How to meet people & make friends in Barcelona

Barcelona is undoubtedly one of the world’s most exciting cities. Yet, with so much to see and do, living in Barcelona can be an overwhelming experience. What’s more, for people arriving from overseas, it can be tricky to find your tribe.

But fear not! At TEFL Iberia, we have years of experience helping Barcelona newbies find their feet. Every year, we help TEFL teachers get the qualification they need to work in Barcelona. So, we know what it takes to settle into life in this wonderful city and make new friends.

Here are some of the best ways to meet people and form those all-important friendships in Barcelona.

Bond with your TEFL classmates 

For those who sign up for a TEFL course, the easiest way to form friendships is by hanging out with your peers outside of the classroom. The shared learning experience provides the perfect foundation for friendship. And there are endless places in the city to hang out, from the Carmel Bunkers (pictured) to the beach, bars, terraces, parks and more.

Join a hiking group

One of the most unsung elements of Barcelona is the amazing hiking spots around the outskirts of the city. The elevated part to the west of the city, Collserola, is considered one of the largest metropolitan parks in the world. Then there’s Monserrat, Montseny, Garraf, and many other sprawling green spaces just a short distance from the city. All of which makes Barcelona a haven for hikers, with plenty of hiking groups where you can meet like-minded people.

Play sports

Barcelona is, unsurprisingly, a great city for sports fans. Pick up football apps such as Celebreak and Vaya Sports are a great way to quickly immerse yourself in a football-loving group. Both have male, female, and mixed games available. There are also beach volleyball meetup groups, padel groups, climbing groups, running groups, and a group for just about any sport you can think of. Just check out the Sports & Hobbies page on Barcelona Meetup.

Join a language exchange

A Barcelona language exchange, or an intercambio as they’re known in the city, is a great way to meet people that you might not otherwise meet. Learning Spanish is difficult and there’s something special about bonding over the language learning experience with others who are learning your language. Give it a go… it might surprise you! 

Immerse yourself in local culture

Catalan culture is unique. The longer you’re in the city, the more you’ll discover those beautiful little quirky aspects that make the city so special. Yes, the international community in Barcelona brings a vibrant feeling that sets it apart from other cities. But the local culture is truly one-of-a-kind. Make friends with the locals and you’ll be in for a treat!

Explore Barcelona’s epic nightlife

When we say ‘nightlife’, we’re not talking about clubs necessarily. From wine bars and tavernas to street festivals and beach parties, the city truly comes alive at night. And with so many amazing neighbourhoods, each with its own unique charm, you have extra incentive to get out there and explore the city. There are plenty of bar meetup groups in Barcelona, as well as wine clubs, electronic music meetup groups, and more.