5 Reasons to Learn English in Barcelona

Learning English is more fun when you do it in a fantastic location like Barcelona. Find out why we think this is the perfect place to study!

When you close your eyes and think of Barcelona, what do you imagine? Lots will see the Sagrada Familia – Gaudi’s masterpiece. Others will think of a busy city, popular with couples and families visiting for their summer holidays. Or, you may think about the beautiful coastline, the lovely food, the mountains, and skiing.

…But how about language learning?

Yes, that’s right, Barcelona is a very popular destination for people all over the world, who hope to improve their English language skills. So here are 5 reasons why Barcelona is one of the best places to improve your English.

1.Barcelona is a city for everyone

Barcelona is like a living museum. It has ancient streets in the gothic neighbourhood, impressive architecture, modernist buildings, and a long history. Come to Barcelona and you won’t be disappointed, with dozens of museums, city tours and activities, it’s a great spot to relax and explore.

Beach lovers can head to Barceloneta in the city to enjoy some sunbathing, some tapas, or a coffee, or you can go a little up the coast on the train for some idyllic seaside locations.

Mountaineers, snowboarders and skiers can do the same and be in the Pyrenees just an hour or two away. There really is something for everyone in this city, so when you’re not in the classroom, you can keep busy!

2.Language exchanges

Big, interesting cities attract people from all over the world. If you come to study English, you will meet people from many other nationalities, and have the chance to speak English with all of them.

Many language learners choose to go to social events called intercambios de idiomas – or language exchanges. Often, these events are free to attend. Once you’re in Barcelona you can see what’s going on in these English language Meetup groups, attend Oxford House’s regular Happy Friday event – with lots of language practice, games, activities and prizes – and check out our popular conversation class, Chatty Thursday. You can even look for a one-to-one intercambio through the website Lingobongo, which might suit you if you prefer quieter evenings.

3.Activities in English

One of the best ways of learning and practising English in Barcelona is through activities. Why not try photography, yoga, or even high energy fitness classes like Bootchamps? You’ll enjoy yourself and learn something new, in English.

We love TrekPyrenees too. Here you can visit and explore the breathtaking Pyrenees mountain range and practise your English at the same time. The friendly guide speaks Catalan, Spanish, English and French in case you get stuck, but most of the time you’ll be speaking English with all the other people.

If you like business networking and want to practise English you could also try Guiri Business events or the Meltin’ Afterworks meetup.

4.English bookshops and magazines

Barcelona is full of English book shops – for keen language learners. Try Hibernian for cheap second-hand books in English.

Come In Llibreria is another good place to find English language publications. You can find English books (and books in other languages) in Re-read, too.

Oh, and don’t forget to pick up your free copy of Metropolitan Magazine! It’s a great English language publication printed in Barcelona (you can find a copy in Oxford House too).

5.Original Language Cinemas

If you are a movie lover, there are plenty of English language and version original (VO) cinemas in the city.

We often go to Verdi to see the latest films but you can also find original language films in Renoir, Yelmo Icaria and Cines Balmes.

Looking for something different, but love film? Then you should check out Polaroid bar! This quirky 80’s themed bar shows a different film in its original language every Sunday. Entrance is free and you can get a beer and a hotdog (or nachos) for only €5. Delish!

Glossary for language learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Coastline (noun): the land by the sea or the ocean. Here you find beaches, cliffs and other features.

Neighbourhood (noun): An area in a city or town where people live.

Modernism (noun): a special type of architecture/art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Ancient (adjective): Very old.

Idyllic (adjective): calm and beautiful, usually describes a place in the countryside.

Tapas (noun, Spanish): small plates of food.

Check out (phrasal verb): look at, explore, and see for yourself.

Quirky (adjective): unusual in an attractive and interesting way.

Delish (slang, adjective): This is short for “delicious”.

Interested in taking an English course at Oxford House Barcelona? Check all the different English classes we can offer you.