If you want to visit Barcelona responsibly, without negatively impacting the local community, choosing the right accommodation is a great start. While I have used Airbnb a lot in the past, I am now more aware of how much holiday apartments affect the local housing market and look for alternatives wherever I can. To help you make the best choices, I’ve brought together this list of Airbnb alternatives in Barcelona so you can find the perfect stay for your trip, and know that you’re not contributing to the housing crisis!
Is Airbnb Legal in Barcelona?
Airbnb is currently legal in Barcelona, but it is subject to strict regulations and Airbnb owners must have a tourist license to rent out their property for short stays. There is due to be a ban on Airbnb and other short-term rental properties where no new licences are currently being issued, and by 2028, Airbnb will be banned.
Authorities are also cracking down on illegal Airbnbs which do not have a license to rent to tourists, so make sure any apartment you book definitely has a license!
Before renting a tourist flat, check whether it’s legal, and don’t book it if it’s not. This website allows you to input the address of any apartment in Barcelona and it will tell you if it has a tourist license.
What is Wrong with Using Airbnb in Barcelona?
There has been a lot of media coverage lately about the problems of overtourism in Barcelona, and Airbnb is usually named as a major factor contributing to overtourism.
When Airbnb first started out, it began as a platform to meet local people who would rent out a room in their house, which would help them cover their rent and other bills.
However, these days Airbnb is full of short-term rental apartments that are owned by businesses who would rather rent out the apartment to tourists instead of local people, as tourists will pay much more per night than someone renting on a year-long contract.
This has contributed to a housing shortage in Barcelona, and rental prices in the city have sky-rocketed as demand for apartments has increased. Local people can’t afford the high prices and so are either forced to move out of the city, to live with their parents, or rent a room in a shared apartment – which have also increased in price.
It’s important to note that Airbnb is not the only booking platform that does this, but Airbnb is the largest and most (in)famous booking site like this around the world. Barcelona’s upcoming ban on short-term tourist rentals applies to all booking platforms, including VRBO, Booking and others.
The high cost of living in Barcelona has pushed residents to the limit, and the recent anti-tourism protests show that we have reached the breaking point in the city. So, instead of renting an apartment for a few days with Airbnb or a similar platform, consider these Airbnb alternatives so you aren’t contributing to the problem.
What Do You Like About Airbnbs?
Before you book an Airbnb alternative in Barcelona it’s useful to think about what you like about renting an Airbnb, so you can find the closest match. Is it the privacy? Do you like to have access to kitchen facilities to make your own food, or are you travelling with family or friends and need more space than a typical hotel room?
Or are you simply looking for a more sustainable alternative to Airbnbs in Barcelona? Whatever you’re looking for I have a range of options here for you!
Airbnb Alternatives in Barcelona
Here are some of the best alternatives to Airbnb in Barcelona:
Book a Room Instead of a Whole Apartment
Going back to the roots of Airbnb, when it was all about the sharing economy instead of big business, renting a room in someone’s home is a much better option than renting out the whole place.
Be wary of listings which are large apartments that have just been rented out by the room with no homeowner on site, as they are just as bad, but if you can see that the listing is for a private room with someone who actually lives there, then you are helping the owner pay their rent without taking housing stock away from other people living in Barcelona.
However, I know that having your own private space has many benefits, especially for families or groups of friends, so these are the real alternatives to Airbnb in Barcelona:
ApartHotels
Generally speaking, ApartHotels were never designed to be permanent homes for residents, so by booking an apartment in a dedicated ApartHotel you aren’t taking housing stock away from local people. It’s still not ideal, though, as these could be repurposed for local people, but it’s still a better option than booking an Airbnb in Barcelona. These options all have different-sized apartments with options for families or groups.
Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments are stylish, eco-friendly apartments that combine the comforts of a hotel with the flexibility of an apartment, with on-site personalised assistance and 24/7 self-check-in. They have several locations in Barcelona and emphasise sustainability and Nordic design.
Aparthotel Arai 4 Superior* offers luxury apartments in the Gothic Quarter, with a rooftop pool and terrace. The air-conditioned rooms include free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV. They have a sofa and a small kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and coffee maker.
Aparthotel Bcn Montjuic is a great value option, and located close to Sants train station, Montjuic and Fira de Barcelona. All modern rooms at the Montjuic have air conditioning and heating. They include a flat-screen TV, a seating area and a kitchen with a fridge and microwave.
BROWSE MORE APARTHOTELS IN BARCELONA
Locally Owned Hotels and Guesthouses
Hotels are one of the “safest” options for booking accommodation in Barcelona, with purpose-built hotels where you know what to expect and have a certain level of service. However, instead of booking large chain hotels, look for locally owned hotels and guesthouses where your money goes back into the local community instead of to a huge international corporation.
In addition, hotels which focus on sustainability are even better!
Hostal Grau: This family-run, eco-friendly hotel that focuses on sustainability, using natural materials and energy-efficient practices. It’s close to Plaça de Catalunya and has a rooftop terrace (open from March to November) and options for family rooms and apartments with kitchen facilities. There is no shared kitchen area, but breakfast is available, with free tea and coffee.
Casa Bonay is a lovely 4* boutique hotel in the Eixample neighbourhood that emphasises sustainability through its use of locally sourced products, organic linens, and natural materials, as well as collaborating with local artists and businesses. There is a rooftop terrace and free bike hire available.
Casa Camper is a fantastic eco-hotel in Barcelona’s Raval neighbourhood, operated by the well-known Spanish footwear brand Camper. The hotel integrates sustainability into its operations by using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. There is a rooftop terrace and a Tentempie buffet area where guests can enjoy free snacks and drinks throughout the day.
BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN BARCELONA
Hostels with Private Rooms
Many hostels in Barcelona have private rooms as well as shared dorms, and shared facilities such as a kitchen, rooftop bar or other things like a social or work area that are shared with other guests.
While you don’t have the same privacy as you would in an apartment, many of the facilities are the same, and it could be a great way to meet other travellers if you do want to be sociable. Each hostel is different, so see what facilities they offer to suit your needs.
If you are travelling with kids, you could look at booking a private dorm room with several beds, although they usually are single beds arranged as bunk beds. Some hostels have family rooms, but not all hostels accept children so check the terms before you book.
Some of the top hostels in Barcelona include:
Casa Jam is a lovely hostel in Gracia and a great option for families, with several options for family rooms, a children’s playroom and cots, baby strollers and high chairs available. There is free luggage storage, a laundry room and free Fairtrade coffee and tea throughout the day. There is a shared kitchen area, dining room, and free wifi with a work area for digital nomads.
Onefam Batlló is a sociable hostel a short walk from Plaça Catalunya, which gets great reviews for the fun atmosphere and friendly staff. It has an age limit of 18 – 45 years old, with options for shared dorms and private rooms, and access to shared kitchen facilities. Daily events and activities help solo travellers to make friends and enjoy their time in the city to the max!
Fabrizzio’s Petit is a small but friendly hostel that offers an all-day breakfast included in the price. They host weekly events such as a free paella or tapas evening to eat and socialise together. There are options for private rooms and dorms.
BROWSE MORE HOSTELS IN BARCELONA
Hotels with Family Rooms
If you’re travelling with family or a group of friends, it is nice to be able to all be together instead of having to book separate hotel rooms. These hotels have family rooms that could be a good alternative to Airbnb in Barcelona:
Acta Splendid is a centrally located 3-star hotel close to Plaça Universitat. The hotel has family rooms with 3 or 4 single beds, and some with an additional sofa bed to sleep up to 5 people. From the photos it looks like two of the beds are pushed together so they could effectively be used as a double for parents with 1,2 or 3 kids with additional cots available on request for babies up to 2 years old.
Lamaro Hotel (Formerly the Hotel Colon) is right in the centre of the Gothic Quarter, with unbeatable views of the Gothic Cathedral from selected bedrooms and the roof terrace bar. The hotel has some rooms for 3 or 4 people, including family rooms with 4 single beds or 2 single beds and a sofa bed.
Petit Palace Museum has family rooms for 3 or 4 people, with either a double bed and a single bed, or a double bed and 2 bunk beds – perfect for families. The hotel is just of La Rambla de Catalunya in Eixample, in between Plaça de Catalunya and Casa Batlló and offers free bike hire for exploring the city.
BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN BARCELONA
Hotels with Adjoining Rooms
Another alternative for families with older kids or groups who want to be together with more space is to get two adjoining rooms in the same hotel.
Room Mate Anna has connecting rooms designed for 2 adults and 2 children, with 1 double bed and 2 twins. The hotel is in Eixample, close to Casa Batlló, and has a seasonal rooftop plunge pool and a rooftop terrace bar. There is a restaurant onsite and options for breakfast in the mornings.
I usually use Booking.com to book accommodation in Barcelona, but it’s not always clear which rooms are adjoining. Expedia has a search feature which allows you to look specifically for adjoining rooms on the dates you are travelling.
FIND HOTELS WITH ADJOINING ROOMS
House-Sitting in Barcelona
Depending on the time of year you’re travelling to Barcelona, house-sitting or pet-sitting could be a great option for you. This is where you stay in a local person’s home for a few days or weeks and care for their house and pets while they are away.
Around Easter, Christmas and the summer holidays, many people living in Barcelona take a trip outside of the city, and often have pets they can’t take with them.
It is also a great way to save money in Barcelona too as you essentially get free accommodation in exchange for looking after they house and pets. Try looking on house-sitting sites like Trusted Housesitters to see what options are available for your dates.
There can be a lot of competition for Barcelona housesits, so if you’re already an experienced housesitter with good reviews you’ll have a better chance of securing a pet-sit, but there’s no harm in applying even if you’re a beginner. I did some petsitting in Barcelona for friends before I moved back here and it was a great way to save money on accommodation!
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Home Exchange with Kindred
Home exchange can be another great way to get spacious and home-like accommodation in Barcelona – if you’re willing to potentially allow someone else to stay in your home while you’re away.
This is much more sustainable for people living in Barcelona as you won’t be staying in an Airbnb rented out by a company, you’ll be staying in someone’s home on a temporary basis while they are travelling, and no money exchanges hands between the homeowners.
It doesn’t need to be a direct swap either, while there are Facebook groups and other ways to arrange house swaps and home exchanges, sites like Kindred allow you to stay in someone’s home while they’re away – and they don’t need to stay in your home at the same time.
If you sign up to Kindred using my link, you can have up to 5 free nights to spend somewhere around the world before you have to host yourself. If you do allow your home to be available while you’re away, you will earn more credits to spend.
It is also a great way to save money on accommodation, as you don’t pay per night – you only pay for cleaning and a small service fee. I have recently been accepted to Kindred and haven’t had a chance to try it out yet, but I have had positive reviews from friends who have used the services.
GET 5 FREE NIGHTS WITH KINDRED
Barcelona Work Exchanges
For backpackers, budget travellers, and beginner digital nomads, work exchanges are a great way to work and travel, as you can extend your travels and save money on Barcelona accommodation without staying in apartments that could have been homes for locals.
Doing a work exchange in Barcelona means that you work in exchange for accommodation and other benefits, giving your time and skills for a few hours a day for a free bed for the night. Then you can explore the city in your spare time and experience everything Barcelona has to offer!
The easiest way to find work exchanges in Barcelona is to apply through a work exchange website like Workaway or Worldpackers.
Worldpackers is my personal favourite site as there is a wider range of opportunities in Barcelona to choose from, including some hostel work which seem to have disappeared off Workaway.
Usually, the minimum duration of a work exchange is a couple of weeks so if you’re only coming to Barcelona for a few days, then this probably won’t work for you. Many of the volunteer hostel jobs in Barcelona listed on Worldpackers ask for a minimum of four weeks, but you can find some with a minimum of one or two weeks.
The kind of work available for work exchanges in Barcelona range from hostel work to volunteering for an animal shelter or with families and helping to teach their kids English.
➡️You can find more information about working in a hostel in Barcelona here.
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Other Airbnb Alternatives to Consider While Travelling
Fairbnb
Fairbnb is a cooperative alternative to Airbnb, originally launched in Venice with the aim of transforming how tourism works. The platform focuses on locally owned and operated accommodation, ensuring that hosts are residents rather than commercial landlords. It’s not clear if these properties would be impacted by the upcoming ban on tourist rentals in Barcelona, but it’s certainly worth looking at.
Unfortunately, when I checked, there weren’t any properties in the city of Barcelona, but there were several in the province around the city if you would consider staying somewhere else in Catalonia.
What is special about Fairbnb is its commitment to social impact; half of the booking commission is directed towards local community initiatives, which are selected with input from hosts. For example, any bookings at the property I looked at in Canet de Mar (around an hour north of Barcelona) would contribute to Arrels Foundation, an NGO that looks after homeless people in Barcelona. Browse Fairbnb’s website here.
Socialbnb
Socialbnb only have one accommodation option in Barcelona, so I haven’t included it in the main list above, but it looks like a great organisation to get involved with.
Socialbnb is a purpose-driven booking platform that connects travellers with locally‑based social and ecological initiatives across the globe. Hosts such as community projects, non‑profits or grassroots enterprises, offer rooms, farm stays and immersive experiences that enable visitors to engage authentically with local life.
85 % of your payment goes directly to the host initiative, funding vital work in areas like education, environmental protection, or animal welfare, while Socialbnb retains a 15 % commission.
Each listing is carefully vetted to ensure it addresses genuine local needs, promotes transparency, supports vulnerable groups, and demonstrates ecological sustainability. You can find stays around the world in unique accommodation like restored watermills, organic farms, wildlife‑conservation sites, the one in Barcelona is in a shared dorm with an NGO. Browse Socialbnb’s website here.
Ecobnb
Ecobnb is an award-winning platform that connects travellers with eco‑friendly accommodation across Europe and beyond. There is currently just one listing in Barcelona city centre for a hostel, so I only included it here instead of in the main list.
Ecobnb carefully vets each listing on their site, including hotels, hostels, B&Bs, treehouses, and agritourism stays, requiring them to meet at least five of ten sustainability criteria. These cover things like using renewable energy, recycling over 80 % of waste, sourcing organic/local food, employing water‑saving systems, and being car‑free or low‑impact.
Ecobnb empowers travellers to reduce their environmental footprint, and according to their website, each person saves on average 8 kg of CO₂, 295 litres of water and preserves the equivalent of 295 trees per day stayed. Browse Ecobnb’s website here.
I hope this has given you a better idea of what Airbnb alternatives in Barcelona are like and what is available if you decide to choose something other than an Airbnb or holiday apartment. Now I have seen for myself how difficult it is to find affordable long-term housing in Barcelona, I am a lot more mindful about where I stay when I’m travelling – local residents will appreciate it if you do the same.