Moving to Barcelona? When I first landed in Barcelona I didn’t know where to start. It’s easy to visit as a tourist, but when I arrived in Barcelona with all my bags for a more permanent stay, I quickly realized I didn’t have it all figured out. Check out our guide to living in Barcelona – from public transport to English-speaking churches and American groceries; I want to help get you settled in Barcelona and feeling like a local in no time (even without speaking Spanish)!
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Navigating Public Transportation in Barcelona
If you are just here for a few days, then the Hola Barcelona Card is right for you. However, if you are living in Barcelona, then the best transportation card is the T Usual card that is good for unlimited use on the bus, metro, tram and more for 30 days. I buy a monthly card for zone 1 only (because that is all I need to get around downtown Barcelona) but if you are going to frequent areas outside the city, you can buy a card for multiple zones. I know there are options to get this card on the TMB mobile app, but I have seen many expats have issues with it due to foreign phones, etc. I would strongly advise against purchasing your ticket on the app. You can buy a paper monthly card at any metro stop and top up each month. The system will ask for your DNI number, but you can use your passport number (just the first 8 digits). Starting at €22/month, the T Usual card is the cheapest way to use public transportation in Barcelona.
Also, if you are planning to take day trips to Montserrat, Sitges and wine country, Renfe and Rodalies (the distance trains throughout Spain) are offering two different 4-month passes for as little as €10 (which is the cost of one return trip on the train). You can purchase theses passes at the train stations and they are good for regional or medium distances. If you complete 16 journeys in the time frame, you actually get refunded the fee, making these passes FREE. For all the details on both the regional and medium distance options, check out this post from Barcelona Lowdown. The discounts are good through 2025 with 3 different blocks (January to April 30, May to August 31 and September to December 31). I wish I knew about this amazing deal when I first arrived... could have saved some major euros!
Schedule of Life in Spain
If you are a recent transplant to Spain, then their local customs for dining hours and siesta may shock you. While some gyms offer workout classes as early as 7 am, most people don’t have breakfast until 11 am. Schools start between 8 and 9 am, yet rush hour continues until 10 am, as many professionals trickle into work until then. Remember, the lunch hour is usually from 2 to 4 pm, with many local restaurants not even opening until 1 pm. It’s not uncommon for restaurants to close from 4 pm to 7 or 8 pm, so if you are looking for an “American” dinner hour of 5 to 6 pm, you will need to stay in the tourist neighborhoods. Locals typically have a coffee and pastry with their friends after work around 6 pm before heading home for dinner between 8-10 pm. Luckily, Barcelona caters to many expats and it’s possible to find restaurants open for lunch by noon and many offering earlier seating at 7 pm for dinner. Just remember to check Google before you go!
Pro Tip: For us Americans not familiar, many of Barcelona's restaurants offer reservations on Fork, often with discounts on the menu. Download the app and be sure to check for your foodie pick before going!
Looking for a nail salon in Barcelona?
I’m sure walking through the city center you have stumbled upon 174 different nail salons. If you are looking for quality on a budget, find a Hello Nails for a semi-permanent (gel) manicure for €13. You can download their app to see all the locations around the city and schedule an appointment in advance.
Need a budget friendly hair appointment in Barcelona?
If you left America hoping to leave behind the $300+ balayage and cut appointments, think again. Most salons in Barcelona that cater to expats are now charging American prices, with balayage for €200 and up. But fear not! Check out the Barcelona Hair Academy and make an appointment with a student for €45 for balayage and €8 for a haircut. Talk about a great deal! They are watched closely by their professors, who will step in if you don’t get exactly what you want.
Looking for an English-speaking church in Barcelona?
As a Christian, when traveling I’m always trying to find an English-speaking church. Barcelona has a wonderful church – the International Church of Barcelona that offers multiple services on Sunday, children’s programs and community groups throughout the week. It’s a great way to have community when traveling and worship when abroad.
Need to visit a local library?
There are many different public libraries around the city, but I like Biblioteca Esquerra de l’Eixample the best. You can ask the help desk for the Wi-Fi password and even print if needed. Remember, this is Spain, so they close from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm for lunch. 😊 Open at 9:30 am and stays open until 8:30 pm most evenings. They are closed on Sundays. Some libraries are only for university students, so if you are looking on Google Maps be sure to search for public library.
Miss American groceries in Barcelona?
Visit Taste of America for all the foods you miss. From Tex Mex canned beans to American baking goods and BBQ sauces, this grocery store offers American favorites. There are a couple of locations around the city (Eixample and one on Balmes). While small, and definitely more expensive than local grocery stores, they are a nice spot when you are feeling really homesick. Especially when you miss real peanut butter. Please, Barcelona, what is up with your peanut butter here? It’s not right.
Want to browse an English bookstore?
On Saturday afternoons after my morning spin class, I love to grab a cup a coffee and peruse a local bookstore—except in Barcelona, most bookstores have limited (if any) English books. But I have found two different English bookstores for all the expats in the area. Enter Come In Bookshop on Balmes or Backstory English Bookshop on Mallorca. Come In corner bookstore offers everything from children’s books to the latest NY Times’ bestsellers. They have interactive games and travel books as well. Backstory has a lovely seating area downstairs with used books for you to stay and read. Both staffs speak English, so drop by and get your English fix. 😊
Pro Tip: Backstory English Bookshop also offers monthly book clubs for almost any type of reader. Head to their website to RSVP and find the next book club pick!
Banking in Barcelona
Backed by renowned Charles Schwab, this checking account is my absolute favorite account for international use. They offer zero foreign transaction fees and reimbursement of ATM fees worldwide. With no minimum balance requirements and a competitive interest rate, this is my top pick! However, if you have to set up a bank account in Spain, Banco Sabadell offers services for expats, including English-speaking staff and online banking options. There are European bank options like Deutsche Bank as well if you are looking for an option easily used throughout the Schengen zone.
Gyms and Fitness Centers
Barcelona offers a wide range of fitness centers from upscale ones like Metropolitan Club to more budget-friendly chains like Basic Fit. If you are interested in more fitness classes, check out our post on the best ones in Barcelona – from American favorites like Orange Theory to local spin studios.
Pro Tip: Join Class Pass in Barcelona if you want to check out different studios. It's much cheaper than the drop-in rate at most gyms and with my referral link you can enjoy bonus credits (up to 3 extra classes) for free!
Furnishing Your Apartment in Barcelona
Some Barcelona apartment rentals come fully furnished, but if you are looking for your own furnishings, there are many choices. The first, and obvious one for many expats, is IKEA. There are several locations, from the small, quick stop on Diagonal to the multistory location at Gran Via L’Hospitalet. If you are not familiar with IKEA, you can find budget-friendly DIY furniture, modular sofas, kitchen wares and more.
If you are looking for something a little different, head to Maisons du Monde. They offer beautiful furniture and home décor, including candles, blankets and decorative cushions. Looking for quality linens? Visit La Mallorquina for quilts and bedding. They also offer towels, table clothes and other home linens.
Would you rather look for a diamond in the rough? Explore Encants, Barcelona’s largest flea market. With over 500 sellers, Encants requires some digging to find your treasure. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm. Bring cash and strong bargaining skills.
You may also want some live plants in your apartment for a little green in this big city. While there are small plant shops on almost every corner, if you are looking for a larger range of options, shop at Mercat de la Concepció. Along the outside bordering Valencia Street, a large garden center offers everything from Birds of Paradise to Lemon Trees at reasonable prices. The flowers and plants on offer here are almost endless, even though you are in the city center.
Visa Questions
If you are trying to navigate the digital nomad, student or highly skilled professional visas alone, head to the Welcome Barcelona office near Glories for some help. You can request an appointment online. They offer information for visas, NIE and TIE queries and more. This center is designed to help expat entrepreneurs, students and investors moving to Barcelona. They also provide practical information on tax issues, healthcare and even library cards!
As a new resident to Barcelona, there are many questions for expats, but settling into this exciting city is not impossible. I hope our guide to the basic living necessities in Barcelona helps get you settled. Don’t waste time trying to find a new salon or gym with our guide to make moving to Barcelona easier. Bienvenidos a España!
Also, once you get settled, don't forget to take advantage of the free museum days in Barcelona. Learn more at our post here.
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