A two-month search in Barcelona

“Oh, Barcelona is amazing!” That’s the usual reaction we hear. Who doesn’t adore it? With its stunning architecture, lively art and culture scene, and laid-back Mediterranean vibe, it’s easy to see why. But here’s the catch: not everything that sparkles is worth a fortune. While many dream of living in Barcelona, only a select few can actually afford it due to a serious housing crisis hitting the city. Locals are moving away as they struggle to find rental prices that fit within their monthly budgets. Still, Max and Sonya-a young couple-are determined to soak up the Barcelona experience. They've already spent about two months hunting for a new place in Eixample.

Preferences:
Bedroom: 2
Bathroom: 1
Location: Eixample, Barcelona
Furniture: Yes
Pets: 1 small black dog (friendly, well-behaved, highly intelligent)
Apartment Type: white and sunny
Timing: 2 weeks
Budget: 2,000 EUR

Tenants details:
Tenants: 2
Occupation: Max - Digital nomad (IT developer), Sonya - Freelancer
Local contract: No (only international clients)
Local Bank account: No (uses Wise)
Legal status: Valid NIE & residency cards

About Eixample

Eixample (pronounced eye-SHAM-pluh) is one of the most well-known and centrally situated neighborhoods in Barcelona, famous for its grid-like layout, modern architecture, and lively vibe. Back in the mid-19th century, Ildefons Cerdà designed Eixample-meaning "Extension" in Catalan—as a way to grow the city beyond its medieval boundaries, providing a more spacious and organized alternative to the cramped streets of the Gothic Quarter.

Key Features of Eixample:

Grid Layout & Wide Streets
Cerdà’s design brought in a unique grid system with octagonal blocks (illes), broad avenues, and rounded corners aimed at enhancing light, airflow, and traffic management. Major streets like Passeig de Gràcia, Rambla de Catalunya, and Avinguda Diagonal run through this area.

Modernist Architecture
Eixample showcases many masterpieces by Antoni Gaudí, such as:
- La Sagrada Família (the famous unfinished basilica)
- Casa Batlló (a whimsical building resembling bones)
- Casa Milà (La Pedrera) (a curvy apartment block clad in stone)

Other prominent architects like Puig i Cadafalch and Domènech i Montaner also contributed with notable works like Casa Amatller and Palau de la Música Catalana.

Upscale Shopping & Dining
Passeig de Gràcia serves as Barcelona’s high-end shopping destination, lined with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel amid historic architecture. The dining scene here is bustling too-from Michelin-starred places like Disfrutar and Cinc Sentits to trendy tapas spots such as Cerveseria Catalana and Morro Fi.

Lively Nightlife
The Gaixample area (Gay-xample), particularly around Carrer del Consell de Cent and Carrer de Muntaner, is where you’ll find the heart of Barcelona’s LGBTQ+ nightlife. Popular bars and clubs include Arena Madre and Punto BCN. Plus, there are upscale cocktail joints like Dry Martini and Slow Barcelona along with rooftop views from places like Hotel Majestic.

Diverse Sub-Districts

• Eixample Derecha (Right Side): This side leans towards affluence with luxury apartments and upscale shops.
• Eixample Izquierda (Left Side): A bit more residential yet still buzzing with local cafes and cultural gems.
• Sant Antoni (southwest Eixample): A trendy neighborhood on the rise featuring the renowned Sant Antoni Market along with cool brunch spots.

Central & Well-Connected
Eixample acts as a transportation hub with several metro lines (L2, L3, L4, L5) making it easy to get around to other parts of the city.

About the apartment we found for clients

Light & Airy Color Palette
The interiors are a masterclass in soft, neutral tones:

• Walls: Creamy whites or delicate white for a subtle warmth.
• Furniture: Light oak, chocolate linen sofas, and washed wood finishes.
• Accents: Hints of soft sage green, pale terracotta, or powdery gray in textiles and decor.
• Kitchen: Sleek white cabinetry with marble or quartz countertops in soft veining.

This apartment embodies effortless elegance-where light colors enhance the grandeur of Eixample’s architecture, creating a peaceful, luxurious home in the heart of Barcelona.

• in total 96 sq. meters with a small balcony
• 2 bedroom & parking place (included in monthly rent)
• Pet friendly apartment

To Sum up:

• 2 weeks for search
• 15 apartments visited
• 1 direct contract with owner signed
• 2 deposits
• 2,000 EUR monthly rent (excluded utilities)
• Max & Sonya are happy and start to build a new life in the new home