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11. Living in Barcelona

Barcelona at a Glance

Living in Barcelona

Barcelona: A city for the young!

Living in Barcelona is an increasingly popular option for expats. The quality of life in Barcelona is quite high. But this is not the only aspect attracting foreigners. Instead, the exceptional architecture, as designed by Antoni Gaudí, and the fast-paced life is what makes Barcelona a special treat. Living in Barcelona, Catalonia’s capital, also means experiencing the locals’ pride in their language and history - firsthand.

Living in Barcelona: Districts and Neighborhoods

Expats who plan on living in Barcelona need to choose between one of the city’s ten districts to settle down in. A local councilor is responsible for running the districts which each have a certain amount of say when it comes to making decisions on the infrastructure, for instance. Some districts were independent municipalities until they were integrated into Barcelona in the late 19^th and early 20^th century. The ten districts of the city of Barcelona are:

• Ciutat Vella
• Eixample
• Sants-Montjuïc
• Les Corts
• Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
• Gràcia
• Horta-Guinardó
• Nou Barris
• Sant Andreu
• Sant Martí

Living in Barcelona: Eixample

Are you thinking about living in Barcelona’s most trendy and upscale district? Then Eixample is the place to go. The tree-lined streets and avenues boast a big selection of high-class restaurants, shops, and bars. The Plaça Catalunya separates the more affluent Eixample from the Barrí Gòtic. Expats living in Barcelona’s Eixample can choose between two main areas: Esquera and Dreta (left and right).

The Golden Square (Quadrat d’Or) is the place which is most popular among tourists. This should not come as a surprise, as the most famous buildings of Antoni Gaudí are located in this area. In fact, Quadrat d’Or is often perceived as a treasure trove of modernista architecture.

Living in Barcelona: The Gothic Quarter

If living in Barcelona’s historic center is more up your alley, why don’t you settle in the Barri Gòtic? This neighborhood is the oldest part of the city of Barcelona. It is famous for its narrow alleys and cobbled streets. The area around Le Seu (Barcelona Cathedral) is particularly impressive. The streets surrounding it were built around 10 BC, making for its historic flair. Various historic buildings, bridges and museum complete the picture. Expats who are curious about the city’s historic past should feel right at home living in Barcelona’s gothic quarter.

Living in Barcelona: El Born and Barceloneta

Expats living in Barcelona’s El Born have settled among up-and-coming fashion designers and artists. The area is nothing but innovative. The district is separated from the Barri Gòtic only by the Via Laietana, a long street running from Eixample all the way to the sea. But if you are looking for one of the trendiest areas in this neighborhood, you need to make your way to Passeig del Born which used to be the main square of Barcelona.

The beautiful waterfront neighborhood district Barceloneta was brought back to life in 1992 for the Olympic Games. Today the Platja Barceloneta is popular for its palm trees and the adjacent Parc de la Ciutadella. Life in Barcelona’s beach neighborhood Barceloneta concentrates on the two ports. Port Olimpic is known for its restaurants and bars, for the beautiful marina and the nightlife. Port Vell, on the other hand, is the city’s old port and the place where luxurious yachts and sailing boats dock.