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Developing your social network in Barcelona

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Updated byAnne-Lise Mtyon 16 July 2023

Meeting new people in Barcelona can be challenging for various reasons, such as recently relocating to the city, having a busy work schedule, being in a friend group where everyone is already paired up, or finding yourself newly single. Fortunately, there are many avenues to meet new people and form lasting friendships. In this article, we will look at five ways to develop your social circle in Barcelona.

Sign up for swing, salsa or bachata lessons in Barcelona

Dancing is more than just waving your hands in the air while a DJ plays electronic beats. In Barcelona, there are lots of opportunities to get your feet and body moving to swing, salsa or bachata (a Latin American music genre). Sign up for classes in or near your neighborhood in Barcelona. Not only will you have fun improving your moves on the dancefloor but you´ll make some new friends too.

Participate in a language exchange group in Barcelona

If you want to improve your language skills while experiencing the vibrant culture of Barcelona, signing up for a language exchange group can be an excellent choice. These groups connect people with a mutual interest in learning each other's language and culture. By participating in group conversations and exciting activities, you can practice your Spanish speaking skills, enhance your comprehension and expand your vocabulary.

One of the main benefits of joining a language exchange group is that it allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture in a way that isn't possible if you only speak with tourists or other foreigners. You can learn about the local customs, try new food and explore the city with people who know it best.

These groups provide an excellent environment to build confidence in speaking Spanish while making new friends.

Try apps that connect you with other locals in Barcelona

Happn is a location-based dating app designed to connect people who have crossed paths in real life. The app works by using the GPS location of a user's smartphone to identify other Happn users who have crossed paths with them in the past. When a user comes within 250 meters of another Happn user, their profiles appear in each other's timeline. Users on Happn can like or skip them and even start chatting within the app.

Do sport in a group in Barcelona

Joining a sports group in Barcelona is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to stay active and connect with a community of like-minded people. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a beginner just looking to try something new, there are plenty of options. Barcelona is home to numerous sports clubs and organizations that offer everything from football to basketball, tennis to swimming, and even water sports like surfing and sailing. Many clubs also organize regular training sessions, matches, and tournaments, providing opportunities to develop your skills and compete against others.

Join a hobby class in Barcelona

Joining classes in Barcelona related to your hobbies and interests can be an excellent way to meet new people, try new things, and pursue your passions. Many different types of classes are available, ranging from cooking and dance to language and art. For example, if you love to cook, you could take a class at La Boqueria Market to learn how to make traditional Spanish dishes like paella or tortilla de patatas. If you enjoy painting or drawing, you could take a class at one of the city's many art schools or studios. Whatever your interests, there is bound to be a class in Barcelona that is perfect for you.

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Anne-Lise studied Psychology for 4 years in the UK before finding her way back to Mauritius and being a journalist for 3 years and heading Expat.com's editorial department for 5. She loves politics, books, tea, running, swimming, hiking...

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