Located along the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona allows students to experience the culture of Catalunya. The mild climate, famed cuisine, and breathtaking arts give the Mediterranean region a distinct feel, unique from anywhere else in the world.
ACM-IAU’s campus in Barcelona is centrally located in the downtown Plaça de Catalunya area and within walking distance to Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, and many metro lines that transport students quickly to many other attractions around the city. The facilities have been completely renovated with modern amenities to suit the needs of today’s college students. IAU has full-time student affairs and academic affairs teams that support students throughout their study abroad experience and are available 24/7.
ACM-IAU offers an enriching and engaging Student Life Program during all academic terms. In addition to their course work and internships, students will have a program filled with activities and field study trips that are associated with specific courses. These study tours and day trips are offered so that students can make the most of their stay in Barcelona and immerse themselves in this lively cultural capital.
Getting Around
- El Prat Airport: direct connections across Europe, North America, and beyond
- High-speed rail (AVE/TGV) to Madrid, Valencia, Lyon, Paris
- Extensive metro network; IAU campus near Plaça de Catalunya sits at the intersection of multiple lines
- Bus, Nitbus (night network), and Bicing bike-share
- Campus neighborhood is highly walkable; Barri Gòtic, Barceloneta, and El Born all accessible on foot
History & Culture
- Founded as Roman settlement Barcino; ruins still visible beneath the Gothic Quarter
- Medieval capital of the Crown of Aragon, one of the Mediterranean’s great maritime powers
- Heart of Catalunya: distinct language (Catalan), traditions, and cultural identity
- Rich backdrop for students of international education, political science, architecture/urbanism, and sociology
Art & Architecture
- Gaudí’s legacy: Sagrada Família, Parc Güell, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà
- Catalan Modernisme throughout l’Eixample (Domènech i Montaner, Puig i Cadafalch)
- MACBA and CCCB anchor a thriving contemporary arts district in El Raval
- The Picasso Museum in El Born traces the artist’s formative years in the city
Local Attractions
- Gothic Quarter: medieval lanes, Mercat de la Boqueria, the Barcelona Cathedral, & waterfront at Barceloneta
- El Born and Gràcia: local markets, independent shops, neighborhood café culture
- Montjuïc: Olympic facilities, Fundació Joan Miró, Catalan Art Museum, & panoramic city views
- Passeig de Gràcia: modernista architecture, flagship restaurants, boutiques
Explore Catalunya
- Sitges: 35 min by train; beaches, arts scene, Sitges Film Festival (October)
- Costa Brava: rugged Girona coastline; Cadaqués, Begur, Tossa de Mar; Dalí house-museum at Portlligat
- Dalí Triangle: Teatre-Museu Dalí (Figueres), Castell Gala Dalí (Púbol), Casa Dalí (Portlligat)
- Penedès Wine Country: 1 hr by rail; cava production, bodega visits, vineyards
- Garrotxa Volcanic Zone: natural park near Olot; hiking, dormant volcanoes, medieval town of Besalú nearby .
Student Deals & Perks
ACM-IAU students have access to a variety of partnerships and student discounts around the city.
- Getting Around: ACM students receive discounted access to the Barcelona Bus Turístic (hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing) and the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, which offers unlimited public transport for 2–5 consecutive days — ideal when friends or family come to visit.
- Exploring Catalunya: The Catalunya Bus Turístic offers student-discounted day excursions to the region’s most scenic destinations, from coastal towns to wine country, with culture and gastronomy built into each route.
- Wellness & Fitness: Students can stay active with discounted memberships at Reboot Bruc Gym, drop-in Lagree and pilates reformer sessions at Repeat Barcelona, and personalized training at JG Fitness in Eixample (first session free). Maitri Yoga & Wellness, steps from campus, offers yoga, breathwork, and sound healing at student rates.
- Culture & Day Trips: A guided tour and tasting at Perelada Winery in the Empordà wine region is available at a student discount, pairing well with a Costa Brava trip. Backstory English Bookshop, 15 minutes from IAU, runs a stamp loyalty program -bring three books, earn a free one.