Moving to Barcelona with Kids: Our Family’s Journey, Challenges, and Tips

I vividly remember when my husband asked the big question: “Are you in to move to Barcelona?” My answer came immediately — a big, excited “YES!”. All of a sudden, my dear Luxembourg, the country I had loved for so long, felt too small, too quiet, and somehow stressful for the season I was in.

The first and most decisive step — the one that could have changed everything — was solved while we were still in Luxembourg: finding a school where our girls could continue in the same system. Once that was checked off, the move was officially on. We organized it so that the girls could spend their summer holidays with my parents. On July 20th, we took a plane from a rainy Luxembourg to a sunny and hot Barcelona, full of excitement, anticipation, and a fair share of fears.

I had imagined that Barcelona would feel familiar. We’d been here before; the culture is Latin and warm. But visiting as a tourist is one thing — creating a new nest is another.

What We Focused On in the First Month

While facing the fear of the unknown, we decided to focus on one priority only: finding an apartment close to the girls’ school. And, of course, continuing to work — because that didn’t stop.

Luckily, my husband’s company offered us an apartment for one month. Having a fixed base helped tremendously during that transition.

Our apartment-hunting adventure deserves its own story, but for now, I’d love to share the small habits that kept us sane during those first months.

1. Create Small Rituals

Have lunch outside your home.

We both worked from home, and sharing a one-bedroom apartment can quickly feel overwhelming. Having lunch outside, or even just going out for a coffee, was amazing.

Our temporary place was in Poblenou, a hip and vibrant neighborhood with so many great spots to choose from.

2. Shift Your Perspective

Coming from Luxembourg, we were used to high standards of security and cleanliness. At first, we only noticed the bad smells on some streets, the noise from construction sites, the heat, and the imperfections.

But once we realized we needed a shift in perspective, everything changed. We started to see the beauty in the chaos — the life, the warmth, the rhythm.

3. Long Walks on the Beach

One of the best things about Poblenou is how close it is to the beach. Nothing felt better than ending the day with a long walk along the shore.

We witnessed the most breathtaking sunsets and the loveliest moons. Even now, Bogatell Beach remains our favorite spot in Barcelona.

4. See the City With Tourist Eyes

When daily life starts to weigh on you, it helps to look around like a tourist again — curious, open, and grateful.

Because the truth is: we didn’t just move cities. We took a leap of faith toward a new chapter, together.

5. Make an effort to connect

Even if you’re busy settling in and working from home, building a support network can make a huge difference. We reached out to people we knew in Barcelona — not really friends at the time — and they ended up becoming dear friends. It felt like Christmas seeing them, sharing stories, and realizing we weren’t alone in this adventure.

Connecting with other families provides practical advice about schools, neighborhoods, and life in a new city, but it also creates a sense of belonging that makes all the challenges easier to face.

And don’t forget - moving to another country is an act of courage. It means stepping out of everything familiar — your home, your routines, your comfort zone — and facing uncertainty head-on. Every decision, from finding a school for the girls to navigating a new neighborhood, requires bravery. It’s normal to feel fear, doubt, or even guilt for leaving the life you knew behind.

You are not alone, I’d love to hear your story, Please share your experience in the comments.