Where to Live in Barcelona: A 6-Question Framework

A lot of guides will tell you where to live in Barcelona. Few will help you figure out how to choose the right neighborhood based on your lifestyle, your logistics, and your daily routine.

That’s why I sat down with Kelly, a relocation expert from Mauritius who’s lived in Barcelona for 9 years and has moved apartments eight times herself. She now helps expats find long-term housing and settle into city life.

Instead of giving you another list of trendy neighborhoods, we’ll walk through six essential questions to ask before you pick your area. Whether you're moving solo, as a couple, with pets, or with a family—these questions will help you get clear on what you need before you start clicking through Idealista.

1. What’s your life stage?

Are you retiring? Starting a new job? Moving with a partner or kids? Your life stage will immediately narrow your options.

• Retirees often want walkable access to cafés, beaches, or quiet parks. Many are downsizing from large U.S. homes and seek something compact but charming. Kelly recommends areas like Eixample, Sarrià, Gràcia, or Poblenou (for sea lovers). Avoid Gothic, Raval, and La Mina.

• Remote workers and digital nomads look for good Wi-Fi, coworking options, and neighborhoods that are vibrant but not too loud. Gràcia, El Born, and Eixample offer a solid balance.

• Professionals working in Barcelona should consider where their office is. If you’re in tech (likely based in Poblenou), look at Poblenou, El Clot, Sant Andreu, or even Gràcia. For consulting or corporate roles based in Sarrià, Les Corts or Eixample may be ideal.

• Families must prioritize school zones. In Spain, school enrollment is tied to your address. If you're applying to a private school, Kelly recommends living nearby—proximity helps with both admission priority and daily logistics. Areas like Sarrià, Les Corts, and upper Gràcia work well.

2. What layout and budget do you need?

Start by defining your non-negotiables. Do you want a terrace? Are you okay with a smaller, older apartment? How much can you spend?

• Studios start around €1,000

• 1-bedrooms: €1,200–€1,500

• 2-bedrooms: €1,500–€2,000

• Larger family flats: €2,500+

Don’t forget: most listings don’t include utilities, so budget an extra €100–€250/month.

Most rentals are furnished. If you’re bringing your own furniture, note that unfurnished apartments are less common—but may offer longer contracts and more flexibility (especially for pet owners).

3. Will you have a car—or rely on public transport?

Barcelona is a walkable city with excellent metro and bus options. Many locals don’t own a car.

If you're planning to drive, consider areas outside the city like Castelldefels, Sitges, Alella, or Vilassar de Mar. But keep in mind: train delays are common, and if you're commuting, that adds stress.

If you’re relying on walking or transit, ask yourself:

• How close do you want to be to work, school, or the gym?

• Is bike access important?

• Are you okay with hills, or do you want flat terrain?

Diagonal and Aragó are key arteries that connect the city and make commutes smoother.

4. How important is community?

Barcelona offers two very different social experiences: expat bubbles and local Catalan communities.

• If you want to integrate, prepare for patience. Catalans tend to stick with childhood friends and family. It’s not coldness—it’s just culture.

• If you're looking for quick social connections, consider neighborhoods with more international residents like El Born, Eixample, Poblenou, or lower Gràcia.

• If you prefer a local vibe and want to practice your Spanish or Catalan, explore Sarrià, upper Gràcia (Gràcia Nova), or Les Corts.

Think about whether you'll join a gym, a paddle club, take kids to a local school, or walk a dog—these routines help build your circle faster.

5. What’s your ideal daily routine?

Visualize your day.

• Do you want to start with a beach walk or a yoga class?

• Will you pick your kids up from school on foot?

• Do you like shopping at markets or prefer supermarkets?

• Are you hosting dinners for friends on weekends?

Kelly encourages clients to map out their current lifestyle and decide which parts they want to keep or change. If you want vibrant city life and walkability, central neighborhoods like Eixample or Gràcia work well. For a more beach-focused routine, think Poblenou or Barceloneta. If you're craving nature and space, look to the outskirts.

6. Do you have pets?

This one’s big. Having a dog or cat can significantly limit your options.

• Only about 40% of apartments allow pets.

• You may be asked for a higher deposit or a pet fee (~€100/month).

• Long-term contracts are usually more flexible with pets.

• Be careful with parquet floors—many landlords won’t allow animals due to damage concerns.

Think about your pet’s needs:

• Are they anxious or sensitive to noise? Consider quieter areas with green space.

• Will they need a vet nearby or easy access to parks?

Pet-friendly options are more likely outside the city center or in larger developments in newer areas like Poblenou or Les Corts.

Ready to Search?

Before you get lost in neighborhood names, start with these six questions. They’ll guide your search and help you avoid the most common expat mistakes—like renting too far from school, choosing a too-touristy area, or realizing you can’t host friends without them needing a taxi.

Still unsure? Book a 1:1 session with Kelly and she’ll walk through your answers together and map them to the neighborhoods that make the most sense for you.