Barcelona Vall D’Hebron And Horta-Guinardó

If you ever end up playing the game, “If you could take one thing to Vall d’Hebron and Horta-Guinardó, what would it be?” don’t hesitate to answer: a car. Okay, so it’s not a real game. Just bring a car. These largely residential neighborhoods high in the hills above downtown Barcelona are leafy and pleasant, but getting around by foot up here can be exhausting. That said, student athletes who are traveling and trying to stay in shape might find Vall d’Hebron’s fields, combined with Horta’s hills, just what they’ve been searching for.

Hostal Ballestero, C. Manuel Sancho, 2 (☎933 49 50 53; www.hostalballestero.com). Fabra i Puig. Walk up Pg. Fabra i Puig and make a right onto C. Manuel Sancho. This cute, 2-star hostel is conveniently located near a metro stop and isn’t far up the hill. Each of its 26 tidy rooms comes with a desk, TV, A/C, and bath. Free Internet. Singles €40; doubles €65.
Edelweiss Hostal, C. Aguilar, 54 (☎933 57 52 80; www.edelweissyouthhostel.com). Catch the #39 bus from Pl. Catalunya or just outside Horta; there’s a stop just above the hostel. Sports sky-blue walls, which is appropriate, considering that it’s airy, clean, and perched above the city. Incredible views of Horta-Guinardó. Tidy dorm-style rooms. Showers close 11:30pm-5am for cleaning. Linens €2. Towels €2. Laundry €3. Free Wi-Fi. 8-bed and 10-bed dorms €15-25; 6-bed and 4-bed dorms €18-26. MC/V.
Agora BCN, Pg. dels Castanyers, 21 (☎931 66 90 00; www.agorabcn.com). Muncet. Walk up Pg. de la Vall d’Hebron and make a left onto Pg. dels Castanyers, which is just before the Velodrom. (Agora is behind the Velodrom.) This 220-room student residence and hostel has a large patio with wicker chairs and a spacious common room. Each room comes with bath, linens, towels, and A/C. Rooms are cleaned once a week; extra cleanings €2. “Superior” rooms have TV but cost more. Breakfast included. ½-board and full-board optional. Laundry €5. Billiards €1. Internet and Wi-Fi available in lounge area. Singles €40-53; doubles €50-77; triples €70-77.
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