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,…
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 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!…
La Casa dels Entremesos: Giants, Big Heads, and Beasts
Maybe you’ve been to the citywide La Mèrce Festival, or a smaller neighborhood celebration around Barcelona. And you may have caught the gegants – towering figures parading and dancing around. Or, do you know about the capgrossos, or “big heads”? If you live in Barcelona, you’ve probably seen the annual Loteria de Catalunya (“Catalan lottery”) publicity ads for the past…
Is Barcelona Safe for Tourists?
You may know about pickpocketing in Barcelona and also remember the pro-independence protests and past terrorist attacks. This may lead you to wonder if Barcelona is the dream destination people make it out to be. So IS Barcelona safe for tourists? As a Barcelona resident going on 15 years here, my opinion is – YES,…
How to Spend 4 Days in Barcelona
How to Spend 4 days in Barcelona If you can spend as long as 4 days in Barcelona, you can bask in the city’s perpetually sunny weather, Catalan food delights, and balmy seaside. But Barcelona is more than just a fun hedonistic holiday. It has an exciting history, which is evident in its Roman ruins,…