Essentials · Barcelona
Arriving in Barcelona: the essentials
What is worth having at hand from day one, as the app carries it: the numbers that matter, the apps you will use and where to start meeting people.
Updated October 2026 · From the Newope arrival plan
Emergency numbers
- 112Emergency, works in any language
- 024Mental health line, 24/7 free
Apps you will use
- Idealista & Badi
Idealista for flats, Badi for rooms.
- TMB App
Metro and bus times, routes and fares.
- InfoJobs & LinkedIn
Most job listings in Spain.
- Bicing
City bike sharing, needs registration.
- Meetup
Language exchanges, beach volleyball, hikes.
How to meet people
- Intercambios
Language exchange nights happen in bars almost every day. Great if you're learning Spanish.
- Beach volleyball
Barceloneta and Bogatell have open games. Just ask if you can join.
- Erasmus Student Network
ESN Barcelona runs trips, parties and welcome weeks each semester.
- Weekend escapes
Groups go to Montserrat, Sitges and the Costa Brava by train.
- Festes de barri
Neighbourhood festivals, especially Gràcia in August and La Mercè in September.
Keep all these steps in your arrival plan
In Newope each step shows up on the day it is due, with what you need and a reminder on time. Free, in your phone browser.
See my arrival plan →
The key steps
- Before you flyBook a place for your first 2 weeks
- Before you flyCheck your visa before you go
- On landingGet a Spanish SIM or eSIM
- On landingGet your transport card
- First weekStart your room hunt properly
- First weekRegister at the town hall (empadronamiento)
- First weekApply to 10 jobs and do walk-ins
- First monthGet your EU registration certificate (NIE)
- 2026Cost of living in Barcelona