When it comes to Airbnb rentals, a few cities stand out with their high-quality, low-cost offerings. Barcelona is one of these cities. The capital of Catalonia boasts some of the most design-forward, spacious and fairly priced rentals we’ve seen in our ’round-the-world browsing—and we aren’t the only ones noticing. In December, the city slapped the company with a 60,000 euro fine for advertising unpermitted apartments. They may be tightening up on their rules, but we suspect Barcelona will always be one of the best places to choose an apartment rental over a hotel. Here are 10 of our favorites.
Note to reader: Descriptions correspond to the images just above text. And, please make sure to double-check prices and details before booking your stay.
Enjoy the open floor plan, roomy kitchen and tricked-out bathroom in this apartment located in El Born (pictured at top), a medieval neighborhood with a distinctly modern vibe. The separate bedroom has a small terrace overlooking the tree-lined street. A metro station is nearby, but the idyllic Parc de la Ciutadella and Barceloneta beach are just a quick walk away.
Wake up to a view of La Sagrada Familia in this petite apartment in the center of the city. The sleeping loft has a skylight overlooking the Gaudi-designed basilica’s iconic steeples, or you can check out the view from the apartment’s terrace. There’s a small kitchen with all the necessities, an updated bathroom, and a living room with a sofa bed for extra guests. Bonus: It averages around $55/night.
This boho-chic two-bedroom sleeps six guests and is kid-friendly. The living and dining room are decorated with cool vintage furniture and décor, while the kitchen and bathroom are updated and fully equipped. It’s in the tourist-happy Gothic Quarter, a quick stroll to Las Ramblas, Plaza Catalunya and more tapas restaurants than you can shake a churro at.
Taking up the entire floor of an 1888 apartment building in edgy El Raval, this two-bedroom architect’s apartment has original tile floors, timber windows and ceramic vaulted ceilings. Featured in an article on Design Trawler, the lovingly restored space is decorated with finds from throughout Barcelona. There’s a terrace off of every room, and it’s three minutes from Las Ramblas.
With all the cultural and culinary delights that Barcelona has to offer, it’s easy to forget that it’s very much a coastal city. This boat rental lets you get as close to the water as possible, staying in the city’s Olympic Port, five minutes from the beach. There’s a toilet on the boat along with bathroom facilities nearby.
Located in swanky l’Eixample, this two-bedroom apartment has floor-to-ceiling windows opening up to a wide terrace, cozy living and dining rooms and a view of La Sagrada Familia. Past guests praise the host for happily accommodating late check-ins—and even offering cookies as a welcome gift.
You’ll find beds galore in this ultra-modern El Born apartment are four double beds in all. There’s also a deep soaking tub and walk-in shower, a washing machine, a Nespresso machine, and a breakfast basket. More than 160 five-star reviews commend hosts Sailor and Lula for being welcoming and helpful, whether that means offering advice for nearby restaurants or dropping off a welcome bottle of cava.
This charm-filled one-bedroom in Gracia is off the beaten tourist path yet within walking distance to major attractions along with markets and restaurants. There’s a cozy bedroom, a comfortable living room, a workspace and dining area.
Efficiency is the name of the game at this studio in the Sants barrio on the outskirts of town. Sleep on a fold-out Murphy bed, and enjoy the view of local rooftops from the balcony. For larger groups, an adjacent studio can be rented as well.
This family-friendly apartment near La Sagrada Familia has a bright, airy kitchen, a sunny terrace and a bathroom with a rain shower. Three metro stops are nearby along with bakeries, bars, shops and markets.
Looking for more on Barcelona? Check out Airbnb’s guide to the city’s neighborhoods.
Paste’s Airbnb columnist Erica Jackson Curran is a former alt-weekly editor turned moonlight freelancer based in Richmond, Virginia.