Why Barcelona is actually the perfect city to live in

Such a city where I think every time: sigh. If I ever go on exchange, if I ever pack my bags and move within Europe: Barcelona will be the spot. A bit of outdoor living, walking without a jacket, soaking up vitamin D. No, I would know. The longer I think about it, the more I think: yes. Barcelona is really such a typical city where you can live perfectly as a Dutch person.

Something with food…
Paella on the terrace. Tapas at the bar in that quirky little place where you can hang out until deep into the night. A good glass of rioja. Gambas al ajillo. Crema Catalana. Mountains of manchego, with papa negra and aioli. Ugh. The Mediterranean cuisine is the tastiest on earth and Barcelona seems to be the queen of delicious restaurants.

Something with the weather…
It's always chill there. Summer, winter, it doesn't matter at all. Freezing? Strong wind? Bitter cold? Huh, what do you mean exactly? They don't know that here. Even when it's ‘suuuuper cold’ in Barca, it's still about ten degrees.

Something with the city/beach combination…
There are few European cities where you can so chill first shop for a bikini, and then immediately lie on the beach. Ask expats why they moved to Barcelona and they will say: chilling on the beach after work. They are right.

Something with architecture…
Barcelona is a kind of glimpse into the particularly imaginative mind of Gaudí. The famous mosaics. A gigantic long bench with a giant snake winding over a square. The bright colors. The unusual architectural shapes. Park Güell. The Sagrada Família. The futuristic skyscraper Torre Agba.

Something with walking…
Although Barcelona may seem gigantic, you can explore the center purrrrima on foot. The city is actually not that big and therefore perfect to live in. In recent years, there has been a significant investment in good bike paths, in case walking is not your thing.

Something with being home again if you ever get homesick…
With Holland just a two-hour flight away. That's nothing, right? Honestly. I suddenly get a little tingle…

AND HALLOTAPASWIJNTAPASWIJNDOEI.