Moving to Barcelona can be an exciting adventure for anyone looking forward to living in a vibrant and diverse city!
Barcelona is a city located in the north-east of Spain and is the capital of the Catalonia region. It is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and lively culture. Furhermore, the city offers a mix of modernity and tradition, with iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter.
Barcelona is not only a top destination for tourists, but also an ideal place for Spanish students, Erasmus students, digital nomads and young professionals. With its prestigious universities, career opportunities, vibrant student community, affordable cost of living as well as accessible location and high quality of life, Barcelona offers many opportunities for learning, growing and networking.
In this blog post, you’ll find a lot of information regarding the city itself (its history, culture, traditions and much more) and will find out why moving to Barcelona can be a great opportunity for you!
This guide includes:
Discovering Barcelona’s must-see attractions
You are thinking about moving to Barcelona, but you don’t quite know what to expect from this city?
Let’s discover it together!
Barcelona is a city with many tourist attractions that attract millions of visitors each year. Here are some of the main tourist attractions in Barcelona:
1. Sagrada Familia: This is a stunning basilica designed by Antoni Gaudi, which has been under construction for over 135 years. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona.
2. Parque Güell (Park Güell): Another Gaudi masterpiece, this park is full of colorful and whimsical structures, sculptures, and mosaics. The park offers breathtaking views of the city.
3. La Rambla: This is a lively pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and street performers. It’s a great place to people-watch and soak up the local culture.
4. Barri Gòtic (Barrio Gótico) (Gothic Quarter): This is the old town of Barcelona, characterized by narrow streets, ancient buildings, and historic landmarks such as the Gothic Cathedral.
5. Casa Batlló: This is another iconic building designed by Gaudi, known for its unique and colorful façade and interior.
6. Camp Nou: This is the home stadium of FC Barcelona, one of the most successful football clubs in the world. Visitors can take a tour of the stadium and learn about the club’s history.
7. Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum): This museum houses a large collection of works by the famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
8. Montserrat: This is a mountain range near Barcelona with a monastery perched on its cliffs. The monastery is home to the famous Black Madonna statue and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Neighborhoods in Barcelona: finding the perfect place to call home
Have you ever heard of Barceloneta, Gracia or El Raval? These are just few of the famous and impressive neighbordhoods in Barcelona. Every area is unique and has something different to offer!
Take a look below:
1. Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic): This is the oldest part of the city, characterized by narrow medieval streets, Gothic architecture, and historic landmarks such as the Gothic Cathedral and the Plaça Sant Jaume.
2. El Raval: This is a trendy and multicultural neighborhood with a vibrant nightlife, street art, and many bars, restaurants, and cafes.
3. Gracia: This is a bohemian and artistic neighborhood with a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. It’s known for its narrow streets, small plazas, and quirky shops and cafes.
4. Eixample: This is a large and central neighborhood characterized by wide, grid-like streets and modernist architecture, including many buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi.
5. Born: This is a hip and fashionable neighborhood with narrow streets and many trendy bars, restaurants, and boutiques. It’s home to the famous Santa Maria del Mar church and the Picasso Museum.
6. Barceloneta: This is a historic neighborhood located near the beach, known for its seafood restaurants and lively atmosphere.
7. Poble Sec: This is a residential neighborhood located on the slopes of Montjuic hill, with a mix of traditional and modern architecture, trendy bars and restaurants, and a laid-back vibe.
Renting in Barcelona: finding the ideal home for your stay
When it comes to renting in Barcelona, the price range can vary depending on several factors, including the house’s location, size, and condition. When searching for a house in Barcelona, it’s essential to consider factors like proximity to public transportation, amenities, and the overall lifestyle you desire.
Generally, the most sought-after neighborhoods like Eixample, Gracia, and Ciutat Vella tend to have higher rental prices compared to areas further from the city center. Renting in Barcelona usually goes from 700€ to 2000€ per month.
At Inlife, we offer solutions for both locals and expats. We specialize in short and long-term rentals and offer a wide selection of apartment in various neighborhoods across the city. Inlife focuses on providing personalized service, ensuring that tenants find suitable accommodation that meets their preferences and budget.
A look at Barcelona’s most famous university
In addition to being a cultural hub, Barcelona is also home to several prestigious universities. Thus, moving to Barcelona to study represents a great opportunity for students who want to expand their knowledge and attend classes at these famous and well known institutions!
With its vibrant culture and rich academic community, Barcelona offers a unique and exciting environment for learning and personal growth.
Do you want to find out which are the most famous universities in Barcelona? Here it goes!
1. University of Barcelona (Universitat de Barcelona)
2. Autonomous University of Barcelona (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)
3. Pompeu Fabra University (Universitat Pompeu Fabra)
Exploring beyond Barcelona: the benefits of living in a strategic location in Spain
If by now, you are still uncertain about whether or not moving to Barcelona, maybe this section will make up your mind!
Did you know that Barcelona has an excellent location for traveling around Spain? This means that during your stay you will be able to easily travel to different parts of Spain and you’ll get to know more about this stunning country!
Barcelona is located in the northeast of the country, near the border with France, and is well connected to other major cities and tourist destinations by road, rail, and air. For example, from Barcelona, you can easily travel to Madrid, which is located in the center of the country, by high-speed train in just a few hours. You can also reach other popular destinations like Valencia, Seville, and Granada by train or plane.
Barcelona is also a great starting point for exploring the stunning natural landscapes of Catalonia, including the Pyrenees Mountains and the Costa Brava coastline. These areas are easily accessible by car or public transport, and offer a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and water sports.
Savouring the flavours of Barcelona
Did you know that Barcelona is also a destination for food’s lovers?
Catalan cuisine, which is the local cuisine of the Catalonia region of which Barcelona is the capital, is a unique mix of Mediterranean and Continental influences, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Some of the most iconic dishes of Catalan cuisine include:
1. Pa amb tomàquet: A simple but delicious dish made with bread rubbed with garlic and tomato and drizzled with olive oil.
2. Escalivada: A grilled vegetable dish typically made with eggplant, red peppers, and onions, which is often served as a side dish or as a topping for bread.
3. Fideuà: A seafood dish similar to paella but made with short, thin noodles instead of rice.
4. Botifarra: A type of Catalan sausage made with pork, typically served grilled or fried.
5. Calçots con salsa romesco: is a traditional Catalan dish from Spain. It features grilled calçots, which are long green onions, and a flavorful sauce called salsa romesco. Calçots are grilled until tender and slightly charred, and then served in a festive setting known as “calçotades.”
6. Crema catalana:. A traditional Catalan dessert similar to crème brûlée, made with custard, sugar, and lemon zest.
Here are some of the best places where to eat in Barcelona:
1. la Boqueria Market, which offers a wide range of fresh products, seafood and local specialities. You can try a variety of traditional Spanish dishes like jamon iberico, empanadas and paella.
2. Bar Canete is a popular tapas bar located in the Raval neighborhood. The menu features a variety of traditional Catalan tapas, including bombas (potato croquettes), grilled octopus, and patatas bravas.
3. El Xampanyet is an historic bar that opened in 1929 and serves a variety of cold cuts, cheeses, and seafood dishes, as well as sparkling cava wine.
4. Cerveceria Catalana is a tapas bar always packed with locals and tourists and it offers a wide variety of tapas dishes, including grilled meats, seadfood and vegetarian options.
Discover the history of Barcelona
Barcelona has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Roman Empire. Barcelona was founded as a Roman City in the 1st Century BC and was originally known as Barcino. During the Middle Ages, the city became an important center of trade and commerce, and it was ruled by a series of Catalan counts and kings.
In the 19th Century, Barcelona underwent a period of industrialization and growth, becoming a major center for textile production and trade. However, this period was also marked by social unrest and political turmoil, including anarchist and socialist movements, as well as regionalist and nationalist sentiments.
During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Barcelona was a stronghold of the Republican government, and the city was heavily bombed by fascist forces. After the war, the city experienced a period of repression under the Franco dictatorship, which lasted until the mid-1970s.
Since the end of the Franco regime, Barcelona has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, known for its architecture, art, food, and cultural attractions. Today, Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.
Celebrating in style: festive holidays and traditions in Barcelona
If you are planning on moving to Barcelona soon, get ready to experience the city’s rich cultural traditions and celebrations.
Here are some of the main traditions that you may experience in Barcelona during your stay:
1. Castells: Castells are human towers that are built by teams of people standing on each other’s shoulders. This tradition has its roots in Catalonia in the 18th Century and is still practiced in Barcelona today, with many local teams competing in competitions throughout the year. In 2010, this tradition was added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as an “integral part of Catalan cultural identity”
2. Correfoc: Correfoc is a fiery street party that takes place during the Festa Major de Gracia and other festivals throughout the year. Participants dress up in devil costumes and carry fireworks and sparklers, dancing to the beat of traditional drums and flutes.
3. Sardanes: Sardanes are a traditional Catalan folk dance that is typically performed in a circle. The dance is accompanied by a band playing traditional instruments such as the flute, bagpipes, and tambourine.
4. Festivals: Barcelona has many festivals throughout the year and offer a great opportunity to experience the city’s nightlife. Some of the most popular festivals include the Sonar Festival, which celebrates electronic music and multimedia art, and the Festa Major de Gracia, which is a week-long street party in the Gracia neighborhood, and many others, such as La Mercè and the Barcelona Grec Festival.
These festivals typically include a range of traditional events and activities, such as parades, street parties, and cultural performances.
Dancing until dawn: exploring Barcelona’s lively nightclub scene
If you are a music lover or a partygoer, Barcelona is the place to be! With its lively and vibrant nightlife scene, its wide range of bars, clubs and restaurants, this city will satisfy any taste!
Here are some of the key features of the nightlife you want to know if you are considering moving to Barcelona
1. Late-night dining: One of the unique features of the nightlife in Barcelona is the late-night dining culture. Many restaurants and tapas bars stay open until midnight or later, and it’s not uncommon to see people dining out well into the early hours of the morning.
2. Bars: Barcelona has a wide range of bars to suit all tastes, from hipster hangouts and craft beer bars to traditional bodegas and cocktail lounges. Some of the most popular areas for bar-hopping include the Gothic Quarter, El Raval, and Gracia.
3. Clubs: Barcelona has a thriving club scene, with some of the best DJs and electronic music venues in Europe. The city is particularly famous for its beach clubs, such as Opium, Pacha, and Shoko, which are located right on the beachfront.
4. Live music: If you’re a music lover, Barcelona has plenty to offer. The city has a number of live music venues that host everything from rock and indie bands to jazz and world music. Some of the best-known venues include Razzmatazz, Apolo, and Bikini.
Useful information
Conclusion: Why is Barcelona a good city to live in?
Whether you are a student, digital nomad, or young professional, moving to Barcelona can open up a world of opportunities and experiences. With its prestigious universities, startup scene, Barcelona is the perfect destination for anyone looking to expand their knowledge, skills and network.
Many people have already considering moving to Barcelona soon, so why waiting?
Start planning your stay in Barcelona and discover all that this incredible city has to offer!
Need help finding a home in Barcelona?
At Inlife, we want to help you finding the perfect house in Barcelona that meets your needs. We offer a wide range of services and benefits that make the rental process easier and more convenient, such as:
1. Get to know your potential new home in Barcelona in a live video call from anywhere in the world!
2. Get any help you need from our team of local advisors – they will help you find the perfect new home for you and assist you during the whole process.
3. Search through thousands of listings, verified by our team!
4. Take advantage of a safe payment system, where you’ll have 24h after check-in to let us know if the house is exactly what you were looking for! If not, we will help you find a new home.
At Inlife, we are committed to providing tenants with a valuable platform for finding a room, residence or apartment in Barcelona. What are you waiting for?
