There are not many countries that I would eagerly return to in an instant, but Barcelona truly stole my heart in a big way.

Why did you go?

The inspiration behind this trip came from the fact that most friends my age are either married, have children, or have commitments that prevent them from dropping everything to go on a spontaneous holiday.

Instead of feeling like Bobby No-Mates, stuck at home with no one to travel alongside, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I embraced the idea of solo travel and booked a flight for myself. What made it even more surprising was how spur-of-the-moment the decision was – I actually booked the flight just the day before, which is very unlike me.

Lately, I’ve been noticing these bursts of inspiration paired with real motivation to act on them. So, I went ahead, booked that flight, and decided I wanted to travel as a backpacker, choosing to stay in a hostel. Now, I can hear what you’re thinking: a hostel? Yes, a hostel. And honestly, it turned out to be the best choice I could have made for this adventure!

A hostel?

Why a hostel girl, eww? My reasoning was simple: I didn’t feel the need to go for a luxury experience. Instead, I wanted to be right in the heart of the action (all while sticking to a budget, of course, because even on vacation, the bills don’t stop coming).

Knowing I would be travelling solo, I wanted to stay somewhere that encouraged socialising and making friends. That’s why I chose a mixed dorm of six people. Why mixed? After watching and reading up on other solo female travellers’ experiences on TikTok, I learned that women-only dorms can often feel unfriendly or cliquey, whereas mixed dorms tend to have a more relaxed atmosphere.

I have no regrets about my choice. Of course, I made sure to thoroughly research where I would be staying ahead of time, and I eventually settled on Onefam Battlo. It struck the perfect balance between having just enough party vibe and a strong cultural presence, plus plenty of opportunities for fun and connection.

Why I loved it so much

I went in with a totally wrong impression of Barcelona, thinking it was just a party city with nothing else to offer — how wrong I was! The city is incredibly rich in history, culture, and breathtaking architecture.

The Sagrada Família absolutely blew my mind, and it’s an absolute must-see for anyone interested in unique architectural designs and fascinating history.

Sagrada Família Barcelona set to be complete in 2026

Another gem is the Mercat de la Boqueria, which is heaven for fruit lovers and foodies alike. This market offers every fruit imaginable along with a huge variety of fresh food from traditional Spanish cuisine.

If you have time, I also recommend Exotica Brunch Restaurant, which offers a beautifully themed safari-style setting and authentic, fresh dishes that are as tasty as they are pretty.

I did visit the beach, but Mar Bella Beach was just okay for me—nothing spectacular, but it’s there if you want to relax by the sea.

Final thoughts
Is Barcelona safe for female travellers? Absolutely yes! Making friends is easy, especially in hostels where daily events are organised to bring everyone together. I felt completely safe walking alone both during the day and at night, though I always stayed cautious and aware of my surroundings.

A good, secure bum bag is a great investment. The food alone made this trip unforgettable—truly out of this world!

Overall, it was a fantastic holiday and I would definitely go back in a heartbeat.

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