When I’m walking down the restaurant-filled Rambla Catalunya and just casually looking at the outdoor tables, it’s fairly obvious who the tourists are. It’s not necessarily because of their large cameras or white sneakers. It’s mainly because it’s 5:00pm on a cool autumn day, and there’s a large pitcher of ice-filled sangría on the table.…
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).
Best Cities in Spain to Put on Your Itinerary
It’s easy – and unfair – to pin Spain as merely the land of bulls, sangria, and Antonio Banderas. In reality, it’s a diverse mosaic of regional cultures and languages. From the industrial yet dazzling Basque country in the North to the whitewashed pueblos of Andalusia in the South, I asked seasoned travel bloggers which were…
What to pack for Barcelona: babies and toddlers
Are you traveling to Barcelona with a toddler or baby? I’m sure you’re excited to come to this marvelous city, but you have doubts about what you’ll need. Will my stroller fit in on the Barcelona streets? Do restaurants have highchairs? Relax. I’ve raised three kids in Barcelona, and we’ve traveled overseas over 10 times.…
Popular Spanish Clothing Brands to Upgrade your Spain Style
If you’re looking to add style and personality to your wardrobe, you will definitely find chic treasures in Spanish clothing brands. From well-known favorites like Zara and Mango to upscale brands like Adolfo Dominguez, you’ll get to know the famous Spanish clothing brands in this ultimate shopper’s guide. As a 15-year resident, I’ll tell you…
Kid snacks you can buy in Barcelona supermarkets
Sometimes when you’re traveling with your kids, you want to feed them with snacks that are inexpensive, healthy-ish, and convenient to throw in your purse. Ya know, something to hold them over until their next meal. Or doesn’t cause a complete crumb explosion on a bus. Even Beyoncé brought snacks for Blue Ivy at the…
Greenery, Gravel, and Metal: Poblenou’s Modern Park
So what do you think of the phallic-looking Torre Agbar design? “Interesting and strange,” you say. Well if you like the tower’s quirky, modern design – by French architect Jean Nouvel – you might like his other work, the Parc del Centre de Poblenou. Like Barcelona in all its “design-y” glory, this park doesn’t fail to…
Weekend Break in Northeast Spain: Cap de Creus and Cadaques
They say that, to have better overall health and well-being, it’s more beneficial to take a short trip than a weeks-long trip. I’m so with this. A few weeks ago, my family drove up north to the Costa Brava. After this 3-day break, I came back feeling like a new woman! Cap de Creus: Mainland…
Barcelona itinerary: 5 days
If you’re coming to Barcelona for 5 days, consider yourself lucky for being able to stay so long. Sunny weather, world-class Catalan gastronomy, and elegant modernist architecture are just some of the exciting things to experience in this Mediterranean city. Barcelona has been my home since 2008, so I have a good idea of what’s…
Solar Eclipse Spain 2026: How to Prepare for your Total Eclipse Trip
If you’re planning to come to Spain for the total eclipse in 2026, it’s time to start preparing! I’m already here in Spain, and it won’t be hitting this region apparently. If you want to see where it will hit, it will hit the middle of section of Spain, diagonally and part of the islands. …
Guide to Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona
Once upon a time, in a faraway land in Barcelona…there was a majestic palace that stood on a mountain. On top of the palace was a man. He stood tall – with his arms wide open. Nearby, you could hear squealing children romping about on merry-go-rounds. And see adults gazing off in the distance, looking…