I’ve been a Barcelona resident for almost 15 years, and oftentimes, I still feel like a tourist. This happens usually when I’m wandering with the crowds in Gothic Quarter or Born, or passing through the raucous-y Plaça Catalunya. I still visit tourist sites from time to time (yes, even the Sagrada Familia!). For that reason,…
Author: Justine Ancheta
California native, churro aficionado, and mom of 3, Justine Ancheta writes fervently about Barcelona and Spain. Since 2008, she's been eating burnt onions (calçots) and tripping on cobblestones in the Gothic Quarter. She shares tips on popular attractions, exposes offbeat non-touristy spots, and gives insight on exploring Barcelona with kids. Her next Catalan culture challenge: top level of a human castle (castellers).
Barcelona Festivals, Events, and Holidays 2025
Come to Barcelona any day of the year, and you’re guaranteed to find the right event for you. Religious celebrations, concerts, food fairs, or a Mexican food meet-up? They’re always happening! Read this list of major events, festivals, and public holidays in Barcelona to help you plan your trip. Read more about Barcelona events to…
What Not to Wear in Spain: Don’t look like a tourist
If you’re visiting this beautiful Mediterranean country, you don’t want to look like a tourist. For one thing, dressing like a tourist could make you a target for pickpockets. So how do people dress in Spain? It’s easy to fit in and dress like a local in Spain if you follow these “dont’s”. As a…
Pickpocket-Proof Travel Clothing with Hidden Pockets
When I first visited Rome, I was 14. My family had been warned about pickpockets. So my mom had a genius idea to keep her money safe. She sewed a huge pocket inside the front panel of her underwear to hide our money. And she didn’t get robbed! Fast forward to today. Now, they sell…
Inside the Sagrada Familia: Tips for Your Visit
Arm yourself with this ultra-practical guide for your Sagrada Familia visit. Allow me to unpack the whats, wheres, and hows: the best time to visit, how to buy tickets, which tower to go up, and other discombobulations eating your brain. As a Barcelona resident, I usually visit once a year. Read on to know everything…
What to do in Barcelona in November 2024
It’s finally autumn in November in Barcelona! Leaves are finally falling around this time and people are starting to put on an extra layer of clothes. Crowds will be smaller, so you can get around a lot more easily. I’m an American who’s been living in Barcelona since 2008, so you can say that I…
Visiting Barcelona in December 2024
Coming to Barcelona in December? As the fall season transitions to winter, the crowds are much lighter. It’s also a festive time to enjoy the Christmas events and activities. As a resident here since 2008, I love feeling the Christmas spirit while enjoying sunny days in this Mediterranean city. (I’m from Southern California 😉 )…
Magnificent Must-Dos in Barcelona
Magnificent Must-Do’s in Barcelona So you’ve booked your trip to Barcelona, Spain. And now you have approximately 381 Barcelona pins on your Pinterest board called “Barcelona: trip of a lifetime”. Where to start? What’s are the must-dos in Barcelona? What’s the meaning of life? Relax, relax, I’m here to solve your existential problems. I’ve been…
What to Wear in Spain According to Season
Don’t know what to pack for Spain? If you’re planning a multi-city trip, assembling your Spain outfits can be tricky. You may have to dress for different types of weather! After all, Spain is the 10th most climatically diverse in the world. If you’re from the US or another Western country, you’ll be glad to…
How to Dress in Barcelona According to Season
Don’t know what to pack for Barcelona? Dress for the weather so you’re comfortable on a coffee shop terrace, in the underground metro, or in the shadowy streets of The Gothic Quarter. Let’s talk basic Barcelona fashion, shall we? If you want to know what it’s really like, keep reading. Learn how to dress in…