Barcelona guide
How to meet people in Barcelona when you're new.
Barcelona is easy to arrive in and surprisingly easy to feel alone in. Here is what works for making real friends here, from the team that runs Barcelona Games.
1. Pick something you can repeat
One great night out rarely turns into a friendship. Seeing the same faces every week or every month does. Choose one or two recurring things (a sport, a run club, a language exchange, a class) and keep showing up for a couple of months.
2. Do something together, not just talk
Small talk with strangers is hard. A shared task is easy: a game, a hike, a team challenge. The activity gives everyone something to do and something to laugh about, so conversation happens without effort.
3. Use the event calendars people actually use
Look at Luma and Meetup, and follow local community accounts on Instagram. Most social events in Barcelona are announced there, often only a week or two ahead, so check regularly.
4. Come alone on purpose
A group of friends is harder to join than a room full of people who each came alone. Look for events that are built for solo arrivals, where teams or pairs are assigned and nobody is left standing at the side.
5. Say yes to the second event
The first time you are meeting strangers. The second time you are meeting people you already know a little. That is where it starts to feel like a crew. Go back, and bring one person you met.
What we do about it
Barcelona Games is a social sports club in Barcelona. People come alone, get sorted into teams, and play beach games together on Platja del Fòrum, then finish with medals and food. Our first Weekend Games retreat took place in the Pyrenees in October 2026, and we are planning more for 2027.
See what an edition looks like in the photo gallery or the Edition 01 recap. Looking for something for your team? See team building and corporate retreats.