It’s hard to miss the MNAC. Towering over the Plaça d’Espanya from the hill of Montjuïc, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is one of the architectural icons of Barcelona. That said, it doesn’t always feature on the itineraries of visitors to the city, not making the cut of the ten most visited attractions in […]
The More, The Merrier: Top Restaurants for Groups in Barcelona
With its warm, welcoming culture and party-ready vibes, Barcelona is the perfect place for your next gathering! Spanish and Catalan cultures both place a huge emphasis on getting together with the people who matter most. Throw in some seriously spectacular food, and you’ve got all the makings of a fabulous shindig none of your guests […]
How to Relax in Barcelona: Our 5 Favorite Lazy-Day Activities
It’s easy to get caught up in checking all of Barcelona’s most iconic sights off your list. However, some of your most rewarding time here in the Catalan capital will be spent taking it easy and enjoying some much-needed R&R. You’re on vacation, after all—might as well enjoy it! If you’re wondering how locals relax […]
Sustainable Tourism in Barcelona: What You Need to Know
After reaching a boiling point in recent years, mass tourism in Barcelona came to a screeching halt as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, it’s important to take a look at sustainable tourism in Barcelona: what it is, how to practice it, and why it matters. Barcelona welcomed a whopping 20 […]
Where to Find Luggage Storage in Barcelona
Don’t let the weight of extra baggage (literally!) keep you from spending even more time exploring Barcelona! So you’ve arrived in Barcelona early and can’t check into your hotel yet, or you’ve already checked out but plan on exploring the city some more before heading to your next destination. The only problem: what can you […]
A Love Letter to the Harvest Season
Have you ever been to a winery during harvest season? It’s an intense, magical time where the carefully-laid plans of the entire year hinge around a crucial few weeks, and the atmosphere is charged with expectation. After a long winter of pruning, plowing and fertilizing, followed by the potentially devastating storms and frosts of spring […]
Five Alternative Christmas Markets in Barcelona
This blog post was originally posted on December 11, 2014 and was updated on October 16, 2018. With tasty seasonal treats, beautiful handcrafted goods and a sense of holiday spirit permeating the air, it’s hard not to love Christmas markets. As Spain’s second-largest city and one of Europe’s most popular destinations, Barcelona itself has several […]
Foodie Guide: Where to Find the Best Esqueixada in Barcelona
If you like ceviche, you’ll love esqueixada. Catalonia’s answer to the popular Latin American fish dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Barcelona. Made with salt cod, peppers, onions, tomatoes, olives and vinegar, there’s nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day. Sound good? Here’s where you’ll find some of the best esqueixada in Barcelona! […]
Best Barcelona Food Tours for Kids: Tastes & Traditions of Barcelona Tour
Traveling with little ones in tow can be a challenge, especially when it comes time to eat. However, one of our favorite solutions to that situation is to take a food tour! There’s no better way to immerse the whole family in local culture than by spending a few hours exploring with an expert local […]
Guide to Eating with Allergies in Barcelona
Trying to communicate food allergies in a different culture can be intimidating. We all want to enjoy local food when we travel, and cosmopolitan Barcelona features plenty of options for people with varying dietary needs. However, attempting to communicate your allergies to restaurant staff—and knowing what you can and can’t eat—can be challenging at best, […]
Spain for Everyone: The Solo Traveler’s Guide to Spain
You don’t need a travel companion to make the most of visiting a new place! Solo travel may seem intimidating at first, but many who have put themselves out there to try it agree that it can be incredibly rewarding. You have the responsibility of figuring things out for yourself, but you also have more […]
The Sports Fan’s Guide to Visiting Stadiums in Barcelona
Barcelona is a hugely passionate city, and that holds true when it comes to sports as well. As home to one of the most legendary soccer teams in the country as well as several other noteworthy clubs, Barcelona offers sports fans plenty to experience. Whether you want to step back in time to experience Olympic […]
Plant-Based Power: Guide to the Best Vegan and Vegetarian Brunch in Barcelona
Long gone are the days when vegans and vegetarians could barely eat anything beyond a salad in Barcelona. Yes, this country does love its ham, but larger cities are embracing the growing vegan and vegetarian movements. This even rings through when it comes to brunch. There are so many great places to enjoy a hearty […]
10 Days in Barcelona: Living Like a Local in the Catalan Capital
While spending 10 days in Barcelona, you’ll start to feel like more than just a tourist. Of course, you’ll have plenty of time to see the city’s most iconic sights. But you’ll also be able to get off the beaten path more than the typical visitor to the city. You’ll discover hidden corners locals love, […]
Public Transportation in Barcelona: Your Guide to Getting Around
As Spain’s second-largest city and a bustling European metropolis, Barcelona features an extensive public transportation network for getting from point A to point B. For visitors to the city, trying to read a metro map or bus schedule in a foreign language can understandably be quite confusing. Luckily, Barcelona’s public transit system is easier to […]
Tapas in Spain: What to Eat & Drink in 17 Spanish Regions
The popularity of tapas has skyrocketed on the international gastronomic scene in recent years. But what are tapas, exactly? And how do you define the culture around tapas in Spain? Ask any self-proclaimed foodie to define “tapas,” and they’ll probably tell you something along the lines of “Spanish small plates.” That answer is correct in […]
What to Pack for Barcelona (By Season): Must-Bring Essentials
Barcelona is the perfect city to visit any time of year! You can enjoy the beach in the summer, relax without the tourist crowds in winter, and revel in beautiful balmy weather in spring and fall. But sometimes it can be hard to narrow down exactly what to bring with you to a new city. […]
Late Night Bites: Restaurants Open Late in Barcelona
Barcelona truly comes alive at night, and the dining scene is no different! Whether you’re arriving into town after dark or experiencing Barcelona’s iconic nightlife, you might get hungry even after Spain’s already-late dinnertime. When that happens, there are plenty of restaurants open late in Barcelona! And the best part is that more often than […]
The Perfect Self-Guided Food Tour in El Raval
Once considered a no-go area in Barcelona, El Raval is now one of the city’s must-visit neighborhoods. The city has overcome its seedy past and transformed itself into one of Barcelona’s most happening neighborhoods. Home to an eclectic blend of locals and international transplants, it prides itself on being one of Barcelona’s most diverse and […]
An Introduction to Catalan Wines (+ What to Order in Barcelona)
When it comes to wine, Barcelona (and Catalauña in general) is the place to be. Catalan wines have become pretty famous worldwide, so there’s a good chance you’ve sipped on a couple without even knowing they’re from here. Of course, wine holds a very special place in Spanish and Catalan cultures. It’s the perfect mix […]