What’s so great about Barcelona?
There are countless great things about living in Barcelona… and we’ll get to many more in time. In the meantime, here is a taster of what is to come.
Barcelona is a typical European city and so much more. Filled with outdoor markets, restaurants, shops, busy bars and nightclubs as well as museums and churches – and, of course, a white sanded beach – the Spanish city also has a distinct flavour all of its own.
Whether you fancy doing an Mba in Barcelona or are planning to teach English on a gap year, the Spanish coastal city has so much to offer those looking to live abroad and experience life in a different part of the world.
Here are the main reasons you really should be considering Barcelona…
It’s in the European Union
If you want to live in Spain for any amount of time, it’s really quite simple if you’re an EU citizen. Those planning on staying in Barcelona for longer than three months must apply for a Residence Certificate at the Oficina de Extranjeros, or if you’re staying longer you should apply for a Foreigner’s Identification Card.
As a resident of the EU you can receive free healthcare in any other European Union country, so you should also apply for a Spanish Medical Card by using your EHIC card to prove you are an EU citizen when visiting. Good travel insurance is also a must.
Party time
Now to the fun stuff. Barcelona is a top European tourist destination for good reason – this place really knows how to throw a party. Whatever your scene or taste in music, Barcelona is sure to please.
You can party in the city every day of the week, and most parties run well into the following day.
Serious clubbers should get down to Club Astoria for a theatrical show of acrobats, singers and dancers and an Ibiza-esque vibe. Café Royal offers an eclectic evening, with flamenco and other live performances. Rockers and metal heads will find a home at Sidecar Factory Club, which blasts out rock and ska. There are also a number of acclaimed jazz clubs in the city centre, if that’s your bag.
There’s the famous three-day Sonar music festival too, which runs in June and combines music and multimedia art and attracts music fans from far and wide. Of course you can always make like a local and take part in a botellón – a type of unofficial street party, where youngsters grab a bottle of whatever they fancy and enjoy it al fresco.
Welcome to foodie heaven
Ever sit down in a restaurant and wish you could order tiny portions of everything on the menu? One word: tapas. Make like a local and dine at the small but perfectly formed La Cova Fumada or mingle with the student crowd at the institution that is Elisabets. Must try tapas dishes include pan con tomate, patatas bravas, chipirones, anchoas and croquetas. And then you can move on to the more adventurous dishes…
But Barcelona isn’t just about the tapas. There are weekly markets to get lost in, such as the colourful La Boqueria that boasts endless sights, smells and tastes to excite the senses.
Visit Baluard Bakery which is hailed as one of the best bakeries in Barcelona, if not the whole of Spain. Choose from 30 different types of bread, with sweet and savoury flavours and added herbs, seeds or tomatoes.
City of culture
You want culture? Barcelona has it by the bucketload. From the architecture of the enchanting Gothic old town, to the breathtaking work of Antoni Gaudi that peppers the city and the endless fiestas that bring the locals out to party in the streets – Barcelona is one of Spain’s most culturally flamboyant cities. There’s also a thriving artists community in the seaside city, so if you’re an aspiring artist you’re sure to find some like-minded souls.
In Barcelona they speak Catalan, not Castellano (that’s Spanish, to you and me), and they’re fiercely proud of their culture. The locals will be super impressed if you can drop a few Catalan phrases, but many will speak excellent English due to the high rate of tourists visiting the city.
There’s a beach
A city with beautiful beach and glorious weather… Need any more convincing Barcelona is the place for you? Thought not.
*************************************************
About the Author
ESERP Business School in Barcelona provides full time and part time courses in order for you to gain MBAs in a variety of subjects, including Public Relations, Tourism, Finance and Human resources.
