If you're a digital nomad looking for a vibrant cultural scene, stunning architecture, and almost year-round sunshine, Barcelona is the place for you.
In the Catalan capital, you can enjoy sun, sea, and sand, but also an eclectic and exciting city atmosphere. There are endless things to do, places to visit, and foods to try, which attract millions of visitors from all over the world to Barcelona every year.
If you're thinking of making Barcelona your temporary home on your nomadic journey, we've got you covered. In this guide you'll find the information you need to know before planning your trip.
Is it safe to travel to Barcelona?
About 80% of the Catalan population is fully vaccinated against COVID -19. At the time of writing, it's safe to visit Barcelona.
In 2021, The Economist ranked the city 11th in the world for safety. Still, petty crime is an issue so watch your stuff and don't walk through unsafe neighborhoods.
What's the weather like?
The weather is one of the undisputed highlights of Barcelona. As in much of Spain, the city enjoys sunny weather almost all year-round. Temperatures rise into the 30s in summer and drop to lows of about 12°C in winter. The best time to visit is from May to early August.
Does Spain have a digital nomad visa?
Spain plans to launch a new visa that will allow foreigners to live in the country while working remotely for companies abroad without needing a full work visa.
This is one of the provisions of the Startup Act recently introduced in the Spanish Parliament, which hasn't yet been passed at the time of writing.
Currently, there are self-employment and entrepreneurship visas that digital nomads from non-visa-exempt countries can apply for.
How fast is the Internet in Barcelona?
The average broadband speed in Barcelona is 93.93 Mbps, which is higher than the Spanish average of 86.28 Mbps. Fast Wi-Fi is available throughout the city.
Where can I meet other digital nomads?
Thanks to its thriving expat and nomad community, Barcelona offers numerous opportunities to meet and network with other location-independent professionals who enjoy work and leisure alike.
Facebook groups such as Digital Nomads Spain, Barcelona Digital Nomads, and Barcelona Entrepreneurs & Digital Nomads are a good place to start. Each group hosts regular work-related events and social gatherings where you can make new contacts and friends.
The Meetup app is also a great platform that gives you an overview of interesting events and activities in Barcelona every week.
If you're a techie, you can plan your trip to attend annual tech summits like MWC Barcelona.
Where can I work?
Co-working spaces and coffee shops are great places to work in Barcelona while enjoying a relaxing pace of life. Here are some of the best you can experience:
- OneCoWork
- La Vaca Coworking
- Coworkidea
- Coco Coffice
- Nomad Coffee Shop & Lab
- Federal Cafe Gotico
What are the best places to live?
Living centrally in Barcelona can be expensive, but the good news for digital nomads who don't want to spend a lot of money on rent is that the city is well connected to many of the surrounding towns.
From there, you can easily take the train to the city center every day. These areas are popular with international remote workers:
- Gracia
- Eixample
- Poblenou
- The Gothic Quarter
What's the 22@Barcelona district?
The 22@Barcelona district is considered the Catalan version of Silicon Valley. It's a technology and innovation center created as part of the largest urban renewal initiatives in Europe.
The neighborhood has added to Barcelona's charm for expats and digital nomads.
How can I find accommodation?
Many digital nomads use Facebook groups and online platforms for short- or mid-term rentals to find accommodation. Barcelona is one of the many markets in Europe where Flatio operates. You can find and book a quality, furnished apartment for your stay in just a few minutes.
Is it expensive to live in Barcelona?
Rental prices in Barcelona have risen in recent years, but the city is still more affordable than many major cities in other parts of the continent. If you use cost-saving techniques, you can stay within your budget.
According to Numbeo, an online database of user-contributed data on cities around the world, the average monthly cost for a single person in Barcelona is €701.33, excluding rent. You can find a breakdown of prices here.
How good is the public transportation in Barcelona?
Barcelona has a modern, well-developed public transportation network that will get you anywhere in the city quickly.
The metro, bus, and tram run late into the night. There are other modes of transportation, including taxis, local trains, sightseeing buses, and night buses.
You can also get around on foot to enjoy more of what Barcelona has to offer. Cycling is another cheap and easy way to explore the city.
What's the nightlife like in Barcelona?
Barcelona has a unique and exciting nightlife, and its cool bars will make sure you make the most of your freedom as a digital nomad. Here are some bars you can't miss:
- Dr. Stravinsky
- Negroni Cocktail Bar
- Boadas
- Solange Cocktails & Luxury Spirits
- Ocaña
What are the must-see places?
No guide to Barcelona would be complete without mentioning the city's famous and historic sites. Here are some popular places to visit after soaking up the sun on Barcelona's beaches:
- Sagrada Familia
- Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
- El Raval
- Park Güell
The bottom line
With an efficient transportation system, pleasant weather, a growing community of international remote workers, and a relatively low cost of living compared to other major European cities, Barcelona can easily become your favorite place in Europe. There's much to say and love about this city, and it'll surely keep you coming back.
