If you want presents on Christmas Eve, you’ve gotta do some work: Give your tió de nadal some tender lovin’ care. And if you’ve never heard of him… The tió de nadal is a log with a face on it. And he poops presents for Catalan children on Christmas Eve. So if you have a…
Category: Things to do
100+ Things to do in Barcelona with Kids
Finding things to do in Barcelona with kids is never a problem. My 3 kids and I are never bored in the city. You also don’t have to spend any money — the city’s an open-air museum in itself! In this guide, first-time visitors, repeat visitors, and expats will find a new activity for their toddlers…
Best Places to Visit in Spain for First-Timers: A Cultural Immersion Guide
As a Mediterranean destination, Spain packs in rich culture and history, varying landscapes, and an enviable, relaxing way of life. I haven’t left in 15 years! Whether you’re into the cosmopolitan streets of Madrid or the beachy vibes of Ibiza, Spain is truly one of Europe’s have-it-all vacay destinations. From Catalan to Basque to Galician,…
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,…
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…
The 20 Best Day Trips from Barcelona
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…