Justine Ancheta, Writer

What to Buy in Barcelona: Souvenirs and Gifts

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…

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,…

The Visionary Urban Design of the Eixample District, Barcelona

In 2008, when I first moved to Sant Antoni, a neighborhood in the Eixample district (pronounced ‘eshampla’) of Barcelona, I was overwhelmed by the endless blocks and blocks of buildings. And on each block, everything looked the same – fruit stands, bakeries, supermarkets, banks. Then more fruit stands, more bakeries, more supermarkets, and more banks. Barcelona urban…

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…

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…

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.…

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…