy medium to be found: spending less but getting the privacy of your own holiday apartment in Barcelona. And I’m gonna show you how to do it properly.
Also! Make sure you keep reading on to my free apartment finder service.
Don’t need me? Skip ahead to Booking’s Barcelona apartments page clicking the button below:
Barcelona Holiday Apartments
Index
1 – My top 10 apartments in Barcelona
2 – How to book your apartment
3 – Why you should book with Booking
4 – Why rent an apartment in Barcelona?
5 – Barcelona apartment rental hacks
6 – My free apartment finder service
Top Apartments in Barcelona
After being in touch with some blog readers and doing some research myself I’ve made a list of some of the best apartments in Barcelona.
I’ve taken into account the needs of my typical blog reader (location, rating, and price): if these are the top of nearly 2000 holiday apartments there’s surely a good reason!
There’s a €2.48 city tax per person per day not included in online booking portal prices.
All properties have WiFi and towels included.
Blue Apartments
€70.00+ | Rating: 7.9 | Size: 55 m² + | Metro: Selva del Mar | Area: Poble Nou
Families looking for value and relaxation a bit outside of the city chaos should look up this Barcelona apartment which is just 150 meters from the beach and a variety of parks.
In the one bedroom apartment you rarely find such a fully-functional apartment including kitchen and living room at this price. Reviewers have raved about the comfortable beds, tranquility of the area, and friendliness of the host.
Another convenience is its proximity to the convention centre at El Forum, though to get super central to places like La Rambla it’s only a quick €10.00 taxi.
Amenities: flat-screen TV, fan/heater, full kitchen, kitchen, dining area.
From airport: Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya + 20 minute metro to Selva de Mar + walk.
Warm Home
€60.00+ | Rating: 7.7 | Size: 30 m² + | Metro: Verdaguer | Area: Eixample
A very appropriate and straightforward name for this utilitarian apartment which allows any couple or small family the ability to stay really central without taking out a second mortgage.
From here you’ll be able to do most of Barcelona’s main attractions walking. The owner is also super accommodating and has been known to bring you a bottle of wine on check in!
One downside? There is a shared bathroom for the three apartments.
Amenities: flat-screen TV, city view, fan, fridge, microwave, oven, lounge access.
From airport: Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya + walk to Passeig de Gracia + metro to Verdaguer.
Bcn Sagrada Familia Apartments
€110.00+ | Rating: 7.1 | Size: 50 m² + | Metro: SP-Dos de Maig | Area: Eixample
This sleek grey-toned apartment for rent comes in both single and two bedroom versions. Really well-furnished. You’ll hardly find a better holiday apartment so close to the legendary Sagrada Familia and yet it’s just far east enough that you get cafes and restaurants with local prices.
Tourists rave about the balcony and super fast Wi-Fi and it’s another great option for couples – lively during the day but quiet at night.
Amenities: TV, air conditioning, city view, full kitchen, coffee machine, dining area.
From airport: Aerobus to Universitat + metro to Sant Pau-Dos de Maig.
Bordeta Barcelona
€200.00+ | Rating: 9.6 | Size: 85 m² + | Metro: Hostafrancs | Area: Sants
Families looking for something that feels more like an upscale home than an apartment in Barcelona should go for this newly furnished flat that’s received a 9.9 rating for families.
The extra bathroom is a great way to avoid early morning fights and confusion! This huge and clean apartment comes with all the fixings including an amazing welcome pack and some of the best customer service via owner Pilar.
The highlight is the gorgeous balcony.
Amenities: flat-screen TV, fan/heater, kitchen + oven, dining area, Nespresso machine.
From airport: Aerobus to Plaça Espanya+ 10 minute walk.
Be Apartments
€89.00+ | Rating: 7.8 | Size: 20 m² + | Metro: Jaume I | Area: El Gotico
You’ll find all the freedom of home in this cosy super central apartment that has been recently renovated and fully-equipped for all your holiday needs.
There is a basic but modern kitchen with a small dining area. The double bedroom with hardwood floors is a favourite and rates 9 with couples. 400 m from La Boqueria Market and 700 m from the Barcelona Cathedral.
Amenities: flat screen TV, heating/air conditioning, hair dryer, wardrobe.
From airport: Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya + 10 minute downhill walk.
Park Guell Apartments
€95.00+ | Rating: 7.3 | Size: 60 m² | Metro: Alfons X | Area: Guinardó
This huge apartment right near legendary Park Guell is fantastic value families.
Being right up in the mountains gives you fantastic views. The massive terrace is big enough to play host to a BBQ for 20 – but don’t get any ideas! This recently furbished apartment sleeps up to five.
If you’re looking for relaxation without being too far from Barcelona’s attractions this is it.
Amenities: flat screen TV, fan/heater, city view, full kitchen, dining area.
From airport: Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya + bus 24.
BCN-Accommodation
€95.00+ | Rating: 7.9 | Size: 37 m² + | Metro: Catalunya | Area: El Gotico
It doesn’t get any more central than this apartment for rent on the legendary Rambla.
If you’re more interested in value and location than the latest furnishings this is for you. It’d be a great holiday apartment for young couples or people looking for nights out. There are options for 3, 4, or 5 adults (with 3 costing the same as 2).
Tourists have raved about the comfortable beds and cleanliness. Also very efficient Wi-Fi.
Amenities: flat screen TV, fan/heater, balcony, full kitchen, dining area, bath.
From airport: Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya + 5 minute walk.
Apartments Sixtyfour
€300.00+ | Rating: 9.2 | Size: 80 m² + | Metro: Passeig de Gracia | Area: Eixample
When I think of couples looking to spoil themselves with a little luxury my mind goes to this spacious beauty right on Barcelona’s main shopping street Passeig de Gracia.
The high ceilings and super comfy boutique furniture have a habit of keeping you relaxed like home. Looking off the balcony and seeing Barcelona life walk by will get you up off the couch though and into the area’s many amazing tapas bars.
Again, couples have rated this apartment a 9.6 so this could be a great honeymoon option.
Amenities: flat screen TV, fan/heater, full kitchen, washing machine, dining area.
From airport: Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya + 10 minute walk.
Apartamentos DV
€80.00+ | Rating: 8.3 | Size: 26 m² + | Metro: Badal | Area: Sants
You’ll get all you need with a spacious bedroom and modern furnishings. The bigger rooms even have their own jacuzzi. This is the perfect choice for those attending conventions at the Fira Barcelona at Plaça Espanya.
You’ll find this in an accessible yet quiet neighbourhood.
Amenities: flat screen TV, air conditioning/heating, fully equipped kitchen, desk, bath.
From airport: Train from Terminal 2 to Sants Estacio + 5 minute walk.
Midtown Apartments
€55.00+ pp | Rating: 9.5 | Size: 95 m² + | Metro: Urquinaona | Area: Eixample
The three-bedroom one here is ideal for groups or stag dos and is a great jumping off point for something stylish and modern without breaking the bank. With four single beds, a double, and a sofa bed this is also great for clubbing weekends.
Spotless cleanliness and a what’s-what of products from irons to oil for cooking in the slickly fitted kitchen mean no stone is left unturned – there’s even swipe cards for left luggage facilities.
Did I mention the rooftop terrace with city view and private swimming pool?
Amenities: flat screen TV, fan/heater, full kitchen, hardwood floors, dining area.
From airport: Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya + 10 minute walk.
How to Book a Barcelona Holiday Apartment
Once you’ve selected the property at Booking you’ll be taken to the payment page.
At this stage you’ll be able to enter your basic details – and if needed your payment information. Keep in mind for many properties you can simply book no money down.
It’s here that you’ll be able to get in contact with the property to make any special requests.
As mentioned before, with Booking.com’s intuitive site you should be able to find all the information you need, but if you need any additional help make sure to write me in the comments below and I’ll help you the best that I can.
5 Reasons to Book with Booking.com
Since switching to Booking from Airbnb for my holiday apartments about a year ago I’ve had some pretty cool experiences in cities like Helsinki, Istanbul, and Saint Petersburg.
I don’t see how this would be any different for my adopted city Barcelona.
Here’s why:
1 – You’re Guaranteed the Best Price
Not only is it rare to find a better price on nearly 2000 Barcelona apartments to rent with any other platform, but if you do find one Booking.com has a price match guarantee.
Save a few euros and put it toward one of Barcelona’s great restaurants instead.
2 – 123,550,000 Reviews Can’t be Wrong
There’s no better way to ensure you’re not getting ripped off.
With well over one hundred million traveler reviews on accommodation this is the greatest database of lodging comments ever assembled.
The result is the most democratic and informative ranking system ensuring optimal choice.
3 – You Get Enormous Flexibility
Restrictive owner-imposed cancellation policies of sites like Airbnb make it difficult to change up your itinerary.
With Booking.com you’ll find many properties with free cancellation and no prepayment.
4 – The Perks
Once you’ve made five reservations on Booking you’re elevated to Genius status.
This entitles you to 10% discounts and a dedicated customer service hotline not seen by regular users.
Depending on the property it could also get you:
- Welcome drinks and/or chocolates
- Early check in
- Late check out
- Free airport shuttles
Look for the yellow ‘.genius’ logo next to a property to see what perks you’ll receive.
5 – It Trumps any Other Apartment Rental Site
From its super in-depth holiday apartment filtering system to the massive collection of photos to superior customer service teams it’s no wonder Booking counts 1.2 million room nights a day.
It’s 100% risk-free with no hidden fees and annoyances found on owner-direct sites like:
- Massive security deposits
- Extra guest surcharges
- Cancellation surcharges
- Credit card scams
- Fake photos
Why Rent an Apartment in Barcelona?
Every time I’m in a new city I first look at the holiday apartments on offer because:
- You can do what you want. When you have an apartment to rent you can decide when you come and go, no key leaving, you can invite friends over for dinner etc.
- You have more space compared to a hotel room. This is definitely something to value especially if you’re travelling to Barcelona with kids or with a bunch of friends on a stag do etc.
- You’ve got a kitchen! Another very important point. Once you’ve exhausted Barcelona’s best restaurants maybe you want something cheaper and healthier.
- It’s cheaper and usually of a much higher quality than a hotel, especially booking with Booking.
Cheap Barcelona Apartment Hacks
- Check my article on the best area to stay in Barcelona to select the right neighborhood.
- For Spain the cheapest rates are available about six weeks before your stay.
- When searching make sure to make use of the many filters to the left of the screen.
- Read under the apartment info block to make sure there aren’t any cleaning fees.
- Always write the apartment owner with your arrival time and contact info.
- If you’re still stuck use my Barcelona apartment finding service (below).
My Barcelona Apartment Finding Service
If the options above didn’t make the cut make sure you get in touch ASAP.
I’ll help you find the best apartment to rent for your needs if you simply write me:
- The exact dates of your stay.
- Number of people.
- Type of group (solo, couple, friends, family etc.).
- Budget.
- The type of holiday you want.
Just write in the comments below. The service is free of charge so feel free to go wild with any ridiculous requests, I don’t have anything better to do on a Sunday morning do I? 😉
Get at Me in the Comments Below
Yes, I know I’m sounding like a broken record but please get at me with any questions about your Barcelona apartments in the comments below.
Also – whether it’s question about your Barcelona holiday or a comment about the website I am always here to listen.
Also don’t be afraid to join the Barcelona apartment discussion in my new Facebook group called I’m Off to Barcelona – here you can ask any questions, air out grievances, chat with fellow travelers, and more – anything goes!
Happy travels 🙂
Daniela says
Hi Ash,
Great article and site! Gracias!
I’m planning to go to Barcelona with my sister from Jan 2018-March 2018. Would love to find something fairly central, but can be outside the tourist spots- would be great if we could easily get around on the metro from wherever we are. We prefer a 2 bedroom and to spend as little as possible while still having something nice and clean. We’re happy to pay more for something really lovely, although not looking for luxury, just functional, clean, safe. A balcony would be really nice! Would love to get your thoughts!
Mil gracias! Dani
Daniela says
I mean Jan 2019-March 2019!
Ash says
Hola Daniela,
Gracias por escribir! I appreciate your comments on the site and it’s always nice to hear from a fellow Canadian – according to your email address 😛
For starters I’m thinking that you should probably pick a neighbourhood like Gracia or maybe El Born as a spot to start looking. Both are super safe and not right in the middle or things, but really accessible.
If you’re still in doubt make sure you check out (if you haven’t already) my list of best areas to stay.
Are you actually staying there for the full three months?
I’ve done a basic one week search for you and sorting out apartments in El Born and also Gracia.
Honestly since I live here I don’t have much apartment experience but with the links above you’ll have access to perhaps the greatest database of apartment reviews on the internet via Booking.
I am actually in the process of updating this article (to launch next week) in conjunction with some of the advice from my many readers as well as friends and acquaintances in the city. Please check back because it’s very possible something on the new list could tickle your fancy.
Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Ash
Rose says
Hi Ash,
First, thank you so much for putting all your knowledge online and helping the rest of have the best experience possible in your city!
Myself and two friends will be coming to Barcelona February 13-17, 2019. We are planning on doing the major tourist attractions, some good dinners, and – of course – some great wine/cocktails. We’re not afraid to walk/wander on foot, as long as the area is relatively safe and will have some neat spots to drop into. I had already booked at Hotel Barcelona Center through Booking.com prior to finding your site. When I look again Catalonia Atenas is also recommended in my search for 3 adult travelers. Do you have any insight on which may be better for our plans ?
Thank you in advance!
Ash says
Hi Rose,
Thanks so much for your kind words! 🙂
My initial reaction would be Hotel Barcelona Center because it’ll allow you to explore more on foot – the Eixample area just has so many bars and restaurants around every corner. Catalonia Atenas is in a neighbourhood I honestly really love… but I love it just because it’s peaceful and has a more local feel. For tourists I wouldn’t recommend it over the other one unless I got an amazing deal.
My two cents 🙂
Ash
Pamela Leong says
Hi, we (me,husband and 2 teenage daughters) will be in Barcelona from Dec 14-25. It’s our first time to Barcelona. Hope you can help me in our planning.
1. Accommodation
We would like to stay in an apartment with cooking facilities. And we would like to split our stay in areas such as Gracia, Eixample, Gothic Quarter (would that be a good idea?). Your recommendation would be appreciated. Budget is not more than Euro100 per night.
2. Day trips
I think we will have extra days to cover outskirts such as Tarragona, Girano, Montserrat. Would you recommend?
3. Transportation
Which card works best for us? We plan to visit the major attractions as you suggested, with one or two museum is enough.
Thank you 🙂
Ash says
Hi Pamela,
Thanks for writing 🙂
First off I would have to say that selecting an apartment in the Gothic Quarter is probably the least attractive choice for families of the three – yes, it’s close to the action but it’s a bit chaotic and more for couples or people looking for easy access to nightlife. Also, since it’s the most central point you’ll be sacrificing on quality since a budget of a max of €100 won’t get you as much as a bit further out.
That said, there are some amazing apartments in this area so if you get one that just looks too good to pass up then there’s no shame in booking. I have taken the liberty of doing a Booking search and found that there is one a reader has talked to me about in the past and that is Friendly Rentals Mozart.
Again though, feel free to take a look at my search and toggle the amenities buttons on the side for something more specific. It does look however that for your budget there are only a handful of apartments and most have average reviews.
I’ve conducted similar searches for Gracia and also for Eixample and a couple that I recognized as being reviewed positively by past readers are Lodging Apartments Sagrada Familia and Friendly Rentals Gracia.
Again, feel free to sort through my neighbourhood searches that I set up there and list them by amenities and budget. The check boxes on the side can be really handy.
As for day trips I can wholeheartedly recommend Girona especially if you’re fans of Game of Thrones. If you’re looking for a mountain getaway on a clear day then Montserrat can’t be beat. If you’re more of a beach family I would recommend a trip down to the much quieter beach side town of Sitges.
For the transportation if you’re staying super central I would recommend first starting off with a Hola BCN card for the first three days… as you get accustomed to the city and start checking off attractions though I find that the need for an unlimited transport pass becomes less and less.
If you’re looking at visiting Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and coming in on the Aerobus (super fast/convenient etc) plus think a day on the Bus Turistic is a good way to get to know the city… I would recommend getting the City Pass because it’ll allow you to book everything online, skip the lines, and they’ll even throw in a 20% discount pass to pretty much anything else you can imagine.
If you’re still a bit confused by all means let me know which attractions you’re looking to see and I can suggest better. But for 11 days this is usually the best value for attractions.
OK, that was a bit long winded and I apologise! Please let me know if you have any further questions 🙂
Ash
Pamela Leong says
Hi Ash,
Thank you so much for the great information. You are amazing…. Barcelona should be proud of you!
Ash says
Thank you Pamela! What a great compliment, I hope Barcelona feels this way 😉
joanne says
Hi Ash
your site is amazing if only you were in every country. i’m using your site to literally plan my whole holiday. one thing i need help with is accommodation its always a daunting task. we are a young-ish couple (30) 😉 looking for a nice apartment its for an anniversary so if you have any romantic ideas i can plan feel free.
things i’m definately planning for us to do;
Park Guell,
magic fountain show,
Hard rock cafe,
Sagrada familia
and the potential things are;
Bunkers del carmel for a sunset,
a tapas (i believe Gracia square is the place to be) ,
aquarium,
take a row boat at ciutadella park,
we will be arriving 25th Sept and then leaving potentially sat 29th where we plan to fly to Milan for 3 nights. do you have any suggestions of where to stay, looking at £300 max for accommodation however cheaper would be better 😉 if i could id love somewhere with a small pool or Jacuzzi but not essential but we would like somewhere with an outdoor area to sit, near a metro line and walking distance (10 mins) to restaurants and some nightlife. we don’t want much lol
Ash says
Hi Joanne,
For couples I would definitely recommend either Gracia or the Born neighbhourhoods simply for their quaintness and quality of restaurants and bars.
The problem is especially in high season it’ll be hard to get 4 nights in a fairly central place with swimming pool etc for 300 pounds or less…. 🙁
I’ve done a search using your dates and budget here and it appears there isn’t much in the neighbourhood.. I would fool around with these results and see what you can find. Even if you have to settle for a neighbourhood that’s not Gracia or El Born keep in mind Barcelona is super accessible so you’ll hardly ever be way out.
If something catches your eye feel free to send it to me and I’ll tell you what I think of the area, the transport connections etc.
Also if you haven’t seen yet please take a look at my list of the most romantic things to do in Barcelona:
https://www.barcelonahacks.com/romantic-barcelona/
There should be a few gems in here to make your anniversary special 🙂
Ash
Larri says
Hi! I’m visiting Barcelona during the first week of October, for about 6 nights. Any ideas for a solo traveler? I have a place booked with AirBnb, but it’s about 20-30 minutes north of Las Ramblas, the beach, etc.. is that a decent location?
Ash says
Hi Larri,
Would that be 20 minutes’ walking? In that case that’s probably a really central place in Eixample. If it’s 20 minutes’ train or metro you’re still not doing so bad in my opinion.
For solo travellers I still recommend hitting all the major sights. That said, I would download the Couchsurfing app because it connects you with all sorts of solo travllers to go sightseeing, there are tons of events and stuff. The same goes for Meetup.com as there are tons of activities involving travellers.
Ash
Erlinda jalandoon says
Hi! Love your site! We’re travelli g to Barcelona with our 3 girls ages16,13,10 in July and it’ll be our first time. I don’t even know where to start! Can you give me suggestions on areas to stay in? And must see places. Planning to stay for 5-6 days after our cruise, is that enough time?
We were also thinking of going to Madrid, but not sure how far it is etc.
Thanks!
Ash says
Hi Erlinda,
If you’re traveling with kids and want good access to Ciutadella Park, the beach, and a ton of attractions with less nightlife chaos I would recommend the Born neighbourhood.
An outside shot is Poble Nou, which is right along the beach and has a small town feel… but still striking distance to attractions if you don’t mind the metro.
For main attractions the 3 can’t miss are Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and Casa Batllo… they’re all covered in my list of Barcelona’s top attractions.
If you haven’t already I suggest reading my article on things to do with kids in Barcelona.
Also if you’re coming via a cruise 5-6 days is more than enough for a thorough trip… just make sure you read up on my cruise terminal article to get central fast etc.
These articles should be more than enough info to get the trip planned… if you have something more custom in mind please let me know.
As for Madrid if you want to do it properly you’ll need 3-4 days… it’s about a 2.5 hour train or 4.5 hour drive… unless you had a big event there or really had your heart on something specific I would save it for the next time, with Spain there’s always a next time 😉
Ash