City in Catalonia, Spain
Barcelona
Beach-and-architecture city with Europe's biggest nomad scene, great food and easy trains and metro. Pickpockets, tourist crowds and high rents are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,700–3,710Comfortable, one person · €2,400–3,300Details
- Value for money22/100Better value than 21% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 32°CDetails
- Air quality12 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · ModerateDetails
- Internet263 MbpsFixed broadband, Spain medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink, but hard and chlorinated; many residents use a filter or buy bottled water for taste.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$68–135Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCabifyVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere; small bars, markets and some corner shops prefer cash for tiny amounts.Details
Where to stay in Barcelona
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Eixample (Dreta and Esquerra) | First-timers and nomads: central, grid streets, cafés, coworking |
| Gràcia | Village feel, plazas, bars; popular with long-stay expats |
| Poblenou | Beach, tech scene and coworking; quieter evenings |
| El Born and Gothic Quarter | Short stays and nightlife; noisy, with heavy pickpocketing |
| Poble-sec | Cheaper rooms, tapas bars, walk to Montjuïc |
Apps that work in Barcelona
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Renfe: High-speed and regional train tickets
- ALSA: Long-distance bus tickets
- Taxis: Official black-and-yellow taxis are metered and safe; hail them or use FREENOW. Avoid unmarked cars offering rides at the airport.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Spain.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; small bars, markets and some corner shops prefer cash for tiny amounts.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many Spanish ATMs charge foreign cards a few euros per withdrawal; Euronet machines cost more. Always decline the conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Round up at bars and leave 5–10% for good restaurant service; check whether service is already included.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere. Bizum, used to split bills, needs a Spanish bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 091 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Phone shops and airport kiosks sell prepaid SIMs (Orange, Vodafone, Digi, Lebara); about €10–25 for 30–100 GB. Passport required to register. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Spain
Going to Barcelona solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Barcelona meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.