Get tips, join events & make friends in Barcelona
If you’re a Brit living in Barcelona or thinking about moving here, then you’ve come to the right place! Exploring new cultures is exciting, but there are times when homesickness hits and hanging out with someone who really gets it is needed.
With InterNations, you’ll find everything you need to know about life in the city. And we’ll help you connect with fellow Brits so you can enjoy the little comforts of home, whether that’s meeting up for a “proper cup of tea” or heading to a pub for a pint.
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Matthew Brown
The Internations Events in Barcelona are just the best: There is no better way to get to know fellow expats here in Catalunya.
Maggy Roswick
I was looking for a spacious flat near Las Ramblas. Thanks to some help from fellow expats on InterNations, I've found it!
Why you'll love InterNations in Barcelona
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
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The pros and cons of living in Barcelona
No place is absolutely perfect. There’s always the good, the bad and the ugly — read on to find out what Brits love about Barcelona and the challenges they face.
Pros:
Forever sunny: Barcelona enjoys sunny winters and warm summers thanks to its Mediterranean climate. Unlike in the UK, where your umbrella is a constant companion.
Tasty & fresh food: Barcelona is known for its Mediterranean cuisine, which is packed with seafood, veggies, and olive oil. Although food can be great in the UK, it often leans towards processed options, and staying healthy may take more effort, especially when the weather keeps you indoors.
Live slow, stress less: The city’s relaxed pace, good weather, and emphasis on outdoor activities help people enjoy life more and feel more at ease.
Prime location: Barcelona’s location in Southern Europe makes it a gateway to easy train and plane travel around Europe, with budget flights to destinations like Paris, Rome, and Lisbon. The UK, although well-connected, is an island, so traveling to mainland Europe is often more expensive.
Cons:
Low wages: While the cost of living in Barcelona can be lower than in some major European cities, average wages tend to be lower as well. This might mean a tighter budget compared to the UK.
Language barrier: Although English is widely spoken in Barcelona, not knowing Spanish (or Catalan) can make it harder to fully integrate, especially when it comes to socializing with locals or dealing with day-to-day tasks and certain job opportunities.
Pickpocketing: Barcelona is known for its high pickpocketing risk, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Cultural differences: In Barcelona, people have a more open, energetic, and sometimes informal approach to life. Long lunches, late dinners, and a flexible attitude toward time are common, which can be a shift if you’re used to the more reserved, formal vibe of the UK.
Expat stats: Who are the Brits abroad
Every year, we conduct Expat Insider, the largest global survey among expats, asking them about different aspects of their life abroad — including what motivated them to move.
Check out some stats about the average British expat below.
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Meet Brits at our weekly events in Barcelona
Making friends in a new city isn’t always easy, but our events make it simple. Everyone’s in the same boat — new to Barcelona and figuring things out — so it’s totally normal to introduce yourself and swap stories about life as an expat. You’ll meet other Brits and people from all over the world while picking up tips about your new home.
Our Newcomers’ Events are perfect if you’re just settling in, with friendly Ambassadors ready to welcome you and introduce you to others. Come along and start building your Barcelona network!
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Frequently asked questions about life in Barcelona
There are plenty of ways to connect with fellow Brits in Barcelona. British pubs like The George Payne or The Black Horse are popular spots, as are local Sunday roast restaurants. You can also join Facebook groups such as “Brits in Barcelona” or attend expat-focused events hosted here on InterNations.
Brits live all over the city, but neighborhoods like Gràcia (artsier vibe with lots of cafes), Eixample (central with wide streets and modernist buildings), and Poblenou (close to the beach and family-friendly) are favorites.
If you’re looking for more space or a quieter setting, Sant Cugat or Castelldefels are good options just outside the city.
Your budget will depend on your lifestyle, but 3,000–3,750 EUR (approx. 2,600–3,250 GBP) per month is a reasonable starting point.
Rent will likely be your biggest expense; expect to pay around 550 EUR (~475 GBP) for a room in a shared flat or 1,500+ EUR (~1,300 GBP) for your own apartment.
Add in utilities, food, transport, and some leisure, and you’ll get a better sense of what works for you.
If you’re looking for English-speaking jobs in Barcelona, there are plenty of options beyond teaching. The city’s international job market is thriving, with opportunities in customer service, sales, marketing, IT, and tech startups. Companies like Amazon, HP, and Glovo, as well as many startups, regularly hire English speakers.
Check platforms like LinkedIn, InfoJobs, and JobFluent for openings.
Networking is also key; join industry events or expat meet-ups.
International job fairs, like Barcelona International Community Day, are another great way to connect with hiring companies.
You can manage without Spanish or Catalan in the beginning. Many locals, especially younger people and those in central or tourist-heavy areas, speak English. However, learning Spanish (or Catalan) will open more doors, help you navigate everyday life, and allow you to connect more with the local community.
To make settling in easier, we collected some services (not affiliated with or endorsed by InterNations) that cater to English speakers:
Turó Park Clinics — English-speaking doctors who offer a full range of examinations and medical services; same-day appointments and urgent care Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 20:00, and Saturdays from 09:00 to 14:00
The British Dental Clinic — Offering a comprehensive range of dental treatments and personalized care
BCN Advisors — Information and assistance on immigration matters to comply with immigration regulations
Balcells — Personalized tax advice whether you’re a company, a freelancer, or want to understand your tax obligations as a foreigner in Spain
DayInterpreting — Get connected to a native Spanish speaker on your phone and use the phones loudspeaker to have an instant interpreter with you
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Find friends to pursue your hobbies & passions with
Looking to keep up with your hobbies or try something new in Barcelona? Join one of our groups and connect with people who love the same things you do.
Whether it’s hiking, sightseeing, or foodie adventures, there’s something for everyone. Our Consuls organize regular activities, like dinners at amazing restaurants or outings to iconic spots like Park Güell. It’s a fun way to meet like-minded people and explore Barcelona at the same time.
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Enjoy the international experience with InterNations
We’re not just in Barcelona! InterNations has lively communities in 420 cities around the globe.
So if you’re thinking about relocating or are simply in the mood for a nice night out while traveling, InterNations is your go-to platform. As a member, you’re welcome to join events in any of our InterNations Communities.
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British expats in Spain
Other Nationalities in Barcelona
Spain Guide Topics
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