Learn Spanish in Barcelona
Your guide to the best language schools in the city
By Duncan Rhodes 
Join 570 million people worldwide by learning to speak español. And do it whilst having the time of your life, in one of the best cities in the world! We present some of the academies where you can make it happen.
There’s nothing like the full immersion effect to get you started in your journey towards learning a foreign language, and it goes without saying that the best place to learn Spanish is right here in sunny Spain. And although (as any Catalan will doubtless tell you, whether you ask them or not) Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and has its own Catalan language, the city’s most widely used tongue remains Spanish, thanks to a large number of residents from other parts of Spain, as well as a sizeable population of South Americans and Spanish-speaking foreigners.
There’s nothing like the full immersion effect to get you started in your journey towards learning a foreign language […] whilst the beautiful city of Barcelona will make your studying feel like a holiday.
The benefits of being able to practice Spanish every day with barmen, waitresses, bus drivers, new amigos, your class mates and your new surrogate family (many language schools in Barcelona can arrange homestays), are huge in terms of supplementing the progress you make during lessons, whilst the beautiful city of Barcelona will make your studying feel like a holiday… hot beaches, Gaudi-designed architecture, tasty tapas restaurants, and scores of hip and happening bars and clubs will prove a welcome distraction to grappling with your dictionary.
If you’re dead set on learning Spanish in Spain, then Barcelona has an appealing array of professional institutions to choose from. With a large selection of different courses – for beginners through to experts, and from private through to classroom tuition, some with homestay or other accommodation options – you’ll have no trouble finding a course that suits your needs.
Barcelona Language Schools
Please find below some of the very best academies in town, along with some details of what they offer. To find out more info on an individual place you can click on the title link, where we’ve got full review, photos, map and more. Or go straight to their own website, as you prefer.
1. Speakeasy BCN
A leading language school in Barcelona, Speakeasy offers a range of Spanish courses from intensive to extensive, and also offers private lessons and evening classes – all at very good prices. Run by a friendly and international team, with professional native-Spanish-speaking teachers and with a great location right in the heart of the city (5 mins from Plaça Catalunya), Speakeasy ticks all the right boxes for you to start learning Spanish in Barcelona. A forward thinking set up means they offer a communicative immersion approach to studying, backed up by modern facilities and services (such as digital interactive boards in classrooms and a student mobile app).
Ronda Universitat 7
www.speakeasybcn.com
Speakeasy Prices & Activities
Intensive courses
No. of hours per week: 20 hours
Price per week: €168 (discounts from 4+ weeks)
Enrolment fee and books: €65
Accommodation cost per week: €283 (student residence, single room)
Max. number of students per class: 12
Extensive Courses
No. of hours of per week: 4 hours
Price per week: €42 (discounts from 4+ weeks)
Activities
Bike tours, weekend trips, winery tours, cultural events, boat trips, ski-trips, trips to parks, parties, cooking classes.
Fun and games during a Speakeasy class…
2. Ole Languages
Ole Languages is a young and highly professional language school centrally located on the left side of the Eixample district, close to the Passeig de Gracia boulevard. Small and friendly they offer an antidote to some of the larger schools, with more emphasis on closer individual attention. Ole’s classrooms are limited to just 9 students, and their teachers are highly qualified, experienced – and passionate about their job. The school has a range courses (intensive, semi-intensive, evening classes and private tuition) and some of the most competitive prices in Barcelona, and they pride themselves on their flexibility and customer service. Not only that but they are accredited by the Instituto Cervantes. WiFi is available throughout the school and all their classrooms have air-conditioning (very important in summer!) Put them on your shortlist!
C/Mallorca 201
www.olelanguages.com
Ole Languages Prices & Activities
Intensive courses
No. of hours per week: 20 hours
Price per week: €165 (discounts from 2+ weeks)
Enrolment fee and books: €55
Accommodation cost per week: €220 (single room, shared apartment)
Max. number of students per class: 9
Extensive Courses
No. of hours of per week: 4 hours
Price per week: €35 (discounts from 8+ weeks)
Activities
Meet ups, tours, movie sessions, wine tasting, football matches.
Ole’s professional team of teachers
3. Linguaschools Barcelona
Linguaschools Barcelona is a medium-sized school which pays great individual attention to each of its students. The school building is located on a car-free street in the city centre and has a pleasant garden and rooftop terrace for students to relax before or after classes. All their teachers are enthusiastic and highly skilled native speakers with university degrees. They offer many different courses for all levels, all year round and for a fair price. The longer you study the cheaper the classes become, and they are one of the few schools that don’t charge an enrolment fee (nice touch!). Definitely one of the better options to check out before you get out your credit card!
Pasaje Permanyer 17
www.linguaschools.com/barcelona
Linguaschools Prices & Activities
Intensive courses
No. of hours per week: 20 hours
Price per week: €195 (discounts from 2+ weeks).
Enrolment fee and books: None
Accommodation cost per week: from €210 (single room, shared apartment)
Max. number of students per class: 10
Extensive Courses
No. of hours of per week: 4 hours
Price per week: €27 (price based on 12 week course)
Activities
Welcome Sangría, tapas tours, Salsa lessons, hiking, weekend excursions.
Linguaschools’ rather lovely building
4. Dinamo Barcelona
This small academy in El Borne district (two minutes walk from Arc de Triomf metro) prides itself on their customer service and places a huge emphasis on honesty, transparency and simplicity – qualities that are reflected in their great value prices for lessons. Their intensive course, where you study for 2 hours a day from Monday to Thursday (who doesn’t enjoy Friday off!?), is just €260 for a month, making these some of the cheapest classes we’ve seen in the city. They don’t even have an enrolment fee or additional cost for books and materials. The school itself is very chic, with stripped back styling and vintage blackboards: their classrooms feel more like a hip cafe or co-working space than a study room, so if you still bear the scars of school day trauma you can find a more relaxing space to study here. Dinamo don’t organise accommodation, rather they are the perfect choice for a more independent student who is happy to make their own flat arrangements, or else for someone already living in Barcelona. They can even help you get your NIE number if you plan on staying in the city. They also offer extensive classes and private tuition for those with less time.
Lluis el Piados 9
dinamobcn.com
Dinamo Prices & Activities
Intensive courses
No. of hours per week: 8 hours
Price per week: €65
Enrolment fee and books: none
Accommodation cost per week: n/a
Max. number of students per class: 12
Extensive Courses
No. of hours of per week: 3 hours
Price per week: €27.5
Activities
Collaborations with cultural tours, wine tasting and hiking companies
One of Dinamo’s chic classrooms in El Born…
5. World Class BCN
If you are looking for a homely place to learn Spanish in the centre of Barcelona, World Class BCN might just be the perfect option for you. Its cosy space invites you to enjoy a coffee before class and chat with your fellow students. They offer a free trial class so you can meet the teacher and the group before you commit to the course. There is no registration fee and you can freeze your classes, meaning it is the perfect opportunity to travel alongside your studies. Their team ensures that their students feel welcome and can participate in a number of cultural activities outside of lessons. In other words, tasting traditional tapas or enjoying a flamenco evening can be part of your learning programme! Their Spanish classes are focused on communication, and you can choose a course that suits your own schedule, with options ranging from 3 to 20 hours per week (including Saturdays). There are even separate groups for those fluent in a Romance Language to enable a speedy learning environment. What’s more, they always keep the class size small for a better quality experience.
C/Bisbe Laguarda 4
www.worldclassbcn.com
World Class BCN Prices & Activities
Intensive courses
No. of hours per week: 20 hours
Price per week: €170 (discounts from 2 weeks)
Enrolment fee and books: Free
Accommodation cost per week: from €200 (single room, shared apartment)
Max. number of students per class: 10
Extensive ‘Part-Time’ Courses
No. of hours of per week: 3-6 hours (you choose)
Price per week: €30-50 (price based on 4 week programme)
Activities
Tapas, language exchanges, beach volley, flamenco, salsa, Barcelona walking tours, bike tours, concerts, open air cinema, weekend excursions
Playing word games at World Class BCN
6. Expanish Barcelona
An accredited Spanish school of the highest quality, Expanish Barcelona offers a range of unique programmes, led by teachers that will get to know you on a first-name basis, in a beautiful building with modern decor and unbeatable facilities. Located in the Eixample district, just a few minutes from La Sagrada Familia, this award-winning boutique school boasts a range of courses and accommodation options for all its students. Classes start every Monday, with their experienced teachers providing fun, engaging instruction using the communicative method, making learning Spanish an unforgettable experience. In addition to their intensive programmes of both group and private lessons, Expanish’s after-class activities and excursions, such as flamenco classes and day trips to the beautiful Montserrat mountain, are popular favourites among students.
C/Pau Claris 186
expanish.com/school-barcelona
Expanish Prices & Activities
Intensive courses
No. of hours per week: 20 hours
Price per week: €229 (discounts from 12 weeks)
Enrolment fee and books: €25
Accommodation cost per week: from €294 (single room, shared apartment)
Max. number of students per class: 10
Extensive ‘Part-Time’ Courses
No. of hours of per week: 4 hours
Price per week: €45 (price based on 4 weeks)
Activities
Flamenco classes, student dinners, game nights, football matches, Park Guell
Enjoy a chic reception at Expanish
7. Camino Barcelona
Whereas most schools will be able to help you find a place to stay in Barcelona, Camino is the only academy in the city with its own onsite accommodation, with 10 fully-fitted student apartments on the premises. Not only that, but students can socialise on the three terraces, or take advantage of the library and work stations. Moreover, Camino offers the widest range of cultural activities in Barcelona (7 a week!), including paella parties, wine tastings, salsa classes, guided tours and weekend excursions – all led by Spanish teachers. Camino’s study programme incorporates the music, the culture and the customs of contemporary Spanish life, and is underpinned by their belief that you learn Spanish faster when you enjoy every moment of the journey. They offer intensive, business, private and evening classes, and they are able to offer intensive courses for any level (from A0 to C1) starting any Monday of the year. The latest Instituto Cervantes inspection of the school, awarded them the highest possible accreditation level, putting Camino in the 10% top Cervantes accredited schools in Spain.
C/Diputacio 119
www.caminobarcelona.com
Camino Prices & Activities
Intensive courses
No. of hours per week: 20 hours
Price per week: €225 (discounts from 5 weeks)
Enrolment fee and books: €60
Accommodation cost per week: from €418 (single room in shared apartment)
Max. number of students per class: 14
Extensive ‘Part-Time’ Courses
No. of hours of per week: 4 hours
Price per week: €40 (price based on 12 weeks)
Activities
Paella making on the terrace, wine tasting, salsa & flamenco classes, boat trips, guided tours and weekend trips.
A class trip to Park Guell with Camino
8. Freeda Language Space
This intimate school has two locations, one in the hip central district of El Born (famous for its tapas bars and nightlife), and another in Gracia, a charming and Bohemian district on the edge of town, much loved by locals. At both locations you can find a course for your needs, whether it be super-intensive (4 hours a day, Mon-Fri), intensive combined with grammar / conversation (3 hrs a day), intensive (2 hrs a day), or an extensive grammar or conversation course (1 hr a day). They also have a course to prepare you for your DELE exam, if that’s your goal. The staff at Freeda, from the management team to the teachers, all pride themselves on the dedicated attention they give each student and creating a fun and friendly vibe for learning Spanish.
www.freedaspace.com
Freeda Prices & Activities
Intensive courses
No. of hours per week: 20 hours (Super Intensive Course)
Price per week: €127.5 (discounts from 12 weeks)
Enrolment fee and books: €50
Max. number of students per class: 10
Extensive ‘Part-Time’ Courses
No. of hours of per week: 5
Price per week: €45
Activities
Museum visits, excursions, meals and nights out.
Camaraderie between classmates at Freeda!
9. BLAU Student Housing & Language Academy
Opening on 1st July 2024, BLAU is a stunning new residence in the beachside district of Poblenou, specifically designed for the needs of international students. Set over 10,000 square meters, this epic complex boasts 250 studio apartments (which can be rented privately, or as a shared apartment), along with every facility you could wish for: indoor and outdoor gyms, cinema, swimming pool, chill out areas, bar, restaurant, gaming room and mini-market. Best of all, for those looking to brush up on their Spanish, BLAU has an onsite language academy with 11 classrooms and study room. In fact, during summer (1st July to 15th Sept) you can access 1 FREE Spanish Class a day at BLAU when you book your accommodation using the promo code: BCNLIFE, as well as save €5 per night for the duration of your stay. Meanwhile, during term time, the same promo code will get you a €50 discount per month!
blaustudenthousing.com
Chilling out in one of BLAU’s many public spaces…
Location Map
All of the schools we recommend are situated centrally in Barcelona, and you’ll be able to take advantage of everything the city has to offer in between classes. Click on the purple place markers to reveal each individual academy.
Even More Schools…
Still haven’t found the perfect academy for you? Here are the best of the rest…
10. Dime Language School
A young and innovative school, based in the trendy district of Gracia, Dime offers an innovative approach to learning Spanish here in Barcelona. For example classes consist of no more than nine students, and all lessons follow a communicative style of teaching, designed to help you get speaking in real life situations as quickly as possible. Courses on offer include intensive and extensive courses of all levels, as well as private conversation classes and even Saturday morning lessons – great if you’ve got a hectic work schedule. Dime also teaches Catalan (Barcelona’s other official language, spoken by around 9 million people).
11. Oxford House
Founded in 1998 by two Englishmen, Oxford House has literally decades of experience when it comes to teaching Spanish to foreigners, and they do so from their lovely school near the Passeig de Gracia boulevard, focusing on oral communication. As the name and history suggests they also run English courses, as well as TEFL courses for those who want to become teachers themselves.
12. Barcelona PLUS
This well-established and reputable language school enjoys an enviable location right on the border between two central districts: the Gothic Quarter and El Born. Meaning you can enjoy some of the city’s foremost attractions, restaurants and shops on your doorstep. What’s more beach bums will be delighted to hear that Barceloneta is only a short walk as well, opening up the tantalising prospect of going for a dip in the sea after class. Talking about class, Barcelona PLUS offers professional teaching, accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, with a passionate, open and highly experienced team of profesores, whether you’re looking for intensive, part time or private lessons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finally, here’s the answers to some frequently asked questions you might have about studying Spanish here in BCN.
Is Barcelona good for learning Spanish?
Yes, Barcelona is a fantastic place to learn Spanish for the following reasons: 1) It has a large number of Instituto Cervantes accredited language schools. 2) The city has regular language exchange social events, attended by people who want to practice Spanish and English. 3) Barcelona is an incredibly social city where you can easily make friends with native Spanish speakers, not only from Spain but from Latin American countries.
What is the language of Barcelona?
Barcelona has two official languages: Catalan and Spanish (often referred to as 'castellano'). But whereas everyone in Barcelona speaks Spanish ('castellano'), only those born in Barcelona tend to speak Catalan. The large number of people living in the city, who arrived from other regions of Spain or from Latin America, generally don't speak Catalan. Most foreigners living in the city also choose to learn Spanish when they arrive, and the everyday language of the city is Spanish.
How can I find a good language school?
Easy, check our article (hint: you're on it now!) which lists 11+ of the best language academies in the city, and compares courses, prices and locations so you can make the best decision based on your specific budget and needs.
How long does it take to learn Spanish?
Learning a language is a gradual, lifetime process that never ends (I'm still learning new English words everyday, despite being a native Brit!). But for practical purposes, a 1 month intensive course is enough to get you from zero to basic Spanish (level A1), while survival level (A2) can be achieved in 2-3 months. Fluency (C2) usually requires around 9 months of intensive study.
How much does it cost to learn Spanish?
In Barcelona, the cost of intensive courses (20 hours of Spanish classes a week) range from €150-200 a week, while extensive courses (3-6 hrs of classes per week) can range from €25-60 a week. The high number of language schools make the prices competitive vs. some other locations in Spain.
Hopefully this page has inspired you to sign up for some lessons and start your journey towards mastering a language spoken by over half a billion people worldwide. If you want a little head start check out our guide to Spanish.
Selen Özveren
This is Selen from Turkey and I am looking for a beginner +30 Spanish course (I am 34 years old) in Barcelona for 1 year or 6 months starting from around Spring 2024.
I will need a Student Visa and an affordable and central place to stay in Barcelona (a dorm or a shared house with single room and shared bathroom would be perfect)
Can I please learn:
1) Course prices for 1 year and 6 months separately (books included)?
2) Course programs (how many days and which days a week, which hours) – I would prefer weekdays starting around 11:00 and finish around 18:00.
3) Accommodation options and prices?
4) Are you helping with the student visa?
5) How to apply?
Thank you in advance
Duncan
Hi Selen, I suggest you send this comment as an email to some of the schools on this page, and I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Emma
Hey,
Thank you for this extensive helpful list of language schools.
I’m looking for an intensive course at a language school that focuses primarily on speaking the language – my goal is to interact with native spanish speakers and become fluent. Which school would you recommend the most for this?
Lisa Goldenberg
Hi. Looking for a three month immersion course for a 68 year old male and female. Will be looking for housing/rental as well. Are there classes that include people our age? Goal is to learn Spanish and use it here in my work in the US. Thanks.
Shira Boardman
Thank you for your list Duncan. I am looking to learn Spanish with some more mature people who don’t learn as quickly as the average age of students I found between 19 – 22. Can you suggest any classes geared towards that demographic?
Duncan
Hi Shira
The extensive evening classes that most schools offer typically have a more mixed demographic of expats who have moved to the city and are now learning Spanish (as opposed to the the intensive classes which tend to be young students on learning holidays).
Korina Voka
Hi Duncan, thanks for this very useful listing.
We moved to Barcelona (from UK) 4 months ago and wanted to get my son (9 y) into a Spanish language school that do group lessons. This is for long term, so it doesn’t have to be intensive. All I can find online is only private lessons which are very expensive. Do you perhaps know any Spanish language schools to suggest?
Thanks.
Duncan
Hi Korina, I wrote the article from the perspective of adults students, but I don’t see why your son wouldn’t be able to join an ongoing extensive course… these are mostly scheduled one or twice a week after work.
You will find prices of extensive courses on this page, so just get in touch with those schools that fit your budget and check if they have any age restrictions!
Good luck!
Mohammed kassimi
This is to request more information about your linguaschools at Barcelona university. I am extremely interested in this course and I am anxious to apply for it in your renowned university for admission in 2022 .
I am currently finishing my studies in organic chemistry at Mohammed First university in Morocco. I would like some informations concerning the process to follow to integrate your linguaschool , the possibility of accepting foreign students and what are the selection criteria?
Thank you in advance for your attention to my request. I look forward to receiving your response.
Sincerely.
Mohammed KASSIMI
Duncan
Hi Mohammed best to write to either Linguaschools or Barcelona University separately… they are different institutions.
Jay
Hola
I will be staying at a friend’s place in Barcelona in February and March, so I wonder if I can take courses. Do the schools offer in-person courses now? GRACIAS!
David Jones
Hi I’m looking for a Language school near Gavà or Castelldefels do you know of any in this area?
Duncan
Hi David, their website is not very clear, but you could try writing to info@idealog.es It seems like they offer Spanish classes!
Sara Forbes
Hi Duncan, I’m planning to come to Barcelona with two children during the school holidays (August) both aged 13 who have studied Spanish for 2 years at school. Is there a school where they could attend an intensive language course for a week and be with other kids of similar ages and abilities? Also would it be Catalan that they would be taught?
Thanks
Sara
Duncan
Hi Sara
Sorry I think I must have missed a previous similar question from you. Actually I don’t know if there is a school that specialises in teaching spanish to foreign children in a short term capacity. I wouldn’t imagine there is enough demand for that business model. However I am pretty certain that your children will be welcome at any of the language schools listed on this page! Just drop a couple a line and see how they respond.
All of the schools listed teach Spanish. (Some might also offer Catalan). Your kids will be given a level test to determine their level and put with students of the same linguistic ability as them.
Cheers!
duncan
Sarah Lazarus
HI Duncan, thanks so much for this helpful list! I would really appreciate your advice. I’m planning to come to Barcelona with two kiss aged 13 (has studied at school for one year) and 10 (beginner). Is there a school where they could get classes with other kids of similar ages and abilities? I’m guessing that a large school would offer more options, or is there a school which is more geared to children of this kind of age? Thank you so much for your help.
mark Bryans
Hi Duncan. I have just moved to Barcelona and would like to take Spanish lessons. Which would be the best place for my age group of 50years old. I have a very basic knowledge of Spanish but would be looking for a beginners class or course. Thanks in advance. Mark
Duncan
Hi Mark
All of the schools are very welcoming and cater for all ages. You’re likely to be at the older end of the spectrum at any place, but you won’t be made to feel self-conscious about that. I would look for one with a convenient location for you, so that getting to class is easy (and there are no excuses to skip!).
If you have time to take intensive classes I’d highly recommend doing them for as long as possible. Extensive classes only work if you use the language inbetween, which might not be the case unless you have Spanish friends or family already.
Good luck on your journey!
d
Tom
Hey Duncan, thanks for this post! In your opinion is it better to do a course at one of these types of schools rather than an official course at one of the Universities? I am hoping to do a 2 month course this Summer and not sure whether to go for a school like these or perhaps the Universitat de Autonoma
Duncan
Hi Tom, the honest answer is I’m not sure. I’ve studied at several of the schools above and always been extremely happy with the level of teaching, but I’ve never studied at any of the universities. My suspicion is that private language schools will offer you more support (in terms of accommodation etc.) and flexibility, and a better programme of social extra-curricular activities, and I also suspect that their teaching methods may be more modern (as universities are generally not known for their progressive teaching methodologies!). However that’s my intuition speaking, not hard facts. Sorry that I couldn’t be of any more help!
kasia
Great post, very helpful. Thanks so much!
Duncan
Thanks Kasia, I hope you managed to find the perfect school for your needs!
Riley
Hi,
I want to come to Barcelona to learn Spanish. I have two questions:
1. I was wondering how long it would take to arrange the appropriate visa, as I am not an EU citizen?
2. As somebody who doesn’t speak any more Spanish than hola, which course duration would you recommend to be able to considered roughly fluent?
Cheers
Duncan
Hi Riley,
1. I am not an expert on visas at all, being (for a couple more months at least) an EU citizen. But if you write to one or two of the schools for sure they will be happy to help you.
2. If you study for three months on an intensive course you should reach a pretty good level. The key is intensive, immersion style learning. You could do 10 years of evening class without becoming fluent, if you don’t use the language in between classes. Again I’d ask the schools directly what they would recommend for you and your goals.
Good luck!
d
Dara
Hello
Can you please let me know which one of the schools is more geared towards young adults. Age group 18 to 25
I am looking for a school which caters more to younger groups
Thanks you
Duncan
Hi Dara, most of the students at most of the schools will be under 25, especially during summer. I wouldn’t say that any particularly market themselves towards an older or younger crowd, although younger people tend to go for the centrally located schools. Also intensive courses = younger people, extensive courses = slightly older people, brushing up their Spanish whilst they live and work in the city.
Julia
Hi, I am interested in doing a Spanish language intensive or daily course from the dates Dec 17-21. My level is advanced. Do you have such a course with these dates and level? I was not able to find a calendar for such dates. Thanks!!
Duncan
Hi Julia, you need to go on some of the schools’ individual websites and check. Most offer intensive classes. If it’s just for one week I’d look for one without a registration fee, or fee for books.