Barcelona is truly one of the premier cities for international students to thrive in. The beach city of Barna (official nickname of Barcelona) boasts great universities with great curricula, great weather, great architecture, great food, great night life, all without breaking the bank. So if you´ve decided to live and study in Barcelona, I am the first one to tell you that you've made a fantastic choice. Believe me, I once was and it remains to be one of the highlights of my life.
If you're an international student embarking on your new journey in Barcelona, chances are, you're searching for the best neighbourhoods to live in. After all, your living environment plays a significant role in your overall happiness. If that's the case, you're in luck. In this post, I'll unveil the top 5 hotspots for international students in Barcelona. I'll also share my pros and cons for each - based on my experiences and that of my fellow international peers. I hope these insights can help you make a well-informed decision when selecting the ideal place to reside in this vibrant city. So if you're ready, grab a coffee (or wine!!) and let's find you theeee perfect place in Barcelona!
#1 Ciutat Vella (The Old Town)
With its narrow, cobbled streets dating back to Roman times, Ciutat Vella emanates undeniable charm. It mainly consists of 4 neighbourhoods namely Gotico, Raval, Barceloneta, and El Born. Despite its name, it actually is one of the most lively and diverse districts in Barcelona with all its trendy bars, clubs, and restaurants. So if you want to be in the center of everything + live near the sea, this neighbourhood is for you.
Pros: Cheap rents | Center of the city | Heart of the action | Near the sea
Cons: Crowded | Can get too noisy & rowdy | Can get too dirty | El Raval is not 100% safe due to robberies | Most buildings are old and have no elevators
#2 Gracia
Its vibrant atmosphere, diverse community, and array of amenities make Gracia an attractive option to international students. The neighbourhood offers a mix of cozy cafes, lively bars, top-notch restaurants, and unique shops, creating a dynamic environment that students often find appealing. Additionally, it is well-connected to universities and public transportation, making it convenient for students to commute to classes and explore the city.
Pros: Village-like feel | Safe and family-friendly | Very social | Near the city center
Cons: More expensive than other areas | Most buildings are old and have no elevators
#3 Eixample (the neighbourhood of Sagrada Familia)
Situated in the heart of Barcelona, Eixample boasts a lively atmosphere with bustling streets, trendy cafes, and vibrant nightlife, creating an exciting environment for students. Moreover, it is not only the most iconic district of Barcelona but also the most diverse in terms of things to do in the city. Most of the famous Gaudí buildings like Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera (Casa Milà) are all located at this district. It also offers a wide range of amenities, including all sorts of supermarkets, pharmacies, gyms, and parks, ensuring that students have everything they need within close reach.
Pros: Lively neighbourhood with lots of good cafes | Very social | City center | Modern buildings with elevators
Cons: More expensive than other areas | Can get too noisy & rowdy | Always full of people
#4 Sant Marti
Compared to some other neighbourhoods in Barcelona, Sant Martí offers more affordable housing options for students. Albeit a bit far from the city center, it is well-connected to the rest of the city via public transportation (metro, tram, buses) making it easier to navigate. It's good to note too that this neighbourhood has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, resulting in modern amenities such as shopping centers (I love Glories!!!), large and modern gymnasiums, and parks.
Pros: Cheaper rents | Bigger space | Village-like feel | Safe | Most buildings have elevators
Cons: Can get boring | You will need to take public transpo for half an hour to get to the city center
#5 Poble Sec
With its narrow streets, cozy cafes, and traditional tapas bars, Poble Sec provides its residents with an authentic Barcelona experience. It's only a short walking distance from the city center so you don't need to waste time in the metro or the bus to get around. It also offers easy access to popular attractions like Plaza España cultural landmarks, entertainment venues, good restaurants and so much more!
Pros: Cheaper rents | Cheaper restaurants and bar | Near the city center
Cons: Can get too noisy & crowded | Most building are old and have no elevators
And there you have it— the top 5 most popular neighbourhoods for international students in Barcelona. Keep in mind that like everywhere else, Barcelona has its pros and cons and each neighbourhood definitely offers its own unique charm, advantages and disadvantages, catering to different preferences and lifestyles. So whether you're drawn to the historic streets of Ciutat Vella, the vibrant atmosphere of Gracia, the bustling energy of Eixample, the affordability of Sant Martí, or the authenticity of Poble Sec, there's a place for you in this vibrant city.
Here's to making unforgettable memories and experiencing all that this incredible city has to offer!
Hasta pronto!
Salud!
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