"Allow me to state here how much I love Barcelona, an admirable city, a city full of life, intense, a port open to the past and future.” - Le Corbusier
Mediterranean cities possess an evocative and timeless quality. Barcelona is the icing on the cake when it comes to hot Med seascapes and captivating cities to spend time in. You’ll spend hours wandering beautiful shady streets and the deeper you go the more the city becomes yours to own. When it’s time for a rest and a bite to eat, the food will blow you away. If it’s calm and relaxed you’re looking for in a city then you’ve found it. Hola Barcelona!
Life in Barcelona as a Student and Young Professional
Living
When asked about their favourite city, many quote Barcelona without hesitation. Picture this and you’ll understand why. After a lazy afternoon strolling through the alluring streets of Old Town, you grab a quick bite at your favourite beachfront tascas, where the owner greets you with an affectionate ‘Qué tal’. As you sip Sangria and watch the sun goes down, you chat with the young Barcelonian family in the next table about your last trip to Costa Brava. Life’s good in Barcelona.
This is a city well used to visitors so most public locations like restaurants and attractions have a focus on English. Most Spanish speak ‘un poco de inglés’ so a little Spanish will help you make the most of your time in the Catalan capital. Public transport, especially the metro, is generally very reliable, clean, and safe (but do keep your bag secured). The black and yellow taxis are everywhere and operate on a standard fare system.
The Spanish love affair with ‘fútbol’ is as strong as ever, as is the support for ‘el blaugranes’, FC Barcelona. Tennis’s Hispanic cousin, Padel, is widely popular and, if you enjoy tennis, it’s well worth trying.
Eating
Menú del día at a local eatery, traditional Sunday family feast, Tapas evening with friends. Food is an important part of Catolonian culture. Typically Meditarranian, Barcelonian diet is rich in fresh fish and vegetables. Raciones (plates of cheese, pâtés, and cured meats) are favoured over tapas. Meal times are much later than you’re used to and many restaurants close on Sunday and Monday. A consistent local tip: stay away from eateries in La Rambla if you want to get a true taste of Catalan cuisine!
Working
When it comes to work, there is still a strong sense of hierarchy in most larger businesses, but this is slowly changing. It’s common, if you approach someone higher up, to get your manager to approach them rather than do it directly yourself. Meetings are a mix of informality and directness. It’s not unusual to start late, have heated interpersonal debates, and not reach any particular conclusion – the bosses will make the decision later and feed it back.
No matter how fast-paced, Barcelona is a city that still respects meal times, especially lunch. The city switches into lower gear during 2-4pm but don’t expect a siesta – that tradition has (sadly!) declined. It’s common to go on a long lunch break. Some head home to cook whilst others enjoy a 3-course meal over 2 hours – perfect time for some socialising with colleagues!
Our local favourites
Casa Vicens
Park Guell and the Catherdral are fine examples of Gaudí’s work, but they are a little cramped. Head over to Casa Vicens, dating from 1889, to see the first house he designed. It shows you how he progressed and it’s far less busy than at other Gaudí spots.
Mercat de Sant Caterina Market
Markets are pretty much part of Barcelona, but again you can avoid the most common touristy ones (we’re looking at you, La Boqueria) and visit Mercat de Sant Caterina, near El Born. It’s colourful, wavy, roof is fun, but the stalls are amazing; it’s where the locals’ shop.
Internships in Barcelona
The best of old-world Europe with a modern business vibe. Soak up the mediterranean sun with an internship in Barcelona.
