Barcelona, Spain

Bienvenidos a Barcelona! Located in the Catalonia region of Spain and along the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is in the northeast corner of Spain, less than one-hundred miles from France.

Barcelona has a slightly different dialect of Spanish than most of Spain; this is known as Catalan. The Catalonia region was established in the 10th through 12th centuries by formation of the Ebro River; this set the southeastern border on Catalonia territory. After Catalonia was established, Barcelona became a major trading port along the Mediterranean Sea. In the 14th Century, the Great Plague hit Barcelona, causing the city to lose status within the Catalonia; Naples, Italy became the capital of the Catalonia region. A few centuries later, in the 1700s, Phillip V took over the Spanish throne and ruled Barcelona following the War of Spanish Succession. In 1714, Phillip V took away all self-governance in Barcelona. For the next two-plus centuries, the industrialization era strengthened the Catalonia region. While there were battles between bourgeoisie and industrial workers, Barcelona and Catalonia developed industrial job opportunities, resulting in Catalonia becoming Spain's wealthiest region.

Today, Barcelona is known for its wealth, economy, and transportation. The AVE high-speed train is a nationwide network, with speeds up to 180 miles (290 kilometers) per hour. It travels around Spain, connecting between Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao, Salamanca, Segovia, Toledo, and other cities around Spain. Spain's official language is Spanish, and its currency is the Euro; one Euro equals $1.13 USD.

Location

Job Opportunities

Barcelona is well-known as a manufacturing center, ranging from automobile production to creating and innovating electronics. With Barcelona's location on the Mediterranean Sea, outdoor jobs include environmental testing, shipbuilding, biology, and other science related occupations. The pharmaceutical industry is on the rise in Barcelona, with an ever-expanding population and flocks of tourists coming year-round. The tourism industry is also abundant, with job opportunities to run local attractions, work as a receptionist virtually anywhere, and operate city transportation. From its environmental to tourism employment opportunities, Barcelona is a thriving city economically.

Cost of Living

With its walkability, there are a variety of living options for rent in Barcelona, including hostels and apartments. The average one-bedroom rental unit costs average 900 euros ($1,040 USD) downtown, while those in the city suburbs average 700 euros ($810 USD) per month. For three-bedroom units, city prices average 1,520 euros ($1,715 USD) and suburban prices average 1,100 euros ($1,240 USD).

Monthly utility expenses, including electricity, water, and heating and cooling, average out to 155 euros ($180 USD). Owning a car can be more costly than using public transportation, as car prices may bottom out around 22,000 euros ($25,400 USD) for brand-new small cars. Gasoline also comes at a cost, averaging 4.97 euros ($5.75 USD) per gallon. Public transit is also an option to get from city suburbs directly downtown or the beach.

Transportation

Barcelona has a wide network of transportation, ranging from the Metro to the Tram to Bus Turistic. The Metro consists of 8 lines, each color-coded, and make getting from one end of the city to the other very convenient. The Metro, like other transportation in Barcelona, operates from 5 a.m. to midnight between Sunday and Thursday; Friday 5 a.m. to 2 a.m.; and Saturdays continuously. The Tram also covers Barcelona, stopping around main residential and recreational areas.

For a more tourist-oriented ride, the Barcelona Bus Turistic covers the historical city and waterfront by the Mediterranean Sea. The Blue and Red Lines are more inland, highlighting landmarks including Sagrada Familia and other historic architecture. The Green Line runs parallel to the coast, with views of the Mediterranean Sea and glimpses of the more modern part of Barcelona.

Recreation

Barcelona is well-known for its outdoor recreation with its location on the Mediterranean Sea. For beach lovers, outdoor activities include sand volleyball, surfing, paddleboarding, and running or biking along the waterfront. For Winter activities, Barcelona offers skating and skateboarding around town; lessons or recreational use are free to the public.

For more sightseeing opportunities, Barcelona is home to Sagrada Familia. Built by Gaudi in the 1880s, his goal was to educate local residents on Catholicism through artwork and architecture. As for entertainment, the Palau de la Musica Catalana holds music concerts of all genres.

Barcelona has parks all around the city, ranging from up on its hillside to right along the Mediterranean Sea. Parque Guell, a historic natural park, contains sculptures done by Gaudi. Parque de Cervantes is a garden-themed park, with rose gardens and a water fountain. From the city's historic landmarks and parks to entertainment and outdoor recreation, Barcelona offers both cultural and relaxing activities.

Climate

Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and rainy winters. Between June and August, average Summer temperatures range from the mid 70s to mid 80s (25 to 29 degrees Celsius), with lows around the mid to upper 60s (17 to 20 degrees Celsius). During the Winter season, highs range from the mid 50s to mid 60s (14 to 18 degrees Celsius), with low temperatures around the low to mid 40s (5 to 9 degrees Celsius). The most precipitous months are September through October, with 3 to 4 inches per month. Outside of these months, precipitation averages around 1 inch monthly.