Welcome to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, one of the most sustainable cities in Europe. Barcelona is a city that has it all: magical Gaudí’s architecture, rich history, plenty of museums, and, above all, access to the Mediterranean Sea! It is also a hub for innovation in green living and responsible tourism. As you explore the area, you’ll notice plenty of urban green spaces, allowing you to escape from the crowds right in the city center. Did you also know that Barcelona is the first city to be awarded as a Biosphere world class destination for its efforts to preserve environmental and cultural heritage? This post will help you navigate the best green accommodations, efficient public transport options, and local culture to travel with environmental responsibility in mind.

1. Eco-Friendly Hotels in Barcelona
2. Sustainable Dining in Barcelona
3. Eco Tours and Activities in Barcelona
4. Shopping Locally in Barcelona
5. Engaging with Local Culture and Initiatives
6. How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Best Tips
7. Conclusion: How to Visit Barcelona Responsibly

Eco-Friendly Hotels in Barcelona

Barcelona offers a variety of green accommodations, reducing CO2 emissions and air pollution through responsible practices. Some of the most popular practices to tackle environmental issues include installing solar panels, energy-efficient systems, and using environmentally friendly materials. Besides, some accommodations provide their guests with a free transport card to enhance their stay.

Here are some top picks:

1. Hotel Barcelona 1882 is a modern 4-star hotel located in the Eixample area, just a couple of blocks from the famous Sagrada Familia. It is equipped with solar panels and energy-efficient systems and features a rooftop pool with views of the cathedral. Prices range from €150-€250 per night.
2. Yurbban Trafalgar Hotel is a 3-star hotel located in El Born, close to the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella. Yurbban Trafalgar implements energy-saving measures and sources local products. Prices range from €120-€200 per night.
3. Hostal Grau is a family-run, environmentally-friendly boutique in Raval, which uses non-harmful materials, energy-efficient lighting, and offers organic toiletries. Prices range from €80-€150 per night. 
4. Casa Camper Barcelona is a 4-star hotel in El Raval with minimalist design and green practices in place, such as the use of renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Prices range from €200-€300 per night.
5. Twentytú Hi-Tech Hostel is located in Poblenou and is a high-tech hostel that features energy-efficient systems, water-saving measures, and a focus on community engagement. Prices range from €30-€80 per night.
6. Eco Boutique Hostal Grau is a boutique hotel located in the Gothic Quarter. It adopts green practices through the use of recycled materials, energy-efficient lighting, and non-harmful cleaning products. Prices range from €100-€180 per night.
7. Mas Salagros EcoResort & AIRE Ancient Baths is a 100% eco-resort with a touch of luxury located just outside Barcelona in Vallromanes. It offers organic cuisine, thermal baths, and wellness activities in a natural park. Prices range from €200-€400 per night.
8. Generator Barcelona is a vibrant hostel in Gràcia, featuring eco-friendly amenities and efficient waste management. Prices range from €25-€100 per night.
9. Casa Gracia Barcelona Hostel is a stylish hostel in Gràcia promoting sustainable tourism through local produce sourcing and other environmentally friendly practices. Prices range from €40-€120 per night. 
10. Ecozentric is a small guesthouse in Eixample using renewable energy, recycled materials, and offering organic breakfast options. Prices range from €90-€160 per night. 
11. The Moods Oasis is a chic hotel in Eixample, offering green amenities and reducing its carbon footprint. Prices range from €100-€180 per night.
12. Hostel One Paralelo is a social hostel in Poble Sec with a focus on building a community, environmentally-friendly practices, and a welcoming atmosphere. Prices range from €20-€70 per night.

Sustainable Dining in Barcelona

Barcelona features plenty of dining options for eco-conscious tourists for any budget and taste. You can explore vegan and vegetarian-friendly eateries, zero-waste cafes, and organic restaurants. Here are some top choices:

1. Teresa Carles is a pioneer vegetarian restaurant located in El Raval. It offers a menu full of fresh, organic, and locally-sourced ingredients with a creative twist. Prices range from €15-€30 per person.
2. Flax & Kale is a restaurant chain with several locations in El Raval. It offers a flexitarian menu, focusing on healthy, plant-based dishes, many of which are gluten-free and made with organic ingredients. Prices range from €20-€40 per person.
3. Sésamo is a cozy vegetarian restaurant in Sant Antoni offering a variety of international dishes made with organic and locally-sourced produce. Prices range from €20-€35 per person.
4. The Green Spot is a stylish vegetarian restaurant in Barceloneta catering to both vegetarians and vegans, using seasonal and organic ingredients. Prices range from €25-€45 per person.
5. Rasoterra is a vegetarian bistro in the Gothic Quarter with a focus on slow food principles, offering dishes made from organic and locally-sourced ingredients. Prices range from €25-€50 per person.
6. Café Camelia is a charming cafe in Gràcia offering organic coffee, vegan pastries, and a variety of healthy, plant-based meals in a cozy setting. Prices range from €10-€20 per person.
7. Cat Bar is a vegan bar in El Born known for its craft beers and delicious vegan burgers, with a focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. Prices range from €10-€20 per person.
8. BioCenter is one of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in El Raval, offering a buffet and à la carte menu with organic and seasonal ingredients. Prices range from €15-€30 per person.
9. Veggie Garden is a vibrant vegetarian and vegan restaurant in El Raval offering a mix of Indian and international dishes, with an emphasis on organic ingredients. Prices range from €10-€20 per person.

These restaurants and cafes provide a variety of options for those looking to enjoy delicious meals while supporting green practices in Barcelona.

Eco Tours and Activities in Barcelona

Understanding the tourism of Barcelona can help you discover famous sites and hidden gems and create a tourism plan in advance to avoid standing in queues. From navigating the city by bike to taking a ride in one of cable cars Barcelona offers plenty of ways to explore it in a green way. Whether you’re interested in cycling, hiking, or learning about sustainable architecture, there’s something for everyone:

1. Ebike Tours
   Make sure to check out the numerous biketours Barcelona has to offer. With so many bike lanes, exploring the city on an electric bike is not only healthy and cheap but also easy. You will enjoy a guided tour of the city’s architecture, parks, and beaches. Highlights include the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Fundació Joan Miró, and the Gothic Quarter.
2. Barcelona Walking Tours
   A guided walking tour is an amazing and sustainable way to explore the city’s green spaces and architectural wonders, including visits to urban gardens and green neighborhoods. Highlights include Ciutadella Park, urban gardens, and architecture.
3. Kayaking and Snorkeling in Costa Brava
   Take a day trip from Barcelona to the charming Costa Brava to kayak and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. You will also be able to walk along the coastline, explore hidden coves, marine biodiversity and other water activities.
4. Food Tours
   Foodies will have a lovely time in Barcelona, exploring its organic markets such as La Boqueria, and can also book a food tour or wine tasting.
5. Montjuïc Hill Electric Bike Tour
   Ride an electric bike up Montjuïc Hill and enjoy panoramic views of the city. On top of the hill, you can visit Montjuïc Castle, the Olympic Stadium, and the botanical gardens.
6. Barcelona Eco Catamaran Cruise
   For a relaxing holiday, sail along Barcelona’s coastline on an eco-friendly catamaran, powered by wind and solar energy.
7. Urban Beekeeping Workshop
   A more rare but no less interesting way to explore Barcelona sustainably is to participate in a workshop on urban beekeeping. You’ll also be able to enjoy honey tasting and learn a lot about bees and their importance to support ecosystems and biodiversity.
8. Barcelona Green Architecture Tour
   To explore Barcelona off the beaten track, take a Green Architecture tour led by expert architects to learn about the city’s green architecture and building practices. There are several routes to explore the historic or new urban centers, check out green roofs, energy-efficient designs, and even participate in workshops.
9. Collserola Natural Park Hiking Tour
   To escape the overtourism discomfort in the city centre, you can visit the Collserola Natural Park, a vast green reserve with trails, wildlife, and stunning views of Barcelona.

For getting around the city, check out this travel card that gives free access to the local transport network and allows you to discover city routes for free.  

Shopping Locally in Barcelona

Shopping local and supporting artisans is a beautiful way to bring home an authentic souvenir and immerse yourself in the local culture.

1. Bateau Lune is a toy store in Gràcia for educational toys made from eco materials, perfect for children and environmentally conscious parents.
2. Olokuti is a lifestyle store in Gràcia featuring a wide range of eco-friendly products, including clothing, accessories, home goods, and organic cosmetics, all sourced from fair trade and green brands.
3. Yes Future Positive Supermarket
   Barcelona’s first zero-waste supermarket in Sant Antoni, offering bulk foods, organic household products, and organic personal care items.
4. Biospace is a quite large organic supermarket in Eixample with a variety of organic and natural products, including food, supplements, cosmetics, and organic household items.
5. Veritas is a chain of organic supermarkets with various locations in Spain, offering a wide selection of organic products, from fresh produce to non-harmful cleaning supplies.
6. Green Lifestyle is a boutique in Eixample offering organic fashion and accessories, focusing on organic materials and ethical production practices.
7. La Besneta is Barcelona’s first vegan bakery, located in Gràcia, offering delicious plant-based treats made with organic ingredients.
8. Herbolari Llansà is a herbalist shop in El Raval offering a variety of natural and organic products, including herbs, teas, supplements, and organic personal care items.
9. Usar y Reusar is a zero-waste store in Poblenou offering a range of reusable and organic products, from kitchenware to personal care items.
10. Lifegist is a concept store in El Born offering organic fashion and home goods, made from organic and recycled materials.

Engaging with Local Culture and Initiatives

As one of the European leaders in eco-consciousness, Barcelona is home to numerous community projects. If you are staying in the city for longer, this can be a great opportunity to explore and even participate in a green initiative. Here are some notable ones:

1. Barcelona + Sostenible is a city-wide initiative that allows citizens and businesses to promote sustainable development in Barcelona. Its objectives include reducing environmental impact across various industries and promoting green spaces.
2. BiciHub is a community space dedicated to promoting cycling as a way to explore and navigate the city. It offers workshops, bike repair services, and educational programs to encourage more people to cycle.
3. Rezero is a non-profit organization focused on reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
4. La Fàbrica del Sol is an environmental education center that offers workshops, exhibitions, and activities focused on sustainability and renewable energy.
5. Hort Urbà Can Masdeu is a community garden and social center located in the Collserola hills. Masdeu hosts workshops, events, and volunteer opportunities focused on permaculture, green agriculture, and community building.
6. Zero Waste Barcelona Network is a community-driven network that promotes zero waste practices and organizes events, workshops, and campaigns to reduce waste and encourage green living in Barcelona.

If you want to learn more about the way Barcelona is trying to reduce negative impact on the environment, explore these projects and initiatives.

How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Best Tips

Even small steps can make a difference in reducing your carbon footprint and making your trip more meaningful. Here are some practical tips for eco-conscious travel:

• Choose Green Transportation: Whenever possible, explore the city and surroundings with public transportation such as tram or bus, by bike, or simply on foot. This allows you to see and experience more, which you could have missed from a taxi, car, or even segway. If not, the city offers electric and hybrid cars to rent at multiple locations.
• Pack Light: Take only essentials to reduce the weight on your shoulders as well as carbon emissions. Pack a refillable water bottle to hydrate on the road, reusable food containers to minimize food waste, and more.
• Stay in Green Hotels: Look for accommodations with green certifications and practices. To save a bit, you can book a home stay with locals on Airbnb or Couchsurfing.
• Conserve Water and Energy: Take shorter showers, turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use, and reuse towels and linens.
• Engage in Green Activities: By participating in eco tours, you will support green initiatives in the area and contribute to nature conservation.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a memorable and sustainable vacation in Barcelona.

Conclusion: How to Visit Barcelona Responsibly

Barcelona offers a plethora of opportunities to enjoy a memorable and green vacation. By choosing green accommodations, dining responsibly, and exploring the city with a green mindset, you contribute to preserving its beauty for future generations. Ready to enjoy the Barcelona sun?