Barcelona has its share of cheeseball souvenir shops filled with Gaudí mosaic bulls. But it also has hushed boutiques, generations-old specialty shops, and one-stop-shop department stores overflowing with unique Barcelona foods and objects of curiosity and beauty that you won’t find outside of Spain, and sometimes Barcelona. Let me share some of the best souvenirs…
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).
Beget, Spain: A Complete Guide to a Tiny Medieval Village
Beget, Spain, is a tiny village set in the peaceful Catalan mountainside, boasting a snail’s-pace way of life. In this overconnected world, Beget’s isolation and solitude are something to envy. It’s nestled in the Pyrenees mountains in the Girona province, and its 30 stone homes surround an ancient 12th-century Romanesque church. On a normal day,…
Why You Should Visit Barcelona’s Flea Market, Encants Vells (Fira de Bellcaire)
The Fira de Bellcaire, or more popularly known as Els Encants Vells, is the largest flea market in Barcelona and one of the oldest markets in Europe. At the “Old Charms” outdoor market, you can treasure hunt for unique vintage and antique goods as well as find new everyday items such as clothes, housewares, jewelry, tools,…
Barcelona Group Tickets For Museums and Tours
If you’re traveling with a large group, it can be complicated to reserve your visits for Barcelona museums, attractions and tours. Not anymore! I’ve partnered with Group Sightseeing so that you can book tickets for your group for more than 9 people. Just click on the link and leave your information with a form. Someone…
Avoid the Crowds in Barcelona
It’s not uncommon for people who hate Barcelona to put this on their “Why I Hate Barcelona” list: THE CROWDS. Sometimes, I’m with them. In fact, I’m sure a lot of people are with them, even a Barcelona tourist-turned-resident like me. While I often feel energized by the creativity and vibrant allure of the Catalan…
Inside the Casa Batlló: Tips for your visit
Inside the Casa Batlló: Tips for your visit One of the secrets to happiness is visiting a building by Antoni Gaudí. Casa Batlló is one of the most significant and recognizable buildings in Barcelona, Spain. It sits on the fancy, most expensive streets in Spain, Passeig de Gracia. Recently, Casa Batlló brought its “tech A-game”,…
Passeig de Gràcia: A Guide to the Most Expensive Avenue in Spain
On this avenue thronging with stylish businessmen and meandering tourists, Passeig de Gràcia exudes a feeling of grandeur and opulence. This influential street boasts a Modernist architectural heritage with the names of Gaudí, Domanech i Montaner, and Puig i Cadalfalch –and it’s a fashion mecca in Spain. Here’s a guide on how you can enjoy…
Best Street Food in Barcelona
Best Street Food in Barcelona Where can you eat in Barcelona to satisfy your hungry belly – for cheap? If you’re in a rush and need a quick takeaway meal to fill you up, Barcelona has hole-in-the-wall joints at every corner. It’s every so often that I see locals eating on a bench taking a…
Spain with a Toddler or Baby: A Complete Guide
Planning a trip to Spain with a toddler? I gotcha. I’m raising my three kids in Barcelona, and I’ve also traveled a lot with them around the country. My husband’s family is from Seville, so we explore Andalusia at least twice a year. We’ve taken trains, planes, and all kinds of automobiles all over Spain!…
The 20 Best Day Trips from Barcelona
While Barcelona is a traveler’s dream, the surrounding area of Catalonia is extraordinary. If you’re visiting the Catalan capital, I highly recommend you explore the underrated regions in this northeastern part of Spain. After almost 15 years of living in Barcelona and traveling to new towns and cities, I’m still amazed by the variety of…