Get lost at the Parc del Laberint d’Horta Parc del Laberint d’Horta is the oldest park in the city. Off the tourist radar, this park sits in the Barcelona neighborhood of Horta and extends over 55 hectares. It was built in 1791 but became open to the public in 1973. The park gets its name…
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 Family Tours: The Gothic Quarter with Runner Bean Tours
Walking tours are a quick, punchy way to get to know the roots of a city. But, for a kid, most walking tours are as interesting as watching paint dry on stucco. Enter: The Runner Bean Kids & Family Walking Tour. This is one of the best Barcelona family tours that will engage your kid in…
Parc de L’Oreneta: Mini Train Rides in Barcelona
My son was obsessed with trains, and it was high time we took him to the Parc de l’Oreneta, a leafy park near Collserola in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. While the park has lots to offer like hiking areas, playgrounds, ping pong tables, rich vegetation, and more, the steam train is the most popular attraction. The Parc de…
Family-Friendly Campsites and Hotels outside Barcelona
It’s healthy for parents to take a vacation away from their kids. But what if you have no choice – and have to take them with you? Well, then you’ll definitely need to stay at a good family-friendly hotel or campsite! As a family of five living in Barcelona, we love to explore Catalonia. And…
Foods your kids will like in a Barcelona restaurant
Barcelona is a foodie’s dream. When it comes to your kids and food, could it be their dream too? And not a cold, sweaty nightmare? You wonder… “Is it really all fried foods?” “What if I don’t understand the menu?!” “Will they gross out because of a weird spice? Then just eat doughnuts the rest…
Ten Reasons Why Barcelona is a Smart City
Barcelona is the first city in Spain coined a “Smart City” and is named the fifth overall in Europe in 2013 ahead of Paris, Stockholm, and London. And with all the noise about the Mobile World Congress this week (with Mark Zuckerberg as a keynote speaker), Barcelona will be the epicenter of technology and innovation come…
3 days in Seville: Things to Do and See
Seville is the birthplace of Spanish stereotypes: fruity sangria, passionate bullfights, and fiery flamenco. But it’s more than that. It’s the Sevillanos’ spirited nature, their never-changing Andalusian traditions, and the way they enjoy every day, not just the weekends. Those are the reasons that captured my heart when I came to Seville as a wanderlust-y exchange student…
La Plaça: Gastro Market at El Corte Ingles
El Corte Ingles has needed to update their top-story restaurant for awhile. Even though it matched most El Corte Ingles cafeterias all around Spain, which was boringly just called “La Cafeteria”, The department store’s Plaça Catalunya location decided to up its game on the design and concept. After all, it IS in Barcelona. The design is a common…
El Nacional: A Classy, Gourmet Multi-Space Restaurant
I’d been wanting to go to El Nacional ever since it opened a year ago in October. The modernist architecture, the sepia-toned lighting, and the majestic decor in a large space was so enticing. Everything about it looked tasteful. Polished. Luxurious. I came here last week with some archi-lover companions of mine. And their jaws dropped. Even in…
A Complete Guide to Casa Vicens
A Complete Guide to Casa Vicens The Casa Vicens, a family house in Barcelona, was commissioned by the industrialist Manuel Vicens and designed by Antoni Gaudí. It was built between 1883 and 1888. Its style is Catalan Art Nouveau with Neo-Gothic elements. The house has a façade of red brick with white stone trimming and…