Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Inês

What is it like to live in Barcelona? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities I know. The people are very kind and if you don't speak spanish they will normally speak english or do their best to understand you.

Needless to say that Barcelona is a big city but it's so well organized that you actually enjoy being outside! Just be careful with all your belongings while you're in the subway or going for a walk because you might be pickpocket and you don't even notice. However, I've been here for a little more than 3 years and I've never been robbed, just be careful and everything will be fine!

Moreover, the weather is nice, aside from summer that it's incredibly hot and with some cockroaches, but don't worry! The beach in Barceloneta or Badalona (I personally prefer the 2nd one) will solve all your problems.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Barcelona?

As I've seen so far in Barcelona students are very welcoming and they won't think twice when you ask for help.

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

It depends on how you consider Barcelona as an expensive city.

A good room with exterior window in a nice neighborhood is around 300€ all included (interior room around 270€), don't let yourselves be fooled.

Plus 200€ for food and all.

Aside from accomodation everything else is quite affordable.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Barcelona? Is there any advice you can give?

I would say no, it's not difficult. However, I would suggest looking for it in advance. The end of semesters are the best period to search because it's the time when Erasmus as well as other students leave the university or search for other options. For example, if you want a room for September start searching around May/June. But bare in mind that some of your possible future roommates may change their mind some days or weeks before you arrive so make sure they really want to rent you the room (it happened to me twice on the same year so... ).

Regarding places to live, and this is important because there are places that may be dangerous at night (sometimes that's why they‘re cheaper):

• Sagrada familia, I've lived there for the first two years in different appartments and I've never had a problem!
• La Sagrera or Congres, very safe and nice indeed!
• And Tetuan and Monumental area are nice as well.

Just try to avoid Raval and Barceloneta small streets at night.

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What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The mediterranian food is very good. Try some traditional dishes, appetisers and sweets. Calçots (mainly during February), allioli with toasted bread (all year! ), Orxata (Originaly from Valencia but you can also try it in Barcelona - better during Summer though),...

What places would you recommend visiting in Barcelona?

Well, aside from all the touristic places for which I would strongly recommend to get on a "hop on hop off" bus.

Spending an afternoon in the "Laberynth Park" would be a nice and fun idea or having a tea in "Pudding Bar" or check the "Bosc de les Fades" decoration. If you love books and/or comic books or games then take a walk around "Arc de Friomf". It's considered the "nerd" area, no need to say more, right? Also the "Sant Antoni Market" on Sunday mornings is the best!

Is it good to eat out in Barcelona? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Absolutely! And besides, Barcelona is very international but the problem is that there are too many options sometimes!

Well, if you're feeling like eating traditional and mediterranian food you have "El Glop" with a 10€ lunch menu from monday to friday or "Pipa Cinco" from Barceloneta. Both are delicious and with a very nice catalan athmosphere. Also "Born Voraz" with their delicious dishes. Try it, you'll hear yourself asking for more!

"La Esquinica" is a "tapas" restaurant that is worth it by their big portions of food (compared to the tapas in some touristic restaurants). Arrive early and you'll see you'll like it!

Good japanese restaurants for me would be "ogura" in a all-you-can-eat way. However, before order again, you must finish what you have ordered first, if you think about it, it really makes sense. How many restaurants have you seen wasting food?

Another japanese restaurant, although a little more expensive, is "Kibuka" in Goya street. They don't accept reservations so arrive early!

"Restaurante Rodizio Grill" is a very good choice for a brazilian taste. "Nata Lisboa" if you want a portuguese atmosphere.

If you feel like eating Italian food go to any Tagliatella restaurant (there are plenty in this City).

If you want a more american restaurant maybe you'd like Foster's Hollywood.

Is the nightlife good in Barcelona? Where is good to go?

Yes it is. Barcelona is a city that never sleeps and there's always something different happening. Near the beach in Barceloneta there are many discos and bars but be careful, some of them require more "fancy" clothes. You can easily find bars at the end of the Ramblas. "Appolo" is nice if you like 70s music until today (this is only on thursdays though). "Otto Zuts" for those who enjoy hip-hop. If you want live music in a pub then go to "The Michael Collins Irish Pub". If you like beer then take a look at "Oveja Negra" in Marina.

Or if you just want a relaxing night with friends or better yet partner then don't hesitate to go to "Alsur Cafe" next to the Palau de la Musica.

What advice would you give future students heading to Barcelona?

Walk and get lost - but with google maps around- in the streets of Barcelona. There's always something new waiting for you to discover, even the people who are from here don't know everything that there is to know. Just keep a close eye on your wallet and have fun. Usually students are quite approachable and love hanging out so you'll soon realize how awesome Barcelona is as a place to study, live and have fun. And who knows, maybe after a while you'll start speaking the amazing catalan language!