Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Marta

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

Barcelona is a great option for an Erasmus student. It is a combination of colours, sun, great gastronomy and party every night which is very difficut to find. Maybe it is a bit hard because of the people, there is a lot, but there are much more postive things than negative, so it is worth it.

What is the student lifestyle like in Barcelona?

The student lifestyle is the one wished by everybody here in Barcelona, there isn't much work to do at home, however when the exam's week gets closer, don't even think in going out because it is the hardest. However during the rest of the course it is summarized in beers and party.

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

Living in Barcelona isn't really cheap. Even though you can find flats around 250€, to be in good conditions the best option is to take one around 300-350€.

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

No, it isn't. A good option is a Facebook page called "de pis en pis Barcelona" in which people upload bedrooms or flats to rent.

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

Mediterranean food is the best food ever from my point of view. It is really healthy and delicious. We have plenty of salads, fishes... However I recommend to you to try the typical spanish dishes such as Potatoe omelett, "cocido"... Regarding the catalan food, the bread with tomatoe is one typical dish, which eaten with "fuet" becomes delicious. Here we are known for all the Michelin stars we have, and because a lot of our chefs have become known in the whole world, such as the brothers Roca or Ferran Adrià. This is only because of the Mediterranian food, that's why I strongly recommend it to you.

What places would you recommend visiting in Barcelona?

Obviously all the typical ones, such as Sagrada Família, Catalunya square, Rambla, PG. Of Gracia... However I recommend to go and take a walk around Gracia's neighbourhood during the afternoon, and have dinner in one of its typical and cute bars that it has, go and see the sun hiding (or for the ones who like the party, rising) in the Bunkers, where you can see the whole Barcelona, take a trip to Montjuïc with the telepheric, go running all along the beach, going to the Horta Labrinth... There are million of grat places to visit in Barcelona.

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

Obviously it is a good idea, you can find great things very cheap, such as a restaurant that its main dish are sandwiches called "Marc's". They have a wide variety and are fantastic. Another place is "100 montaditos", which is well-known because it is cheap and you can eat a huge varity of "tapas".

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

Eveeywhere. If you like reggeaton, Malalts de Festa, if you prefer more comercial, Razzmatazz (preferably on a wednesday, which is known for the Erasmus night). Apolo aa Monday or Tuesday, which is more inde and alternative music, Bikini, Salamandra, Oak, Pacha, Soho, Sutton... There is a wide variey, each of them with its characteristics. However, my recommendation is that try to enter through list, which means you can enter the disco by free. You only have to tape "listas Barcelona" in Google and all the discos will appear in which you can enter freely.

What advice would you give future students heading to Barcelona?

Buy the T-Jove. Becausw you have during three months, an unlimited number of trips with any transport around Barcelona. If you don't, it will be more ezlxpensive.