Before you book your hostel for Barcelona (and certainly before you arrive in town!), it's best to understand how the city is organized and how the hostels are situated. Here's a quick look...

City layout
Barcelona's focal point is the impressive Monument a Colom, a monument to Columbus that towers over the center of the old city (Ciutat Vella) from the waterfront. From the statue, with your back to the water, Las Ramblas, Barcelona's hipster thoroughfare, cuts straight up to hopping city center, Plaça de Catalunya. Head east of Las Ramblas and you'll find yourself in the medieval part of town, Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter). Head further east from Barri Gotic and hit Barcelona's museum Mecca, La Ribera. To the west of Las Ramblas, you'll find El Raval.

Hostel overview
Brimming with both architectural history and a vibrant night-life, Barcelona is a haven for both cultural enthusiasts and party seekers. Not surprisingly, its three official 'hostels' are packed to the seams, so book well in advance. While one is centrally located, the other two are a significant distance from the vibrant city center. Not to worry, as the extremely efficient subway system makes it easy to navigate. Expect to pay between 10-20 Euros a night. (Editor's Note: the cathedral is supposed to look like that!)