Is it difficult to live in Barcelona?
In order to properly determine whether or not you can describe life in Barcelona as difficult, we need to evaluate the pros and consequences of the decision of spending your life in Gaudi’s city.
To begin with, deciding where you want to spend your life is not an easy decision Luckily, in the modern days it is not as hard as before, since you can uproot and relocate, and you have easy access to far more information than ever before.
Barcelona is the Capital of Catalonia, and its history stretches over 2000 years, being the second largest city in size in the country. The city is not only Spanish but also very much Catalan. While Barcelona respects and encompasses all of Spain’s traditions, it also has the Catalan language which has butterfly affected itself into literature, art, music, poetry, movies and theatre and so much more. On this note, Barcelona is not only Gaudi’s city, despite the architect’s visible mark left all over the city, but it is also the city of other Catalan modernist buildings and true works of art birthed by Domènech I Montaner, Puig I Cadafalch and Jujol. All of these artists have left a legacy to the city masterpieces such as the Palau de la Musica, the Hospital de Sant Pau or the Palau de Les Punxes. These are just some of the most remarkable Catalan monuments spread throughout the city, but you will find many more by simply going around Barcelona and uncovering its secrets.
The city might as well be a heaven for culinary tourism as in Barcelona, you will find anything your soul craves. From international dishes flavoured with Peruvian spices, Mexican fragrances, and Chinese, Indian, Arabic and East European scents, Barcelona has it all. However, if you want to truly experience the taste of Spain, you can opt for tapas which is one of the most nutritious, rich and healthy diets worldwide. The Mediterranean diet includes not only the delicious emerald, green olive oil but also a wide variety of fish and seafood, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables almost all year round. Pair a nice paella plate with one of the many delicious Spanish wines, produced in famous zones such as Rioja, Navarre or Old Castile and more. Due to the excellent weather conditions, the earth and the proximity to the sea, Spain enjoys a large history in winemaking, producing an bottling products that go all around the world and are cherished by many wine lovers.
Barcelona does not only encompass a great urbane life, being filled with stores, shopping centres, malls, spaces dedicated to leisure activities, hotels and restaurants, bars and theatres and more but it is also bordered by both the beach and the mountain. If you love the mountain then all you need to do is head west while if the sea is calling to you like a siren, then you need to head east. However, if you really cannot decide between the scent of the forest and fresh air that escapes the pores of the mountain and the salty, but warm breeze paired with the singing tunes emerging from the waves of the sea, then rest easy because Barcelona has them both, perfectly combined in harmony.
If you didn’t catch onto this yet, Barcelona is a city that loves sports. Not only does the city parade itself as the home of Camp Nou and the FC Barcelona football team, but there are various professional sports schools where children can simply combine education with sport. Further, as a tourist, you can savour many live competitions from gymnastics to handball and basketball. If you live here, you can go hiking in the mountains or go for a run on the sandy beaches. Moreover, there are several sports areas constructed specially for adrenaline fans, spread through the city, as well as many gyms around every corner.
Going towards the more romantic side of Barcelona, if anything is worth seeing, that would be a summer sunset which decorates the clear blue sky with amber and ruby shades that dance together and merge with each other, giving birth to yellow sparkles and rose sequins. If you wish to fall in love at first sight, head towards the MNAC museum or the Montjuic mountain for a perfect view towards the silky collusion of burst sky red and yellow. Another romantic element of the city is the traditional dance of Sardanas. If you are a barrio experience seeker, El Raval, a small area caught between Sant Antoni, Eixample and Poble Sec is it for you? Here, you will encounter more than 20 languages spoken on the street, combined with a young and trendy vibe.
For some, the sunset represents the end of a long and beautiful day, but for others, it is just the beginning. The nightlife in Barcelona is very lively and you can join all types of groups. If you wish to simply stay at a bar, savour a glass of cava and story tell, then there are various options available for you. However, if you are interested in making friends with people from other cultures, networking, and being surrounded by people who enjoy a good time and are interested in getting to know you, then we recommend heading towards the clubs of Barcelona. The ex-pat community will immediately jump at the chance of turning an encounter with a stranger into a lifetime friendship.
The city has various nuclei of education and many of the universities you will encounter here have gained fame and status worldwide. The oldest university in Barcelona dates back to 1450, but there are also many new centres and language schools where you can enrol, as well as academics and more. The universities here offer a wide palette of courses, from Bachelor's to PhDs and summer courses in almost all areas.
If you are not yet convinced, there are even more reasons why life is not only easy but also fun and full of joy in Barcelona. The atmosphere within the city brews with vibrant life force, especially on streets like La Rambla all year round or the many beaches of Barcelona during the warm months of the year. Further, hotspots throughout the city such are museums are almost always packed, especially during the weekend, on the Night of the Museums in May and on the first Sunday of every month when the entrance is free. Also, the stadium of Camp Nou, the home arena of one of the world's best teams is attracting like a magnet people with every game that unfolds there. For mesmerizing sounds of music, head towards El Born where the spectacular Palau de la Musica Catalana. The building is a fascinating art nouveau, home to a concert hall listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site. It is hard to choose between the exterior and marvellous interior composed of works of art, sculptures, mosaic and stained-glass ceiling. Here, flamenco, jazz and pop programs take place and the whole experience is truly unforgettable.
There are other spots in Barcelona which will take your breath away such as the Park Guell. In this oasis of peace and serenity, you can spend a whole day and feel as if you are no longer in the city. The whole park is a puzzle made of different pieces, from green areas to spots with monuments. Gaudi has left his mark here as well, creating from scratch gingerbread houses that shine in the sunlight. Further, some of the best panoramic views towards the city are here.
The quality of life in Barcelona is superior since the city ranks as not only the top 10 safest cities in the world but also comes with many peaks. Here, there is a whole paradise unfolding for sports enthusiasts. The healthcare system is very well developed, together with infrastructure and transportation in general.
For some people, living in Barcelona can be challenging due to factors such as high rental costs, traffic congestion, and language barriers, as the primary language spoken in the region is Catalan. Additionally, like any major city, there can be issues with crime and overcrowding in tourist areas during peak seasons.
On the other hand, many people enjoy living in Barcelona for its rich culture, beautiful architecture, and lively atmosphere. The city is home to a diverse community, and there are plenty of opportunities for socializing, dining, and entertainment.
Overall, whether living in Barcelona is difficult or not largely depends on individual circumstances and preferences. Contact us if you want to live in this amazing place in the world.
“BARCELONA, ARCHIVES OF COURTESY, SHELTER OF THE FOREIGNERS, HOSPITAL OF THE POOR, FATHER-LAND OF THE BRAVE, VENGEANCE OF THE OFFENDED AND PLEASANT CORRESPONDENCE OF FIRM FRIENDSHIP, AND IN SITE, AND IN BEAUTY, UNIQUE.” – MIGUEL DE CERVANTES