Living in Barcelona
General information
Catalonia has a surface area of 31,930 square kilometres and more than six million inhabitants. This makes Catalonia a country with a fairly high population density (188 inhabitants per square kilometre). It has interesting cities and towns with a long historical tradition, a great architectural heritage, a wide range of services and a strong personality of their own. Its language is Catalan. More information about Catalonia can be obtained at the following Internet address: www.gencat.es.
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia. It has a population of 1,770,000, and is the centre of a large metropolitan area. The city's architectural, artistic and cultural heritage bears witness to its 2,000 years of history. Its excellent position as regards international communications, its Mediterranean climate and its cosmopolitan character make it a privileged city.
Cost of living
Living costs in Barcelona are similar to those found in other European cities.
Living expenses depend mainly on the type of accommodation. During the first days it is necessary to allow for a certain extra amount, to meet expenses such as accommodation (including deposits) and public transport passes.
Climate
Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, and extreme temperatures are uncommon. The monthly averages through the year are as follows (in degrees centigrade): January 9; February 10; March 12; April 14; May 17; June 21; July 24; August 24; September 21; October 17; November 13; December 10.
Accomodation in Barcelona
- Barcelona Allotjament
- Servihabitat
- Loquo
- Habitatge Jove (housing and accomodation service for young people and youth associations)
- Appartments Barcelona
- Resa (Students's residence in Lesseps)
- Residencia Balmes
- "Les ciutats" (Students's residence in Grácia)
- Finques Futura
- Fincas Carbonell
- Don Piso
- Idealista.com
- SH Barcelona Mar (Serveis a l'Habitatge)
- Bed & Breakfast
- BCN Stay
Leisure time and culture
Barcelona offers a wide range of cultural options. Information about cultural activities:
- Entertainment sections of the newspapers.
- Leisure guides like La Guía del Ocio (on sale in all newsagent's).
- The Cultural Information Office at the Palau de la Virreina (La Rambla, 99). Telephone: 93 301 77 75.
- Metropolitan Information Telephone Service: 010.
- Tourist information office like Centre d' Información i Turisme de Barcelona (Plaça Catalunya, 17, underground). Telephone: 93 304 32 32.
For further information about Barcelona, see the following Internet address: www.bcn.es.
Banks and Savings Banks
Banks and Savings Banks are generally open from 8.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Some Banks are open on Saturday mornings, and Savings Banks also open on Thursdays from 4.30 to 7.45 p.m., except from June to September.
In the city centre and at places of tourist interest there are several banks that are open every day, especially in the summer, for foreign exchange.
