7 of the best homestays in Barcelona

Best for sightseeing

Your host: Christine – who likes photography, hiking, theatre and socialising
Where? Eixample, five minutes' walk from Metro Provenca
The accommodation: One double bedroom with a fridge, TV and wifi. You'll also get your own private bathroom. Smoking not permitted. See the homestay for yourself...
How much? 1 person, 7 to 29 nights: £25p/n. 2 people, 7 to 29 nights: £28p/n.
What travellers say: “Christine's place is exactly where you want to be! Not only is she and her daughter extremely helpful in helping you with what places to see and how to get there, but their home is beautiful” – Tanya, Canada


La Sagrada Familia (Shutterstock)

Best for solo travellers

Your host: Gloria – “I have lived in many countries and enjoy learning about different cultures”
Where? Eixample, on the top of a historical building, close to lots of attractions
The accommodation: This single room is for solo travellers only: it's small but well-appointed, with a closet, wardrobe and access to a covered terrace area. You'll share a bathroom with your host. Smoking not permitted. See the homestay for yourself...
How much? 7 to 29 nights: £26p/n
What travellers say: “What an amazing flat in Barcelona! Right near the Sants Station, accessible downtown and near cafes, restaurants and Joan Miro Park. The greatest prize to getting a room in this home is none other than Gloria, host par excellence” – Lena, Singapore


Placa de Sant Jaume (Shutterstock)

Best for dog lovers

Your host: Enrik, who likes football, surfing, basketball and tennis – and his pug dog Rufi
Where? Sant Antoni, “one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Eixample”
The accommodation: A single room with a shared bathroom, TV and wifi access. Smoking permitted. See the homestay for yourself...
How much? 7 to 29 nights: £20p/n
What travellers say: “The location is perfect, with cafés and shops around. The room is cosy and clean, and Enric is a nice and welcoming person. His dog Rufi is absolutely adorable” – Nonna, Russia


Placa Reial (Shutterstock)

Best for families

Your host: Stefania, who enjoys painting, travelling and interior design.
Where? Gotico, “close to Las Ramblas, Plaza Catalunya, the Cathedral and a few minutes from the beach”
The accommodation: Take your pick from two single rooms, one double, and one triple (for couples with a child). The rooms share a bathroom, and the double and triple rooms have their own balconies. Smoking permitted. See the homestay for yourself...
How much? Single room: £27p/n. Double rooms: from £49p/n (double occupancy)
What travellers say: “We had a great stay at Stefania's place. She made us feel very comfortable and welcome. The room is airy and spacious and the bathroom clean and at all times smells of flowers” – Maja, Slovenia


Parc Guell (Shutterstock)

Best for socialising

Your host: Fatima and her cat – “My favourite things in the world include cats, acts of kindness, meeting new people, modern art”
Where? Raval
The accommodation: One double room with air conditioning, hair dryer, desk and mirror. You'll share a bathroom with Fatima. Smoking permitted. See the homestay for yourself
How much? 1 person, 7 to 29 nights: £31p/n. 2 people, 7 to 29 nights: £32p/n.
What travellers say: “Fatima is so friendly, helpful and such a nice person. She checked internet with all our questions about Barcelona and helped us very much. The flat is very clean. Bedroom is very small, but it has a window. We had a really good time and it was like visiting an old friend” – Carina, Germany


Eixample district (Shutterstock)

Best for privacy

Your host: Morena, who enjoys knitting, sewing, cooking, swimming and learning foreign languages
Where? Sant Antoni
The accommodation: Two simple double bedrooms, both with private bathrooms and desks and wardrobes. The larger room has a private balcony and big shower. Smoking permitted. See the homestay for yourself...
How much? 1 person, 7 to 29 nights: £26p/n. 2 people, 7 to 29 nights: £30p/n.
What travellers say: “Staying with Morena was wonderful. She was the best host imaginable: kind, calming, funny and friendly. Her apartment is very charming, comfortable and clean. Great experience” – Simon, Slovakia


Beach in Barcelona (Shutterstock)

Best for female travellers

Your host: Mother and daughter Fer and Jana, and their cat
Where? Eixample
The accommodation: One single room, and one family room which sleeps up to four people (two double beds). Smoking permitted. See the homestay for yourself...
How much? Single room: £14p/n. Double rooms: from £28p/n (double occupancy)
What travellers say: “This was a lovely place to stay - the welcome from Maria was so warm and friendly, and being included in her and her friends' celebrations for the St Joan fiesta was the highlight of my trip. The flat is very clean, bright and airy and handy for the metro” – Moira, UK


Main image: Parc Guell, Barcelona (Shutterstock)