Since it's always touted as one of the world's most romantic cities, it's easy to feel pressured when you try your hand at dating in
Barcelona. Is it easy to find someone special here? Are the locals up for dating a foreigner? What are the dating customs and rituals in Barcelona? All of these questions must be running through your mind right now, and it's understandable. There's a lot you need to know before you start dating in Barcelona, from the common apps people use here to the typical dating scenarios. Here's to hoping this will help you find your way!
Is it Easy to Date the Spanish?
Yes and no. The true answer is that it depends on what you're looking for. Firstly, it's easy to date in Barcelona since the city has about 1.6 million residents, and since over 36.4% of Spain's entire population is single, there are more than enough singles in the metropolis. But at the same time, Barcelona itself is known for its very liberal and progressive social views, and these include relationships and marriage. Many of the singles you'll meet here, especially those under the age of 40, are more open to polyamory and open dating these days than focusing on steady monogamous relationships that lead to marriage.
What are the Gender Roles in Spain?
As already mentioned, Barcelona is one of the more progressive cities in Spain. While most of the country remains traditional in its societal views and
Spanish social customs, not to mention gender roles, it's fairly different in the Catalan capital. Here, men and women are regarded more as equal, and this spills over to the city's dating scene. For instance, women are just as gung-ho about asking people out and paying for their share of the bill on dates. Men are still chivalrous, too, but they've also gotten used to women's more liberal attitudes these days. Nevertheless, a lot of them still prefer a more traditional dynamic when it comes to dating women.
Where Do You Meet Singles in Barcelona?
Now, if you're ready to get out there, one question remains: Where do you meet singles in Barcelona? The general answer is everywhere. People in Barcelona love going out and hanging out with friends and other people. It's just easy to meet someone at a nearby bar as it is when/if you work or go to school with them. To be more specific, however, some great ways to meet new people in Barcelona include going to meetup events, participating in outdoor group activities, and enrolling in all sorts of classes (such as art, yoga, language, etc.). Online expat groups on social media platforms are also good places to start if you just
moved to Barcelona.
What are The Popular Dating Apps in Barcelona?
Speaking of going online, there's no denying that most people's go-to for meeting new people is to use dating apps. Not only is it an easier and more convenient option, but it's also perfect for those who are too shy to go up to strangers. Among the most common apps used in Barcelona are Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge, which are also the most popular around the world. Badoo, on the other hand, is particularly popular in Europe, while Veggy is for vegans who prefer to interact with people who share their lifestyles. Then, there are also apps for the LGBTQ+ community, which include Grindr, Newe, Taimi, and Zoe.
What is The Dating Etiquette in Spain?
The dating etiquette in Barcelona—or Spain, in general—is mostly similar to the rest of the world. Locals here are generally warm and friendly, as well as confident enough to go up to someone and acquaint themselves with people they just met. Dating in Barcelona is mostly relaxed and comfortable, allowing for more opportunities to get to know each other better and to participate in various activities.
Here are some common dating customs and etiquette in Spain.
- Get used to a lot of talking during your first few dates.
- Dress well for the occasion, even on casual dates.
- Be honest about whether you're dating other people at the same time.
- Keep the conversation going; awkward silence can ruin the date!
- Don't be afraid to share about your life, especially your family, hobbies, passions, etc.
What Shouldn't You Talk About on a Date?
As you might've already surmised, talking is a huge part of dating in Barcelona. The locals love talking on dates, so much so that your meetup could extend for hours simply through your conversation. While you can talk about essentially everything under the sun, there are some topics you should avoid. They include the current political strife between Spain and Catalonia, Spain's tumultuous history, religion, and the most controversial issues in politics at the moment. You may want to avoid talking about football too, as Barcelonians are so passionate about the topic that it could easily go south with just one word or expression.
How Do Relationships Progress in Spain?
Regardless of how
movies set in Barcelona may show you, relationships progress fairly slowly here. As already mentioned, it's common for people to date multiple people at the same time or to engage in open or polyamorous relationships. If you want to push forward for a more serious, monogamous relationship, you'll need to find the right person. At the same time, marriage is no longer the end-all and be-all of dating in Barcelona. There have been countless couples who have been together for a long time and are even living together that aren't and have no plans of getting married. Get used to this sort of lifestyle if you want to date in the city.
When Do You Meet Their Family?
For the rest of the world, meeting your partner's family is a telltale sign that things are getting serious. In Barcelona, however, it's a fairly different story. Local Spanish and Catalonian culture is largely family-centric, hence, it's common for adults to still live with their families. As such, there's a good chance you might meet your partner's family early on, specifically when they invite you over to their place. Even if they've already moved out, Barcelonians don't exactly consider introducing you to their families as a sign that they're getting serious about you. It pays to talk about your relationship's progress to them yourself.
While it may be challenging, it's still fun and exciting to date in Barcelona. Learn more about the culture, etiquette, and vibes about dating in Barcelona so you'll be more prepared to take it on and hopefully find the one!
