Barcelona is a massive multi-cultural city with thousands of sights to explore. Most of us travel enthusiasts, have visited one of the city’s many wide boulevards. But what is it like to live there? 

The stress-free atmosphere

Stress-free is one good way to describe the Barcelonan lifestyle. It is part of every aspect of your day, from your daily commute to work to lunch and dinner. The public transportation system is great. It is also one of the cheapest in Europe, moreover it is free from the morning/evening rush you may find in other cities. It is common to take a 2-hour break from work. Work hours are slower and longer, ending at 7 or 8 in the evening. 

The nightlife

Barcelona has a wide range of bars, theatres and clubs on offer. From the Vila Olimpica, all towards Sarria, a wealthy neighborhood, you will find something to your taste. During the weekends most clubs close at 5 in the morning.  

The people

As one of the most populated metropolitan cities, and a popular tourist attraction, Barcelona is a thriving multi-cultural city. It is common to find an international crowd at cafes, with people from different circles. The Spaniards and Catalans are a warm Mediterranean people, and it will be easy to make new friends, or find people with similar interests. Even during the weekdays, you will find full bars till midnight. This makes the city perfect for those with shift-based jobs and those who have the weekend off alike. 

The food

The Barcelonan palette is a unique one. Olive oil is the condiment of choice, and most dishes are not based with heavy sauces. From the ‘Paella’, an exquisite rice and seafood dish, to ‘La Bomba’, a tennis ball sized tapa, and the ‘Esquexida’, an authentic Catalan salad, you are likely to find some of the best seafood dishes at reasonable prices.   

What to do with free time?

Public Transport is easy and effective to use. You can as easily go to the beaches like Barceloneta, as you can go to the mountains like Montjuic or Tibidado. Barcelona is full of things to do from vibrant nightclubs to many of the amazing parks found around the large city, such as the Park Guell as well as La Sagrada Familia, designed by the famous Gaudi. Keep note that with Barcelona being a tourist attraction, it is common to find such landmarks crowded, and you will have to plan around these hotspots and tourist visit times to get the most out of your experience.  

Rent prices

Barcelona does not have the cheapest rent in Europe, being a large metropolitan city, and is more expensive than most other Spanish cities, however, it is still cheaper than many other major European capitals, with the normal rent being at an average of 800/900 Euros, including utilities. Most people find sharing apartments a good and wallet-friendly way to live in Barcelona.  

Interested in living and working in beautiful Barcelona? We have many international career opportunities for you to see! Send us your CV, and our experienced International Recruitment Consultants will be in touch!