Our guide was written by Imogen Moore and Aarthi Rajaraman and last published on Sunday 12th December 2010.
Barcelona is an intoxicating city that epitomizes the heart of Cataluña. Effervescent and seemingly always bathed in sunlight, it is a place that exemplifies a culture, way of living and tradition that sets it apart from the rest of Spain. The city itself is a visual feast that combines modern sophistication with provincial charm. Old and new exist seamlessly side-by-side and those that explore this unique area, will find colorful and flamboyant modernisme-style architecture sandwiched between medieval romance and Gothic treasures.
Those who prefer a faster pace of life will be enamored with the amazing nightlife on offer. From the decidedly-Spanish, yet undeniably delicious Spanish cuisine on offer in the many restaurants and taverns, to the numerous bars, cafes and clubs, there is always something to do and a new experience to enjoy.
The locals are accustomed to visitors and expatriates from abroad and the majority of them are welcoming and friendly. However, it is important to note that the language of the region is Catalan, not Spanish and unless you speak a little of this language you may find it extremely difficult to communicate. The major tourist areas (hotels, attractions etc.) will have English-speakers, as will some banks and other services, but English is not as wide-spread as that you will find in other European capital cities and you will need to familiarize yourself with the basics.
A thriving city that offers sun-soaked beaches, a great nightlife, cuisine and legendary art.
A sophisticated, cultured city that is unique in character and outlook.
Great year-round weather and plenty of sunshine.
Expat Info Desk recognizes that relocating to Barcelona can be like falling down a Gaudi-designed rabbit hole. In this area of the world, you need two things to settle in effectively: patience and knowledge. We can't help you with the patience but we can offer all of the knowledge you will need.
This relocation guide is the result of hard-won personal experience in dealing with visas and residency, apartment-hunting, car buying, schools, language barriers and more mundane but necessary activities like grocery shopping and getting around. In other words, it is the helping hand that everybody needs when moving overseas. Enjoy Barcelona with us, and the incredible surrounding areas that make up Catalunya - arguably the most beautiful region of Spain.
01 Get a bank account: This will be the first thing most utility providers, telecom connectors and employers will require.
02 Get your NIE: This is a ´foreigners number´ and will probably be the second thing that utility providers will request.
03 The government offers free Catalan lessons to foreigners, in order to promote this rare and unusual language, so take advantage of it.
04 Agents in Spain can ask for up to nine months worth of rent as a deposit, ensure you have sufficient funds to pay this.
05 Spain is notoriously bureaucratic, allow between three and ten times as much time as you normally would for administration tasks.
Useful help and advice for expat families living in Barcelona.
Useful portal for classifieds, events, chat and information on entertainment venues.
Hiking website showing popular hikes and treks throughout the region.
An easy to use website where you can find links to all the websites you might need while in Barcelona.
A new site for expatriates, residents and visitors. It features forums, and a rich business directory.
Drivers in Barcelona are ranked as the worst in the world. According to statistics, a car accident occurs every 19 seconds on weekdays.