Best Studio Apartments in Barcelona
Are you considering moving to Barcelona? Whether it’s for a short-term or long-term stay, there are hundreds of flats in Catalonia’s capital city. If you’re looking for the best studio apartments in Barcelona, here’s everything you need to know!
Flatio is a rental housing platform that could provide you with the ultimate flat in Barcelona. Whether you’re on the hunt for a centrally-located studio apartment or a hot new rental that oozes luxury, this is a platform that caters to everyone.
Having lived in Catalonia’s capital for more than five years, it’s safe to say I’ve experienced a wide variety of apartments in Barcelona.
I’ve lived in more than seven different places, including studios, sharehouses and student flats. Some of those have been fabulous experiences and others, well, have been absolutely crazy.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in my time here in the city, it’s to not underestimate the value of the place you call home.
If you’re considering living in Barcelona, investing your time, effort and money into finding the right apartment is a must.
It’s important to factor in things like how to get around and of course, the cost of living. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll need to have a top-quality coffee shop within close reach too.
In this guide, I’ve compiled everything I’ve learned from my time living in Barcelona, plus, all of the mistakes I’ve made along the way. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about finding the best studio apartments in Barcelona. Vamanos!
What is Flatio?
When trying to find apartments in Barcelona, most locals rely on websites like Badi and Idealista. This is because you can find affordable rooms and flats to rent for both long and short-term stays. So, why should you opt for Flatio to find studios for rent in Barcelona?
This up-and-coming platform is specifically catered to digital nomads. Offering a selection of hand-picked and mostly deposit-free options, you can easily find well-priced apartments in Barcelona. Plus, Flatio even boasts a bounty of accommodations in over 300 destinations across Europe!
What sets Flatio aside from the rest is that it offers lawyer-verified, legally binding lease agreements. These can be used as proof of address and also for visa purposes.
In the past, I’ve found apartments and rooms through Badi, but things haven’t always worked out that well… Once, an owner gave me less than a week’s notice to leave the house. In all honesty, I regretted not pursuing a place with a proper contract, because it left me in a sticky situation. That same year, I moved apartments more than three times…
If there’s one thing you can learn from my mistakes, it’s to not underestimate the value of a legal contract here in Barcelona. It’s not uncommon to sub-sub-let here, especially through similar platforms. That’s why Flatio could have your back, and in my opinion, is a better choice.
If you’re looking for luxury apartments in Barcelona for rent, Flatio has plenty of options available. Housing both modern finds and old-school styles, there really is something for everyone’s taste. Woven with a wide range of flats and rooms, it’s easy to find something for you, your partner, friends or family.
Before I moved to Spain, I was set on finding the best studio apartments in Barcelona. But little did I know, it wasn’t going to be that easy.
This is because I had only organised a student visa and didn’t have a work contract. Finding my own flat felt practically impossible, as everything required a legal contract.
If it’s your first time moving to Barcelona, try to organise these details before you arrive.
Trust me, it will make your journey smoother and a lot less frustrating. Plus, you’ll get to spend more time frolicking in the sun and less time staring at screens and seemingly endless piles of paperwork.
Pros of Renting with Flatio
Lease Agreement: Flatio boasts a legally binding lease agreement that covers both tenant and landlord. This act ensures a clear and professional lease agreement that can be used as proof of address and for visa purposes.
All-Inclusive Fees: If you choose to rent with Flatio, there are no extra charges for bills and utilities. With most other platforms, the price of bills, electricity, water and internet are usually not included.
No Deposits: The majority of rooms and apartments on Flatio are deposit-free. This makes it easier for digital nomads to find a decent rental unit.
Viewing Options: Most listings offer virtual tours and it's sometimes possible to view them in person.
Flexible Termination: Flatio offers flexible termination terms that offer tenants flexibility in case their plans change.
Cons of Renting with Flatio
Availability Limited to Europe: Flatio is brimming with apartments in Barcelona and across Europe. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a flat to rent outside the EU, options are limited.
Mainly Whole Properties Available: Most of the flats in Barcelona are whole apartments and houses, not private rooms. This makes it ana attractive option for digital nomads who prefer privacy. If you're someone who’s interested in living in a more communal environment, Flatio may not be the top choice.
Best Areas to Live in Barcelona
Now that we’ve talked about Flatio, it’s time to break down the best places to live.
Having lived in more than five different suburbs here, I’ve created my own guide on the best neighbourhoods in Barcelona to live in.
When choosing the best area in Barcelona to live, there are a handful of factors to consider:
Location: The proximity to the city centre, public transport and other key amenities i.e. parks, libraries, supermarkets, schools, shopping centres, etc. If you choose an apartment located next to a popular tourist attraction, you’ll have to endure the huge crowds of tourists and possible traffic jams. Although it may seem fun and enchanting at the start, things can become frustrating and put a dent on your experience.
Safety: The crime rate and overall safety of the neighbourhood in Barcelona. For example, while El Raval is known for its artsy, multicultural charm, it has one of the highest crime rates for theft and burglary in the city.
Access to Public Transport: Although having a car may seem like a good option, I can tell you first-hand that parking in Barcelona is a nightmare. If you need your own set of wheels, opt for a scooter or motorbike over a car. Otherwise, choose an apartment that has easy access to public transportation. Barcelona is well-connected with the metro, buses, trams and trains, and getting around the inner city and surrounding neighbourhoods is fairly hassle-free.
Cost of Living: The cost of accommodation, grocery shopping and general living expenses can vary greatly depending on the neighbourhood. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s generally more affordable to live further outside of the city centre. If you’re looking for a high-end experience living in Barcelona, a neighbourhood like Sant Gervasi is the best option. The area is home to some of the most luxurious penthouses and modern studio apartments in Barcelona.
Local Community: Catalonia’s capital is a multicultural metropolis and the demographics and diversity vary between neighbourhoods. In general, the inner city melds a mix of cultures and languages, making it an ideal place for anyone to live. Based on my own experience, I’d say that the friendliness of the local community can also differ. If it’s your first time in Barcelona, opt for the centrally-located areas rather than the outskirts. Here, you’ll have an easier time making friends, finding sports/hobbies and socialising.
Lifestyle: This one cannot be overstated! When looking for an apartment in Barcelona, be sure to consider the type of lifestyle you’re after. Whether it’s low-key, hipster or high-class, there’s an array of atmospheres in the city. For something chic and boutique, opt for L’Eixample. For beach lovers, aim for Poble Nou or Barceloneta. For social events, bars, clubs and nightlife, choose El Born or El Gotico. If you do opt for these two areas, just keep in mind that there is a lot of noise pollution and not all apartments are well-insulated. For those who want to keep things high-end, Sant Gervasi hosts a lot of luxury apartments in Barcelona for rent.
Family-Friendly: If you’re considering moving to Barcelona with your family, be sure to consider areas with appropriate amenities. Factors like schools, libraries, parks and playgrounds are important to think about.
Job Opportunities: If you want to move to Barcelona for work, don’t forget to think about the different job opportunities available in each neighbourhood. Areas like L’Eixample and El Born have plenty of hospitality and retail jobs, making it ideal for those who may be trying to find student apartments in Barcelona.
Here’s a basic breakdown of the best neighbourhoods in Barcelona to live:
Best Studio Apartments in Barcelona: El Raval
Serviced Apartments in Barcelona for Rent: Gracia
Student Apartments in Barcelona: El Born and El Gotico
Family-Friendly Apartments in Barcelona: Poble Nou
Gay-Friendly Apartments in Barcelona: L’Eixample
Luxury Apartments in Barcelona: Sant Gervasi
High-Quality Homes, Lively Living & More!
Barcelona is brimming with a bounty of apartments to suit all budgets. Whether it’s your first time moving abroad or you’re a seasoned globetrotter, this corner of Spain promises sun, sand and a sprightly social scene. Topped with awe-worthy architecture, endless art galleries and an event-packed calendar, this cosmopolitan city is replete with finds.
If you’re looking for the best studio apartments in Barcelona, be sure to check out Flatio and save this guide for later!