Digital Nomad Guide To Barcelona
Barcelona has become a popular destination for digital nomads across the globe due to its sunny weather, delicious tapas, beautiful beaches and booming business community.
In this guide, we provide all the information necessary to enjoy a productive and enjoyable stay in Barcelona – from co-working spaces to local attractions and much more.
Whether you’re planning a short-term stay or a longer-term move, our guide will help you make the most of your time in this vibrant city.
Best Neighbourhoods In Barcelona
Barrio Gótico
One of the coolest areas of Barcelona. These winding old streets are what made me fall in love with the city during my first visit. Come here without a plan and just get lost. You will find some great photo-ops, cathedrals, shops, and cafes along this area of Barcelona.
El Born
Located next to Gotico (just cross Via Laietana), El Born is much like Barrio Gotico with winding old streets and charm, but has even better cafes, shops, and tons of tapas places. This is the place to go for tapas and wine at night. Basically every place in this area is great.
Barceloneta
While most locals wouldn’t come here for the beach, it is still a great area to explore. The beach itself is typically very crowded, but the water is calm and blue and still a beach! It is very lively and has lots of cafes, restaurants, and bars. It is also a popular party spot with its many nightclubs.
Where To Stay In Barcelona
Hotel Miramar
This is my favorite all-around hotel in Barcelona. Hotel Miramar is a 5* hotel located in Montjuic which means it has outstanding views of Barcelona. The hotel itself is beautiful and has an awesome pool, spa, and modern rooms.
The breakfast here was one of the best I’ve ever had at a hotel as well. My room had an ocean view with a terrace, a spacious and comfortable bed, and bathtub goals like you wouldn’t believe!
Barcelo Raval
Barcelo Raval is a hip hotel in El Ravel neighbourhood. It has cool rooms and amenities, and the most amazing 360 degree rooftop. This rooftop gives you undisturbed views over ALL of Barcelona. You can see the beach, cathedral, Sagrada familia, Montjuic, Torre Agbar, and Tibidabo from here. Basically all of the Barcelona landmarks. Talk about some amazing Instagram photos!
Nearby is also the famous “La Rambla” which is the most touristy avenue in Barcelona. Although you must walk this street for your visit in Barcelona, I definitely don’t recommend you eat or spend much time there. Instead, opt to go to one of the many cafes and brunch spots in the quirky neighborhood of Raval.
Crowne Plaza
I always love staying at Crowne Plaza hotels because they are good, reliable, and in great locations. Barcelona’s is no exception. It is centrally located near Fira Center. It is a perfect location for both business and leisure as you have most of the main tourist attractions within short distance. All the Crowne Plaza hotels are geared towards business travelers, yet they are a wonderful option regardless of your reason for travel. You can always count on having strong wifi, respectful neighbors, and a helpful staff during your stay.
Primero Primera
This place is perfect if you want a place that feels like home. Primero Primera is a hotel that offers rooms that are really more like apartments. They are spacious, offer kitchenettes, and have an overall home-y feel. The patio for breakfast is gorgeous and the breakfast is simple but delicious. Primero Primera is located farther away from the center in a residential area giving you a more local Barcelona experience.
Where To Get Some Work Done In Barcelona
Best Cafes For Digital Nomads In Barcelona
Best Coworking Spaces In Barcelona
Must-Visit Attractions In Barcelona
Sagrada Familia
If you only see one place in Barcelona make it Sagrada Familia. This is Gaudi’s most famous masterpiece, which is still not finished…after 100 years. It is an astonishing church inside and out that will make your jaw drop. Try to go on a sunny day for an impressive display of light, and be sure to book your tickets ahead of time! This is the most popular tourist spot in Barcelona and it is always PACKED with people.
Parc Güell
Another Gaudi masterpiece that is worth the visit. Parc Güell is located somewhat close to Sagrada Familia and is a sight to see.
Stroll around the park and get some good photos overlooking Barcelona. You have probably seen this spot on Instagram many times.
Casa Batlo & Casa Mila
The Gaudi houses are located along Passeig de Gracia and are also a great stop. Casa Batlo or “La Pedrera” is worth a visit! Even if you don’t go inside be sure to walk by them when you do some shopping along Passeig de Gracia.
Mercado de la Boqueria
Barcelona’s most popular market located on the famous street of La Rambla. I personally loved going to el mercado, although I consider La Rambla to be the worst tourist trap in the city. Come to Mercado de la Boqueria anytime of day and get a fresh fruit juice while checking out the colorful stands.
TIP: If you’re visiting Barcelona for a limited amount of time I also recommend you get the Barcelona Card! This card gives you free or discounted entry to many of Barcelona’s most famous attractions (Sagrada Familia, Gaudi houses, museums, etc) and includes free transport around the city! With this card you’ll be able to take all the buses, metro, trams, and even the airport train and metro. You save LOTS this way if you’re planning on packing a lot of sightseeing in just a few days. This card also lets you move around the city the same way a local would!
Where To Eat In Barcelona
Flax & Kale
This is an amazing healthy restaurant offering a wide variety of vegan & raw foods. Flax & Kale is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so come by anytime! Try their green raviolis if you go for lunch – they’re vegan & super tasty!
Lulu
A great brunch spot in the heart of Barcelona. Lulu offers a variety of healthy dishes like Avocado or hummus toast, quinoa salads, and smoothie bowls! They also have great coffees and offer matcha! Dairy alternatives include soy & almond milk.
Brunch & Cake
This place was recommended to me by virtually everyone that’s visited Barcelona. It’s name is self-explanatory, it’s popular for brunch. Healthy options and beautiful decor are what make it stand out. There are several locations throughout the city including one by the sea (my favorite!).
Check out our post about vegan cafes in Barcelona.
What Fellow Digital Nomads Have To Say About Barcelona
I’ve got quite the ideal weather/location situation being based in Barcelona. I think Berlin, Barcelona, Istanbul, Lisbon, Athens, Copenhagen are cities that are cool to work in. It’s something about the vibe for me—many things to explore, not crazily overpopulated, great food and wine culture, good startup scenes in terms of being able to meet people, and good surroundings so you can get away from the city when/if you need to.
Ejiro Oviri
Barcelona is filled with ambitious entrepreneurs, start-ups, and digital nomads. My co-working space overlooks the sea and even the most work-driven people know how to stop and enjoy the sunset. It’s an absolute dream.
Kaleena Stroud
Bali, Cape Town, Barcelona, and Gold Coast (Australia) are the places that attract digital nomads so it’s great to network, and meet like-minded people. Besides the community, they also have good weather, beaches, sunshine, and of course, good wifi!
Farah Cuyvers
From my own experience, I would highly recommend newbies to start with places like Cape Town, Bali, Berlin, Barcelona, or Medellin. Other spot-on cities that I have heard should be good are Budapest, Chiang Mai, Lisbon, and Kuala Lumpur! Start there, and you’ll very quickly make up your own preferences.
Lis Kanzler
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