Where I Actually Eat, Stay & Unwind in Barcelona: An Expat’s Guide

Food, wellness, beauty, and everyday favorites from an expat who lived in Barcelona for over two years

I’ve been carrying this guide around in my head for a long time.

Barcelona felt familiar to me well before I ever called it home. From my very first visit, there was an ease to being here that I couldn’t quite explain. What started as a short stay slowly turned into longer visits, until one day it stopped feeling like a destination and started feeling like a place I wanted to build a life.

After years of traveling full-time, I chose to make Barcelona my base through Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, and I lived there for over two years. While I’ve since moved to Málaga, Barcelona will always feel like home.

Photo by Amaury Michaux

This guide is my Barcelona expat guide, a collection of places that became part of my real, everyday life there. It hasn’t all been glamorous (Spanish taxes have a way of keeping you humble), but the friendships, routines, and opportunities I built made it absolutely worth it.

This is my long-promised Barcelona list: a curated collection of places I genuinely enjoy and returned to regularly — restaurants I crave, cafés I frequent, wellness spots I trust, and spaces that became part of my routine.

As I get ready to begin a new chapter in Málaga, it felt like the right moment to finally share this. This guide isn’t finished, and it’s not meant to be. I’ll keep updating it as new favorites appear, so bookmark it and come back whenever you need ideas.

This isn’t a checklist or a tourist roundup, it’s a Barcelona expat guide built from routine, repetition, and places I genuinely return to.

Where I Actually Eat in Barcelona

Barcelona’s food scene is vast and constantly evolving, but these are the places I find myself craving and recommending most. If I had to narrow it down to one favorite per cuisine, this would be my list.

Spanish & Tapas

El Xampanyet (El Born)
If I’m craving classic tapas, this is always my first choice. The room is always buzzing, the cava is made in-house, and the food consistently delivers. They don’t take reservations, so there’s almost always a line out front, but that’s part of the experience. If you want a little more relaxed experience, going earlier in the day or stopping by for lunch is the move.

Italian

Doppietta (Sant Antoni)
I discovered this spot recently and was immediately sold. From the pasta to the starters and dessert, everything tasted genuinely authentic. Even the Aperol spritzes were done right. It’s the kind of place you leave already planning your next visit.

Vietnamese

Pho Hanoi (Eixample)
This is the most authentic Vietnamese food I’ve found in Barcelona so far. I usually order the Bún Huế or a classic pho, and it always hits the spot. Simple, comforting, and dependable in the best way.

Turkish

Ali Ocakbasi (Eixample)
When I’m craving real Turkish flavors, this is where I go. It’s ideal for ordering a few dishes and sharing, which makes it great for groups, but it’s just as enjoyable for a low-key dinner. I usually order a mix of dips and grilled meats, and I always make room for tea and dessert.

Korean

Kim BBQ (Eixample)
This is my no-drama Korean spot. I’ve eaten here plenty of times and probably ordered from them on Uber Eats even more. When I’m in the mood for Korean food and don’t want to think too hard about it, this is where I land.

Japanese (Udon)

Yoi Yoi Gion (Eixample)
When I want to treat myself a little, this is where I go. It’s definitely pricier than average, but the handmade udon noodles make it worth it. A great option when you’re in the mood for something special.

Chinese Hot Pot

TanYaXue Hot Pot (Eixample)
TanYaXue is my pick when I’m in the mood for hot pot. The ingredients are great quality, there’s plenty to choose from, and they often run good deals.

Mexican

Tamarindo (Eixample)
For Mexican food, this spot never lets me down. The cocktails are generous, the tacos and nachos are always a win, and it’s the kind of place that naturally turns into a long, fun evening with friends.

Pastries & Coffee

Origo Bakery (Sant Antoni & Gràcia)
Origo offers beautiful pastries, great coffee, and a cozy atmosphere that makes it easy to linger a little longer.

Manso’s Café (Sant Antoni)
A Swedish café with excellent pastries and one of my favorite setups for working remotely.

Cocktails

Sips (Eixample)

One spot that deserves a special mention is Sips, which has been consistently ranked among the Top 10 bars in the world. I recently visited for their tasting experience, Esència, and it was easily one of the most memorable cocktail experiences I’ve had in Barcelona.

Rather than a traditional bar visit, Esència feels more like a curated journey through flavors, technique, and storytelling. Each cocktail is intentional, beautifully presented, and designed to be experienced slowly, very much in line with Barcelona’s more refined, creative side. It’s a splurge, but one that feels genuinely worth it if you’re into world-class cocktails or looking for a special night out.

I shared more about my experience at Sips, including what the Essència tasting was like, check it out here.

My Go-To Spas, Bodywork & Wellness Spots in Barcelona

If you’re craving a reset while in Barcelona, whether that’s a proper massage, a facial, or something more energy-focused, these are the places I personally go back to.

Le Patio Spa

This is one of my favorite spas in the city and a place I’ve returned to many times. I’ve even celebrated my birthday here, which says a lot. They offer a wide range of massages and facials, and it’s especially great if you’re traveling with friends and want to book something together.
Here’s a short glimpse from one of my visits!

Holis Bodywork

This has been one of my favorite discoveries in Barcelona. Andrea, the owner, is incredibly intuitive and really knows how to work through tension. I’m very picky about deep tissue massages, and this is one of the few places that truly delivers.

Ananda Spa

I first discovered Ananda Spa through ClassPass and have gone back several times, especially for facials. The team is always friendly, the space feels inviting the moment you walk in, and it’s easy to turn a visit into a full self-care afternoon since they also offer massages and nail services.

You can book Ananda Spa on ClassPass here.

ArteSano Masajes y Equilibrio Energético

Whenever I was feeling off-balance, stressed, or just not quite myself, this was always the first place I’d book. The sessions blend Reiki and energy work, with a focus on aligning the chakras, alongside a massage, which really brings the whole experience together. I always left feeling calmer, more centered, and noticeably lighter, both physically and mentally.

Nails

If you use ClassPass in Barcelona, these are the nail salons I’ve actually enjoyed and would happily book again.

Phusyon System Regeneration (Eixample)
This is a great option if you want to combine a manicure or pedicure with body-focused treatments, making it easy to take care of a few things in one visit.
Sunset Nail Salon (El Born)
This is one of those reliable spots you can book without overthinking it. The space is clean, the staff is friendly, and I’ve always been happy with how my nails turned out.
La Esmalteria (near Sagrada Familia)
This one feels a bit more elevated. The space is beautiful, the service is consistently good, and it’s a nice choice when you want your nail appointment to feel like a small treat

If you haven’t tried ClassPass yet, you can get 2 weeks free using this link.

Hair

Le Studio
I’ve been going here for years now, and it’s the place I’ve stuck with through highlights, trims, and everything in between. It’s rare to find a salon where you consistently walk out feeling like yourself, but this has been that place for me.

Hotels I’d Happily Book Again in Barcelona

I’ve stayed in quite a few places around the city over the years, but these are the ones I’d genuinely recommend without hesitation. All solid choices, depending on your budget, length of stay, and what kind of trip you’re planning.

Photo via Palu Malerba

Budget to Moderate

Hotel Limonaia
If you want a central location without paying luxury prices, this is a great find. It’s a boutique stay tucked away in Eixample, close to Casa Batlló. The rooms are clean, the staff is friendly and the overall value is hard to beat.
Hotel Via Augusta
Located right on the edge of Gràcia, this one feels welcoming and relaxed. The lobby is a nice bonus if you need a place to sit and work for a bit. Rooms can be on the smaller side depending on what you book, but it’s a dependable option for shorter stays.
Numa Stay Barcelona – Roca
If you prefer having a little more space and independence, this apartment-style stay is a great option. Self check-in makes everything easy, the rooms are comfortable, and some units include kitchen access, which is especially nice for longer visits.

Luxury

Hotel Granados 83
This is a splurge, but a good one if you’re looking for comfort and a memorable experience. The location in Eixample is ideal, and everything feels elevated, and well thought out.

Tours I Loved (and Would Do Again)

I’m usually selective with tours, but when I book one, it’s because I want the experience to feel easy, engaging, and genuinely worth my time. These are the Barcelona tours I’ve done that delivered on all of that and then some.

Devour Food Tours

I’ve done two Devour tours in Barcelona, and both ended up being highlights of my time in the city.

Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour
This tour explores the Gothic Quarter, moving between traditional tapas bars and taverns while weaving in stories about the neighborhood. Along the way, there are more than ten tastings and a few iconic drinks, which makes it feel like a proper introduction to the area rather than a checklist. I shared a bit from that experience here if you want a feel for it.

Book the experience here.
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Ultimate Barcelona Food Tour
The other was their Ultimate Barcelona Food Tour, which starts in El Born and slowly winds its way toward the sea. It’s one of those walks where the conversation flows easily, the food keeps coming, and you end up learning far more about the city than you expect to. You can see more from that experience here.

Book the experience here.

Context Travel

If you’re looking for something more in-depth, Context Travel is a great choice. Their tours are led by experts who really know the city, and the focus is on understanding what you’re seeing, not just moving from stop to stop.

They offer private and small-group tours covering history, architecture, food, and culture, which makes them especially good for first-time visitors or anyone who wants a deeper sense of Barcelona. It’s also a nice option if you enjoy asking questions or prefer a more personalized experience.

You can explore and book their Barcelona tours here. Use the code FANCYNANCISTA for a discount!

Passes I Recommend for First-Timers

GoCity Pass

If you’re only in Barcelona for a short trip and you want to do the “big hits” while sticking to your budget, the GoCity Pass is extremely useful. I’ve used it in Barcelona and London, and it’s one of the few city passes I’d actually recommend.

It’s especially worth looking at if you’re in town for 1 to 3 days and want to pack in sightseeing without overpaying for individual tickets. You can check it out here

Maps and Extra Planning

If you’re the kind of person who loves having everything saved in one place, or you just want a simple map to make planning easier, I’ve put together a collection in my Tailwind profile of Barcelona spots and must-sees here.

Day Trips and Activities Worth Booking

Barcelona is a city you can explore for weeks on end, but if you have even one free day, it’s worth escaping for a bit. The best part is you don’t have to rent a car or plan some complicated route to see a completely different side of Catalonia.

Catalands

If you want an easy, well-run day trip where you can relax and just enjoy the experience, Catalands is a great option. They run guided tours to places like Costa Brava and Montserrat. I did their Costa Brava kayaking + snorkeling tour and loved it.

Mario, who runs it, is genuinely lovely. You can tell he cares about the experience and not just moving people from point A to B.

You can browse their tours here. I also shared my Costa Brava tour here.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to see a bunch of options before deciding, I keep a bigger list of ideas here.

The Planning Tools I Personally Use

There are several apps you can download, but these are the ones I genuinely use in real life.

Getting Around the City

Cabify
My ride app of choice in Barcelona. It’s reliable, the cars are clean, and pricing tends to feel more consistent. If you’d like to try it, you can use my code NANCYS2912 in the app, or use this invite link for €4 off.
Uber
Uber is also available here and works well, especially if you’re heading to the airport, coming home late, or just want a backup option.

Booking Trains and Buses

Omio
For booking transport around Spain, I use Omio. It’s the easiest way I’ve found to compare trains and buses in one place, and I love that you can search and book in your own language without it feeling like a puzzle. Here’s the link.

Living in Barcelona

Whether you’re staying short-term, settling in for a while, or fully making the move, these are the tools and services I’ve personally used and would recommend.

Finding an Apartment or Roommates

If you’re apartment hunting or looking for roommates, these platforms cover most situations you’ll run into:

Badi: Best for finding roommates. It’s especially useful if you’re new to the city and want something flexible.
Idealista: The go-to platform if you’re looking to rent your own place. It takes some patience, but it’s where most long-term listings live.
aProperties: This is how I found my apartment. It’s more hands-on and works well if you prefer having guidance through the process, especially as a foreigner.
aTemporal: A sister company to aProperties, focused on mid-term and temporary rentals. Great if you want something furnished without committing long-term right away.
ShBarcelona: Another solid option for both rooms and apartments, particularly useful if you’re navigating the rental process from abroad.

Cleaning Help I’ve Personally Used

Once you’re settled, having reliable help makes a big difference. Alexandra is a cleaner I’ve personally used. She’s fast, thorough, affordable, and easy to communicate with.

You can reach her directly on WhatsApp at +34 602 58 44 75.

Where to Stay in Barcelona: A Neighborhood Guide

Barcelona’s neighborhoods each have their own rhythm, and where you stay really shapes your experience. These are the areas I suggest most often, depending on what kind of trip or lifestyle you’re after.

Eixample

If it’s your first time in Barcelona, this is my top recommendation. It’s central, walkable, and incredibly well connected by metro. You’re close to everything without feeling stuck in a tourist bubble, and it works just as well for short stays as it does for longer ones.

Best for: first-time visitors, longer stays, people who want convenience without chaos

Sagrada Familia

Quieter than the city center but still very well connected, this area offers a more relaxed pace while keeping you close to major sights. Prices can be slightly lower than Eixample, which makes it appealing if you want value without sacrificing location.

Best for: first-time visitors, budget-conscious travelers

Gràcia

Charming, creative, and full of personality. Gràcia feels more like a small town within the city, with local cafés, leafy plazas, and a strong neighborhood feel.

Best for: longer stays, creatives, travelers who want a local vibe

Sant Antoni

One of my personal favorite areas. It has an amazing food scene, a great market, and a lively feel without being overly touristy. You’re close to everything, but it still feels grounded in everyday Barcelona life.

Best for: food lovers, people who want balance

Poblenou

More modern and spread out, with easy access to the beach and lots of coworking spaces. It’s especially popular with digital nomads and remote workers who want more space and a slightly slower pace.

Best for: digital nomads, longer stays, beach access

Sant Gervasi

This area feels more local and upscale, with excellent metro connections into the center. It’s ideal if you prefer quiet evenings and a more settled atmosphere.

Best for: longer stays, families, travelers who value quiet over nightlife

How to Plan 3 to 5 Days in Barcelona

Here’s a simple flow that keeps the days full but still leaves space to actually enjoy the city.

If You Have 3 to 4 Days

Do one food tour early in your trip. If you want a solid option, Devour Tours is a great one to book.
Plan one wellness experience. A massage, a facial, whatever feels most “you.”
Use a GoCity Pass for the major sights.
Explore one neighborhood slowly. Pick a vibe and lean into it.

Tip: put your busiest sightseeing day in the middle, not the first day. Arrive, settle in, eat well, walk a bit, then go big the next day.

If You Have 5 Days

Keep everything above, then add:

One day trip: Montserrat and Costa Brava are my personal favourites.
One slower day to reset: you can opt for a slow café morning or a sunset beach walk
One treat-yourself dinner or experience: not every meal needs to be a “moment,” but one really good night out is a must.

Tip: the biggest mistake people make is trying to squeeze too much in. Barcelona is at its best when you leave room to slow down.

If you want more touristy type recommendations, check out my 8 Days in Madrid and Barcelona post.

Optional Add-Ons

If you’re in the mood to mix things up, here are some fun experiences worth trying out:

Mistakes to Avoid in Barcelona (So You Don’t Learn the Hard Way)

Skip eating on La Rambla. It’s overpriced, underwhelming, and there are so many better meals just a few streets away.
Don’t underestimate distances. Barcelona is walkable, yes, but you’ll rack up steps fast. Comfortable shoes are not optional.
Book ahead on weekends. The popular restaurants, tours, and spas fill up quickly, especially Friday to Sunday.
Avoid peak sightseeing hours midday when you can. Mornings and evenings are significantly better, with fewer crowds and calmer energy.

Living in Barcelona as a Digital Nomad

If you’re thinking about staying in Barcelona longer than a quick visit, these are the resources I’ve personally used and found extremely helpful.

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (From My Own Experience)

When I decided to make Barcelona my base, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa was what made it possible. I wrote a full, step-by-step guide based on my own experience as an American. You can read it here.

If you’d rather not navigate the process alone, I can also connect you with the lawyer I worked with. She’s responsive, clear, and very used to working with expats. You can fill out this form and she’ll reach out directly.

U.S. Taxes While Living in Spain (Yes, You Still Have to File)

If you’re a U.S. citizen living in Spain, taxes don’t magically disappear. Even if you don’t end up owing anything thanks to foreign income exclusions or credits, you’re still required to file.

I worked with Nyrie to file my U.S. taxes while living abroad. She works specifically with expats and understands the nuances of U.S. taxes when you’re based overseas. The cost was $350 USD, and if you mention that Nancy Sevilla referred you, you’ll receive 10% off. You can contact her directly at nyrie@taxprepagogo.com.

Making Friends in Barcelona (Without It Feeling Forced)

These Facebook groups made it much easier to meet people, find events, and feel less like you’re doing everything alone.

Digital Nomads Barcelona: great for meetups, coworking plans, and general advice
Barcelona Expats Group: helpful for practical questions and local recommendations
Barcelona Digital Nomads: another solid option for connecting with people in a similar phase of life
Dinner Society: they host curated group dinners around the city, which makes it easy to meet new people in a relaxed, low-pressure setting.
Wemigo: they focus on group activities and experiences, from casual social plans to more organized events, offering a great way to meet people organically!

I hope you found this Barcelona expat guide helpful and inspiring, whether you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time or settling in for a while. This list isn’t finished, and it’s not meant to be. I’ll continue updating it as I discover new places that feel genuinely worth sharing, so feel free to bookmark it and check back whenever you need fresh ideas.