You’ve got your airline tickets. Your Pinterest boards are loaded with “things to do in Barcelona”. Next up: planning! But where to start? Well, I’ve created a recommended Barcelona itinerary: 3 days in the city that I’ve called home for the past 15 years. Check out the routes and recommended places to eat on the…
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).
Caga Tió, A Crapping Christmas Icon
He’s a defecating log with an exuberant smile on his face. And he brings holiday joy to Catalan children every Christmas. I don’t really quite remember the exact moment when I heard about the peculiar Catalan tradition of the Tió de Nadal (Christmas log), commonly called the Caga tió (pooping log). I’m sure that it took awhile…
Where to Find the Best Shopping in Barcelona
From the high-end shops on Diagonal Avenue – to the vintage boutiques in Gracia, Barcelona doesn’t disappoint with the range of places to shop. Whether you’re seeking designer retail stores – or places to shop for local goods like leather shoes, you’ll find places plenty of options for yourself or someone else. Read about the…
10 Things to do in Málaga, Spain
sToday I have a guest post from Paulina, who’s Paulina has lived in Spain for more than five years and fell in love with Seville. She’s a pro when it comes to Málaga and Southern Spain and writes about her favorite places in Andalucía at visitsouthernspain.com. Take it away, Paulina! -> Málaga is one of…
How to Spend One Day in Barcelona
HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN BARCELONA How can you spend one day in Barcelona? If you’re coming into Barcelona for a layover, cruise, or whirlwind European trip, it’s possible to capture the essence of the city in 24 hours. It’s definitely not ideal, but it’s doable. You can get a good feel of the…
Where to stay in Barcelona with kids
Barcelona is a city for all ages. While it’s great for restaurants and nightlife, it’s also a fantastic daytime city because of the museums, beaches, and mountains. It’s hard to find a friendly place to stay in Barcelona that caters to families. Here are a few hotels that welcome children. Find out where to stay…
How to Care For Your Caga Tió (Tió de Nadal, Catalan Christmas Log)
If you want presents on Christmas Eve, you’ve gotta do some work: Give your tió de nadal some tender lovin’ care. And if you’ve never heard of him… The tió de nadal is a log with a face on it. And he poops presents for Catalan children on Christmas Eve. So if you have a…
100+ Things to do in Barcelona with Kids
Finding things to do in Barcelona with kids is never a problem. My 3 kids and I are never bored in the city. You also don’t have to spend any money — the city’s an open-air museum in itself! In this guide, first-time visitors, repeat visitors, and expats will find a new activity for their toddlers…
Best Weekend Getaways from Barcelona by Train or Bus
While Barcelona is an all-in-one destination of beaches, culture, architecture, and gastronomy, there’s still a world of possibilities beyond its city limits. And if you live in Barcelona like me, sometimes you need an escape from your surroundings. So, ready to pack your bags in 2023? Because I’m sharing the best weekend getaways from Barcelona…
Best Places to Visit in Spain for First-Timers: A Cultural Immersion Guide
As a Mediterranean destination, Spain packs in rich culture and history, varying landscapes, and an enviable, relaxing way of life. I haven’t left in 15 years! Whether you’re into the cosmopolitan streets of Madrid or the beachy vibes of Ibiza, Spain is truly one of Europe’s have-it-all vacay destinations. From Catalan to Basque to Galician,…