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…
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).
Good Spanish movies to learn about Spain
Good Spanish Movies to Learn About Spain Spain has produced some international hits by big-name directors like Pedro Almodóvar or Alejandro Amenábar. And of course, we’re familiar with Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardém, or Antonio Banderas, the most famous Spanish actors to hit Hollywood turf. But beyond these well-known names are a few other must-see films…
Where to eat the best paella in Barcelona
When visitors come to Barcelona, I’m often asked, “Where can I have the best paella in Barcelona?” There are literally dozens of places that vie for top spots. Here, I’m sharing which ones are on my must-try list simply because they’re a hit among locals in Barcelona. Eating paella is a time-honored tradition that brings…
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.…
What to wear in Barcelona in the summer
Strappy tank tops, flowy bohemian skirts, a straw hat…these are all the pieces you imagine wearing on your summer vacation, right? While sporting all the pretty summer outfits makes for a beautiful Instagram feed, some pieces are more practical to wear than others. So what about in Barcelona? Well, let’s see. If it’s your first…
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…
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…
Wandering the Whitewashed Streets of Sitges
Just 35 kilometers from Barcelona, Sitges is that ideal not-too-far-away escape from the city. Because of its microclimate, there are 300 sunny days of the year. And I can say that I’ve never witnessed a bad day at Sitges. Perhaps because the town is painted white and sucks up all that gorgeous light. (Yes, it does…
