Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Steffen

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

Barcelona is fantastic because you have everything! Beach - sun - nature - culture - museums - party - history - interesting people you name it. Its the best International big city in Europe as far as Im concerned. What is also great is that you have a high quality of life and its not attached with a big pricetag. You can live very well with not that much money.

What is the student lifestyle like in Barcelona?

Being a student in Barcelona must be amazing. With all the possibilities the city and the areas around can offer I would say that this must be THE place to study. Maybe that the studies would have to suffer a bit for the lifestyle. However I also believe that the dedicated student also has the ability to stay focused and also enjoy time off.

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

All is relative and depending what your comparing with. However all of Spain has a high quality of life and you can live well on little money. As everywhere in Spain you have to know your way around and you need to invest time to get to know your way. Things are not as straight forwards as in other places. However after your investment you do get a return on the time spent. I think that in order to live reasonably you need to watch the Spanish and see where you can also save..

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

Im not going to say that finding a place in a new city is easy because you always compare with where you come from. In Barcelona you can find all kinds of places to live on all kinds of budgets. Unfortunately there is many people that also take advantage students so be vise and think about what you would ask where you come from. Legally the laws are different on the rental market if you compare with other european countries. If you are not sure ask your way around and also remember that you could ask for help in Town Hall if you have any doubts..

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

I remember the fist time I did come to Barcelona and the food was terrible. Now things have really changed! You can find EVERYTHING! Remember to adapt the Spanish way of eating and you will find that you also eat very well and not spend a lot of money. Personally I eat out way too much as this is just as cheap as cooking at home. I tend to try new places instead of going to the same place over and over. Once you have been here some time you find yourself and your cravings..

What places would you recommend visiting in Barcelona?

When you come try to get lost in the old town... Not just Gotic! Take a bike ride on the beach. Look at the amazing modernist architecture, and have food in Poble Sec. Explore the barrios in Poble Nou. Every barrio have its own character and this is what I do like of the city. All the monuments you can anyway see on the Tourist Bus!

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

What ever your heart desire you can find.. I have to many favorite spots to tell you about. However Im not sure you will like them. Thats why you have to come and find out. My spots also depends on how much Im willing to spend or how much I have left in my account that day..

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

Night life is great in Barcelona. You find big clubs and small bars and all in between. Most styles of music however house and electronic tend to be the major thing. During summer you have amazing festivals and major concerts. You need to adventure into places that you only hear by word of mouth and you will see amazing performances..

What advice would you give future students heading to Barcelona?

Find the barrio that suits your personality and that have the things you like. Be careful and streetwise! Great advise you also can get from the older woman that is cleaning the windows of a house. Be polite and people will help you as much as possible and 99% of the time with good intentions. Did I say be streetwise! :D