​If you’re looking to save money while traveling abroad, hostels are a great way to go. In this review of the St. Christopher’s Inn Barcelona Hostel, I’ll share my honest experience and opinions about this hostel to help you decide if this sounds like a place you’d want to stay at during your Barcelona trip.
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How Much Does It Cost To Say At St. Christopher’s Inn Barcelona?
Specific rates will vary depending on when you travel and the type of room you reserve. Generally, you can expect lower prices in less-busy travel seasons and rooms with more people in them. Conversely, you can expect to pay more for booking a single or private room. The cheapest rooms will be the 12-person dormitory-style room.

For reference, I stayed in Barcelona in April around Easter and in a 12-person dormitory female room. My 3-night stay totaled about 197 euros, with my nightly rates ranging from 62 to 70 euros. However, I stayed at this hostel again the night before my flight home, and the rate for that night was just 29 euros. 

What Is There To Do At St. Christopher’s Inn Barcelona?
Like most hostels, St. Christopher’s has tours of the city, pub crawls, and nightly events. They also have a rather large bar and social area where people can drink, mingle, and watch sports. 

Is St. Christopher's Barcelona a party hostel?
Compared to other hostels I've stayed it, this felt like more of a party hostel. They had a great bar area full of people hanging out, which is great for socializing with new people, and they advertised lots of nightly outings. Depending on your vibe, you may or may not like this. For what it's worth, as someone who wasn't out partying all night, I didn't mind this hostel one bit. It wasn't a situation where I couldn't sleep because people were partying and being loud. 

Where is St. Christopher's Inn Barcelona?
 St. Christopher's Inn Barcelona is located at Bergara, 3, Eixample, 08001 Barcelona, Spain. 
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How far is St Christopher's to Barcelona center?
St. Christopher's is centrally located, so you're right in the heart of the city! You can easily walk to popular spots like shopping on La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta Beach, and Sagrada Familia. It's also just around the corner from the bus stop to get to and from Barcelona Airport. 

Pros: What I Liked About St. Christopher’s Inn Barcelona

• The Location - St. Christopher’s Inn is located in the heart of Barcelona in the Las Ramblas neighborhood, so you have easy access to lots of shopping and restaurants. You can also easily walk to other parts of town, including Barceloneta Beach and the Gothic Quarter. I didn’t use the bus once during my Barcelona trip.
• Easy Airport Access - When you arrive at Barcelona Airport, you can take the A1 bus and get off at the Placa Catalunya bus stop. From there, the hostel is about a 5-minute walk away. I booked my reservation through Hostelworld, and after booking, they send you directions on how to get to the hostel. This also made it easy to get back to the airport since I could get back on the A1 to return to the airport.
• Safe Location - As someone who lives in Los Angeles, I would say I have a skewed perception of safety since LA can feel really unsafe at times. However, I felt totally safe in Barcelona, including the area where the hostel is. 
• Privacy Curtains - My hostel room included privacy curtains for each bed, which was nice and also helped block out lights if you were trying to sleep.

Cons: What I Didn’t Like About St. Christopher’s Inn Barcelona

• Party Hostel - This isn’t inherently bad, but if you’re not into partying and staying out super late, you might not like the idea of roommates getting back in the middle of the night, sometimes rather loudly too.
• Tiny Bathrooms - I can only speak for the 12-person dorm rooms, but considering we had the most people, you’d think we’d have slightly bigger bathroom spaces. Nope, not at all. There were two showers, one toilet, and a single sink and mirror area, which meant if you were trying to get ready at the same time as someone else, it could be a challenge. 
• Timed Showers - The showers at this hostel were timed; you’d press a button, the water ran for 30 seconds, and then you’d have to press it again to get the water back on. The reason behind this is a noble one since they say it’s for conservation. That being said, I didn’t necessarily feel like it shortened my showers, but just made it more frustrating when the water kept turning off. Not the worst thing in the world, but still something to note.

FAQs About Hostels in Barcelona
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1.) What's the best hostel in Barcelona?
The best hostel in Barcelona is going to be what fits with your travel style and interests. Every hostel has its pros and cons. If you're into more of a social scene and want to stay in a vibrant, central location with easy airport transfer access, I would definitely recommend St. Christopher's Inn. 

2.) How much is a hostel in Barcelona per night?
The cost of a hostel in Barcelona will depend on several factors, including the type of room you choose, the time of year, and of course, the hostel itself. From my experience, hostel rates in Barcelona can range from as low as 29 euros per night all the way up to 70 euros per night for a dormitory-style room with 12 people.

3.) Are hostels in Barcelona safe?
Yes, in general hostels in Barcelona are safe. Before booking a stay, though, I recommend making sure the hostel has secured access for both the hostel building and the bedrooms. You should also research the area in which you're staying, and of course, exercise standard safe travel precautions, especially if you're traveling solo. However, I felt incredibly safe at St. Christopher's Inn, even when I had to catch a ride to the airport at 4:00 a.m. 

Transparency Disclosure — The opinions on this website are independent and based on my own personal experiences. I may receive a referral fee for stays booked through the links on this site.

​What was once a sleepy downtown is now a thriving Midwest hub. The city of Grand Rapids is filled with new high-rise apartment buildings and exciting businesses. From locally-owned boutiques in Eastown to trendy bars and restaurants Downtown, GR is more alive than ever.

So, what better way to show that off than with the best instagrammable spots in Grand Rapids? These top Grand Rapids photo spots will provide you with stunning backdrops, bold colors, interesting art, and more. 

Where Can I Take Photos in Grand Rapids?

1. La Grande Vitesse
Starting off the list is Grand Rapids’ artistic claim to fame and a long-standing symbol of the city. La Grande Vitesse – or the Calder sculpture – is located Downtown in Calder Plaza. It was created by American artist Alexander Calder, whose iconic red sculptures can be found in museums, galleries, and gardens all over.

What makes La Grande Vitesse so Instagram-worthy isn’t just its ties to the city (though that’s certainly a major factor) but also the variety of options you can use for your photo. Of course, there’s the obvious idea to take a photo of the sculpture in its entirety. However, if you want to mix it up for additional shots, you can utilize the beautiful bright red of the sculpture as a colorful backdrop. Simply walk right up against the sculpture and frame your photo so that you only see red in the background and boom: Instagram ready!

2. Corner of Monroe Center and Ottawa
This corner in front of Madcap Coffee in Downtown Grand Rapids provides a great city backdrop for your photos thanks to the gorgeous architecture of the buildings and the brick road that runs along Monroe Center.

You can opt for either portrait style or a regular background, but my personal recommendation is using this backdrop in portrait mode. For the optimal shot, stand across the street in front of the Grand Rapids Art Museum to get the full backdrop behind you. 

3. Ah-Nab-Awen Park
Located on Pearl St. in front of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Ah-Nab-Awen Park is a perfect spot to capture a beautiful view of Grand Rapids.

There are plenty of interesting parts in this particular viewpoint that will create a beautiful photo for your Instagram, including the Grand River, Pearl Street Bridge, and city skyscrapers and buildings. Your ideal photo times will be either a sunny day or at night to capture the city lights. 

4. Follow Your Heart Mural
Murals are wonderful to photograph, and as Grand Rapids grows, so does its access to beautiful artwork. The reason I picked this one in particular is because it also represents a positive, uplifting message with the phrase ‘Follow Your Heart’.

This mural can be found at 368 Diamond Ave. SE – an eclectic, growing neighborhood just outside downtown. Created by artist Dave Battjes, this mural is somewhat hidden on a side street, which means you won’t have other folks walking into your shot and you can take more time so that you get the perfect image for your feed.

5. The Blue Bridge
The Blue Bridge in Grand Rapids is another iconic downtown location. It's over 100 years old and is great for photos.

This bridge extends across the Grand River, and as the name suggests, this bridge is painted a beautiful sky blue, which actually adds to its photogenic qualities. The bridge is especially great for portrait-style shots with the background slightly blurred for added dimension. 

FAQs 
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1. Where can I take engagement photos in Grand Rapids?
There are plenty of beautiful engagement photo locations in Grand Rapids, including the places mentioned above: La Grande Vitesse, the Corner of Monroe and Ottawa, Ah-Nab-Awen Park, the Follow Your Heart Mural, and the Blue Bridge. 

​If you plan to take sunset engagement photos, I recommend going to Riverside Park just outside downtown. The views along the river with the greenery are absolutely beautiful at that time of day and can make a romantic backdrop. 

Learn More: Why Summer in Grand Rapids is the Best
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2. What are some indoor photo locations in Grand Rapids, MI?
The Public Museum and Art Museum in Grand Rapids can be really great for indoor photo locations. Another gorgeous spot is the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, which boasts an elegant décor. The hotel is open for people to explore, and you'll likely find other visitors capturing photos inside the hotel.

3. Does Grand Rapids have a downtown?
Yes, Grand Rapids has a downtown. Since 2010, Downtown Grand Rapids has grown immensely, making it a popular spot to live, hang out, and of course, take great photos. 

4. Why is Grand Rapids famous?
Well, that depends who you ask! Grand Rapids has a lot of different claims to fame. It's been home to a major art competition called Art Prize, which drew artists from GR and around the world. Grand Rapids was also awarded the title Beer City USA for its exceptional craft beer selections. Those are just a few, but it's also just getting more notoriety because it's a growing city where more and more people are looking to move to.

5. What is there to do on a date in Grand Rapids, MI?
Another perk to a growing city is that you have lots of different date night options. There are plenty of great restaurants and bars downtown, along with great entertainment like the Civic Theater, Dr. Grins Comedy Club, and the Grand Rapids Ballet (to name a few). If you want to more adventurous, you can try out some Grand Rapids tours and scavenger hunts. 

​Transparency Disclosure — The opinions on this website are independent and based on my own personal experiences. I may receive a referral fee for stays booked through the links on this site.

Whether you’re living in Los Angeles or visiting LA, you’ve likely seen the Broad Museum on multiple lists of must-see places in LA. As one of the city’s most noteworthy museums, the Broad is located in downtown Los Angeles and is home to many artworks, including the famous Infinity Mirror Room. 

If you’ve never been to this museum and want to go, I’ll walk you through what you need to know when visiting the Broad Museum for the first time. 

What Is the Broad Museum Famous For?
LA’s Broad Museum is famous for hosting contemporary art. They have many works from famed artists like Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. One of their most famous exhibits is the Infinity Mirror Room, created by Yayoi Kusama. This Instagram-worthy, immersive display is filled with lights and makes you feel like you’re in space. 

How Much Are Tickets to the Broad Museum?
If you’re wondering how much it costs to get into the Broad Museum, the good news is it’s free, and this includes Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room. Getting tickets, however, is a little tricky. 

You’ll want to get tickets specifically for the Broad Museum and Infinity Mirror Room instead of just the Broad. Unfortunately, you can’t get these tickets at any time, either. Tickets are available to reserve online on the last Wednesday of every month at 10:00 a.m. PST. From there, you can pick the upcoming day and time you’d like to go. 

Can you get into the Broad without a ticket?
No, you can’t get into the Broad without a ticket. Instead, you must reserve tickets online to get into the Broad Museum and the Infinity Mirror Room. You may see a line of people waiting outside the museum, but if you have tickets already, you can go up to one of the attendants to check in and head inside. 

The Infinity Mirror Room
This immersive experience is one of the museum’s most popular displays. I expected this exhibit to be in a massive room in which people were crammed in, trying to fight one another for the best photo op. However, kudos to the artist and Broad Museum staff for creating a really unique setup. 

Once you’re in the museum, you can go to the line specifically for the Infinity Room. It’s on the first floor, just before the gift shop, so it’s easy to find. The wait isn’t long at all; I think my husband and I were in line for no more than 10 minutes. 

How it works is that each group gets to go into the room by themselves (with a limit of 4 people per group) for 1 minute. There’s an attendant at the door to let you in, and you can leave your coat/purse/bag with this person if you don’t want to bring them in. 

When you walk in, there’s a short pathway for you to stand and surround yourself with the stunning light display. It was incredible! Not only is the artwork itself amazing, but getting to experience it without crowds makes it all the more special. 

While one minute may seem short, that’s really all you need to get some nice photos/videos and take in the artwork. I’ll add that while it’s worth a photo op, give yourself time to actually appreciate it in person too!

How To Get to the Broad Museum in LA
There are several options for getting to the Broad. While you certainly can take a Lyft or Uber there, driving or taking public transportation could be more economical depending on where you live or the location of your hotel.

Public Transportation
This is what my husband and I ended up doing. The great thing about being downtown is that the Broad is near one of the city’s subway stations. 

To get here from the Hollywood area (including Universal City and North Hollywood), you’ll take the subway’s red line toward Union Station and get off at the Civic Center station. From there, walk along Hope Street and then hang a right at 2nd Street until you see the Broad Museum on your left. 

Drive and Park
The other option is to drive and park at the Broad Museum. The parking garage is open on Wednesdays-Sundays from 9 in the morning until 10:30 at night. Here are the rates according to Broad Museum’s official website:

• $17 for 3 hours on weekdays with validation from The Broad (after 3 hours, an additional $5 every 15 minutes, $27 maximum)
• $17 after 5 p.m. on weeknights
• $17 all day on weekends

How Much Time is Needed for the Broad Museum?
​You should be able to see the Infinity Room and the rest of the museum within 1.5 - 2 hours. The museum’s third floor is only included with the free general admission tickets. However, you can pay extra to see other displays, which may increase your time there. 

Is the Broad Museum free?
Yes, it's free to enter the Broad Museum. The only cost would be to attend premium exhibitions, but the infinity and main museum area are free.

What's at the Broad Museum?
You can find all kinds of exhibitions and artwork at the Broad, including the famous Infinity Room and work from artists like Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Is the Broad Museum worth visiting?
Absolutely! I think the Broad is definitely worth a visit. They have lots of incredible works there, and with free admission, it's one of the most affordable options for things to do in LA. 

Transparency Disclosure — The opinions on this website are independent and based on my own personal experiences. I may receive a referral fee for stays booked through the links on this site.

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