As I recently moved to Madrid, I’ve had some time to reflect on my life back in Barcelona and how charming the city truly is. I lived in Barcelona from September 2019 to June 2023, with breaks in between, and there are a couple of things I really loved and miss about the city.
Firstly, the walkable distance. While some people consider Barcelona a big city, having lived in Seoul and now in Madrid, I miss how easily accessible all parts of the city were on foot. Barcelona’s well-connected transportation system, whether walking or taking the bus/metro, made most places reachable within 30 minutes. When I worked in the city center near the metro station ‘Urquinaona,’ I often enjoyed walking back home with a bag of groceries.
Secondly, the weather. Barcelona is sunny almost all year long, and while it experiences four seasons, they are not as prominent compared to Madrid or Seoul. Being situated beside the sea, Barcelona can be quite humid, but the summer is still somewhat bearable even without a proper air conditioning system. Similarly, the winter is not as extreme, making outdoor activities feasible throughout the year.
Thirdly, the international atmosphere. Living in a foreign country can be challenging, but Barcelona made it easier compared to other cities because it is constantly filled with people from around the world. The city also offers a diverse range of international cuisines, so if ‘pan con tomate’ doesn’t fit your appetite, you can easily find a ‘ramen’ place around the corner.
Lastly, the dogs. As a dog lover, it was a delightful experience to be surrounded by dogs all the time. Barcelona is full of dogs, from small to big dogs. The office I worked in was also dog-friendly, making it a joy to work with four-legged friends all the time.
Upon leaving the city, I came to appreciate the perks of living there. Barcelona, though small, is full of excitement. If you find yourself with some free time, I encourage you to experience the joys of this city for yourself!