Best Neighborhoods for Single Digital Nomads Living in Barcelona
Summary: For single digital nomads making the move to Barcelona, these neighborhoods are perfect spots to settle down and connect with like-minded people.
Barcelona, with its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and a plethora of coworking spaces, is a haven for digital nomads from around the world. The city's diverse neighborhoods offer a unique blend of history, lifestyle, and convenience, making it an ideal place for single global nomads to set up their temporary homes. Whether you're looking for bustling streets, beachside relaxation, or a bohemian vibe, Barcelona has a barrio that fits every preference. Here are the 4-5 best neighborhoods in Barcelona for single digital nomads to live and thrive.
El Born
El Born is a historic and trendy neighborhood that strikes the perfect balance between traditional charm and modern amenities. Known for its narrow medieval streets, the area is packed with boutiques, cafes, and cultural hotspots like the Picasso Museum and the Santa Maria del Mar church. It's a favorite among digital nomads and expats and digital nomads for its central location and vibrant nightlife. The proximity to Parc de la Ciutadella offers a green oasis for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Location: Central Barcelona, nestled between the Gothic Quarter and Ciutadella Park.
Where to Eat: Enjoy a variety of tapas bars, fusion restaurants, and quaint cafes like El Xampanyet for traditional bites and La Candela for a more modern dining experience.
Where to Meet People: El Born is filled with coworking spaces, such as CREC and Coworking in the Sun, where you can connect with fellow nomads. The neighborhood's lively bars and art studios also offer great networking opportunities.
Rentals: Average Rental Price of Studio or 1 bedroom apartment ranges from €900 to €1,400 per month.
Gracia
Gracia, once an independent town, has retained its village-like feel with a strong sense of community and an artsy atmosphere. It's a hit with digital nomads who prefer a quieter lifestyle but still want to be close to the action. The neighborhood is known for its bohemian vibe, with plenty of artisan shops, organic markets, and the famous Park Guell. Gracia's squares, such as Placa del Sol and Placa de la Vila, are perfect for people-watching and mingling with locals.
Location: North of the city center, easily accessible by the L3 metro line.
Where to Eat: Sample international cuisines at La Vietnamita for Asian dishes or Botafumeiro for exquisite seafood.
Where to Meet People: Gracia's numerous plazas are social hubs, and the neighborhood is home to various cultural festivals, like the Festa Major de Gracia, which are great for meeting new friends.
Rentals: Average Rental Price of Studio or 1 bedroom apartment is around €800 to €1,200 per month.
Barceloneta
For the beach-loving digital nomad, Barceloneta is the go-to neighborhood. This former fishermen's quarter is now a bustling beachfront area with a boardwalk, seafood restaurants, and a lively atmosphere. It's ideal for those who want to combine work with leisure, offering the chance to take a swim or sunbathe after a productive day. The proximity to the sea also means plenty of fresh seafood and opportunities for water sports.
Location: Southeastern Barcelona, along the Mediterranean coast.
Where to Eat: Enjoy fresh seafood at Can Majó or a casual beachside meal at one of the many chiringuitos (beach bars).
Where to Meet People: The beach and boardwalk are social hotspots, and there are numerous fitness clubs and water sports groups to join.
Rentals: Average Rental Price of Studio or 1 bedroom apartment ranges from €900 to €1,300 per month.
Eixample
Eixample is known for its grid-like layout, stunning modernist architecture, and broad avenues. It's a prime residential area for digital nomads who appreciate aesthetics and want to be surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló. The neighborhood is also home to many coworking spaces, chic cafes, and high-end shops. Eixample's central location makes it easy to explore the rest of the city.
Location: Central Barcelona, stretching from the Old City to the neighboring villages of Gracia and Sant Marti.
Where to Eat: Indulge in a variety of dining options, from the Michelin-starred restaurants like Disfrutar to more casual eateries like Cervecería Catalana.
Where to Meet People: Eixample has a thriving expat community, and its many bars and cafes, like Federal Café, are perfect for networking and socializing.
Rentals: Average Rental Price of Studio or 1 bedroom apartment is approximately €1,000 to €1,500 per month.
Poblenou
Poblenou combines the charm of a traditional neighborhood with the innovation of a modern tech hub. Once an industrial area, it has transformed into a haven for creatives and entrepreneurs, making it an attractive spot for digital nomads. The neighborhood boasts a mix of old factories turned into lofts and modern high-rises, with the beach just a short walk away. Rambla del Poblenou is the heart of the district, lined with cafes and terraces.
Location: Northeastern Barcelona, along the coast, just beyond the Olympic Port.
Where to Eat: Savor a variety of cuisines at local favorites like El 58 for tapas or Racó del Taulat for traditional Catalan dishes.
Where to Meet People: Poblenou is home to numerous tech and creative events, as well as coworking spaces like MOB where you can connect with like-minded professionals.
Rentals: Average Rental Price of Studio or 1 bedroom apartment ranges from €800 to €1,200 per month.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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