Three Fabulous Places for Youth to Stay in Barcelona

Europe has a long and fine tradition of encouraging youthful travel. Today, many college students compliment their educations by a trip to Europe. They take trains, walk, and bike ride. And when it is time to crash for the night, they do it in youth hostels. Youth hostels are inexpensive and they cater to the needs of young people. When your travels take you through Barcelona, here are three great places to consider when you need a place to rest your head.

1.Alberg Juvenil Palua. Free lockers and a spacious and accommodating common room are among the draws of this hostel. Its location is another. Close to the city center in the Barri Gotic and near the Ramblas, activities are within walking distance or a short trip the city’s fine public transportation. Alberg offers an extensive bike parking area for your rental, and there are kitchen facilities available.

2.Ideal Youth Hostel. It is right near the center of Barcelona, close to the famous and hip Ramblas boulevard, and next to the Opera House. Breakfast is included in the price (a nice bonus) and the reception desk is available 24 hours a day. Free Internet access is also offered, so you can use your laptop to email your friends a very brief note to tell them what a good time you are having. And the price is hard to beat: it is among the least expensive of all Barcelona’s youth hostels.

3.INOUT Hostel. Unlike the other two, which are located in Barcelona near the city center, INOUT is outside the city limits. Its location is a bit on the remote side (requiring a 25-minute ride to the Ramblas), but INOUT offers organized trips and transportation to all the main areas in the city and the country. Plus, it features a boat specially designated to transport you to the beaches that add to Barcelona’s fame. Because it is located in Callserola Park, this hostel offers a variety of sports activities, gardens, and forests. You can even arrange for a picnic basket to take out with you on one of y our excursions.

Most youth hostels provide lockers (not always free) to secure your personal belongings, since the sleeping quarters are shared dormitories. You usually stay in rooms that sleep two, four, four, six, 12, 14, or 16 people. You will rarely have the option of having a private room. Booking with a group of friends will lower your cost, but sometimes it is fun to see where you end up and increase the chance that you will make new friends. It is possible to stay in dorms segregated by gender, but you will get a better price if you opt for co-ed sleeping rooms.