If you decide to move to Barcelona you’ll take one of the best decisions in your life. Wanna know why?

Moving to Barcelona has its pros and cons, as any decision in life. First the bad news: rental prices, night noise, water taste, tourist traps … However, good news are a never ending list of reasons why falling in love with this city and never come back. These are…

1. Mediterranean weather

Winters are not that cold, neither this is hell in Summer. Temperatures are generally mild and there are much more sunny days than rainy ones. Nevertheless, heat can become your worst enemy.

2. Perfect to terrace around

As temperatures are not extreme the city is full of terraces. Nothing better than some bravas accompanied by a rich vermouth…

3. A city full of plazas

…that’s why there is always a plaza to sit down and have something to eat or just take a break from the frenetic pace of the central areas.

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Plaça Reial view at Les Rambles, in Barcelona

 

4. Gaudi’s track

La Pedrera, Park Güell, Casa Batlló and Sagrada Familia are amazing but the architect left his mark throughout Barcelona. For example, Plaça Reial’s street lights, Palau Güell at  carrer Nou of La Rambla, or the Crypt of Colònia Güell.

5. Modernism, Modernism everywhere

Not only because of Gaudí, but because this architectural movement hit hard at the end of the XIX century. If you walk through Ciutat Vella or the Ensanche you will not stop to stumble upon impressive houses and stately palaces such as the House of the Umbrellas in La Rambla, Casa Comalat or the incredible Palau de la Música Catalana.

6. Street Art

It turns out that Barcelona is also a speaker of emerging artists. That’s why the city is full of graffiti and murals, especially in Raval and Gràcia neighbourhoods.

palau de la música.
Palau de la Musica Catalana is an unkown Modernist spot.
7. It makes you think

This art is used, among other purposes, to make you think about life and social injustices. Barcelona is a rebel city with a non-conformist personality. That’s why it has been and is so admired by intellectuals, writers and artists over the centuries.

8. A city to get lost

If you’re a walker, this is your place. Turn out Google Maps and let your instinct discover Barcelona’s hidden spots. They won’t disappoint you.

9. History

Legacies such as Castell de Montjuïc, La Rambla or Ciutat Vella (translated as old city) district  are perfect landscapes to recreate the most important historical events that have shaked Barcelona.

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Barcelona at a dron view
10. Mediterranean sea

So relaxing, so beautiful. One of the first things you’ll learn living in Barcelona is that you’d rather avoid Barceloneta. Just take the Rodalies train to discover Maresme beaches or make a getaway to Begur, Tossa de Mar or Calella de Palafrugell.

11. The mountain

If you’re more intro countryside, there is the mountain, which is very close to the city center by the way. A walk through Montjuïc mountain and you’ll forget you are still in Barcelona. Sierra de Collserola also has interesting routes and multi-adventure experiences and, if you have several days off, there is Camí de Ronda (which starts in Girona).

12. Gastronomy

Unless tourist traps, every restaurant has its charm. Catalan cuisine is wide and delicious but if that’s not enough, you have Japanese, Italian or Mexican restaurants that will make you travel without leaving the chair.

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This walk is at the end of Les Rambles in Barcelona

 

13. Calçotadas

And panellets, butifarra with mongetes, escalivada, coca of Sant Joan, mar i muntanya, romesco sauce, escudella …

14. Barcelona has many personalities

Each of them is a neighborhood with its own parties: Gràcia, Sants, Barceloneta, Poble Sec … Each of them a sample of the interesting popular culture of Catalonia: castellers, devils, trabucaires, correfocs … You have not lived anything like this before.

15. Unique celebrations

Speaking of parties, when you live Sant Jordi or La Mercè you will begin to realize why you do not want to return from where you left. Although there is no need for anything special to happen, in Barcelona there is always something to do.

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Popular “Fiestas de Gràcia” in Barcelona.

 

16. Culture is just around the corner

In museums like MACBA or CCCB, cultural centres, live music clubs, theater shows, impros, La Rambla flower parades…

17. Music festivals

According to Institut Català de les Empreses Culturals, 338 musicals festivals were celebrated in Catalonia last year. The best known in Barcelona are Sónar and Primavera Sound, but there is also Rock Fest, Esperanza!, Barcelona Beach Festival, Canet Rock, Cruïlla …

18. Mercats

Who needs a supermarket where there you can go to the market like the old times? La Boqueria is undoubtedly the most popular ones but fresh product hunters also o to Sant Antoni, El Ninot or Santa Caterina.

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Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona

 

19. Subway is open all Saturday nights

And you don’t have to wait that much.

20. Overall, Barcelona is much more

Much more than tourist guides, the Olympics or what is shown in movies like Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Much more than the above mentioned. The city is waiting for you. Do you accept the call?

getaways near barcelona.
Gaudi’s crypt in Colonia Güell, a World Heritage Site.