Hi everyone! I am headed out to Europe with three friends next year and am looking for information as to the best areas to stay in Barcelona and Rome. We are all in our 30s and looking for a good area that is easily accessible, but not too expensive or in the middle of the party (our party/clubbing days are sadly over). Does anyone have any recommendations for good areas or good airbnbs (or not too expensive bnbs/hotels) in these cities? Thanks for the help!

Doug Dawson
Last spring we traveled through Spain spending quite a bit of time in Barcelona. Without hesitation, we recommend staying the La Barceloneta district. It is close to the port and in the heart of the old city. Regarding airbnb, many European cities, including Barcelona, are experiencing citizen protests and backlashes against landlords converting once affordable housing into short term rental. There are examples in Barcelona of tourists staying in airbnbs being accosted and harassed. On the advise of some seasoned travellers, we chose hotels.

The Trastevere area in Rome is fantastic. Lots of restaurants and cafes and walkable to all the major sights. We walked to the Vatican, Colisseum, Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and all places in between. We stayed at an airbnb but too small for 3 adults to recommend.

Hotel Golden in Rome. Best included breakfast in Italy (apart from Frances Lodge in Siena) made daily by Mamma Maria with love. Family owned...very kind. Central residential.

Look at El Poblenou in Barcelona. Was awesome!!! Tons of great restaurants and not like the Las Ramblas full of tourists (people there are a bit tired of tourists fyi)

Roma Boutique Hotel is AMAZING and we stay there every time we go. Excellent location that is safe and away from crazy, but walkable everywhere and metro not far. Breakfast is included. The staff are beyond awesome.

My wife and I stayed in the area closer to the Termini train station, in the side closer towards the Coliseum. Lots of good choices of hotels and no cab from the train station required. Bus to Vatican leaves from train station and most major sites in Rime were easily walkable from there. Lots of good restaurant choices in the neighborhood

I can’t remember the name of my hotel, but it was in the Gothic area...highly recommend that area!!! The history is amazing, and it’s close to the beach!

My husband and I, along with another couple stayed in Rome at http://www.bbfontanaditrevi.com/ It was a perfect location, 1/2 block from Trevi Fountain and we walked everywhere except to the Vatican (took train there). We were served a beautiful fresh breakfast every morning and they even arranged our airport pick up service! Wonderful hosts!

Stay in the Gothic Quarter near Las Ramblas. It’s central and so authentic.

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g187791-d3228800...
I highly recommend this place. 12 minute walk to vatican and surrounding area. Very safe to walk in the evenings. Close to cafe, restaurants and bus service is just half a block in front of the BNB. Tania even speaks English very well and extremely knowledgeable on site to see and how to get there. Historical Rome is walk friendly!!!

We stayed here twice. It’s in walking distance from the train station and close the hop on bus station.

In Rome, this was a fantastic area to stay in. https://www.vrbo.com/1029284ha