Barcelona, a lively and cosmopolitan city, is one of the most popular destinations for tourists, students and young professionals who decide to move there. Behind its cobbled streets and impressive architecture lies a vibrant and welcoming community that will make you feel at home. From lively markets to cozy tapas bars, you'll find that making friends in Barcelona is easier than you think.
Whether you're in town to study, work or simply have a new experience, making friends can be one of the biggest challenges. Fortunately, Barcelona is a city where opportunities abound to meet new people and make friendships that can last a lifetime.
Where can we make friends?
Barcelona offers a wide variety of places where you can meet new people and make friends. Whether you like art, music, sport or simply socializing in a relaxed atmosphere, there is something for everyone. Here are some popular places to meet new people in Barcelona:
- Bars and cafes: Barcelona's bars and cafes are ideal places to socialize and meet new people. You can join an English conversation group, participate in themed events, or simply strike up a conversation with people you meet. Some popular bars and cafes in Barcelona to meet people include Bar Marsella, Federal Café and Barceló Raval.
- Cultural events and festivales: Barcelona is known for its vibrant cultural scene and the many festivals held throughout the year. Attending cultural events and festivals is a great way to meet people with similar interests and immerse yourself in the cultural life of the city. Some of the most popular festivals in Barcelona are the Barcelona International Jazz Festival, the Mercè Festival and the Sitges Film Festival.
- Classes and workshops: Barcelona offers a wide variety of classes and workshops where you can learn new skills and meet new people at the same time. You can sign up for cooking classes, dance classes, language classes or art workshops. These activities will give you the opportunity to meet people with similar interests and make lasting connections.
- Shared apartments: at helpHousing you will find apartments in Barcelona where you will share with other students or young people who are living with you, so it can be a perfect opportunity to make friends and have a more fun atmosphere at home.
Exploring these places will allow you to meet new people and make friends in Barcelona. Remember to be open, friendly, and willing to step out of your comfort zone to make the most of these socialization opportunities.
What do you have to do to have friends?
Joining group activities is a great way to meet new people and socialize in Barcelona. Participating in shared activities will give you the opportunity to bond with people who share your interests. Here are some popular group activities for socializing in Barcelona:
- Excursions and tours: Barcelona offers a wide variety of excursions and tours, from guided visits around the city to excursions to the elders. Joining an excursion or tour will allow you to get to know other travelers and explore Barcelona together. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the city through the explanations of the guides.
- Sports and fitness groups: If you enjoy sports and fitness, joining sports groups is an excellent way to meet new people in Barcelona. You can join running groups in Ciutadella Park, hiking groups, yoga groups on the beach or any other type of outdoor activity that interests you. In addition to keeping fit, you will be able to establish connections with people who share your passion for sport.
- Reading clubs and discussion groups: If you enjoy literature and you enjoy discussing books too, joining a reading club or discussion group is an excellent option. Barcelona has numerous reading groups in different languages, where you can share your opinions and knowledge with other readers. These groups will give you the opportunity to meet interesting people and broaden your literary horizons. Examples of reading clubs in Barcelona are: Reading Club of the Casa del Libro, Librería Gigamesh or the Reading Club in FNAC.
Resources and support groups to make friends in Barcelona
Barcelona offers a wide variety of resources and support groups to make friends and meet new people. Here we give you some:
- Meetup: Meetup is an online platform that connects people with similar interests in a certain city. In Barcelona, you will find a wide variety of Meetup groups that organize events and activities to meet new people. From hiking groups to language groups, there are options for all interests.
- Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing is an online community that connects travelers from all over the world. In addition to offering free accommodation, Couchsurfing also organizes events and activities in Barcelona where you can meet other travelers and locals. Join the Couchsurfing community and take advantage of these socialization opportunities.
- Interest groups on social networks: Social networks like Facebook also offer numerous interest groups in Barcelona. From photography groups to food groups, you can join online communities and participate in events and activities organized by these groups.
Having friends in Barcelona is an enriching experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in authentic Catalan culture and create lasting memories.
Making friends in Barcelona will not only provide you with companionship and emotional support, but will also allow you to connect with the local culture and discover aspects of the city that only the locals know about.
Moving to a new city can seem intimidating, but with the right resources and advice, making friends in Barcelona can be a fun and enriching experience.
Try to step out of your comfort zone, participate in local activities and you will soon be surrounded by new friends!