Find your accommodation in Barcelona
Daniela
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7 minutes reading time
Have you decided to move to Barcelona and you are looking for accommodation? Then this blog is exactly what you were looking for!
Are you going to work in Barcelona? That sounds phenomenal! Now all you have to do is find accommodation. This is exactly why we wrote this blog for you. To make your research as easy as possible, we have written a plan for you that you can follow step by step.
Step 1: What am I looking for?
Working in Barcelona is a fantastic experience and a great opportunity to grow. When you go through all the rental websites, it's useful to know exactly what you're looking for. The choice is huge! Do you prefer to live in a shared flat near the beach? Or would you rather have your own apartment in the heart of Barcelona? These are some of the questions you should ask yourself before you decide to live and work in Barcelona. Once you have a rough idea of what you would like, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: A Nice Neighbourhood
Barcelona is a very big city and it has a wide choice of neighbourhoods. It is important that you look them up to find out which one fits the most to your personality and your needs.
Assuming you are going to work in Barcelona, would you like to live in the same neighbourhood where your company is located? Does this neighbourhood actually suit you? You might find certain areas that are more interesting than the one close to your job, so our tip is to check which one you like the district you like the most, and where you think you will spend most of your time. Read our blog about our favourite hotspots in Barcelona and maybe you already find inspiration on where to find your accommodation!
Most people who start working in Barcelona look for an apartment in the old city center. and want to live in the neighbourhoods of Eixample and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. Eixample is known for its good location and beautiful apartments. Sarrià-Sant Gervasi differs from L'Eixample in that it offers a little more luxury. Are you looking for a neighbourhood that is less touristy but not as expensive? Then you will feel good after your working days in the following neighbourhoods: La Vila de Gràcia, El Poble-Sec, El Poblenou of Sant Antoni.
🏡 Gracia
Gracia is conveniently located in the north of the city, at the top of Passeig de Gràcia and borders the popular district of Eixample. It’s easy to travel to the rest of the city by public transport. On foot, it’s about a 30-minute walk to the Gothic Quarter. Despite its proximity to tourist hotspots, the neighbourhood retains a local village feel that is perfect for all! Big chains are rare in Gracia; it’s all about local independent businesses including stylish boutiques, organic grocers, and cosy bookstores.
There are lot's of fun things to do in this neighborhood. Such as explore one of the many art museums and Cine Verdi which screens a wide variety of movies in their original languages. For a cinema the snacks are cheap, so you can scoff away at a popcorn without putting a hole in your wallet. Unfortunately not everything is positive in Gràcia neighborhood: rents are quite expensive (and it looks like they keep getting higher).
🏙️ Poblenou
Poblenou, formerly named “Manchester of Catalonia”, is a former industrial district that has experienced an intense transformation. The development of new areas and renovation of old factories and warehouses into new office buildings, lofts and art galleries, has turned it into an extremely dynamic place. You're close to some of Barcelona’s best beaches, the wide open spaces, green parks, lack of tourists, and being able to lead a very ‘tranquilo’ lifestyle while still being super close to the city centre.
As well as soaking up some sun, you can book yourself in at La Base Náutica: the city’s water-sports school has something to do all year round. Get moving with a paddleboard class, and you’ll never go back to pilates! Get to the Disseny Hub, a hub of ‘coolture’ bringing together the city’s Design Museum, the FAD design centre, and an excellent library. When it comes to the cost of living, Poblenou offers a lot more value for your money, and that's always a good thing!
🌆 Sarria - Sant Gervasi
Are you looking for an elegant neighborhood with gardens and parks? Then, you should definitely consider finding a place to live in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district. This area is known for its pleasant and secure atmosphere, and, furthermore, you can easily reach the heart of Barcelona using public transportation!
It is renowed as the most expensive neighborhood in Barcelona and you get what you pay for - the area is filled with green parks, shopping areas, interesting sights, and narrow and quiet streets. This neighborhood has a distinct small-town feeling, making it very special. It has a wide array of high end shopping, bars, restaurants and nightlife. As well as a little more green space than most neighborhoods.
🌳 El Born
The El Born neighborhood, sometimes spelled Borne or El Borne, stands out as the trendiest neighborhood in Barcelona. It boasts numerous restaurants, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife. While preserving its medieval heritage, the area is also home to notable sites like the Picasso Museum, the Palau de la Musica, and the church of Santa Maria del Mar.
You'll find that there's higher costs for nearly everything in this neighborhood, and housing expenses are on the higher side. Yet, El Born exudes an almost magical atmosphere. It's an unconventional and stylish Barcelona neighborhood that showcases some of the city's finest art galleries, unique boutique shops, and outstanding bars, clubs, and tapas.
🏘️ Eixample
L’Eixample is the biggest of all Barcelona neighborhoods. It is a middle to upper-middle class quarter, flaunting many of Barcelona’s architectural highlights. It is also home to Barcelona’s stylish and luxurious shops such as Gucci and Tiffany’s, located on Passeig de Gracia (the Barcelona equivalent of 5th Avenue in NY), and some of the more luxury hotels in Barcelona such as the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
Given its large size, there is a high supply of apartments. This creates favourable conditions for tenants as prices are often more negotiable in comparison to other neighborhoods
Step 3: Where can I find apartments?
Barcelona, thanks to its vibrant city life, affordable living conditions, and pleasant climate, is a popular city for living and working abroad. The cost of living in Barcelona depends on the location you choose. The average costs range from 450 EUR to 900 EUR, depending on whether or not you share accommodation. In the heart of Barcelona, you often pay significantly more for smaller spaces than in the charming suburbs of the city. In total, Barcelona is divided into 10 'districtes' with 73 neighborhoods. The more affordable districts include Sant Martí, Sants-Montjuïc, Nou Barris, and Sant Andreu. On this page, you can find discounts for accommodations through us! Don't forget that you need a NIE number to live and work in Spain. Reliable websites with a wide range of accommodations in Barcelona are:
Prices for daily groceries, restaurants, phone services, internet, and public transportation are generally low. A subscription to public transportation is a must if you plan to live in Barcelona. The city boasts an excellent network of metros, buses, trains, and trams, which is perfect if you reside a bit further from the city center. If you prefer an active means of transport, the city has also invested significantly in its cycling infrastructure in recent years. For just 50 EUR per year, you can rent a bicycle through Bicing, what a great way to get some exercise around the city!
Step 4: You found something!
After long hours of research, you finally have found something you are interested in. That is perfect! However, do not get too excited and sign anything yet. At least not if you haven't seen the house.
Tip: Make an appointment with a potential landlord before you choose to rent in Barcelona. Book a hotel or hostel and see all the potential apartments in person. Once you've found what you're looking for, you can finally enjoy your new home and start indulging yourself in the Spanish lifestyle!
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