Traveling solo can be a deeply transformative adventure: total freedom to move at your own pace, discover new places, and reconnect with yourself. But even in a vibrant city like Barcelona, it’s natural to wonder at some point:
“How can I meet new people without giving up my personal space?”
Why Do We Feel Lonely When Traveling Alone?
Solo travel often comes with unexpected moments of loneliness. It’s a natural reaction when stepping away from your daily routine and support systems — especially when facing unfamiliar places alone. Simple moments, like enjoying a meal or watching a sunset, can suddenly feel incomplete without someone to share them with.
From a psychological perspective, loneliness on the road isn’t just a challenge — it’s also a mirror. It reflects our social needs, our emotional rhythms, and our ability to find contentment in solitude.
Recent studies show that 65% of solo travelers experience loneliness at some point. Yet most also agree: those moments often become opportunities for self-reflection, emotional growth, and personal empowerment.
The key is not to fight the solitude, but to transform it into presence — and eventually, connection. Whether it’s through casual encounters or lasting friendships, every new face can become part of your journey.
Barcelona, with its vibrant energy, artistic soul, and bustling streets, is a fascinating playground for solo travelers. But its size and intensity can also create the opposite effect: a sense of anonymity or overwhelm.
It’s easy to feel small in such a big, fast-moving city — part of something grand, yet somehow invisible within it.
Recognizing and accepting these feelings is part of the conscious travel experience. It can also be the first step toward real connection — with the city, with other travelers, and with yourself.
Best Apps to Meet People While Traveling Solo in Barcelona.
Barcelona offers endless opportunities for connection — if you know where to look. These apps can help you go from feeling alone to feeling part of something, whether it’s a hiking group, a casual dinner, or an inspiring cultural exchange.
Perfect for: Travelers who want to connect through shared activities
Top neighborhoods: El Born, Gràcia, Eixample
Though not exclusive to travelers, Meetup is incredibly useful for discovering events hosted by local communities — from hiking trips to film nights and Catalan cooking workshops.
Instead of awkward meetups or small talk, you join events based on your real interests. Simply sign up, select your location, and explore what’s happening around you.
You can preview who’s attending, check reviews, and join without pressure. In Barcelona, the most active groups tend to revolve around art, nature outings, digital nomad networking, nightlife, and language exchange.
Local tip: Events held on Mondays or Tuesdays are usually smaller, making it easier to have meaningful conversations.
Perfect for: Joining local activities and connecting with both travelers and locals
Highlights: Cultural meetups, restaurant recommendations, social events
While Couchsurfing is known for free homestays, its real power lies in community events. In Barcelona, you’ll find casual gatherings, walking tours, and language exchanges almost every week.
It’s a great way to meet people organically while traveling — with an emphasis on meaningful cultural connection.
Perfect for: Meeting travel buddies or locals to share experiences
Features: Chat, plan trips together, and explore with verified users
TourBar helps you find people to explore Barcelona with — whether you’re looking for a fellow adventurer, a local guide, or someone to grab a drink with.
Some features require a paid plan, but all profiles are verified for extra safety.
Perfect for: Female travelers looking for genuine connections and shared routes
Tourlina is a women-centered app focused on safety and compatibility. It matches you with other solo female travelers who share similar plans or interests.
Ideal for travelers who value trust, quality conversations, and mindful exploration.
Perfect for: Planning trips with compatible travelers
Strengths: Verified profiles, high safety standards, Spanish-based platform
Nomadizers is a growing travel community that connects people through shared interests and itineraries. It uses a matching system to find compatible travel partners, and is known as one of the safest apps — especially for women.
Originally exclusive to female travelers, it now includes verified male users (as of 2024).
Some premium features are paid, but the platform ensures trust and transparency, making it an excellent choice for meaningful travel connections.
Events and Spaces in Barcelona to Connect with Fellow Travelers.
Barcelona is a true haven for digital nomads and solo travelers looking for cozy cafés and coworking spaces with a creative atmosphere, fast Wi-Fi, and an international vibe. Here’s a curated list of spots where you can work, meet people, and feel part of a community:.
Best Cafés with Wi-Fi in Barcelona for Digital Nomads.
Looking for a cozy spot to work, sip quality coffee, and connect with fellow travelers? These cafés in Barcelona are loved by digital nomads for their relaxed atmosphere, reliable Wi-Fi, and welcoming vibe.
| ☕ Café | 📍 Zona | 💡 Por qué ir |
|---|---|---|
| Café Fargo | Cerca de la Sagrada Familia | Perfect for remote workers and travelers, these modern cafés offer a peaceful setting, excellent coffee, pastries, and vegetarian-friendly menus. |
| Morrow Café | Cerca de Plaza España | Ideal for those who value specialty coffee and a cozy work environment. With strong Wi-Fi and a calm vibe, they're popular among digital nomads, creatives, and students. |
| Salvatge Coffee Gràcia | En Gràcia | Known for their inclusive atmosphere, reliable Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. LGBTQ+ friendly and offering healthy brunches, they’re great for solo travelers who want to feel at ease while getting some work done. |
Ideal Coworking Spaces for Solo Travelers in Barcelona.
Whether you're a digital nomad or a solo traveler looking for connection and productivity, these coworking spaces in Barcelona offer welcoming environments, modern facilities, and plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people.
| 🌟 Nombre | 🗺Zona | ✨ Que lo hace especial |
|---|---|---|
| La Vaca Coworking Barcelona | Poble Sec | Este espacio de coworking es muy popular entre nómadas digitales por su ambiente colaborativo, eventos para la comunidad y facilidades modernas. Es inclusivo, con espacios accesibles y zonas comunes para socializar o trabajar en equipo. |
| Sowo Coworking Barcelona | Eixample | Es un espacio de coworking céntrico, inclusivo y con excelente reputación entre freelancers y creativos. Ofrece acceso a zonas tranquilas, salas de reuniones y una comunidad diversa, ideal para quienes buscan networking y colaboración. |
| Meet BCN - Coworking Space in Barcelona | Eixample | Destaca por su ambiente profesional y acogedor, ideal para quienes buscan un entorno inspirador en el centro de la ciudad. Es muy valorado por la atención personalizada y la posibilidad de conectar con otros profesionales internacionales. |
Language Exchanges and Weekly Meetups.
Barcelona is a fantastic city for solo travelers and digital nomads looking to meet people, practice languages, and build new friendships. From traditional meetups in British-style pubs to themed dinners and board game nights, the city offers countless ways to connect.
| 🗣 Evento / Lugar | 📍 Zona | 📅 Día(s) | 💬 Que lo hace especial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jardinet d'Aribau | C/ Aribau 133 | Martes 19:00 | Ambiente relajado, entrada gratuita (consumición mínima 4€), ideal para practicar varios idiomas. |
| Soda Bus | C/ Aribau 150 | Miércoles 19:00 | Evento inclusivo, pegatinas con tu idioma, ambiente social, entrada gratuita (consumición 4€). |
| Space Cowboy | C/ Carders 31 | Jueves 20:00 | A 5 min de Jaume I, ambiente alternativo, entrada gratuita (consumición 4€). |
| Lemon Tree (Club Natació Barceloneta) | Passeig del Mare Nostrum 14 | Viernes 20:00/23:45 | Terraza frente al mar, ambiente internacional, entrada gratuita (consumición 5€). |
Tips for Socializing While Traveling Solo.
Remember: Most people love meeting travelers and sharing their city—especially in a place as welcoming and vibrant as Barcelona.
- Join group tours: Bike tours, food walks, or cultural routes are great opportunities to discover the city while chatting with fellow travelers.
- Sign up for workshops, classes, or sports: Whether it’s a pottery class, yoga session, or salsa lesson, these activities help you connect with like-minded people in a relaxed setting.
- Make use of public spaces and the beach: Barcelona’s beaches are popular spots for casual volleyball games, open yoga classes, and spontaneous group activities—perfect for joining in and meeting new people.
- Be proactive and ask: Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation. Asking for recommendations or if you can join a group at a café or park can open doors to new friendships.
- Plan ahead: Knowing a bit about where you're going and what to expect can give you the confidence to interact and explore.
- Start with something you already enjoy: Whether it’s yoga, coffee tastings, or hiking, doing something familiar makes it easier to relax and connect with others.
Places Where Socializing Might Be Harder in Barcelona (And How to Avoid Them)
While Barcelona is a vibrant and multicultural city, not every place is ideal for connecting with others—especially if you're traveling solo or just arrived.
Some areas, such as Las Ramblas, parts of the Gothic Quarter at night, El Born, and the main city beaches, tend to be very touristy and can feel impersonal. These zones are often crowded and dominated by short-term visitors, which can make genuine interactions harder. There’s also a higher risk of pickpocketing and petty theft, which may make solo travelers feel more cautious and less open to spontaneous connections.
💡 Pro tip:
Stick to central, safe neighborhoods known for their welcoming local vibes, such as Gràcia, Eixample, Poblenou, or Sant Antoni. These areas have active social scenes and attract both locals and digital nomads.
If you're exploring lesser-known parts of the city, do so during the day and try to go with others—whether through a tour, meetup group, or newly made travel friends..
If you're exploring lesser-known parts of the city, do so during the day and try to go with others—whether through a tour, meetup group, or newly made travel friends.
⚠️ Trust your instincts. Socializing should feel safe and natural—don’t force it in places where you feel uncomfortable...
Want to Travel Solo Without Feeling Lonely? AmaJourney Can Help.
At AmaJourney, we design experiences for you—the independent traveler seeking more than just a nice route or a pretty hotel.
We guide you to discover Catalonia through slow itineraries, wellness retreats, sustainable getaways, and small group journeys where meaningful connections flow naturally and without pressure.
🌿 You set the pace.
🧭 We create a path with purpose.
🤝 Connections happen organically.
If this way of traveling resonates with you, explore our tailored experiences for mindful solo travelers—because being alone doesn’t have to mean feeling isolated.
❓FAQs About Solo Travel and Making Connections in Barcelona
Yes—more than you might expect. Barcelona is an open, international city with a welcoming vibe. There are language exchanges, free cultural events, and even apps to connect with locals and fellow travelers. If you take the first step, the city takes care of the rest.
It depends on your style. In this article, we’ve listed the best apps for solo travelers—from social events to travel buddy finders.
Absolutely. Many of the events we mention are designed with solo travelers in mind. Language meetups, digital nomad afterworks, and cultural experiences like alternative tours are safe, relaxed, and friendly.
There’s space for you too. You can start by visiting quiet cafés with good Wi-Fi, joining a group yoga class, or simply strolling through the city at your own pace. Not everything has to be hyper-social.
Yes. We design slow escapes and curated journeys for solo travelers who want to enjoy part of the path with others. You can join one of our small group adventures at your own rhythm.
👉 Check out our latest offers →