A Guide to Living in Barcelona, Spain

Are you fumbling around the idea of frolicking off to a faraway land? The magnitude of things to do in Catalonia’s capital makes it a stellar spot to tie down the ropes. With half a decade of experience living in this city, I’ve curated this detailed Guide to Living in Barcelona, Spain.

Save yourself unwanted hassles and avoid first-time mistakes by following these insider tips, put together by yours truly. If you’ve ever dabbled in moving to Barcelona, Spain, look no further.

From the city’s buzzing bar scene and beach escapes to the vibrantly rich culture and art events, you’ll enjoy pleasurable pursuits. Spain’s Barcelona combines gourmet gastronomy spots, architectural gems, historical masterpieces and art-inundated alleyways. After more than half a decade living in Barcelona, I’ve compiled the top 20 things you need to know about living here as an expat. Vale, vámanos!

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

• Learning the Language

• New Hobbies

• Mediterranean Cuisine

• Bikes in Barcelona

• Neighbourhoods

• Day Trips from Barcelona

• Rent & Mistakes to Avoid

• Healthcare in Barcelona

• Green Spaces Within Barcelona

• Paperwork & Administration Process

• Registering for Your NIE

• Legal Advice

• Noise in Barcelona

• Nightlife in Barcelona

• Bars in Barcelona

• How Living in Barcelona Expands Your Worldview

• How to Get Around Barcelona

• Cost of Living in Barcelona

• Pros and Cons of Living in Barcelona

• Living in Barcelona vs. Madrid

• FAQs

Learn the Lingo: Catalan or Castellano

You might be thinking, duh. But honestly, you’d be surprised by the number of people who come to this city and don’t bother learning Spanish…

Most locals in Barcelona speak a basic level of English, particularly the younger generation. Most Spaniards and Catalans prefer to speak in Castilian Spanish or Catalan, but with a high number of expats in the city, you're never really that far away from an English speaker. It’s pretty easy to get by with English; basic Spanish (Castellano) is widely appreciated.

Learning a foreign language proffers a plethora of possibilities. From connecting through cultural and culinary experiences to socialising in the centuries-old cobblestone streets to even going hard at the local karaoke bar, learning a language abroad undoubtedly provides a more hands-on experience.

Mastering your Spanish skills will provide you with a profound understanding of cultural norms, etiquette, and tradition, and even the ability to open yourself to future career opportunities and a higher potential for success. Along with developing higher thinking, problem-solving and reasoning skills, learning a language has many benefits. Brush over the basics with my Spanish Pocketbook.

If you want to read about my personal experience learning a language abroad, check out my post here.

One important factor to remember is that whilst Barcelona is considered a part of Spain, the local Catalan community is fighting for independence. Needless to say, Catalonia is technically considered a part of Spain. However, as an autonomous region composed of Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona and Lleida, it boasts a significantly different cultural background to the rest of Spain.

Embracing Catalan culture and tradition, Barcelona flaunts its very own official language, Catalan. If you plan on living in Barcelona as an expat, you could also consider a basic Catalan language course and a standard Castillian course.

Many locals describe the Catalan language as a combination of French, Spanish and Italian; you’ll see it displayed everywhere you venture. And while learning to speak Spanish (Castellano) will help get you by, Catalan will score some serious points with the locals. This is one of the most important things to know before visiting Barcelona.

Pick up a New Passion

Hobbies-R-Us in Barcelona. Undoubtedly, the architectural gems and vibrant ambience resounding in this city will whisk you away into some sort of whimsical wave of newfound inspiration.

Living in Barcelona opens you up to all sorts of opportunities, so take full advantage of the city’s panoply of passion-fuelled activities and sports events on offer.

Pick new hobbies like beach volleyball, indoor soccer, bachata classes, SUP (paddle boarding), rollerskating, thrift shopping, or even mosaic art classes. There’s a myriad of marvellous activities to choose from, thus adding to the list of pros of living in Barcelona.

Investing your time in tackling a new hobby expands your social circle and helps you take a deeper dive into getting to know yourself. Who knows. You might find yourself doing things you once dreamt crazy…

Sports in Barcelona

Let’s be honest. Barcelona is full of all different types of people. Those who like to party ‘til dawn, and those that get up at dawn for a sunrise sesh.

Thankfully, sports and exercise activities are relatively affordable. Apps like Urban Sports ES can help keep the cost of living in Barcelona low, thanks to their budget-friendly plans. You can pick and choose between different studios and classes, including yoga, paddle boarding, pilates, boxing, spinning, HIT, CrossFit and more. As someone who enjoys a variety of sports, this app is a game changer!

Gyms in Barcelona

With everything from big-name international brands to independent boutique studios, there is just about everything in Barcelona. Staying fit is easy when you have so many choices. Here are some of the best gyms in Barcelona:

• Holmes Place (premium)

• Metropolitan (premium)

• Viva Gym (budget-friendly)

• Dir (budget-friendly)

Yoga in Barcelona

In practically every park or promenade there’s a group of downward-facing dogs yoga-ing it up. No joke. Yoga is a popular activity in Barcelona, so if you’re thinking about relocating, why not give it a go? Here are some of the most popular yoga studios in Barcelona:

• YogaOne

• Shanti Vida

• Hot Yoga Barcelona

• Sincronia Yoga

• Shunia Yoga

Wining & Dining: Mediterranean Style

Let’s get down to business. Food plays an integral role in Barcelona’s cultural scene.

From tapas-based bistros to alcohol-infused bars and classic Catalan restaurants, there’s a lil’ something to satisfy gastronomy-intrigued visitors and self-proclaimed foodies alike. Living in Barcelona means you’ll also expand your mind and your flavour palette.

Barcelona’s gastronomy scene is threaded with the Mediterranean palate; the dishes are predominate in olive oil, fresh vegetables, fish and meat. My curated foodies guide will give you a taste of the city’s best, helping you eat like a local in Barcelona. What most newcomers are unaware of is the fact that dining in BCN differs just a tad.

The panoply of pristine eateries tends to fill up at night much later than expected. Dinner is typically around 10 pm, with some locals even rocking up at midnight for a feed. La cena plays an important part in Spanish culture, with families and friends gathering to spend hours chatting over cuisine, local beer or Catalonian cava, and even an espresso (or two). Yes, that’s right. They drink coffee late in the evening here.

An important note: Tapas, by no means, is considered a meal. Think snacks. Attack of the snacks. So when hunger strikes in the early evening, head down to Calle Blai to combat your cravings. You’ll find a range of pintxo bars serving tasty treats paired with wine or beer. Locals rage the scene here, and it’s a great alternative to the Ramblas or Gothic Quarter, where tourists run ravage…

Alternatively, get lost in the quaint neighbourhood of Gràcia. With a wealth of unique bars, vegan hot spots, bagel stores, speciality coffee shops and trendy restaurants the city offers, this neighbourhood is indisputably inundated with choices to spoil your appetite. If you’re living in Barcelona as an American, this neighbourhood is a stellar location to mix in the English-speaking community.

Opt for an Old Bike and a New Lock

Are you planning on biking around the city? Great idea!

Cycling is easily one of the fastest, cheapest and most stress-free ways of getting around Barcelona. But, because this city is pinned as one of the theft capitals of the world, bike theft is extremely common.

If there’s one thing you should do when you’re living in Barcelona, it’s to lock up your bike, always! Avoid leaving it on the street and bring it to your apartment if possible.

Don’t go ham and splurge big bucks on an expensive bike; invest that cashola into a few sturdy locks.

Bikes are stolen for reselling as a whole and for scrap metal, so if any bits and bobs are left unchained, they’ll undoubtedly be snatched up. So if you’re set on living like a local in Barcelona, lock your bike, and lock it up good!

Neighbourhoods in Barcelona

If there’s one thing you’re meticulous about when planning to relocate to Barcelona, this should be it. Nestle yourself in the right neighbourhood!

Choosing wisely should be taken very seriously, and it’s one of the most important things to know before moving to Barcelona.

From the multicultural melting pot of El Raval and the maze-like, millennia-old streets of El Born to the Modernista mansions in L’Eixample and the ritz and glitz of Sant Gervasi, these barrios are tailored to totally distinct tastes. The contrast of quirky neighbourhoods essentially offers you, each to their own, a different slice of how you want to experience this vibrant city.

Please keep in mind that higher crime rates, theft and break-ins are highly common in the inner city areas. From time to time, these things do come up, and not having travel insurance could set you back quite a bit. Based on my personal experience, my honest advice, and after listening to the narratives of other seasoned travellers’ unfortunate fiascos, is to organise insurance.

Day Trips from Barcelona

Get out of town! Despite the enticing pull of Barcelona’s raging nightlife scene, delectable dining opportunities and cultural experiences, consider making a solid effort to get out of town occasionally.

A few days away from the BCN buzz can leave you coming back feeling more grateful and inspired than ever before.

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a day trip to Girona, a weekend in Lloret de Mar, a hike in Montserrat, or a few days discovering the millennia-old remains in Tarragona.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a beached-out day trip in a traditional seaside village or an action-packed escapade through the multitude of mountain ranges, I can guarantee you’ll be blown away.

The north and south of Barcelona are a haven for adventure enthusiasts, history fanatics, art lovers, and food freaks alike.

After five years of ample contemplation and exploration, I’ve collated the Top 19 Day Trips from Barcelona.

Renting in Barcelona

Ah yes, the renting shit-uation. That’s not a spelling error. That’s intentional.

Transparency is key. This is a practical guide to living in Barcelona, Spain, and I won’t paint it out like a fairytale. Renting in Barcelona can be nothing short of a beautiful battle.

The cost is far more affordable when comparing living in Barcelona to the U.S. However, alongside other major cities like Paris or Rome, in recent years, apartment prices have absolutely skyrocketed. Expect a studio flat in El Born, Gràcia, or the Gothic Quarter to cost a minimum of 800€ per month.

On top of the overpriced rent, an additional cost coupled with the search itself is the hefty agency fee (if you go through a company or agent). Generally speaking, it’s equivalent to one month’s rent. This is probably one of the major cons of living in Barcelona as an expat.

A sneaky side step: rent directly from the owner. Remember that in most cases, you’ll be subletting or even sub-subletting. Yes. That’s a thing here. And whilst it can save you some extra notes in your piggy bank, it also entails that you aren’t entitled to legal backup.

Renting out individual bedrooms with other housemates is one of the best options if you’re sticking to a budget. Locals tend to look for options on Badi, Idealista, and Habitaclia. If you plan on living in Barcelona, you can check out the price range and availability beforehand on these handy apps.

Renting is one of the biggest factors to think about when considering the cost of living in Barcelona, Spain.

Healthcare in Barcelona

Health is wealth! Right? If you’re dabbling in the idea of living in Barcelona as an expat, this is one of the top factors to consider. Here’s a basic breakdown.

Public Healthcare in Barcelona

When considering the benefits of living in Barcelona as an American, having free public healthcare is a plus. In order to get the same health privileges as Spanish/Catalan residents, you’ll need to register for your Tarjeta Sanitaria, also known as Cat Salut. This card will provide you with free healthcare in Spain. Just keep in mind that the system is quite slow and getting specialist appointments can be a challenge at times.

Private Healthcare

If you don’t want to endure long waiting times for non-emergency services and operations, it’s worth opting for private health insurance. If you relocate to Spain with an employer, this may already be included as part of your employment package. If not, make sure you do some research and consider the options on offer. Some of the most well-known private health insurance companies are Sanitas, AXA, Cigna and Allianz.

English-Speaking Doctors in Barcelona

Not speaking the language in a foreign country can be terrifying, especially when it comes to medical situations. If you’re in need of an English-speaking doctor in Barna, you’re set for gold. There are a handful of clinics in the Catalonian capital that offer English-speaking services.

During my first year, I relied on Turó Park Clinics to get me through my non-Spanish speaking times. You can expect everything from standard GP needs to diagnostic tests, vaccinations and more. If that doesn’t wet your whistle, other expats in Barcelona have mentioned English Doctor Barcelona Clinic. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to pay the price, so having private health insurance could be worthwhile.

English-Speaking Dentists in Barcelona

Thankfully, finding an English-speaking dentist in Barcelona is easy. Turo Park Clinics also offer dentistry and orthodontics and based on my personal experience, I would 100% recommend it. If you want to mix things up, you could consider English-speaking dentists like El Cedro in Sagrada Familia and Propdental Dental Clinics in Sant Marti.

Mental Health

Moving to Barcelona can be the experience of a lifetime, there’s no doubt about it. But moving abroad comes with its own set of challenges. Underneath all the highlights, factors like language barriers, culture shock, being away from your friends and family and many other things can affect your experience.

You don’t have to navigate the nuances of challenges alone, and it’s better to speak up than to not say anything at all. Mental health is just as important as your physical health. There are a variety of English-speaking psychologists in Barcelona. In the past, I’ve relied on Hestia as my number one choice. If you can’t find something to suit you, other expats in Barcelona have mentioned PsIcare Health.

Get a Glimpse of Greenery, Within the City

Oh yes. For those of you who might occasionally find yourself strapped for cash, there is a chance to escape the city buzz without even setting foot outside of it.

Bunkers del Carmel offers sublime vistas over Catalonia’s charismatic capital, with veritable views of the Sagrada Familia, Hotel W, Montjuic Castle, and other hot spots.

This is a killer spot for sunrise or sunset, and if you’re down to chillax to the max, then this is where it’s at.

Not many cities around Europe offer free panoramic views overlooking a major city, so if you’re living in Barcelona, you should take advantage of this gem.

Alternatively, you can check out Barcelona’s largest urban park, Parc de la Ciutadella.

Filled with a diverse array of African drummers, street artists, joggers and exercise groups, local DJs jamming and aspiring acrobats practising their tricks on the grass, this place is fit for just about everybody.

These two hot spots additionally make for some of the best things to do in Barcelona for free.

Don’t Let the Paperwork Discourage You

Despite the horror stories around the administration process, don’t be discouraged when it comes down to registering for your NIE (Resident’s Card), Social Security Number, and Empadronamiento (Civil Registration).

You’ll need a NIE to work legally, open a bank account, buy a property, register as self-employed, and get a Smou (formally Bicing) Card (the city’s shared bicycle system).

If you are, however, moving to Barcelona with an employment contract, the company will generally take care of this for you. A Social Security Number will provide you with access to healthcare, education, and other benefits.

Yes, I won’t lie. The admin process here in Spain is nothing short of a pain in the ass. When it comes down to living and working in Barcelona, my top tip is to go through a lawyer, especially if you don’t speak any Spanish. When making appointments, book your time slot for the earliest they have available.

You can skip waiting weeks for an Empadronamiento appointment by rocking up to the main office early in the morning. To avoid getting turned back, arrive there 10-15 minutes before opening time.

Registering for Your NIE

If you want to live in Spain, you’ll need to get a NIE first. A NIE, which stands for Número de identidad de extranjero (Foreigner’s Identity Number), is required for all new arrivals, seasonal workers and homebuyers. This is a non-negotiable legal requirement for any foreigner living in Barcelona. A NIE is required to open a bank account, buy property, find work, register as self-employed or obtain your Smou Card (for the city’s shared bike system).

Legal Advice

Getting professional help for your NIE number is a must, especially if Spanish isn’t your native language. On top of that, expats looking to start or register a business, purchase property, rent property or undertake fiscal activities, are recommended to talk with a trustworthy law firm. When it comes to taxes obligations in Spain, having legal aid can make the world of a difference. In my five years living in Barcelona as an expat, I’ve relied on BeGobal Attorneys to get me through.

Prepare Your Eardrums; This City is Noisy

Sounds a bit ridiculous at first, but I tell no lies. Expat life in Barcelona has some downsides, and this is a big one. BCN is one of the top cities worldwide with the worst noise pollution.

And the noise problem is no news for locals. Due to the high concentration of residents in the city, plus the crowds of seasonal tourists, these streets are, quite literally, roaring. Adding in garbage trucks, buses, police and ambulance sirens, lots of traffic and congestion (Spanish drivers are not the best), plus the weekend and nightlife enthusiasts who rage the city centre, peace and serenity are not exactly easy to come across...

Living in Barcelona means you’ll be dealing with constant noise infiltration, so purchasing a pair of noise-cancelling headphones can help you prepare well.

Another thing to consider when choosing an apartment in Barcelona is the neighbourhood. When inspecting bedrooms, be sure to keep a keen ear out for the noise you can hear. Neighbourhoods like El Raval, El Gotico and El Born are some of the loudest in the city.

Partying til’ Your Pants Turn Purple

There is always an excuse to party in Barcelona. Always. Spaniards take the fiesta almost as seriously as the siesta. Throughout Barcelona, as well as the entire country, you’ll discover a plethora of parties taking place. Not just on weekends but on weekdays too.

From Reggaeton beach festivals and jazz music in the park to classical music in historic mansions and techno raves, these people know how to throw a good party. The diverse scene of events is one of the biggest reasons I love living in Barcelona. Popular nightclubs in Barcelona include Razzmatazz, Input, Macarena and Apollo. Big summertime parties include Brunch Barcelona, Sonar, SoundIt, Reggaeton Beach Festival and DGTL.

Popular cultural celebrations include La Mercé in September, La Fiesta Mayor de Gràcia in August, and the wild beach parties for La Fiesta de San Juan in June.

Bars

Sure, partying is great. And there’s no doubt that the nightlife scene will keep you on your feet. But if you just want to kick it in a cool bar with some friends, there is plenty on offer. Whether it’s after-work drinks or a chill spot to let your hair down, Catalonia’s capital is crowned with diverse options. For something upbeat, opt for Recreo or Flaherty’s. If you’re into crafty cocktails, check out Firebug or Boadas.

Expanding Your Worldview

So, is living in Barcelona worth it? Despite its flaws, Barcelona is truly an incredible city to live in. Apart from the serene sights, architectural gems, historical masterpieces, and eclectic array of events, the city boasts many open-minded people.

With many expats and international communities, things get pretty interesting here in Barcelona. Making friends with people from other countries exposes you to different customs, traditions, morals, and ways of living and positively influences your worldview.

The internationally-inundated lifestyle and quality of local life are sure to get you into reflection, gratitude and appreciation. The scenery here is threaded with plazas aplenty, making for some of the best spots to socialise with others. If you’re living in Barcelona, you can mix and mingle with international crowds at Plaça d’Espanya, Plaça Reial, Plaça de Catalunya, Rambla del Born and Arc de Triomf.

Getting Around Town

In all honesty, Barcelona is a very walkable city, and it’s relatively easy to move from one neighbourhood to the next on foot. Along with affordable and accessible bikes and scooters, the public transport system is also a great alternative. Within Barcelona, there’s the metro, trains, buses and trams. For more information regarding the city’s public transport network, route planning, timetables, tickets and fares, check out the TMB website.

Smou (formally known as Bicing) is the city’s predominant bicycle-sharing system. Manual and electric bikes are on offer, and they are dotted around almost every corner of the city.

A little guidance for those looking to live in Catalonia: there’s no Uber; it’s actually illegal. Instead, catch a Cabify or a regular taxi, which are both available throughout the city. If you decide to catch a cab, ensure the taxi driver is using the meter; otherwise, you’ll get ripped off.

Check out my guide on How to Get Around Barcelona.

Cost of Living in Barcelona

Living in Barcelona, Spain really is just as epic as you’d imagine. Fiestas, food, football, you name it, it’s here! But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The cost of living in Barcelona has skyrocketed in recent years.

Your day-to-day living expenses will vary depending on your personal preferences, lifestyle and salary. There are many factors that impact the cost of living, from rent, food and leisure to healthcare, bills and public transport. Find out everything you need to know in this guide on the Cost of Living in Barcelona.

Pros and Cons of Living in Barcelona

Pros of Living in Barcelona:

• Hobbies, Sports & Food: Whether you’re a foodie, a football fanatic or someone who loves to fumble around new activities, Barcelona has something for you. This city will always keep you on the edge of your seat!

• Weather: Barcelona boasts a Mediterranean climate, with pleasant temperatures almost year-round. Even in winter, the coldest temperatures drop down to 8 or 9°C, but it’s not nearly as brutal as some other European countries.

• Healthcare: Free public healthcare is always a plus, no matter how slow the system is.

• Green Spaces: Places like Parc de la Ciutadella and Bunkers del Carmel offer scenic escapes from the hustle and bustle. Even if it is just for an afternoon!

• Cycle-friendly: If you don’t drive, or the thought of public transport gives you the ick, cycling is a stellar way of getting around. Most streets have designated bicycle lanes with mini bicycle traffic lights - cute.

• Nightlife: Fiestas, non-stop. All day, all night!

• Events & Activities: From techno festivals and international events to local meetups and food-focused gatherings, there’s always something going on.

• Location: Barcelona boasts access to some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, from the Costa Brava to the Costa Dorada. Plus, it’s only a short ferry ride away from the popular Balearic Islands of Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera.

• Expat community: As one of the most diverse cities in Europe, making friends from all over the world is easy.

• Family-Friendly & Pet-Friendly: Barcelona is a dog lover’s paradise. There are pooches everywhere! Aside from being pet-friendly, there’s a colourful community of international and local families all around town.

Cons of Living in Barcelona:

• Cost of living: Compared to the rest of Spain, Barcelona can be pretty expensive. Of course, it all comes down to how you choose to spend your money.

• Tourist Season: Barcelona brings in huge hauls of frenzied sightseers year after year. As a local, battling your way through the streets can be nothing short of a nightmare.

• Catalan vs Castellano: Learning Spanish (Castellano) in Barcelona can be downright confusing. Many things are written in Catalan, and initially, that can make the learning process all the harder.

• Noise: Tourist season ushers in high prices, high temperatures, lots of crowds and lots of noise. If you choose to live in an area like El Born, El Gotico or El Raval, you’re going to have to deal with constant noise pollution.

• Pickpockets: Barcelona is a thief’s playground. There’s not a day that goes by where something isn’t stolen. Bikes are a big issue in the city, so if you don’t buy a decent lock, you run the risk of it getting stolen.

• Paperwork & Legal Process: If you don’t speak Spanish, organising your NIE and other legal paperwork can be a nightmare. Doing it without a lawyer or trusted Spanish-speaking friend can feel like it’s nearly impossible.

Living in Barcelona vs. Madrid

Whether it's art, culture or nightlife that wet your whistle, both rival cities are steeped deep with experiences. Each city sure puts up a good fight - Madrid boasts a killer art scene and great value for money, but Barcelona is brimming with beaches and awe-worthy architecture. Sure, Madrid offers great day trips to places like Toledo and Segovia, but Barcelona sits on the cusp of the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada.

On top of that, you have to factor in food, weather, nightlife, events, learning Spanish and access to the rest of Spain. And I’ve done it all for you in this comparison guide on Madrid vs. Barcelona.

FAQs

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Barcelona?

A minimum salary of €15,600 is enough to make ends meet. The minimum salary is at least €20,000 to live comfortably, eat out often, and enjoy leisure activities. While the cost of living is lower, wages are also lower.

How many expats live in Barcelona?

More than 300,000 expats live in Barcelona, so around 20% of the city's population. Thanks to its cosmopolitan demographic, Barcelona is extremely expat-friendly.

Is Barcelona an excellent place to live in?

With culture, cuisine, music, art and events tied heavily together, Barcelona is a beautiful place to live. Beaches, mountains and national parks are just a short drive away, making it easy to escape for a day trip.

What should you know before moving to Barcelona?

Rent isn’t as affordable as you’d think, especially since the pandemic. If you’re looking for an apartment, it’s best to share it with someone and ensure the sublet is legit. The neighbourhoods vary significantly, and not everyone is as comfortable in El Raval as they are in Sant Gervasi. On the topic of language, locals appreciate Catalan over Castilian Spanish.

What is the nicest area in Barcelona to live in?

The nicest neighbourhoods in Barcelona are Vila de Gracia, Eixample Dreta and Eixample Esquerra, Sant Gervasi and Poblenou.

Following a whim, an idea, a dream or a goal of chasing the Spanish sun?

Relocating your ‘home’ is an all-encompassing experience that can evoke an innate fear of the unknown. Deciding to move abroad involves putting in time and effort by researching and weighing up the pros and cons. Not only is it a journey into new terrain, culture, and language, but above all, it’s essentially a journey within.

Living in Barcelona is easily one of the best decisions you could make in your life. It’s notorious as one of Europe’s most playful and perplexing cities, and after five years of living here, I can honestly say that it is absolutely worth it. If you’re asking, ‘‘How do I start a life in Barcelona?’’ this Guide to Living in Barcelona, Spain, is essential.

So what are you waiting for? Get started with your Catalan adventure today!