Forum

Barcelona - Spain

Moving to Barcelona - Spain

Contribute to the community by sharing information to help the Desi community connect and support one another. Provide details about apartments where the Desi community resides. Answer questions from those moving here for work, school, or other reasons. Share information about areas or buildings with a significant Desi population, including rent costs, utilities included, accessibility, availability of laundry facilities, and other relevant details. Note: This section is not for posting apartments for rent—please use the classifieds section for that. The goal is to offer guidance and answer questions for people planning to move to this area.

 

1. South Asian Community

• Composition: Includes individuals of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Nepali origins.
• Community:
  • Indian (Punjabi and Gujarati communities are prominent).
  • Pakistani (one of the largest South Asian communities in Spain).
  • Bangladeshi and Nepali populations are smaller but steadily growing.

---

2. South Asian Areas

• El Raval:

  • Known for its multicultural atmosphere.
  • Home to a significant South Asian community, especially Pakistani.

• Badalona and Santa Coloma de Gramenet:

  • Emerging hubs for South Asian families.

---

3. Main Market Areas

• El Raval Market:
  • A hub for South Asian products, food, and cultural items.
  • Offers South Asian clothing stores, jewelry, and halal food outlets.

---

4. Grocery Stores

• Grocery Stores in El Raval:
  • Indian Spices Store: Offers a variety of Indian spices and pulses.
  • Supermercado Halal: Caters to the Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities.
  • Asian Foods Barcelona: Specializes in South Asian products.

---

5. Transportation

• Public Transport Options:

  • Metro: Affordable and well-connected throughout Barcelona.
  • Buses: Widely used by the South Asian community for commuting.
  • Bicing: Public bike-sharing system available citywide.

• Transport Passes:

  • Integrated fare system allows easy use of buses, metros, and trams.
  • Monthly passes are economical for families.

---

6. Religious Places

• Temples:

  • Hindu Temple Barcelona: Located in the city center, serving the Indian Hindu community.
  • ISKCON Barcelona: Offers spiritual and cultural programs.

• Gurdwara:

  • Gurdwara Sikh Sangat: Located in Badalona, serving the Sikh community.

• Mosques:

  • Masjid Taqwa: Popular among the Pakistani community.
  • Mezquita Badalona: Serves the broader South Asian Muslim population.

---

7. Cost of Living

• Accommodation:

  • Shared apartments: €300–€500/month.
  • Private apartments: €800–€1,200/month.

• Groceries:

  • €200–€300/month for a family of four (including South Asian products).

• Transport:

  • Monthly public transport pass: ~€40.

• Utilities:

  • Average utility costs: €100–€150/month for a standard apartment.

---

8. Best Public Schools in South Asian Areas

Elementary Schools:

• Escola Collaso i Gil (El Raval): Known for cultural diversity.
• Escola Llorenç Serra (Santa Coloma): Accommodates multicultural students.

Middle Schools:

• Institut Milà i Fontanals (El Raval): Popular among South Asian families.
• Institut Santa Coloma de Gramenet: Offers strong academic programs.

High Schools:

• Institut Consell de Cent (El Raval): Provides diverse extracurricular activities.
• Institut Pompeu Fabra (Badalona): Known for academic excellence.