So what’s it really like to visit Barcelona with a toddler or baby? Welp, I live here in Barcelona and have raised all my three kids here. I’ve also flown back and forth to the US more than 8 times with them! You can say I’m seasoned when it comes to navigating Barcelona with small…
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).
12 Things to Do at Parc de Ciutadella
The Parc de Ciutadella is the city’s biggest park, and there’s always something to do in this 70-acre lung of Barcelona. While the park often holds cultural events with concerts, workshops, and performances, there’s still so much space to enjoy it. What are some fun things to do on a normal day at Parc de…
Magnificent Must-Dos 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 living in Barcelona since…
Barcelona: 2 Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Curvaceous Gaudí buildings, narrow Roman streets, and infinite views of a gridded city. Barcelona is massive, and it’s overpacked with things to do. That doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on the important sites. It IS possible to experience most essential places to see in Barcelona when you just have 2 days. As…
What to do in Spain with Teens or Tweens
Now that my eldest is a teenager, navigating Spain with teens has become an experience that goes beyond the playground days, although she still enjoys playtime with her brothers. Teens and tweens possess curious minds, and captivating them can be a challenge, but fear not! Spain proves to be an enthralling destination – one your…
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. I’ve been living since 2008,…
Beautiful Traditional Clothing: Spain Folk Fashion
From the vibrant Flamenco dresses to the iconic matador ensembles, these styles tell stories of history and heritage. Beautiful Traditional Clothing: Spain Folk Fashion Traje de Flamenco If there’s any traditional Spanish dress that you know of, it’s the beautiful, decorative traje de flamenco. The Andalusian traje de flamenco, a quintessential garment of Spain’s cultural…
Plan Your Barcelona Itinerary: 3 Days Guide, Written By a Local
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…
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…