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 just one of the best cities to live in! It's so multicultural that you'll see people from all over the world with different styles and you will hear so many different languages in the streets. The only thing I don't like much about the city is that there aren't green spaces apart from Montjuic's mountain and Parc Güell. However, it's a big city full of entertainment and with thousands of possible plans every day of the week, you are never bored there! I would totally recommend living there specially to young people, it's a city where it's really easy to meet people and of course the locals, Spanish people, we are known for being very friendly and open-minded.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Barcelona?

I've been living in Barcelona while studying my degree for 4 years and, as I said before, I never got bored in the city! Students have a lot of freedom, good prices for food at universities and discounts at so many places. Your only concern when you are a student is to know at which club will you go that night haha

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

Spain is one of the cheap countries in Europe so prices are not high. You can have a good menu with all included for lunch for €7 and there are really cheap supermarkets to buy food at (Consum, Mercadona, etc). The thing I find more expensive in the public transport, so if you can buy a cheap bike that is a good option used by a lot of people.

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

Well I have my family there so I've never looked for accommodation, but for what I've heard from some friends of mine (specially friends that came from other countries) the cheapest and best place to live in is the city center! There is much more offer of accommodation there, it's cheaper cause it's the old town and people can get easily to everywhere cause there are a lot of facilities with the public transport (buses, metro, train). So I would avoid the outside zones.

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

Honestly, I've lived in 3 countries and visited more than 15 and I can say with confidence that Spain is one of the best places to eat! Our Mediterranean diet is just the best to me. Personally I think that there's nothing better than paella, tapas and potatoes omelette :) and, of course, some wine or sangria to drink. But the good thing in Barcelona is that the offer and variety of food is HUGE, you will find restaurants with food from all over and even street markets like La Boqueria (which I love) that sell first quality food from loads of countries.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Barcelona?

If you go to Barcelona you certainly can't miss the basics: Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, Las Ramblas, the center with the cathedral, Montjuic, Arc de Triomf the Port and Parc de la Ciutadella.

And depending on your hobbies or what you like, you can visit Camp Nou, go shopping through Passeig de Gracia (where there are hundreds of shops) or watch the sunset in Los Bunkers, where there is an amazing view of all the city.

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

Sure, as I said there are many types of restaurants here and you don't need to spend a lot of money. Actually, I've never spent more than €10 eating out. The center is full of bars and restaurants, I especially like 100 Montaditos (which is a place with a huge variety of tapas for €1 each of them) and Piscolabis.

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

Absolutely yes. Nightlife is one of the things I like most of the city. As I said there are people with so many different styles in Barcelona and fortunately the city has so many different possibilities when going out. There are clubs with comercial music, house, reggaeton, reggae, electronic music... just all kinds of music and pubs. I can't recommend any because it really depends on what you like but whatever it is you will find it here. For girls, it's free almost everywhere until 2. 30-3AM; )

What advice would you give future students heading to Barcelona?

You will have the time of your life in this city, just be open to meet new people and make cool plans cause Barcelona has A LOT to offer and it's a place that you like from the very first moment and you fall in love with. So don't be afraid and enjoy your experience here from the beginning because you won't want to leave.