Removals to Barcelona, Spain
This article looks at Barcelona – its history, how it became the focal point of Catalonia, and its current attractions. The city is one of the many Spanish destinations that The Moving Partnership can help you move to, either for personal or commercial reasons, and there’s a look at the company’s European removals services.
This article is a four-minute read.
Say ‘Barcelona’ and most people will think of the football team, or its place in the heart of Catalonia. However, there’s a lot more to the Spanish city than these two elements, as The Moving Partnership has been finding out.
Removals to Barcelona with The Moving Partnership
At The Moving Partnership, we can help with domestic and commercial moves to all regions of Spain, including Barcelona. We can find competitive European moving quotes for you, thanks to our network of contacts in the international removals industry.
The History and Heritage
The city was originally a Roman colony called Barcino. In subsequent centuries, it was controlled by various tribes and peoples, including the Visigoths, the Moors and the Franks.
Today, Barcelona is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, which only became part of Spain in the 15th century. It’s a distinct region with its own language, culture, and high degree of self-governance, but Spain remains the sovereign country. The city has two official languages, Catalan and Spanish. You will also find that many people, especially those who work in tourism, speak English.
Historically, it was important for its port (as a trading post), and its textile and machine industries. In more recent years, tourism and technology have become increasingly important to the city’s economy. And the 1992 Summer Olympic Games also saw a number of urban regeneration and infrastructure projects, which (along with the Games themselves) provided a real boost to the city’s international profile.
Getting There and Getting Around
Barcelona-El Prat international airport is just under 15km (10 miles) from the city centre. Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways and Iberia Airways are the main carriers, with flight times between it and the UK usually between two and three hours.
From the airport, you have the choice of shuttle bus, train or metro if you want to get into the city by public transport. Taxis and hire cars may be more convenient but more expensive.
Alternatively, the city's port is one of the busiest on the Mediterranean, with nine passenger terminals, seven for cruise liners and four for ferries.
Once you are there, many of the same choices apply – bus, train, metro or car – and there’s the added option of the public bike sharing scheme known as Bicing. This is only for residents, not tourists, who must use one of the private bike operating companies. You could also get around by segway, or electric scooter (but there are large fines if you use these on pavements and pedestrian areas).
The Main Attractions
Most people have heard of the La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s spectacular unfinished basilica, and it is a must-see for many visitors. The most iconic street is Las Ramblas, which is full of shops, restaurants and street performers. But there are plenty of other places to visit.
Remember, many of the museums aren’t just for the city, but the whole of Catalonia – such as the National Museum of Art, the Museum of Mathematics, and the Museum of History. And there’s no getting away from the football either – the club’s museum is the city’s third most popular one by visitor numbers.
Montjuic Park, which overlooks the harbour, also has a sporting link, and is well worth a visit. The park contains the stadium which hosted the 1992 Olympics, as well as pavilions, parks, a botanical garden, an evening light show centred around a fountain (pictured). It also offers some great views over the city. And Barcelona has plenty of sandy beaches if you fancy a spot of sunbathing or swimming in the .
Shopping Around and Eating Out
For the big stores, check out Passeig de Gràcia – this has most of the big names (particularly fashion). For independent and artisan wares, head for The Gothic Quarter in the historic city centre.
For fresh food, try the Mercat de la Boqueria, just off Las Ramblas; the market has hundreds of stalls selling produce, including meat, seafood, sweets, and tapas. But what are the traditional local dishes? Pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), Patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce), and escalivada (a vegetarian dish of grilled vegetables) may all be unfamiliar to visitors’ palettes. There’s also plenty of locally caught tuna, mackerel and sea bream on the menu, depending on the season.
As for drink, locally produced Cava sparkling wine, or vermouth, a fortified wine, are traditional favourites. More recently, craft beers (and cocktails) have begun to appear in many bars and restaurants.
Removals to Spain with The Moving Partnership
At The Moving Partnership, we can help with commercial and domestic moves to all the major cities in Spain, including Madrid, Sevilla, Zaragoza, Salamanca, Valencia and Malaga, as well as Barcelona.
Click on this link to learn more – and to access some of our other ancillary services, such as our video surveys and currency exchange services. You can also call us on 0800 772 3709.
FAQs
Q: What is the work/visa situation in Barcelona?
A: European Union (EU) citizens have the right to live and work in Spain without a work permit or visa due to free movement laws. However, if they stay longer than three months, they must register with the local authorities to obtain a tax identification number and a residence certificate.
Non-EU citizens (such as those from the UK) do need a specific visa and work permit to live and work in Barcelona for more than 90 days in a 180-day period. This can be a standard work visa or an EU Blue Card for highly qualified professionals. If you are moving from a non-EU country, you should start the process of applying for a visa before you arrive in Spain.*
Q: How many British people live in Barcelona?
A: Recent reports say there are around 10,000 British Nationals currently living in the city. Barcelona is a cosmopolitan place which attracts people from many different cultures and countries; there are plenty of English-language events (such as comedy nights and book clubs) for Britons to enjoy. There are also plenty of British or Irish pubs.
Q: Should you learn to speak Spanish or Catalan before you arrive in Barcelona?
Although it’s not a legal requirement, it would be a good idea to learn some Spanish or Catalan before you arrive if you are considering removals to Barcelona. Spanish should be understood by everyone.
However, learning Catalan is also beneficial as it shows your respect for the local culture, and a knowledge of it is essential if you want to work in certain areas, such as public administration or in public schools.
*all information is correct at the time of writing.
