With charm, patience and a certain amount of nerve it is possible to conquer the hearts of locals. Should you be unwilling to wait for a spontaneous encounter in a bar or a club, you might want to improve your chances with some strategic positioning.

Gyms: Get there during siesta (Spanish lunchtime, 2pm to 5pm). Almost anybody who is toning his or her body at that time will be single, anxious to become single or at least open to some platonic swinging. Otherwise, they would be having lunch with their loved one, wouldn’t they?

Hobbies: Skateboard fans meet up in front of the MACBA, rollerblade skaters at Barceloneta beach walkaway, and bookworms exchange smouldering looks between the shelves of a bookstore or during clandestine meetings at BookCrossing.

Children: The perfect wonder weapon for single mothers and fathers who easily fall into small-talk about nappies and teething at the public playground. Bring your own kids or volunteer your services as a babysitter to friends – but make sure they want to have their children back!

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