We arrived in Barcelona from Tossa de Mar around midday, ready to enjoy a few days in a city that seems to thrive on energy. At Generator Barcelona, we checked into a modern, light-filled hostel with striking design. Reception was quick and friendly, and before long we were in our family room — four bunk beds with a view across one of the wide streets of the Gràcia district, just a short walk from some of Gaudí’s most famous works.
Generator Barcelona combines comfort and style in one of Europe’s most visited destinations. Opened in 2013, the half-hotel, half-hostel accommodates up to 600 guests. Its character comes through in its design — it’s exposed concrete and raw steel make it feel like a 1990s club or gallery but with wicker swings, relaxed lounge spaces, and a range of games and activities. The hostel style rooms are functional and pretty spacious. You have all you need and everything is spotless. The modern urban design is here too and gives the rooms a contemporary mood and feel.
Breakfast was available, and it turned out to be a highlight. Fresh pastries and bread, cooked sausages and bacon, fruit, and cereals were all on offer, along with a popular coffee machine and even two types of hot chocolate. The dining space was filled with a mix of tourists and digital nomads, many making the most of the hostel’s fast Wi-Fi before starting their day.
On our first evening, we visited Camp Nou. Though under renovation, the stadium still impressed us with its size and atmosphere. My brother particularly enjoyed browsing the sleek team shop, spotting players he knew on the shirts.
The next morning, we set off on a self-guided Gaudí tour. Casa Batlló was only ten minutes away, and we admired its flowing design, painted surfaces, and distinctive windows. From there, we walked to Casa Milà, appreciating the undulating stone façade that blends so naturally into the city’s architecture.
After a market paella, we approached the Sagrada Família — the landmark we had been most anticipating. Its spires and elaborate ornamentation dominate the skyline, and even unfinished, the basilica has a presence unlike anything else. Inside, the stained glass flooded the space with shifting colors, casting light across the tall columns shaped like trees. The whole effect was both grand and otherworldly, and it left a lasting impression.
That evening, after some time at the hostel, we went to Park Güell for sunset. The views across the city were outstanding, framed by Gaudí’s vibrant and playful designs. The mosaic dragon staircase and tiled lizards gave the park a fairytale quality, but it also felt like a welcome green space, a pause from the pace of the city.
For dinner, we headed back near the Sagrada and ate at Vietnam Authentic Restaurant, a popular spot with both locals and visitors. The food was excellent, and afterward we enjoyed gelato beneath the illuminated basilica — a fitting close to our trip.
Generator Barcelona proved an ideal base for exploring the city: stylish, practical, and well located for discovering the best of Barcelona.
words Evie May Taylor
