How to meet new people in Barcelona

Looking to meet new people in Barcelona? We’ve got you covered! The city is packed with newcomers eager to grow their social circle and make weekend plans. But where exactly can you go to make these connections?

In this guide from Lugaris, we’ll share all the best tips for meeting new people in Barcelona. From groups and bars to activities, we’ll point you to the perfect spots to make friends and dive into the city’s vibrant social scene.

Social events and Meetups: The best places to make new friends in Barcelona

Social events and meetups are some of the best ways to meet new people in Barcelona.

One of the go-to platforms for this is Meetup.com, where you can find groups for just about any interest—from cooking classes to hiking or board game nights. Popular groups in Barcelona include language exchanges, mountain excursions, and movie nights.

In addition to Meetup.com, there are several other platforms and apps to help you discover events around the city:

• Eventbrite: A great source for everything from concerts to workshops and talks.
• Facebook events: Stay in the loop by following event pages and local organisations.
• Spotted by Locals: Perfect for finding less touristy, more local experiences.

Barcelona also has a large community of people looking to improve their Spanish or English, and language exchanges are a fun way to do this. Bars like L’Ovella Negra or El Born Centre Cultural host weekly language meetups where locals and expats practise in a laid-back setting.

If you’re new in town, attending expat events is another fantastic way to meet people who are in the same boat. Organisations like Internations and Citylife Barcelona host social gatherings, parties, and city tours for people from all over the world.

Tips for meeting people at these events

Here are some tips to help you meet new people in Barcelona:

• Be proactive: Don’t wait for others to come to you—take the initiative! Introduce yourself, ask questions, and show genuine interest in what others have to say.
• Choose events that interest you: Go to events that align with your passions. When you share a common interest, conversations happen more naturally, and it’s easier to connect.
• Attend regularly: Building friendships takes time. By showing up to events frequently, you’ll start seeing familiar faces, giving you more chances to deepen those connections.
• Listen and engage: When chatting with new people, make sure to actively listen. Showing interest in their experiences or hobbies helps build stronger, more meaningful connections.
• Stay in touch: If you hit it off with someone, don’t be shy about asking for their contact info—whether on social media or exchanging numbers.
• Be yourself: There’s no need to overthink it or try too hard. Authenticity is what leads to real connections. Relax, be yourself, and enjoy meeting new people without the pressure.

If you’re new to Barcelona, we recommend checking out Lugaris, where you’ll find apartments to suit all kinds of needs—whether you’re looking for long-term or short-term stays. Take a look and find exactly what you’re looking for! 😉

Explore the nightlife: Bars and places perfect for socialising

Barcelona’s nightlife is one of the most vibrant in Europe, offering plenty of opportunities to meet new people.

If you prefer to start the evening on a quieter note, tapas bars are a great option. The neighbourhoods of Born and Raval are packed with lively spots like El Xampanyet, known for its buzzing atmosphere and delicious tapas, or Bar Cañete. These bustling bars provide the perfect setting to chat with fellow patrons and maybe even make some new friends over a glass of wine or cava.

For a more alternative and international vibe, places like Bobby’s Free are ideal for meeting people from all over the world in a stylish setting. Another favourite for socialising in a laid-back atmosphere is La Ovella Negra, a large and friendly bar where locals and international students gather over huge pitchers of beer. It’s easy to strike up a conversation, play some board games, and enjoy a night filled with fun and laughter.

If music and dancing are more your style, Razzmatazz and Apolo are must-visits. With a mix of indie, electronic, and other genres, these clubs attract a diverse crowd of people who share your musical tastes. It’s the perfect environment to lose yourself in the music and make connections on the dance floor.

And for a more sophisticated evening, don’t miss rooftop bars with breathtaking views like Terraza 360º at the Barceló Hotel or Skybar at the Grand Hotel Central. These spots offer a chic ambiance where you can socialise while taking in the stunning panorama of Barcelona.

Outdoor activities: Sports and excursions to connect with others

Outdoor activities and sports are another fantastic way to meet new people in Barcelona. With the city’s beautiful weather and variety of activities, it’s easy to get outside and connect with others while staying active.

One popular option is outdoor yoga, often held in places like Parc de la Ciutadella or Barceloneta Beach. These sessions offer a relaxing atmosphere and a great opportunity to meet fellow wellness enthusiasts.

For something more energetic, consider joining one of Barcelona’s running groups. These communities often meet in scenic locations like Passeig Marítim or Parc de Montjuïc, making it easy to stay fit and socialise at the same time.

If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, hiking trips around Barcelona provide the perfect setting to make friends while exploring nature. Destinations like Montserrat or the Collserola Natural Park offer breathtaking trails where you can bond with fellow hikers. Several social media groups and apps, such as Meetup, organise hikes for all levels, making it easy to join in.

Here’s a list of the best day trips near Barcelona, perfect for enjoying nature, the outdoors, and a break from the city:

• Montserrat: Just an hour from Barcelona, Montserrat is ideal for a day trip. You can hike to the summit of Sant Jeroni for stunning views or visit the famous monastery.
• Collserola Natural Park: Located close to the city, this park is great for hiking and cycling. Tibidabo, the park’s highest mountain, offers impressive views of Barcelona.
• Costa Brava (Cami de Ronda): Follow the coastal trail of Cami de Ronda to discover hidden coves and crystal-clear beaches. One of the best routes is from Begur to Tamariu, where you can enjoy the Mediterranean scenery.
• Montseny Natural Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this park offers hiking trails for all levels. The hike to Matagalls is one of the most popular for its panoramic views.
• Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac: This natural park is perfect for hiking and climbing enthusiasts. La Mola Peak, with its monastery at the top, is a favourite for a half-day hike.
• Garraf: About 30 minutes from Barcelona, this natural park features hiking trails with both sea and mountain views. You can also visit interesting spots like the Sakya Tashi Ling Buddhist monastery.
• Montgrí Castle: Located near the town of Torroella de Montgrí, this easy hike offers spectacular views of Costa Brava and the Empordà from the top.
• Sau Reservoir and Rupit: This reservoir, along with the village of Rupit, is perfect for a trip that combines nature and history. You can hike and enjoy the tranquillity of the landscape.
• Serra del Cadí (Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park): Although about two hours from Barcelona, this area offers impressive mountain hikes. Tosa d’Alp and Puig de Comabona are two of the most popular peaks.
• Sant Miquel del Fai: A short but fascinating excursion where you can see an old abbey perched on a cliff and a series of stunning waterfalls. It’s a great option for a half-day trip.

Additionally, water sports like paddle boarding or kayaking at Barceloneta beach are naturally social activities. It’s easy to connect with others in water sports schools while enjoying the sea and learning something new at the same time.

Courses and workshops: Learn something new while making friends

Signing up for a course is another fantastic way to meet new people in Barcelona. Learning something new not only helps you grow personally, but it’s also a great opportunity to socialise and make friends. The city offers a wide range of courses and workshops where you can pick up new skills while connecting with like-minded people.

• Cooking workshops: If you’re a food lover, cooking workshops are perfect for meeting people while learning to prepare traditional Catalan or international dishes.
• Photography classes: Barcelona provides a stunning backdrop for photography enthusiasts. Signing up for a course or workshop will let you sharpen your skills and meet fellow photographers.
• Language courses: Language exchanges and formal classes are a great way to meet people from different cultures. Schools like Speakeasy or Babelia offer Spanish classes for foreigners, and many bars and cafés host language exchanges where you can practise Spanish, English, French, or other languages while making new friends.
• Dance classes: Barcelona has a vibrant dance scene, from salsa and bachata to flamenco. Joining a dance class at a local academy is a fun way to learn new moves and connect with others who share your love for dance.
• Art and craft workshops: If you’re into art, Barcelona offers a variety of workshops in painting, ceramics, and other crafts. These creative spaces provide a relaxed environment to meet people with similar artistic passions.
• Mindfulness and meditation courses: For those looking to connect in a calmer, more mindful setting, workshops on mindfulness and meditation offer a great way to learn relaxation techniques and share experiences with others.
• Theatre classes: If you’re after a more expressive way to socialise, theatre courses at schools like Eolia or Estudio Nancy Tuñón help build teamwork and confidence. Through games and improvisation, it’s easy to form bonds with fellow participants.

No matter what you’re into, enrolling in a course or workshop is a fun and effective way to learn something new while meeting people with similar interests. It creates a relaxed, friendly environment perfect for building friendships and fostering personal growth.

If you’re new to the city and wondering where to stay in Barcelona, you should know that Lugaris offers the perfect accommodations for your stay. We have apartments by the beach in Barcelona, La Rambla, and Poblenou—three of the most popular areas for foreigners visiting the city.

Visit our website now and start packing for your move to Barcelona! 😉