When it comes to the King of Catalunya then look no further than my four walls. Although I was originally built in 1963, I’m looking great, I think you will agree. My new life as a hostel and hotel has given me the power to be the best in Barcelona. A bold statement my friend but one I feel I fulfil without a doubt. I’m located slap bang in the middle of the two main Metro stations of Diagonal and Verdaguer and from there I’m as little as 15 minutes away from la playa. Bring on the Med.

When is a hostel in Barcelona not a hostel? When it’s a hotel. I’m the best of both. You see I’m a hotel and hostel. How is that possible I hear you say? Easy, it’s all about hospitality and that’s the game I’m in. I’m Generator Hostel in Barcelona, and I’m much, much, much more than a Barcelona hostel, I’m a hotel too.

I’ve got wi-fi on the fly throughout my place, and it’s free to all. Who says there’s no surfing in the city? I hold a new generation of en-suite rooms and uber comfy beds. You’ve heard of A class, well now there’s a new kid on the block… G class. As hostels in Europe go this is on another planet. The best of the very best in hostel rooms in Barcelona. Great views, outlandish interiors and best of all it’s G class baby all the way.

What more could you ask for? A very helpful person around to let you in to the Hostel in Barcelona, keep you safe, offer directions or best of all tell you the secrets of the city? Sorted! A Fiesta Gracia bar open until 2am everyday to catch up over cocktails? Done! Tapas on tap for those local treats? Dusted!

 Check out our Barcelona city guides, take a look what’s on in the hostel and city and join the party at the hottest hostel in town

I lived in Dublin for several years, and now visit frequently; I’ve 3 top tips for you.

1. Stay in a hostel with a great location
2. Find the inexpensive- but tasty!- places where locals eat
3. Go to the many free museums & galleries

Tip 1- Hostel

I know, I know- some people think Dublin hostels are only for 20-somethings visiting for the Guinness, but that just isn’t true! People of all ages use hostels- especially the new breed of hostels like Generator’s, and people of all ages like to immerse themselves in culture- and not just drinking culture. If you’d like to see more on what I thought of Generator’s Dublin hostel, you can read my blog on it here.

Tip 2: Eating

On my last Dublin visit I ate delicious food, but didn’t break the bank. I had dinner at Boojum in ‘The Italian Quarter’- 2 LUAS stops (at Jervis) from Generator. You can also easily walk to Boojum & save the €1.30 LUAS fee. I had a massive burrito & a sparkling mineral water for under €8. They’ve a nice range of tasty fillings & sauces, and you’ll be full as a tick after!

For breakfast I went to Brother Hubbard on Capel Street, about 10 min walk from Generator, or 1 LUAS stop (4 Courts) & a shorter walk. Brother Hubbard is a great little cafe with good coffee, fresh baked goods, a gluten free selection, & wonderful lunch. They plan to do early dinner, too, but hadn’t started as of my visit Jan 2013. You can get a lovely lunch for around €10.

3. Freebies

Dublin is full of free museums & galleries! The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA,) is free, and there is a lovely garden at their site in Kilmainham, too. The National Gallery, The National Museums of Ireland and the RHA gallery are also free. ( Note: I had a very good lunch of tortellini stuffed with pork for €10 at the RHA’s cafe- not your usual bland gallery fare!) There are plenty more free places, too; Visit Dublin has extensive listings. Also check out places like Project Arts Centre in Temple Bar for less expensive theatre or dance performances. I saw a lovely show there, & had a nice glass of wine in their theatre bar as well!

One museum that isn’t free, but is well worth a visit, is The Little Museum of Dublin (€5) Do take tour- the interesting & humorous stories bring the fascinating array of items in the museum to life. Everything here was donated by the public- it really is the people’s museum. The Little Museum is special place that you shouldn’t miss if you’d like to get a real feel for Dublin. I found Generator Hostel well located for many places of interest, the LUAS, Dublin bikes, or walking- with the added bonus that the Smithfield area is not nearly so noisy as Temple Bar! Have a great time & enjoy Dublin!

This guest post has been written by Susan FitzGerald , who is a keen traveller and has lived a few years in Dublin. Susan now frequently travels to Dublin and also writes for vibrantireland.com.