Expat communities

Barcelona attracts a diverse expat population due to its Mediterranean lifestyle, vibrant culture, and global connectivity. Communities from the UK, France, Germany, and Latin America thrive here, supported by numerous expat networking events, meetups, and social clubs. Join Barcelona's bustling expat scene, which offers language exchanges, professional networking events, and activities to help newcomers settle into city life.

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Co-working space

We partner with IWG - International Workplace Group, a leading co-working provider to offer exclusive benefits to our users available in Barcelona (Spaces Plaza Molina). Sign up to discover more partners details.

Barcelona has a flourishing co-working scene, catering to digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. Here are some of the top options:

• ‍Spaces Plaza Molina: Situated in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, this co-working space offers a professional yet creative atmosphere, with private offices, open workspaces, and excellent meeting facilities in a central location.‍
• Aticco: Located in multiple spots like Urquinaona and Poblenou, Aticco offers modern workspaces, networking events, and stunning terraces overlooking the city.
• Talent Garden Barcelona: Located in 22@, the tech district, Talent Garden specializes in co-working areas, event spaces, and programs for creative and tech professionals.
• Betahaus: A popular space in Gràcia known for its collaborative vibe, Betahaus features flexible memberships, workshops, and community events.

Public workspaces

For those who prefer public spaces, Barcelona offers several options combining productivity with a vibrant ambiance:

• Cafes like Nomad Coffee: Renowned for its artisan coffee, welcoming atmosphere, and reliable Wi-Fi, perfect for remote work.
• Ciutadella Park: With benches and open areas, it’s a peaceful outdoor space for creative brainstorming.
• Biblioteca de Catalunya: A serene library in the Gothic Quarter, providing a calm and focused work environment.

Company presence

Barcelona is a major business hub, attracting global companies and fostering innovation across industries:

• Technology: Home to offices for Amazon, HP, and Microsoft, as well as a growing tech startup scene.
• Fashion and Retail: Headquarters of globally renowned brands like Mango and Desigual.
• Tourism and Hospitality: Barcelona thrives on tourism, with major players like Meliá Hotels International and NH Hotels headquartered here.
• E-commerce: Companies like Glovo, a Barcelona-based food delivery app, are emblematic of the city's entrepreneurial spirit.
• Biotechnology and Healthcare: Barcelona's biotech sector is expanding, with firms like Grifols driving innovation in healthcare solutions.

Startup culture

Barcelona is a hotbed for startups, with government support and a strong entrepreneurial spirit driving its growth.

• Barcelona Activa: The city’s economic development agency supports startups with training, mentoring, and funding opportunities.
• Pier01: A vibrant startup hub in the Port Vell area, housing over 100 tech companies and fostering collaboration.
• SeedRocket: A leading accelerator supporting early-stage startups, especially in the tech sector.

Barcelona-based startups like Glovo, Typeform, and Wallapop have gained international acclaim, further solidifying the city’s reputation as a startup-friendly destination.

Networking opportunities:

Barcelona has a dynamic networking scene for professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs:

• 4YFN (Four Years From Now): A global startup event linked to the Mobile World Congress, connecting entrepreneurs and investors.
• Meetup Groups: Active groups for tech, marketing, and design professionals host frequent gatherings across the city.
• Coworking Events: Spaces like Aticco and Impact Hub regularly organize workshops, networking nights, and collaboration sessions.

Attractions

Barcelona is a city rich in art, history, and culture, offering a wide variety of attractions that cater to all interests. Here are some must-visit highlights:

• Sagrada Família: Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece and an iconic symbol of Barcelona. This unfinished basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its intricate facades and stunning interior design.
• Park Güell: Another of Gaudí’s creations, this colorful park combines natural beauty with whimsical architecture, offering breathtaking views of the city.
• Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic): A historic neighborhood with narrow medieval streets, Gothic architecture, and charming squares like Plaça Reial. Perfect for exploring Barcelona’s rich past.
• Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Two of Gaudí’s most famous modernist buildings, showcasing innovative design and striking facades.
• La Rambla: A lively boulevard stretching from Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront, lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
• Magic Fountain of Montjuïc: A captivating display of water, light, and music, held during evenings, especially popular among families and couples.
• Camp Nou: The legendary home of FC Barcelona, offering stadium tours and a museum showcasing the club’s history.
• Picasso Museum: Dedicated to the works of Pablo Picasso, this museum houses an extensive collection from his formative years.

Festivals and holidays

Festivals:

• La Mercè (September): Barcelona’s largest street festival, featuring parades, concerts, fireworks, and the iconic human towers (castellers).
• Primavera Sound (June): A world-renowned music festival attracting top international artists and thousands of fans.
• Sant Jordi’s Day (April 23): Barcelona’s version of Valentine’s Day, where books and roses are exchanged, filling the city with literary and romantic charm.

Holidays:

• Three Kings’ Day (January 6): Celebrated with a grand parade, this holiday is a magical event for families, marking the arrival of the Three Wise Men.‍
• National Day of Catalonia (September 11): A day to celebrate Catalonia’s history and culture, with events and demonstrations across the city.‍
• Christmas markets (December): The Fira de Santa Llúcia in front of the cathedral is a festive market filled with seasonal crafts, decorations, and treats.

Local celebrities

Barcelona has been home to numerous influential figures in art, sports, and culture:

• Antoni Gaudí: The visionary architect behind Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks, including Sagrada Família and Park Güell.
• Joan Miró: A celebrated surrealist artist whose works are featured in the Fundació Joan Miró museum in Montjuïc.
• Lionel Messi: Considered one of the greatest football players in history, Messi’s career is deeply tied to FC Barcelona.

Fun fact

Barcelona was home to the 1992 Summer Olympics, which transformed the city and led to the creation of its modern beachfront. This redevelopment is why Barcelona has some of the most vibrant urban beaches in Europe today.

Local cuisine

Barcelona’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of Catalan traditions and modern gastronomy. Here are some must-try dishes:

• Paella de Mariscos: A classic seafood paella, packed with fresh shellfish and aromatic saffron rice.
• Pan con Tomate: A simple yet flavorful dish of toasted bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, and salt.
• Calçots with Romesco Sauce: A seasonal Catalan delicacy, these grilled green onions are dipped in a rich romesco sauce.
• Fideuà: A noodle-based dish similar to paella, often cooked with seafood and a squeeze of lemon.
• Crema Catalana: A creamy dessert topped with caramelized sugar, akin to crème brûlée but with a unique local twist.

✅ Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in historical and religious sites. Dress modestly when visiting places like Sagrada Família or the Cathedral of Barcelona.

✅ Do try to learn basic Catalan or Spanish phrases, such as “Hola” (hello), “Gracias” (thank you), and “Adéu” (goodbye). Locals appreciate the effort to engage in their language.

✅ Do take advantage of public transport or walking to explore Barcelona’s neighborhoods. Many areas, like the Gothic Quarter, are best experienced on foot.

❌ Don’t assume everyone speaks English fluently, especially outside tourist areas. Be patient and polite in communication.

❌ Don’t eat or drink near major landmarks like Park Güell unless permitted; some areas restrict picnicking to preserve the surroundings.

❌ Don’t walk in bike lanes or jaywalk. Barcelona values order in shared public spaces, and fines for such behaviors are common.

Tipping

Tipping in Barcelona is appreciated but not mandatory. Here’s a quick guide:

• Restaurants: Round up the bill or leave 5–10% for excellent service.
• Cafes and Bars: Small change is a kind gesture, especially in casual settings.
• Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro.
• Hotels: €1–€2 for bellhops or housekeeping staff is appreciated.

Equivalent services & platforms

^{Service type} _{Local equivalent}

^{Taxi service} _{Free Now, Cabify, Bolt}

^Supermarket _{Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl}

^Messaging _{WhatsApp, Telegram}

^{Food delivery} _{Glovo, Uber Eats, Just Eat}

^{Internet provider} _{Movistar, Vodafone, Orange}

^Bank _{CaixaBank, Banco Sabadell}

^{Hotel booking} _{Booking.com, Airbnb}

‍^Streaming _{Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime Video}

Apps to download before arrival

^{Navigation & transit} _{Google Maps, TMB App, Moovit}

^Ride-hailing _{Cabify, Free Now, Bolt}

^{Food & dining} _{Glovo, Uber Eats, Just Eat}

^{Daily essentials} _{Wallapop, Glovo Market}

^{Currency & language} _{XE Currency, Google Translate}

^{Weather & city info} _{AccuWeather, Visit Barcelona App}

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Disclaimer: This city guide is based on personal research, experiences, and various online sources. While we strive for accuracy and inclusivity, the content is generalized and may not reflect all individual circumstances or perspectives. Readers are encouraged to double-check information for accuracy and relevance to their specific needs. Updated as of November 2024, this guide is for informational purposes only. We disclaim all liability for decisions made based on this guide.

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