Barcelona Life Hacks: An Expat's Guide to Living Like a Local

When I moved to Barcelona after living in Split, Croatia for 5 months, I’ll be honest — the adjustment was a lot. Between navigating Spanish bureaucracy and figuring out how not to accidentally overpay for everything, it felt overwhelming to say the least.

If you’re more of a visual learner, check out my YouTube video where I shared insider tips that will help you settle in like a local — minus the overwhelm and rookie mistakes.

Luckily, I had a secret weapon: my partner — who has been living here for 7 years and patiently showed me the ropes — not just the boring paperwork stuff, but the everyday life hacks that actually make settling in bearable.

Now it’s my turn to pass it on.

If you’ve just landed in Barcelona and have no idea where to start — don’t worry. In this video, I’ve put together the ultimate cheat sheet to help you live like a local in this beautiful (but occasionally wallet-draining) city.

From saving money and avoiding tourist traps to finding the hidden gems, this guide has got you covered. Stick around — your future self (and your bank account) will thank you

Cinema Secrets That’ll Make You Feel Like a Spy

Here’s your first golden rule: Wednesdays are your new favorite day of the week. Why? Because movie tickets drop from €9 to a much more reasonable €6. It’s like the cinema gods decided to throw us a bone midweek when we’re all questioning our life choices anyway.

Pro tip within a pro tip: Always hunt for that magical “VOSE” option if you want movies in their original English version. Trust me, watching Marvel movies dubbed in Spanish hits different, and not in a good way.

Oh, and once a year in June, the Fiesta del Cine happens and tickets drop to an absolutely ridiculous €3.50 from Monday to Thursday. This year, it’s happening on June 2nd until June 5th so mark your calendars, people – check out fiestadelcine.com and prepare to binge-watch everything.

Transportation Hacks That Actually Work

Tired of those flimsy paper transport tickets that give up on life after 3 uses? Getting your plastic metro card isn’t exactly rocket science, but it does require going to Plaza Espanya with your passport or TIE card in hand, pay €4.50, and voilà — you’re a real commuter now. Recharge it using the TMB app like the metro-savvy local you were always meant to be.

Another thing, forget those overpriced hop-on-hop-off tourist buses that make you feel like cattle. Regular public transport will get you everywhere you need to go without the shame of wearing a “I’M A TOURIST” sign around your neck.

Before you get excited, here’s a CRITICAL LIFE HACK: Always, and I mean ALWAYS, validate your card when you hop on public transport. Those €100 fines are no joke, and the inspectors pop up more often than your ex sliding into your DMs. Random checks are their specialty, so don’t be that person.

Alternatively, do you love cycling but have commitment issues? BICING is your answer at €50 per year. You get 30 minutes of free pedaling, then a mandatory 10-minute timeout (perfect for those Instagram photo ops), and then another 30 minutes. Electric bikes cost €0.35 extra, but sometimes treating yourself is damn worth it.

Moving on, need a cheap ride to the airport? You’ve got options — and some won’t cost you a cent.

First is the A1/A2 Shuttle Bus – direct, reliable, and cost around €7.50. This option is great if you want convenience without breaking the bank.
Next is the Metro L9 (or the orange line) – if you’ve got the T-usual card, it’s completely free.
Third option is Bus 46 – Leaves from Plaça Espanya and stops at both Terminals 1 & 2. Use with your metro card, but best to use if you’re not in a rush.
Lastly, there’s Cabify – if you’re running late or loaded with luggage, this is your best bet for a stress-free, door-to-door ride.

So whether you’ve got time to kill or a flight to catch in 45 minutes, there’s a wallet-friendly option for you.

Lastly, have you heard about the Google Maps Conspiracy Alert? Major bus routes like H12 and H16 are no longer visible in Google Maps because they were removed from the app to address tourist overcrowding. Switch to Apple Maps to see all your options, or just embrace the chaos and ask locals – they’re surprisingly helpful.

Free Culture Because We’re Classy (and Broke)

The Picasso Museum throws open its doors for free every Thursday from 5pm onwards. But here’s the catch – booking only opens 4 days before, so set those phone reminders unless you enjoy disappointment with a side of FOMO.

And here’s a secret that’ll make you feel like you’ve cracked the Da Vinci Code: you don’t need to pay €1.50 to get to the top floor of the Arenas. Just waltz inside like you own the place, take the escalators up, and boom – gorgeous views of Montjuïc and Plaza Espanya without spending a cent. You’re welcome.

Essential Life Admin (The Boring But Necessary Stuff)

Want a Library card? Hit up any public library in Barcelona with your TIE. Ask at the front desk to sign up — simple as that and you’re in the literary club. You’ll walk out with your own card that gives you access to all libraries across Catalonia, not just Barcelona. With your card comes perks like borrowing books, free Wi-Fi, study spaces & computers, and events, workshops, language exchanges, movie nights — so don’t forget to check your local library’s schedule!

As for public healthcare registration—if you qualify, your designated clinic depends on where you live, so check your nearest CAT SALUT. Bring your TIE and Padrón, and you’re all sorted. Bonus: annual flu shots are available with just an appointment. They will probably offer you a COVID shot too, but you can politely decline if that is not your vibe.

Want to Shop Like a Local Legend?

Grocery shopping hierarchy: Mercadona is your reliable best friend who never lets you down. On Sundays when Mercadona is closed, Dia and Condis have your back.

Addicted to coffee? Before you buy, know that if you’re paying more than €2 for a normal-sized café con leche, you’re being robbed in broad daylight.

Personal care hack: Skip supermarket for personal care essentials and head straight to Druni or Primor. Your wallet will thank you.

Shopping deals: Keep your eyes peeled for “DIA SIN IVA” – that’s your golden ticket to an automatic 21% discount. It’s like finding money in your old jeans, but better, way better!

Summer Vibes and Hidden Gems

Sala Montjuïc outdoor cinema during summer is absolutely mandatory. Movies under the stars with a view of the city? Yes, please. It’s like regular cinema but with more magic and fewer sticky floors.

Love parks with a twist? Head to Parc del Laberint d’Horta and challenge your friends to a maze race — winner, or the fastest to get out of the maze, gets eternal bragging rights (and maybe gelato).

Another thing, don’t snub El Corte Inglés food plaza on the top floor because it isn’t tourist bait – it’s actually decent food with a view. Sometimes stereotypes exist for good reasons.

Want More Fun Tips? Here are Day Trip Adventures Without Breaking the Bank

Solo traveler? Download the BCN Trips app and join group excursions for a fee. It beats awkward small talk with hostel roommates about splitting Uber costs.

If you want to go to Montserrat on your own or with a friend, take the R5 train from Plaça Espanya station to Montserrat-Aeri. Trains depart hourly, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour.

Finally, planning to do some outlet shopping? Go to Viladecans—it’s accessible with your trusty metro card via bus or train. And then there’s La Roca Village requires a €22 round-trip shuttle bus, but if you’re serious about your designer bargain hunting, it’s worth the splurge.

There you have it! These hacks have saved me countless euros and even more embarrassing tourist moments. Use this wisdom wisely, validate those metro cards religiously, and remember – Wednesday movie nights are now a lifestyle, not just a suggestion.

Expat Life