From November 3 to 5, 2026, Barcelona launches HOWS Barcelona — Housing World Summit, a brand-new congress driven by the city council to lead the international debate on urban and affordable housing. It runs alongside the Smart City Expo World Congress, at Fira Gran Via. If you’re coming for the congress, here’s what you need to know — and why Hotel Arc La Rambla is a great option for your stay.
A Brand-New Congress Focused on Housing
Promoted by Barcelona City Council and organised by Fira de Barcelona, HOWS launches with a clear mission: to become the leading international platform for governments, cities, developers, investors, third-sector organisations and academia working on housing solutions. The congress runs across three days with twenty sessions and more than one hundred speakers from around the world, plus two high-level gatherings bringing together mayors and international political leaders.
A Debut at Gran Via: Dates and How to Get There
- Dates: Tuesday 3 to Thursday 5 November 2026
- Venue: Fira Gran Via — Av. Joan Carles I, 64, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat
- Runs alongside: Smart City Expo World Congress and Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress, at the same venue
- Nearest station: Europa | Fira (FGC lines S3, S4, S8, S33, R5, R6, and metro L9 Sud)
- Route from the hotel: L3 to Plaça Espanya, transfer to an FGC train towards Europa | Fira, station right at the fairground
Affordable Housing on the Global Agenda
The programme centres on urban planning and land policies to increase housing supply, strategies to expand public and affordable housing stock, innovation in housing production processes, and the renovation of existing buildings. The summit aims to bring administrations, developers and financiers to the same table to speed up solutions to one of today’s most pressing urban challenges.
Fair-Priced Accommodation Right in the City Centre
With the venue outside the historic centre, it’s worth thinking carefully about where to stay. Hotel Arc La Rambla solves that: a metro stop practically at the door (Drassanes, L3) and a single change at Plaça Espanya to connect with FGC trains to Europa | Fira. And on the way back, the Gothic Quarter, Port Vell and Las Ramblas are all a short walk away.
Apply ARCBLOG Before Rates Go Up
Coming to HOWS Barcelona 2026? Book directly at hotelarclarambla.com with code ARCBLOG and get 15% off the official rate for your stay — keep in mind it overlaps with Smart City Expo, so rooms can sell out fast.
