Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting or Moving to Barcelona 🇪🇸
I’ve been living in Barcelona for 2 years now, and I wanted to put together a post with all the information I wish I had before I moved. There’s a lot to know that doesn’t show up on the typical travel blogs or TikTok videos. If you’re looking for advice on Barcelona neighborhoods, restaurants, tourist spots, nightlife culture, weather, and transportation, you’ve come to the right place!
Understanding the Layout of the City
But first, a little history: Barcelona’s location on the Mediterranean Sea made it a vital trading and commercial center as far back as the Middle Ages. It was once a Roman colony known as Barcino. The old town, Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), followed the typical Roman grid pattern, with streets intersecting at right angles. And after the Romans, there was the influence of the Visigoths, Moors, and the Crown of Aragon, with buildings and architecture from different periods.
Here are some key areas to know in the city:
Gothic Quarter: The original city center and currently known as the “old town (Ciutat Vella)” of Barcelona.
Plaça Catalunya: The unofficial "center" of the city. With many pigeons. And many underground metros/trains. And one El Corte Inglés (like the equivalent of a giant Nordstrom).
Passeig de Gràcia: One of the main streets with luxury shopping and Casa Milà and Casa Batlló that runs into Plaça Catalunya.
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes: More simply known as Gran Via, is one of Barcelona's major avenues that crosses through Passeig de Gràcia.
Avinguda Diagonal: It cuts the city in half and starts in the Les Corts district on the western edge of the city and runs to the Sant Martí district on the eastern edge.
Via Laietana: Divides Gothic Quarter and El Born.
La Rambla: Divides Gothic Quarter and El Raval. Iconic but overcrowded and I don’t recommend hanging out here. Higher chance of being pick pocketed and being harassed by restaurants trying to fill tables.
Barcelona’s Neighborhoods
Here’s my honest take (plz don’t get offended, and I understand everyone has different opinions). But this is helpful especially if you’re visiting. If you’re moving here, you’ll quickly be able to visit and see each neighborhood for yourself when you arrive.
Eixample (My Personal Favorite)
Eixample is safe, central, and beautifully laid out in a grid. It was built to connect the old town of Gothic Quarter and Gràcia (which used to be a separate town, but as Barcelona grew, Eixample became the connection between the two).
It has pedestrian streets (like Carrer de Girona or Consell de Cent).
There are tons of cafes, shopping, and beautiful balconies.
It is split into Eixample Dreta (quieter, more residential) and Eixample Esquerra (livelier, more LGBTQ+ bars, and Carrer d’Enric Granados street is a favorite for restaurant hopping).
Gothic Quarter
Old and historic but also super touristy.
Lots of amazing historic restaurants and picturesque alleys.
Expect narrow, dark streets and limited natural light (especially when considering apartments).
Watch for pickpockets (like with any crowded, tourist-filled area).
Definitely worth checking out while visiting, but I personally wouldn’t live here long-term.
El Born
Very similar to Gothic Quarter - artsy, historic, and full of character.
Great bars and restaurants, but again: tourist central and not always ideal for lots of natural light or space.
Barceloneta
Close to the beach but kind of chaotic due to the amount of people that go to Barceloneta beach, especially during summer.
I don’t generally like going to restaurants in this area except for a few due to a lot of them being geared towards tourists.
Use it for a walk or a drink with a view, but skip it as a beach day. I prefer to go to Bogatell or even Sitges or Costa Brava instead (aka don’t expect a Cancún-style beach).
Gràcia
Charming, wholesome, and full of little plazas.
Used to be its own town. It’s similar to Gothic Quarter in that it’s full of small streets and charming buildings, but I prefer it because it is slightly cleaner and not as touristy.
Great for families, chill nightlife, and cultural events.
August’s Festa Major is magical (but chaotic!).
Sant Gervasi & Sarrià
Residential, quiet, and upscale.
Fewer tourists, more families and professionals.
Not a nightlife hub, but lovely to live in.
Raval
Historically known as “sketchy”, but take that with a grain of salt. Similar to Gothic Quarter and Born, it can be dark and a bit touristy and prone to pickpocketing.
It has some of the city’s best restaurants and museums.
Be cautious late at night, but it’s not the horror story people make it out to be (especially if you’re from the US, iykyk).
Poblenou
Quiet, beach-adjacent, and a bit spread out.
Not a ton going on unless you're near Rambla del Poblenou.
Great for people who want modern apartments and space.
If you’re visiting, you can probably skip it unless there’s a specific restaurant or place you want to visit.
What’s the Weather Like?
Summer (June–Sept): Hot and humid. You need AC.
Fall (Oct–Nov): Probably the best weather of the year. Just a light jacket!
Winter (Dec–Feb): Chilly but not freezing; think Arizona winter but more humid. Although to fit in with the locals, you dress for the season, not the weather. So bring a winter coat and maybe a hat and scarf.
Spring (Mar–May): Mild and fairly rainy. April is especially unpredictable. Hot in the sun but very cold in the shade.
Getting Around
The Barcelona Metro is clean, safe, and on time. Get a T-Casual for 10 rides (~€12).
Use the TMB app to recharge your card or check balances.
For day trips, take the Rodalies trains from Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, or Catalunya stations.
The Barcelona city buses also use the same cards as the metro and are very clean and easy to use.
It’s also very easy to hail a taxi just by flagging one down on the street. But if you’re in a pinch, you can order one through the FreeNow app. We also have uber and Cabify, but those are not used as often.
Walk or bike when you can because the city is very pedestrian-friendly!
Going Out: What to Expect
Bars vs. Clubs
Bars open around 10pm and close by 2-3am.
Clubs don’t get going until 2-3am and go until sunrise.
There’s no “mingle culture” like in the US. People tend to stick to their own groups.
Don’t expect guys to approach you - it’s just not the vibe here. Also, don’t expect guys to pay for you, that’s also not a thing here (still haven’t been able to accept that, though).
Tip: If you hate crowds, get a table or skip the club scene entirely.
Best Areas for Nightlife
El Born (Passeig del Born): Trendy but touristy. Some fun bars but can be a bit sketchy late at night.
Barceloneta: Opium, Pacha, Shoko, you’ve heard of them all. Young, touristy, not for me personally.
Eixample Esquerra: Classy cocktail bars and more local crowds.
Sant Gervasi (Tuset): College kids (Fresas & Mi Reyes) + club scene.
Gràcia: Dive bars, reggaetón, and Latin vibes.
Restaurants You’ll Love
Brunch & Lunch
Lato Cafe, Billy Brunch, Brunch & Cake, and Les Filles Cafe (only open for brunch from 11am-1pm on the weekends).
Honest Greens (chain): Fast-casual, healthy - think Chipotle and Sweet Green had a baby.
Green & Berry, Can Dendê (Brazilian), En Ville (gluten-free)
Dinner
Elj apo nés, Robata, Monster Sushi: Solid sushi picks
Tragaluz, Feroz, Boca Grande: Upscale dinner vibes
Messie Pizza (gluten-free), Roots & Rolls (vegan sushi)
Where to Stay or Live
If you're visiting and want convenience:
Eixample (especially Dreta): Clean, safe, walkable.
Gràcia: Quirky and cute with local vibes.
If you're moving and want a good blend:
Eixample Esquerra or Dreta: Great for day-to-day life, good access.
Poblenou: For modern spaces and beach proximity.
Sant Gervasi: If you value peace and quiet.
Final Tips
Book nice restaurants a week+ in advance.
Watch your bag - pickpockets are real. Don’t leave your phone on the table and don’t look lost.
Don’t expect 24/7 food. Most places close early (siesta time ~4-8pm) and close by 11pm or midnight.
Always carry a metro card, and make peace with public transport.
Want to meet people? Try Bumble BFF, City Girls Barcelona, or Luma.
Barcelona is stunning, complicated, loud, magical, chaotic, and beautiful. It’s not for everyone - but for me it’s just what I need. A temperate climate near the beach in Spain with a big airport and geographically small, making it extremely walkable.
If you want further explanation and tips, check these out!
EVERYTHING you need to know before coming to Barcelona...
