Our full guide on Digital Nomads in Barcelona and everything you should know.
Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads due to its vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, fantastic weather, and excellent work-life balance. Here’s an extensive guide covering everything you need to know as a digital nomad in Barcelona.
Read here 4 Days Barcelona Itinerary and Sim Card Barcelona Airport
Practical Tips For Digital Nomads In Barcelona
Banking
Tip: Open a local bank account with banks like CaixaBank or BBVA. Consider online banks like N26 and Revolut for ease of use and lower fees.
Healthcare
Tip: Register for public healthcare if you’re eligible. For private healthcare, companies like Sanitas and Adeslas offer comprehensive plans.
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SIM Cards and Mobile Plans
Tip: Providers like Vodafone, Orange, and Movistar offer prepaid and contract plans with good coverage and data options.
Landing at Barcelona El Prat Airport and wondering if you can buy a sim card at Barcelona Airport? Yes, there are kiosks and vendors with Orange and MasMovil are the leading SIM card providers in Barcelona and Spain.
Emergency Numbers
Tip: Keep emergency numbers handy: 112 for general emergencies, 061 for health emergencies, and 091 for police.
Digital Nomads in Barcelona
Visa and Legal Requirements
Schengen Visa
Tip: For stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period, a Schengen visa is sufficient for many nationalities. Check if your country is eligible for visa-free entry.
Digital Nomad Visa
Tip: Spain is developing a digital nomad visa, which may be available soon. Keep an eye on updates and requirements for this visa, which will allow longer stays.
Non-Lucrative Visa
Tip: For longer stays, consider the Non-Lucrative Visa, which allows you to live in Spain without working for a Spanish company. Proof of financial means is required.
Accommodation
Short-Term Rentals
Tip: Use platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com for short-term stays. Ensure the property is registered and compliant with local rental laws.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Mid to Long-Term Rentals
Tip: Websites like Idealista, Fotocasa, and Spotahome offer mid to long-term rental options. Consider using a local rental agent for assistance.
Coliving Spaces
Tip: Explore coliving spaces like Sun and Co, Outsite, and Urban Campus, which offer a community of like-minded individuals and flexible rental terms.
Neighborhoods
Tip: Popular neighborhoods for digital nomads include Eixample, Gràcia, El Born, and Poblenou. Each offers a unique vibe and varying levels of accessibility to coworking spaces and amenities.
Coworking Spaces
Top Coworking Spaces
Betahaus: Located in Gràcia, offers a creative environment with various membership options.
Aticco: Multiple locations with vibrant communities and excellent amenities.
Impact Hub: Focuses on social impact projects and provides a collaborative workspace.
OneCoWork: Stylish spaces in prime locations like Marina Port Vell and Placa Catalunya.
Free Wi-Fi Spots
Tip: Cafes like Federal Cafe, Alsur Cafe, and Satan’s Coffee Corner offer free Wi-Fi. Libraries and public spaces also provide free internet access.
Cost of Living in Barcelona
Accommodation Costs
Tip: Expect to pay €800-€1500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the neighborhood and amenities.
Food and Dining
Tip: Groceries cost around €200-€300 per month. Dining out at mid-range restaurants costs about €10-€20 per meal.
Transportation
Tip: A monthly public transport pass costs around €40. Barcelona is also bike-friendly, and services like Bicing offer affordable rental options.
Utilities and Internet
Tip: Expect to pay around €100-€150 monthly for utilities. High-speed internet costs approximately €30-€50 per month.
Networking and Community
Meetup Groups
Tip: Join Meetup.com groups like “Barcelona Digital Nomads” and “Startup Grind” for networking opportunities and social events.
Facebook Groups
Tip: Engage with communities such as “Digital Nomads Barcelona” and “Expats in Barcelona” for advice, events, and meetups.
Events and Conferences
Tip: Attend tech and startup events like the Mobile World Congress, 4YFN (Four Years From Now), and local hackathons to network and learn.
Language and Communication
Learning Spanish/Catalan
Tip: While many people speak English, learning basic Spanish or Catalan enhances your experience. Language schools like Speakeasy and BCN Languages offer courses.
Language Exchange Programs
Tip: Participate in language exchange meetups like “Language Exchange Barcelona” to practice and improve your language skills.
Work-Life Balance
Exploring the City
Tip: Visit iconic sites like Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló. Stroll through the Gothic Quarter and El Born for a mix of history and culture.
Beaches and Outdoors
Tip: Enjoy the beaches like Barceloneta and Bogatell. Explore Montjuïc and Collserola for hiking and outdoor activities.
Fitness and Wellness
Tip: Join gyms like Metropolitan and DIR. Try yoga studios like Yogaia and Hot Yoga Barcelona. The city’s many parks offer great spaces for running and outdoor workouts.
Local Cuisine and Markets
Tapas and Traditional Dishes
Tip: Try local favorites like patatas bravas, pan con tomate, and paella. Restaurants like El Xampanyet and Quimet & Quimet are popular spots.
Markets
Tip: Visit Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria and Mercat de Sant Antoni for fresh produce, local delicacies, and vibrant atmospheres.
Cultural Etiquette
Siesta Time
Tip: Many shops and businesses close from 2 PM to 5 PM for siesta. Plan your day accordingly.
Dining Hours
Tip: Lunch is typically from 1 PM to 3 PM, and dinner starts around 8 PM. Restaurants often open later than you might be used to.
Public Behavior
Tip: Loud behavior in public spaces is frowned upon. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Traveling Around and Beyond
Local Transport
Tip: Use the metro, buses, and trams for efficient travel within the city. Bicing bike rentals are also popular.
Day Trips
Tip: Explore nearby destinations like Sitges, Montserrat, and Costa Brava for day trips.
Traveling in Europe
Tip: Barcelona’s El Prat Airport offers numerous flights across Europe. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet make it affordable to explore other countries.
Staying Updated
Local News and Resources
Tip: Websites like The Local Spain and Barcelona Metropolitan provide news and information for expats.
Weather and Climate
Tip: Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Prepare for occasional rainfall in autumn and spring.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.