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More than a few international indicators rank Barcelona as one of the most attractive cities in the world. It’s competitive, beautiful and attractive to countless audiences. Barcelona has a wonderful climate, kilometers of beaches, an infinite number of emblematic spaces, surprising architecture and, of course, a melting pot of the most picturesque neighborhoods, blending gastronomy, culture and commerce.
Because this metropolis houses a lot of knowledge and an entrepreneurial spirit, Barcelona has an appeal that is difficult to match. People from all over the world come here to study and work, driven by a desire to combine the best professional opportunities with the quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle.
However, finding housing here is a real challenge. As is the case in many large capitals, looking for a home in Barcelona isn't easy. High prices and the current inflationary context combined with widespread housing shortages are all factors that work against expats searching for a place to live. Even so, it’s not an impossible task if you put your mind to it. You just have to know where to look. Do you know which are the best areas to live in Barcelona today?
Look Left and Right: l'Eixample
Not actually a neighborhood, but rather a district, l’Eixample, is comprised of six distinctive neighborhoods: la Dreta de l'Eixample, l’Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample, la Nova Esquerra de l'Eixample, El Fort Pienc, la Sagrada Família and Sant Antoni. L’Eixample is one of the noblest areas of the city. It has wide avenues and huge flats, framed between the urban and the traditional. L'Eixample is home to the city’s main shops, the bustling center and all the offerings that make Barcelona the great city that it is.
It’s the perfect neighborhood for those who have a good budget and want to enjoy the charm of living in the center, with excellent transportation options and a rich variety of shops.
Towards the Future, but with Views: Diagonal Mar
Along the coast in the Sant Martí district is a luxury neighborhood on the rise: Diagonal Mar. This is where you’ll find the longest beaches in the city with numerous opportunities to exercise in the open air far from the pollution and crowds of the center. In recent years, Diagonal Mar and Poble Nou have undergone an unprecedented transformation, converting this old, industrial zone into a coveted area filled with buildings offering state-of-the-art technology and business centers at full capacity.
Integrating old refurbished buildings with new construction, it is an expensive area, but it’s the place to be if you want a flat facing the sea. It’s great for those who prioritize having outdoor spaces nearby and beautiful views of the sea.
The Charm of the Old: El Raval
If there is a neighborhood that preserves the purest and most original essence of Barcelona, it is El Raval. Located in the Ciutat Vella district, in recent years it has become the quintessential multicultural neighborhood. It’s home to people from all over the world, as well as shops, cafes, restaurants and great bars to enjoy gastronomy and the night life together. Here you’ll discover many art and design studios, galleries and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), one of the great jewels of art and architecture in Barcelona.
El Raval is perfect for people who seek to feel and live the most authentic Barcelona. If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of a lively neighborhood and want an active life rich in culture, art and gastronomy, this is the place for you.
Calm and Familiar: Gràcia
The Gràcia district is probably one of the calmest and most family-oriented areas of Barcelona. This district, which includes the neighborhoods Vila de Gràcia, Camp d'en Grassot i Gràcia Nova, La Salut, Vallcarca i els Penitents and El Coll, is an enclave steeped in history. Its squares are classic meeting and celebration spaces and its streets are lined with local boutiques, shops, restaurants and art workshops.
Home to the emblematic Park Güell, and many other lesser-known parks and green areas, these charming neighborhoods are perfect for those who enjoy walks, nature and a convivial, laidback environment. Any family seeking a quiet and calm social life will find a place in Gràcia.
And you, which part of Barcelona would you like to live in?
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