Posts by author Regina W Bryan
Tourists looking out on Barcelona. Photo: Thomas G
Are you planning a trip to Barcelona and worried about looking like a blundering tourist? That’s natural, of course. But don’t get too hung up on this — you’re visiting the city and taking in its biggest sights. You’re allowed to look like a tourist! As a traveler in a new culture, it will be » Read more
Barcelona's La Boqueria market is a huge tourist destination. Photo: G0DeX
For the first couple of years that I lived in Barcelona, La Boqueria (or “Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria”, as it’s formally known) was my main market. I went there two or three times a week for fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meats, and cheeses, and then hauled everything back to my apartment in » Read more
When the weather heats up, the crowds start to arrive in Barcelona. Photo: Regina W Bryan
As the temperatures start to rise in Barcelona and across Spain, so do the crowds and the prices. As a result, competition for hotels can get a little tough. But fear not Cheapos, because we’ve compiled the dates you need to pay attention to, so you can plan your trip with a little less stress » Read more
Escape to the beaches of Sitges. Photo: Abbey Road Programs
I’ve said many times that I don’t swim in the waters splashing up on Barcelona’s beaches. I spend a lot of time along the city’s shoreline but rarely in a bathing suit. Some of my friends swim in Barcelona’s stretch of Med regularly and they think I’m overly concerned. Am I? When it comes down » Read more
Keep alert in the main the tourist sites of Barcelona. Photo: Eva Lopez
‘There are very few aspects of Barcelona that I dislike. I love the beaches, especially in the summertime when the water is as warm as a heated pool. I adore the architecture from Gothic to Gaudi, which reaches back to Roman times and still dazzles me after many years living here. It’s also a pleasure to » Read more
A charming coastal village in Asturias. Photo: Jose Luis
During my time living in Barcelona, I’ve met many Europeans who have traveled to the US. I always ask them where they chose to go, curious as to which places enticed them. The truth is, with rare exceptions, I know the answer to my own question. Inevitably most respond California (Los Angeles + San Francisco), Las » Read more
Seville is the beautiful center of Andalusian culture. Photo: Regina W Bryan
You’ve got a bit more than a week to spend in Spain? Lucky you! As a resident of Barcelona, I’m of course tempted to say that you could easily spend the whole time in my city, but most visitors try to see more of Spain than just the northeastern corner when they come. Indeed, you’ve » Read more
Escape to the charming village of Calella de Palafrugell along the Costa Brava. Photo: horrabin
Hoping to escape the heat, hustle, and bustle of Madrid, Barcelona and other big cities in Spain this summer? Spain is literally lined with seaside options, and as temperatures rise these sandy retreats fill up. However, not all of these summer destinations are recommended for travelers trying to keep their costs under control. Many are » Read more
Look like a local as you stroll Madrid's Gran Via. Photo: Tom Meyers
The day has come. You’re packing a bag for your trip to Madrid, Spain’s largest city. Seeing that lugging three rolling suitcases is neither savvy nor cost-effective, you have to be choosey with clothes, shoes and accessories. Once you book your hotel, it’s time to figure out what to bring. So should you pack the » Read more
Driving through Madrid. Photo: Ruben V
For the first few years I lived in Spain, I didn’t have a car. There’s really no need to get behind the wheel if you’re living in a city or visiting another city on vacation. But sometimes you get the urge for a road trip, and the Spanish rail and bus system doesn’t always reach the » Read more
Spain is huge, so don't try to see it all on your first trip. Photo: Eddy Van 3000
You’ve booked your flights, bought your guidebook, and are ready to take off for beautiful España this year — congratulations! You’ve made a wise choice. But as you plan your Spanish jaunt, it’s important to think about a few pitfalls that are easy to walk into… but just as easy to avoid. Once you reach Spain, » Read more
Barcelona's Gothic Quarter is popular with tourists for good reason. Photo: Javier Losa
Dotted with Roman architecture and medieval buildings, Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter should be at the top of your “must visit” list when visiting the city. Boutiques, restaurants, bars and museums abound in this central neighborhood, which is always bustling with tourists and locals. The city’s most famous drag, La Rambla, divides the Gothic Quarter and El » Read more
There's no such thing anymore as a quiet stroll down La Rambla. Photo: Jason Paris
At its best, Barcelona is an enchanting Mediterranean city with creative cuisine, golden beaches, and a fascinating history reaching back to Roman times. At its worst, it can be a total touristville with neon paella and ill-advised Mexican sombrero souvenirs. Furthermore, the busiest attractions in Barcelona can get incredibly overcrowded depending on when you visit. The » Read more
Try a paella in Valencia. Photo by Regina Winkle-Bryan
Spanish food and wine is en vogue all over North America at the moment. And with good reason! The nosh in Spain is as diverse as the many unique territories that make up the country, from tapas in the south, to paella in the east, to pintxos in the north, there is so much good » Read more
Follow these tips to save big during your trip to Barcelona. Photo: Henry Burrows
Knowing a little Spanish or Catalan can come in handy during a trip to Barcelona. While it’s true that most customer service folks in the city center and at major attractions will speak some English, speaking at least a bit of the local language is always a chance to get closer to the culture and » Read more
Photo: Bilbao is just one of the reasons to go to Spain this year. stanjourdan
Do you really need more than one reason to visit Spain? Its beaches, an incredible culinary scene, friendly citizens, and a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites have long enticed travelers from all around the globe. Made up of islands, rugged mountains, bustling metropolises, and quiet hill villages, there is a little something for everyone within » Read more
Time for tapas in Barcelona! Photo: Craig Nelson
Tapas are a celebrated and essential part of eating in Spain, and Barcelona is no exception. These snack-sized foods can be eaten hot or cold and can range from a serving of Serrano ham to a dish of codfish croquettes. They are usually eaten before the main meal accompanied by a glass of wine or » Read more
The view from the most famous Barcelona landmark, Sagrada Familia. Photo: craiggyisland21
Compared to sprawling Madrid, Barcelona is compact and easy to cover on foot or by public transportation. Nevertheless, if you’re coming for a short trip to the city, staying in a central location and near a popular sight will save you a lot of money and time. There are several budget hotels to choose from » Read more
Is it worth it to visit La Rambla? Photo: Heidi Strean
La Rambla cuts through Barcelona’s old town, separating the neighborhood El Raval from the historic Gothic Quarter. It’s a place of contrasts, bustling with beauty and history, but also with pickpockets and tourist traps. Generally, I tell visitors to stay clear of La Rambla as much as they can, because of the touristy environment and mediocre restaurants that » Read more
Park Güell gets crowded, so go early to beat the heat and throngs of visitors. Photo: Regina W Bryan
In 1984 UNESCO declared Barcelona’s Park Güell a World Heritage Site. It is one of the most impressive Gaudí projects in the city, and well worth the extra effort it takes to get up to the park from the city center. A visit to the park takes planning and the better part of a day. » Read more
Buenas Migas offers a cheapo break in several locations around Barcelona. Photo: mi)
If you’re a foodie, Barcelona can get spendy. To add insult to injury, it also has the unfortunate reputation of offering overpriced, mediocre meals. While there are some fantastic Michelin starred restaurants in the city, Cheapos in need of good grub require other options. No te preocupes (Don’t worry!). Here are five cheap eats that will ensure a » Read more
When visiting Barcelona for the first time, make sure to see a lot more than just the touristy sights along La Rambla. Photo: Bert Kaufmann
Despite being a “small” big city of just 1.5 million people, Barcelona can feel overwhelming to the 8 million tourists who visit each year from across the globe. From staying in the wrong location during your visit to eating a frozen paella warmed up just for tourists, it’s easy to fall into tourist traps… especially » Read more
La Barceloneta in the summer. Photo: Aina Vidal
After what has been one of the wettest, coldest springs on record, summer has finally arrived. Sizzling days are spent at one of the city’s nine beaches, and humid nights are enjoyed at one of the numerous festivals. Don’t miss these events and city sweet spots from June to September. Festivals 1. Sant Joan: All-night » Read more
A stunning view of Barcelona. Photo: Unsplash
A city of around two million people, Barcelona receives an astounding 32 million tourists a year. That’s a lot of people coming to the city! And it should be no surprise that many tourists come with preconceived notions, and generalizations about locals and the Catalan capital abound. We dive into a few of these myths » Read more
Even in the low season, terraces and tapas beckon visitors in Barcelona. Photos by Regina W Bryan
Now that spring is in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about outdoor activities around Barcelona. From strolling down buzzing Las Ramblas with tourists and locals alike to exploring Gaudi’s Park Guell or wandering El Born, one of the most exciting neighborhoods in the city, warm weather brings the whole city out onto the » Read more
