SpainVisited Sep 2022 · 1 month
Everyones loves barcelona, don't they?
This guide was written 4 years ago
Prices, opening hours and recommendations may have changed since my visit, so double-check anything important before you book.
Renowned for its distinctive architecture, including the works of Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona merges its historic identity with a lively Mediterranean atmosphere.
Better suited for a city break. Wouldn't revisit as a working destination.
Ok · #54 of 62
5.9/10
The city has had some flare ups with Airbnbs in recent years in an attempt to combat over-tourism. You may have a greater array of properties open to you if looking for a stay over 31 days but unsurprisingly, prices aren't cheap in a city which has such a demand from tourists.
Great · #10 of 62
8.5/10
Barcelona has a bewildering array of coworking options. I spent a morning trying to visit some of my preferred options and a lot didn't have any capacity for hot desking. If where you work from is a priority to you, i would suggest booking in advance rather than assuming availability.
Ok · #61 of 62
5.9/10
If opting for anything more substantive than a Bocadillo, I found there to be a lack of well priced places to grab an informal meal. Drinks in bars were generally good value but it would rank towards the bottom of my list of places to eat out well in.
Great · #5 of 62
8.7/10
There’s a reason why Barcelona is consistently one of Europe’s most visited cities. The combination of world-class architectural and cultural sights, along with some of the continent’s best nightlife, makes it an exciting destination for all tastes.
Myself and a friend who was also looking for a destination to work from settled on Barcelona for an adventure in September 2022. I'd visited a couple of times over the past decade so was eager to become more acquainted with the city.
$1,935a month, before rent
Basic living costs, rent not included
Day-to-day spending for a month: two meals out and a coffee every day, three taxis and two nights out a week, a gym and a coworking desk. Add your rent on top.
ModeratePrices as of Oct 2026. Confidence: medium (gym & coworking verified; other prices restated at 2026-10-07 exchange rates). Sources: numbeo.com, barcelonaurbana.com, rentremote.com. Always check locally before planning around them.
Having spent a hot few weeks at the start of September, I wouldn't be in a rush to have spent the peak summer months within the city. Shockingly also, we had managed to book an apartment without A/C for that period which as you can imagine was a regrettable decision.
If you are looking to spend some time on the beach, you'd be best off visiting from May onwards.
One month was a long enough period for me in the city and I was quite happy to move on with little desire to return.
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain mm | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6 | 15 | 25 | |
| February | 7 | 16 | 30 | |
| March | 7 | 17 | 110 | wet month |
| April | 9 | 19 | 87 | |
| May | 12 | 23 | 56 | |
| June | 19 | 32 | 35 | peak season |
| July | 21 | 31 | 79 | peak season |
| August | 22 | 32 | 36 | peak season |
| September | 15 | 27 | 150 | wet month · peak season |
| October | 14 | 23 | 103 | wet month |
| November | 8 | 20 | 54 | |
| December | 6 | 15 | 96 |
Typical daytime highs and overnight lows, from the last two years of observations (Open-Meteo). Rain icons mark the wettest months.
Digital nomad visa available
In January 2023, Spain launched their Digital Nomad Visa as part of the new Startup Act, a group of measures designed to encourage entrepreneurship and foreign investment.
New Spain remote work visa allows non-EU/EEA remote workers and freelancers to live and work in Spain for up to 12 months in the first instance, renewable for up to five years.
Spain operates on Central European Time (CET), aligning with the rest of Western Europe.
Each district has it's own distinct feel, dependent on the length of your stay, I'd think hard about where you would want to be based.
If I was to return, I'd try and find somewhere around this neighbourhood. Within close walking proximity to the centre but without feeling like you are constantly in a tourist bubble.
A great area for going out, but some areas are incredibly busy and dirty over the weekend. Unless wanting to be really in the thick of it and you already have some knowledge of the area, it wouldn't be my preference.
For a short visit of just a couple of nights, I'd recommend heading straight to the Gothic Quarter. Most of what you'd want to see will be conveniently reachable on foot.
Around a 20 minute walk to the Gothic Quarter, the only real positive I could state for the area was that Montjuic park is on your doorstep. If you are a keen runner, that might be reason enough to stay here.
Barcelona has a bewildering array of coworking options. I spent a morning trying to visit some of my preferred options and a lot didn't have any capacity for hot desking. If where you work from is a priority to you, i would suggest booking in advance rather than assuming availability.
La Vaca is a former converted dairy giving an airy industrial feel throughout the large open plan coworking space.
There is strong emphasis on the community that work there, with numerous options on offer throughout the week for Football and other sports, as well as social events.
The only real drawback I found was a lack of good lunch options in the immediate area, but that was something I felt across the city.
If you are looking for a creative environment with a some good opportunity to meet others, then it's definitely worth checking out.
Carrer de la Creu dels Molers, 19, 08004 Barcelona
A tiny coffee shop ran by two incredibly warm and passionate guys. Excellent coffee and service.
Homely tapas bar serving up a range of small plates and drinks at very reasonable prices.
Small chain with a number across the city, excellent value lunch menu
Great Vermuts served with enormous olives with a barrel lined interior.
Rustic bar with wood laiden interior. Worth popping in for a beer or absynth.
Unique bar set up and great happy hour deals. Lots of other bars nearby.
A bustling stretch of golden sand attracting both locals and tourists alike, easily accessible from all parts of the city. Also a popular destination for early morning runs.
Beautiful urban park landscape, home to several venues of the 1982 Olympic games. An ideal place for morning runs if living close to the area.
A sprawling natural park situated within an easy walk of the centre of Barcelona. You can head over the top to Molins de Rei and grab the train back to the centre.
Watching Barcelona play at home is a must for any football fan. Even if you're not a fan, the experience alone is worth the visit. With a seating capacity of over 99,000 spectators, it is one of the largest football stadiums globally.
For fans of either road or gravel biking, within 30 minutes of the city centre you have a multitude of options. The train line to Girona is handy for any mechanical failures.
Amazing city park with numerous running routes with the Montjuïc Castle situated at the top of the hill.
You can get the train to Mataró and walk back along the coast line to the city centre with plenty of spots for coffee en route.
The coworking spaces I worked from were full of remote workers from across Europe and Spain with the city also being particularly popular with both North and South Americans.
The city is a huge year round international tourist attraction, with the Gothic Quarter a constant hive of international tourists.
Partners I recommend. Some of these links give you a discount, and I may receive a referral reward.
SafetyWing
For trips exceeding 30 continuous days, seek dedicated travel insurance. Most holiday policies or credit card offerings become invalid after 30 days, despite advertising year-round protection. SafetyWing provides medical and travel coverage specifically designed for remote workers.
Having successfully claimed through their platform with impressive speed, I confidently recommend their service.
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