Why Barcelona is the Place to Be in 2022 – 10 Things to Tell Your Friends Back Home
Chené Koscielny
South African journalist
Going home for the holidays? Here are 10 things to tell your friends back home to show why Barcelona will be one of the coolest cities in the world to live in 2022 shared by Chené Koscielny, Director of the 2021 International Talent Monitor.
- Work-from-home Capital
One of the major strengths of the city is that it is perfect for people who want to work from home for international companies. This was borne out by the 2021 International Talent Monitor (ITM), a biannual report by Barcelona Global, which measures the challenges and needs of international talent in the city. Eighty percent of respondents felt the city had huge potential to attract internationals who want to work from home because of its quality of life and the presence of an international community, among other things. As an international based in Barcelona and working for US clients, I most definitely agree. My work-life balance has never been better.
- Connected – to Europe and the Rest of the World.
The city has been rated as 6.1/7 for its excellent connectivity by more than 1000 respondents in the ITM survey this year. We are not just talking about the geographical connections and ease of travelling to other cities in Europe, or other continents, but also the presence of international communities and strong business links with other cities.
- One of Europe’s Top Cities for Tech Investment
Barcelona is known as a city of tech start-ups and its reputation as one of Europe’s biggest startup hubs continues to grow. The Catalan capital has recently increased its ranking to become the 7th European city in terms of attracting technology investment, according to Atomico’s 2021 State of European Tech Report.
City-based tech companies closed $ 1.5 billion in funding rounds this year, four times more than in 2020 thanks to local unicorns like Glovo and Wallbox.
- In Excellent Health
If you live in Barcelona, you’ll have access to some of the best healthcare in the world. Satisfaction with the city’s public and private health systems were rated 5.1/7 and 5.5/7 respectively by internationals in the 2021 ITM survey.
The city’s response to the COVID pandemic has been ranked as 4.7/7 which shows its resilience in the face of a health crisis, compared to other European and world cities which struggled to cope.
- Easy to Get Around
If you’re easily overwhelmed by big cities, Barcelona is the perfect size – it’s big enough to offer endless things to do, but small enough to still feel manageable. Add to that excellent public transport – ranked by internationals at 5.9/7 in the ITM – and the ease of walking and biking around the city, and you can get (nearly) anywhere, anytime, fast!
- The No-brainer
If it’s sun you’re after, Barcelona is the place to be. The city has 2524 hours of sun per year, compared to 1630 in London. Winter temperatures in Barcelona typically range from lows of 8 degrees Celsius to highs of 15 degrees Celsius and there are 4 days of rain per month on average during the winter months. In London temperatures range between 4 and 9 degrees with an average of 10 rainy days per winter month. I know where I’d rather be!
- Making Friends
I have said it before and I’ll say it again – the people are very nice: Kind, helpful, generous, whether you speak Spanish or not. Catalans are rumored to be closed, but I’ve made a few close Catalan friends over the past 16 months, who invited me into their homes and hearts. The beauty of Barcelona, of course, is also that you’ll meet people from every corner of the world. I’ve never had friends from so many different cultures, and I love it. Also read our post: How to be loved by locals in Barcelona – and what they hate about you.
- Eating Your Way Around the World
Barcelona has more than 20 Michelin restaurants, but even if you’re not into haute cuisine and whatever your budget, you’ll always find new and different restaurants to try in every part of the city. From traditional tapas and Catalan food to every international kitchen, you really are spoilt for choice.
- Close to Nature
Barcelona not only offers immediate access to city beaches and mountain hikes in the beautiful Collserola, but within hours you can be sunning yourself at some of the most spectacular beaches on the Costa Brava’s or hiking or skiing in the Pyrenees.
- A Buffet of Culture and Sport
One of Barcelona’s main draws for visitors and locals alike are its incredible cultural offerings. There is always something to do or see, from world-famous sights like the Sagrada Familia to interesting cultural festivals in the city’s many different neighborhoods.
If you’re into sports, there are few better places to be – from cycling, to hiking to swimming and every type of sport you can imagine, the city is a sport lover’s paradise and the opportunities to be outside and to be active are endless.
- And…
I’ve been told by Barcelona Global (acting as a lobbying body) that a new Spanish law just went to Parliament in order to improve the tax regime to attract talent, entrepreneurs, and investors to Spain and Barcelona. Let’s see how it evolves, but it looks good and if it happens, there will be no more excuses for your friends to come to Barcelona to work, create, invest and live!
These are just a few of the reasons why Barcelona is one of the best cities in the world to live right now – and there are many more. Find out more about how internationals in Barcelona experiences the city and what they like and dislike about the city in the 2021 ITM Report.
What has your experience been as a Barcelonian-by-choice? Are you thinking of moving to the city and do you have some questions? Comment below or drop me a message on chenekoscielny@gmail.com.
If I’m unable to answer your question, I’ll try to find someone who can.
For news about the city and the people, international and local, who bring it to life, sign up today to the Barcelona Global Blog in English.
Going home for the holidays? Here are 10 things to tell your friends back home to show why Barcelona will be one of the coolest cities in the world to live in 2022 shared by Chené Koscielny, Director of the 2021 International Talent Monitor.
- Work-from-home Capital
One of the major strengths of the city is that it is perfect for people who want to work from home for international companies. This was borne out by the 2021 International Talent Monitor (ITM), a biannual report by Barcelona Global, which measures the challenges and needs of international talent in the city. Eighty percent of respondents felt the city had huge potential to attract internationals who want to work from home because of its quality of life and the presence of an international community, among other things. As an international based in Barcelona and working for US clients, I most definitely agree. My work-life balance has never been better.
- Connected – to Europe and the Rest of the World.
The city has been rated as 6.1/7 for its excellent connectivity by more than 1000 respondents in the ITM survey this year. We are not just talking about the geographical connections and ease of travelling to other cities in Europe, or other continents, but also the presence of international communities and strong business links with other cities.
- One of Europe’s Top Cities for Tech Investment
Barcelona is known as a city of tech start-ups and its reputation as one of Europe’s biggest startup hubs continues to grow. The Catalan capital has recently increased its ranking to become the 7th European city in terms of attracting technology investment, according to Atomico’s 2021 State of European Tech Report.
City-based tech companies closed $ 1.5 billion in funding rounds this year, four times more than in 2020 thanks to local unicorns like Glovo and Wallbox.
- In Excellent Health
If you live in Barcelona, you’ll have access to some of the best healthcare in the world. Satisfaction with the city’s public and private health systems were rated 5.1/7 and 5.5/7 respectively by internationals in the 2021 ITM survey.
The city’s response to the COVID pandemic has been ranked as 4.7/7 which shows its resilience in the face of a health crisis, compared to other European and world cities which struggled to cope.
- Easy to Get Around
If you’re easily overwhelmed by big cities, Barcelona is the perfect size – it’s big enough to offer endless things to do, but small enough to still feel manageable. Add to that excellent public transport – ranked by internationals at 5.9/7 in the ITM – and the ease of walking and biking around the city, and you can get (nearly) anywhere, anytime, fast!
- The No-brainer
If it’s sun you’re after, Barcelona is the place to be. The city has 2524 hours of sun per year, compared to 1630 in London. Winter temperatures in Barcelona typically range from lows of 8 degrees Celsius to highs of 15 degrees Celsius and there are 4 days of rain per month on average during the winter months. In London temperatures range between 4 and 9 degrees with an average of 10 rainy days per winter month. I know where I’d rather be!
- Making Friends
I have said it before and I’ll say it again – the people are very nice: Kind, helpful, generous, whether you speak Spanish or not. Catalans are rumored to be closed, but I’ve made a few close Catalan friends over the past 16 months, who invited me into their homes and hearts. The beauty of Barcelona, of course, is also that you’ll meet people from every corner of the world. I’ve never had friends from so many different cultures, and I love it. Also read our post: How to be loved by locals in Barcelona – and what they hate about you.
- Eating Your Way Around the World
Barcelona has more than 20 Michelin restaurants, but even if you’re not into haute cuisine and whatever your budget, you’ll always find new and different restaurants to try in every part of the city. From traditional tapas and Catalan food to every international kitchen, you really are spoilt for choice.
- Close to Nature
Barcelona not only offers immediate access to city beaches and mountain hikes in the beautiful Collserola, but within hours you can be sunning yourself at some of the most spectacular beaches on the Costa Brava’s or hiking or skiing in the Pyrenees.
- A Buffet of Culture and Sport
One of Barcelona’s main draws for visitors and locals alike are its incredible cultural offerings. There is always something to do or see, from world-famous sights like the Sagrada Familia to interesting cultural festivals in the city’s many different neighborhoods.
If you’re into sports, there are few better places to be – from cycling, to hiking to swimming and every type of sport you can imagine, the city is a sport lover’s paradise and the opportunities to be outside and to be active are endless.
- And…
I’ve been told by Barcelona Global (acting as a lobbying body) that a new Spanish law just went to Parliament in order to improve the tax regime to attract talent, entrepreneurs, and investors to Spain and Barcelona. Let’s see how it evolves, but it looks good and if it happens, there will be no more excuses for your friends to come to Barcelona to work, create, invest and live!
These are just a few of the reasons why Barcelona is one of the best cities in the world to live right now – and there are many more. Find out more about how internationals in Barcelona experiences the city and what they like and dislike about the city in the 2021 ITM Report.
What has your experience been as a Barcelonian-by-choice? Are you thinking of moving to the city and do you have some questions? Comment below or drop me a message on chenekoscielny@gmail.com.
If I’m unable to answer your question, I’ll try to find someone who can.
For news about the city and the people, international and local, who bring it to life, sign up today to the Barcelona Global Blog in English.
