Find the Best RFID Passport Wallet, Women’s Edition Whether you’re traveling to Barcelona or shopping at your local strip mall, you’ll want to make sure your credit card and other sensitive information remain safe. We can’t be too sure when a digital thief is lurking near you, especially if you’re in a foreign country. With…
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).
7 Places for Breathtaking Panoramic Views of Barcelona
Barcelona’s a city of varying elevations. And there’s nothing like being in a really high place — and seeing the lay of the land of a large city below. Barcelona has got the Mediterranean Sea to the south, manic city blocks in Eixample, and the steeper hills of Montjuic to the southeast. So step up and…
Barcelona tips and tricks for visitors 2025
I’ve been a Barcelona resident for almost 15 years, and oftentimes, I still feel like a tourist. This happens usually when I’m wandering with the crowds in Gothic Quarter or Born, or passing through the raucous-y Plaça Catalunya. I still visit tourist sites from time to time (yes, even the Sagrada Familia!). For that reason,…
Free Museums in Barcelona: No-Cost Cultural Treasures
I’ve said it many times. If Barcelona did not have any Gaudí architecture of the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, the Casa Batlló, or the Casa Milà, the city would still be an incredibly beautiful and enchanting destination. This is a city of museums – and, me, even after living here after 15 years, haven’t seen…
Barcelona Festivals, Events, and Holidays 2025
Come to Barcelona any day of the year, and you’re guaranteed to find the right event for you. Religious celebrations, concerts, food fairs, or a Mexican food meet-up? They’re always happening! Read this list of major events, festivals, and public holidays in Barcelona to help you plan your trip. Read more about Barcelona events to…
What Not to Wear in Spain: Don’t look like a tourist
If you’re visiting this beautiful Mediterranean country, you don’t want to look like a tourist. For one thing, dressing like a tourist could make you a target for pickpockets. So how do people dress in Spain? It’s easy to fit in and dress like a local in Spain if you follow these “dont’s”. As a…
Pickpocket-Proof Travel Clothing with Hidden Pockets
When I first visited Rome, I was 14. My family had been warned about pickpockets. So my mom had a genius idea to keep her money safe. She sewed a huge pocket inside the front panel of her underwear to hide our money. And she didn’t get robbed! Fast forward to today. Now, they sell…
Las Ramblas: Barcelona’s Vibrant Promenade
It’s entertaining and often gritty. And it’s a must-see in Barcelona — Las Ramblas. Before going, I wondered if we’d see Ronaldinho performing tricks of fancy footwork with his soccer ball or if we’d catch any illegal gambling along the pedestrian walkway. I’ve walked this street numerous times, and the experience is never the same…
Inside the Sagrada Familia: Tips for Your Visit
Arm yourself with this ultra-practical guide for your Sagrada Familia visit. Allow me to unpack the whats, wheres, and hows: the best time to visit, how to buy tickets, which tower to go up, and other discombobulations eating your brain. As a Barcelona resident, I usually visit once a year. Read on to know everything…
What to do in Barcelona in November 2024
It’s finally autumn in November in Barcelona! Leaves are finally falling around this time and people are starting to put on an extra layer of clothes. Crowds will be smaller, so you can get around a lot more easily. I’m an American who’s been living in Barcelona since 2008, so you can say that I…