From tapas-fuelled nights out to sun-soaked siestas, living in Catalonia’s capital city really does live up to all the hype. Brimming with a bounty of spell-binding experiences, Barcelona is buzzing both day and night. If you’re considering moving here, there’s one thing you can’t skip out on - travel insurance.

Barcelona is the colourful capital of Catalonia and one of Spain’s most iconic cities. This hot spot is hemmed in by a huge haul of history, culture and cosmopolitan vibes. Tucked along the northeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, this Mediterranean gem is graced with both ancient and contemporary finds.

Barcelona is nothing short of breathtaking, and you can only truly experience the enchantment once you step foot inside the city. Pictures simply don’t do this Spanish metropolis justice!

Among all the glitz and glamour, there’s no doubt that this city boasts a getaway from the godsend. But there’s a big difference between visiting, and living here.

The lively lifestyle, captivating culture, fun-packed festivities and mouth-watering gastronomy scene are even better once you discover the more authentic side of the city.

The Realities of Living in Barcelona

That being said, practically every major city around the globe is graced with both the 'good' and the 'bad'. Catalonia's capital is plagued with a panoply of pickpockets and thieves. Unfortunately, it's something that you have to get used to when living in Barcelona. That's where SafetyWing comes in. Whether you’re a digital nomad or a seasoned globetrotter, having travel insurance can be a game-changer.

Not only does it ensure you with peace of mind, but it’ll cover you in case things go askew. Before I moved to Barcelona, I honestly thought that it was the biggest waste of money. That pocket-focused perspective quickly shifted once I faced the realities of Barcelona city life. My apartment was robbed, and even though I had been meticulous about safety in the city, somehow, things were out of my control.

Practically every valuable I owned got stolen, and I found myself in an unwavering state of anxiety and fear. After crying it out, *Kim Kardardashian styles*, I decided it was time to stop wallowing and take action. I went to the police station, filed a report and called my travel insurance provider. In all honesty, I felt so relieved to have paid for travel insurance. It felt like a weight was off my shoulders.

I love living in Barcelona, and moving here was by far the best decision I ever made. Having travel insurance helped me to pour my energy into the positive, and not lose my marbles in a state of panic. If you’ve ever dabbled in the idea of jet-setting off to a new destination, or, you’re already in an abode abroad, don’t underestimate the value of having travel insurance!

Travel is an all-encompassing experience - it entices, excites and immerses you in a wealth of opportunities. Woven with a world of experiences, it can be easy to get swept up in the slew of spontaneous splendour on offer. But more so, it’s important to plan for the unexpected and prepare ahead.

SafetyWing travel insurance really is worth the price. It’s like an investment in yourself. SafetyWing can cover you in case of an emergency. Whether there’s a natural disaster, medical expenses, trip delays or interruption, having insurance can help you recover from financial loss. Plus, it can give you peace of mind. And you can’t put a price on that! When my apartment in Barcelona got broken into, travel insurance made the world of a difference!

Now, anytime I jet set off to a new destination, I know that I’m covered for practically any travel-related fiasco. Having travel insurance puts me at ease, meaning that I get to focus on the fun stuff - adventure-packed activities, adrenaline-filled experiences and uncovering authenticity!

My Story

Five years ago, I made the move to beautifully bustling, Barcelona. I decided to leave my beloved hometown in Melbourne, Australia, and take the plunge. So, I sold my things, squeezed my life into two suitcases and embarked on a 24-hour-something journey of planes, trains and buses. It wasn’t until I landed that I realised what I had gotten myself in for.

After the initial adrenaline rush simmered down, I immersed myself in an intricate world completely clashed with my own. It was a contrast, to say the least.

Framed by full culture shock, from the tradition and culture to the cuisine and commutes, I felt overwhelmed by the constant influx of information. But underneath the dust, dirt and chaos of it all, I stumbled upon rays of light and myriad moments of joy.

It became like a real-life video game. Getting lost on every corner, discovering the array of architectural gems and attempting to talk my way through the city. Although at times, the communication was merely a mix of charades and pointing, I somehow, some way, got by. As my first major move abroad, I began to fall in love with the entire process.

What scared me at first, ended up bringing me closer to myself, and sparked a deep rush to explore the rich tapestry of cultures, cities and countries in Europe. In just five years, I've travelled through more than 20+ different countries and pushed myself further from what I knew. I've found nonpareil peace in navigating new terrain, locking lips with colourful cuisine and staying curious when it comes to culture.

This life-changing decision has brought me closer to a world of lyrical landscapes, life lessons and liberating experiences. Ultimately, my love for travel has led me to pursue a career as a freelance writer, photographer and videographer.

What is Living in Barcelona Like?

It’s everything you’ve ever dreamed of... Just kidding. But not really.

Etched with enchanting escapes, labyrinth-like streets and something new on every corner, living in this city will have you on the edge of your seat. Barcelona is brimming with a wealth of opportunities, and there’s everything from cultural experiences to art-infused nights out.

Home to a huge haul of art museums, architectural gems, adrenaline-infused adventure and atmospheric festivals, Catalonia’s capital is steeped deep in experiences. Whether you want to enjoy an evening in the Picasso Museum, lock lips with authentic Catalan cuisine in Cadaques, or learn the local language at a salsa class, Barcelona boasts it all.

There are many things to know before coming to Barcelona. One important factor to consider is the healthcare system in Spain. While it’s free for residents, it’s notoriously slow. If you have a medical emergency or need an operation, having digital nomad insurance could really make the biggest difference.

For the full scoop on all things Barcelona, check out my YouTube channel! Each week, we release a new video on living, travelling and working in Europe as a digital nomad. Plus, there’s an entire Living in Barcelona series to keep you entertained. Yeehaw!

Pros and Cons of Living in Barcelona

As with every major city around the world, living abroad comes with a panoply of pros and cons.

If you’ve ever thought about living in Barcelona, there are a tapestry things you should know before making the move. Dive deeper into everything you need to know about visas, costs, paperwork, lawyers, costs and all things digital nomad-related in this post on Living in Barcelona. Here’s a basic breakdown of what to expect in this northeastern utopia.

Pros

•       Great selection of laptop-friendly cafes for digital nomads

• Mediterranean climate and warm weather

•       Cycle-friendly streets

• Best thrift stores and vintages shops in all of Spain

•       Efficient and expansive public transport network 

•       Large community of expats and digital nomads

•       Nightlife, restaurants and non-stop events and festivities

• Nonpareil architecture - plenty of Gaudi attractions to discover

•       Beaches, mountains, national parks and endless day trip opportunities

• Delectable speciality coffee shops

Cons

•       High price of living compared to the rest of Spain

•       Pickpockets, thieves and robberies

•       Two official languages (Catalan and Castellano) can be confusing if you’re trying to learn Spanish

•       Noise pollution in the inner city

•       High season takes a toll on the city 

• Free public healthcare for residents, but the system is notoriously slow

• Lower pays rates for hospitality, tech and finance fields. Find out more in this guide on Working in Barcelona

SafetyWing insurance can make a big difference when living in Barcelona, Spain. Whether you’re planning to move abroad or just jet-set off to a new city, knowing that you’re covered from financial loss can provide you with peace of mind.