Best Gyms in Barcelona: A Comprehensive Guide for Every Fitness Enthusiast
Written by Martin Ebner, head personal trainer at Ebylife Barcelona
In the vibrant beach city of Barcelona, an idyllic climate and outdoor lifestyle contribute to a burgeoning interest in health and wellness. However, while the city's interest in outdoor fitness evolves and thrives, the gym scene doesn't yet compete with other larger metropolitan cities. With over 200 gyms across the city ranging from €25 to €140 per month, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.
With that said, there are some diamonds to be found among the rough. Join me as we take a closer look at Barcelona's best gyms. All of which have been tried and tested by me.
Considerations when shopping for a gym in Barcelona
Before diving into Barcelona's gym options, here's what actually matters when choosing a gym. I've trained at these facilities and these six factors make the difference between a membership you'll use and one that goes to waste.
Price
Look beyond the monthly rate. Factor in joining fees (some charge €50-200 upfront), contract lengths and cancellation policies. Budget gyms start at €25/month but premium options like Metropolitan reach €140/month plus fees. The cheapest option isn't always the best value if you don't use it. Most Barcelona gyms offer day passes (€10-30) so you can test before committing.
Location
If your gym is more than 10 minutes from home or work, you possibly won't go. Barcelona traffic is unpredictable and commuting across the city for a workout kills motivation. Choose a gym you'll pass naturally during your daily routine. Multiple locations help if you move between neighbourhoods for work.
Niche and member profile
Gym culture matters. A bodybuilding-focused gym feels different from a boutique studio or family-oriented club. If you're a serious lifter, you'll be frustrated at a cardio-heavy gym. If you prefer group classes, a weights-only space won't work. Pay attention to who trains there during your preferred hours.
Facilities and amenities
Spas, pools, saunas and restaurants are nice but they won't make you stronger. Decide what you actually need versus what sounds appealing. If you'll never use the pool, don't pay for it. However, quality changing rooms, showers and lockers matter if you're training before or after work. Some Barcelona gyms have excellent outdoor spaces that take advantage of the climate.
Opening hours
24/7 access sounds great until you realize you only train at 10am or 7pm when most gyms are open anyway. However, if you work shifts or travel frequently, true 24-hour access with multiple locations becomes valuable. Some premium gyms close on Sundays, take national holidays (of which there are a lot in Catalonia) or have reduced hours in August.
Type and amount of equipment
This is where most people get it wrong. If you want to build muscle, you need proper strength equipment (barbells, squat racks, benches, dumbbells up to 30-40kg). If you're training for endurance, you need quality cardio machines. CrossFit requires specific setups. Touring the gym during your planned training time shows you if the equipment you need is available or if there are queues.
The bottom line: Match the gym to your actual training style, not your aspirational one. With these factors in mind, here are Barcelona's best gyms organized by category.
Barcelona gym prices at a glance
Quick comparison of monthly costs to help you narrow your options:
Budget gyms (€17.95 - €29/month)
1. Basic-Fit Lesseps: Pumping iron
Tucked away in the barrio of Lesseps just above Gràcia, Basic-Fit Lesseps hits the nail on the head when it comes to pumping iron.
With an abundance of strength training equipment, accessible pricing, a collective energy screaming "lightweight" (in Spanish) – if you know, you know, friendly staff and upbeat tunes, it's a great option for those interested in strength training and bodybuilding. It was my gym of choice whilst living in Putxet.
The equipment selection is excellent for the price. Multiple bench and squat racks, Olympic lifting platforms, dumbbells up to 50kg and all the machines you'd expect. Similar to most commercial gyms, It gets busy between 5-8 pm but you can usually work around it.
What you won't get: luxury amenities, spa services or a quiet environment. It's a no-nonsense training space. If you know what you're doing and need access to a wide range of quality equipment, this is unbeatable value.
If Basic-Fit Lesseps isn't up your street (geographically), they now have multiple locations across Barcelona following their acquisition of McFIT gyms.
Prices: From €24.99/month, €11.99 day pass
Address: C/ de Verdi, 200, Gràcia, 08024 Barcelona
Best for: Experienced lifters, bodybuilders, budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts
2. Basic-Fit: No-frills fitness
Basic-Fit brings the Dutch low-cost gym model to Barcelona with multiple locations and low pricing starting at €24.99/month. You get access to all their Spanish gyms, which is useful if you travel. Barcelona locations include Lesseps (my favourite), Universitat, Fort Pienc, Josep Tarradellas and others across the city.
The concept is straightforward. Strength machines, free weights area with functional equipment (Olympic bars, kettlebells, slam balls, etc) cardio zones, and stretching space.
What makes Basic-Fit work is the price and convenience. If you're on a tight budget and live near one of their locations, it's a practical choice. Video workouts on demand and certified personal trainers available upon request - a great option if you need help and structured programming.
Recommended for those who prioritise strength training and can work around a somewhat busy space. Also suited to general fitness and cardio work.
Prices: €24.99/month, €11.99 day pass
Locations: Multiple locations in Barcelona
Best for: Budget fitness, varied equipment, great for frequent travelers
3. BCN Fitness: Barcelona’s low-cost gym
BCN Fitness positions itself as Barcelona's first low-cost gym, and the pricing certainly supports that claim. Located centrally in Eixample near Passeig de Gràcia, it's accessible from anywhere in the city.
The facility covers 1,000 m² with over 200 machines covering strength training, free weights and cardio equipment. You'll find all the essentials you need without any luxury touches. Power Plate and circuit training zones supplement the main gym floor.
The gym is open from 6am - midnight on weekdays, with slightly reduced weekend hours (9am-11pm). Group classes come included in membership at no extra cost. Options include Fit Pump, Pilates, Yoga Power, Aeroboxing and various cardio dance formats. The classes add value to an already budget-friendly offering.
BCN Fitness is a solid choice if you want a central location, flexible hours and budget pricing. Not suitable if you need premium facilities or prefer training in less crowded spaces.
Prices: From €17.95/month, €6.95-7.95 day pass
Address: C/ d'Aragó 322, 08009 Barcelona (Eixample)
Best for: Budget-conscious lifters, central location, extended opening hours
Mid-range gyms (€30-75/month)
4. Vivagym: In every postcode
Vivagym operates 30+ locations across Barcelona and the surrounding metropolitan area. If location flexibility matters, this is hard to beat.
The network approach means you're rarely far from a Vivagym. Arc de Triomf, Diagonal, Glòries, Sagrada Familia, Sant Antoni, Sants, Universitat, Vía Augusta and more. The chain acquired Altafit in 2024.
Each location covers the basics. Cardio equipment, free weights, strength machines and functional training areas. Group classes run throughout the week including Body Pump, Yoga, Zumba, Pilates and HIIT formats. Some locations have boxing studios and specialized zones.
Vivagym is a solid choice if you want multiple location options, flexible membership and low-to-mid range pricing. Not suitable if you’re looking for a unique environment or premium amenities.
Prices: From €29.90/month (single location) or €34.90/month (all locations), €9.90 day pass, no registration fee currently
Locations: 30+ gyms across Barcelona including Eixample, Gràcia, Sant Antoni, Poblenou and surrounding areas
Best for: Multiple location access, budget pricing, no contracts, international-friendly (no Spanish bank account required)
5. Anytime Fitness: Gym time, anytime
In a city that never sleeps, Anytime Fitness is your go-to for a workout any time of day. With multiple locations across Barcelona and true 24/7 access, there's never an excuse to skip a workout.
My favourite location is Anytime Fitness Ciutadella, which has a range of decent equipment and never feels overcrowded even during peak hours.
The 24/7 access is genuinely useful if you work irregular hours, travel frequently or prefer training early morning or late evening. You also get access to Anytime Fitness locations worldwide, which is valuable for frequent travelers.
Whether you're an early bird, a night owl or somewhere in between, Anytime Fitness has you covered.
Prices: €40/month, free trial day pass
Address: C/ de Sardenya, 69, Sant Martí, 08018 Barcelona
Best for: Flexible schedules, frequent travelers, 24/7 access
Premium gyms (€75-140+/month)
6. We/On Club: Comprehensive Wellness
Previously known as Holmes place, We/On Club operates two Barcelona locations (Balmes and Urquinaona), both in central Eixample.
Each club features an ample gym, swimming pool, spa facilities, and dedicated studios for cycling, Pilates and yoga. The restaurant and working spaces add functionality and value to your membership. Physiotherapy services are available if you need treatment alongside training.
Unlimited group classes include yoga, strength training, cycling, HIIT and Pilates. Classes are adapted for different levels, from beginners to advanced. Personal training is available at additional cost if you want one-on-one programming.
We/On Club is a great choice if you live centrally, and are looking for fully comprehensive facilities with a touch of class.
Prices: €100/month plus joining fee, day passes n/a
Locations: C/ Balmes, 44-46 (L'Eixample) and C/ d'Ausiàs Marc, 9-11 (Eixample)
Best for: Comprehensive wellness, working professionals, spa facilities, group classes
7. Metropolitan Iradier: Where fitness meets fancy
Nestled in the swanky Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, this upscale gym is the epitome of fitness luxury in Barcelona. From plush amenities to top-of-the-line equipment, every visit feels like an experience.
Treat yourself to a post-workout sauna session or unwind with a relaxing massage. According to ChatGPT, Metropolitan Iradier isn't just about sweating, it's about sweating in style. I can't say I disagree.
The restaurant serves proper meals, not just protein shakes. The outdoor pool is stunning and actually usable (many Barcelona gym pools are decorative afterthoughts). The equipment is premium and well-maintained.
If you live in Pedralbes or Sarrià, the convenience alone may justify the cost. If you're commuting from Gràcia to use the spa, you're probably overpaying.
Prices: €140+/month plus joining fee, €30-40 day pass
Address: C/ de les Escoles Pies, 105, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08017 Barcelona
Best for: Luxury seekers, Sarrià/Pedralbes residents, complete wellness experience
8. David Lloyd Turó: Premium sports club experience
David Lloyd Turó sits on Avinguda Diagonal in Les Corts, next to Parc de Cervantes. This isn't just a gym, It's a comprehensive sports and wellness club.
The club boasts 12 tennis courts, 12 padel padel, two swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), full gym, spa facilities and restaurant. The scope is very different from standard commercial gyms. You're joining a club rather than a gym.
The fitness section includes over 100 classes weekly covering yoga, Reformer Pilates, cycling, HIIT and strength building. David Lloyd's exclusive classes like Blaze and Battlebox aren't available elsewhere. Personal trainers are on hand to help you maximise results.
What distinguishes David Lloyd from other premium options is the family orientation. Kids Club and creche mean parents can train while children are supervised. The restaurant and outdoor terrace function as social spaces. Adult-only workspaces with Wi-Fi suit people who work remotely between sessions.
The spa (sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, heated beds) adds great recovery options. The 200-space covered car park removes the hassle of Barcelona parking.
David Lloyd Turó is your best choice if you want full sports club amenities, family facilities and a social environment. As it’s located right on the edge of the city, it’s not ideal if you live centrally and don't have access to a car.
Prices: €120-140/month (varies by membership tier), day passes n/a
Address: Avinguda Diagonal 673-685, 08028 Barcelona (Les Corts)
Best for: Premium facilities, family-friendly, tennis/padel players, comprehensive wellness, social atmosphere
Specialty and outdoor (varied pricing)
9. Aiguajoc: Best outdoor gym
While Aiguajoc's indoor gym isn't worth a mention, they have an epic outdoor workout area with a big rig containing all the bells and whistles. Barbells, kettlebells, rings, ropes, pull-up bars and more.
With its surrounding high walls and caging, it feels very much like a jail yard which, if you're anything like me will encourage you to go a little harder during your workouts. Barcelona's climate makes this viable year-round except for occasional rain.
They also have a spa area indoors in case you fancy some rest and recovery following a heavy session. This combination of outdoor training plus spa access is fairly unique in Barcelona.
The €53.96/month sits in mid-range pricing but the outdoor training experience justifies it if you prefer fresh air over air conditioning.
Prices: €53.96/month, €19.71 day pass
Address: C/ del Comte Borrell, 21, 33, L'Eixample, 08015 Barcelona
Best for: Outdoor training lovers, functional fitness, unique atmosphere
10. Workshop: Large “warehouse-style” gym
Workshop operates an impressive 1,800 m² open gym space in Poblenou's Sant Martí district.
The space is divided into distinct zones. Functional training section, free weights zone, strength machine and Cardio areas. Equipment selection focuses on quality brands like Panatta, Precor, Rogue, TRX and Eleiko.
The Turkish hammam and spa zones are a nice touch. Post-workout recovery facilities matter if you train hard and want proper recovery options beyond just showering and running out the door. Massage services and a fitness bar round out their offering.
Pricing sits a little on the high end (€80-100/month) but it’s a cool space and the high-end equipment makes it worth a little extra. The day pass (€19.90) works if you want to test the space before committing.
Workshop is a great choice if you want quality equipment and some spa amenities in a spacious “warehouse” environment.
Prices: €80-100/month , €19.90 day pass
Address: Carrer d'Àvila, 120, Sant Martí, Barcelona (Poblenou)
Best for: A unique space/environment, quality equipment, spa/hammam facilities
11. Barceloneta barras by Nike: A calisthenics dream
Located next to the iconic Barceloneta Beach, this outdoor gym offers a welcoming environment when compared to outdoor workout spots in other cities. Thanks to Nike who invested in updating the calisthenic facilities, a perfect beachside location and weather suited for outdoor exercise, it's a great workout experience.
The equipment is purpose-built for calisthenics and bodyweight training. Multiple pull-up bars at different heights, parallel bars, rings and open space for ground work. It's impressive watching some of the things people can do on the bars, so even if you don't fancy a workout, it's worth a visit.
The beach location means training with ocean views. Barcelona's climate allows year-round outdoor training except for occasional rain. The atmosphere is social with regulars who know their stuff.
Who said fitness couldn't be enjoyable to watch?
Important note: This is a public space so it can get a little busy during peak times (12am-2pm and 5pm-8pm). Not for the faint of heart or those uncomfortable training in front of others.
Prices: Free
Address: Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta, 17, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Best for: Calisthenics, bodyweight training, beachside atmosphere, zero cost
Finding your match
Barcelona's gym scene offers genuine variety. Here's the quick summary:
Best for budget strength training: BasicFit
Best for basic budget fitness: BCN Fitness
Best 24/7 access: Anytime Fitness
Best for classes: We/On Club
Best multiple locations: Metropolitan/Basic Fit
Best luxury experience: Metropolitan Iradier
Best for premium sports club: Metropolitan Iradier/David Lloyd Turó
Best niche outdoor training: Aiguajoc
Best for unique space: Workshop
Best free option: Barceloneta Nike bars
Match the gym to your actual training style, not your aspirational one. Visit during your planned training time to see equipment availability and atmosphere.
Still not sure where to start?
Choosing a gym is one thing. Knowing what to do once you're there is another.
At Ebylife, Martin and his team offer fully tailored personal training and fitness solutions for every fitness level and goal. Whether you're looking to build muscle, lose weight or are training for a specific event, we've got you covered.
All our personal trainers in Barcelona are native English speakers and are internationally certified.
We offer in-person personal training sessions in Barcelona and Sant Cugat. We'll also come to your gym if you prefer training at a facility you're already comfortable with.
Not sure whether you need a gym membership, personal training or both? That’s where we come in. We'll assess your situation honestly and recommend the best approach for you, whether that's a gym membership, personal training or a combination of both.
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