Posts by author Regina W Bryan
Going green at the Santa Lucia Christmas Market in Barcelona. Photo: Anna Champel
By Regina Winkle-Bryan in Barcelona— Santa is secondary in Barcelona. The big day for the Spanish, and Catalans, is King’s Day, January 6. Still, there is plenty of festivity going down this month in Spain’s second-largest metropolis. Here are some of the best events to look for this holiday season: The Santa Lucia Christmas Market » Read more
The busy entrance to Barcelona's Santa Caterina Market. Photo: Ajay Suresh
What’s on your shopping list? Some chubby prawns? Sweet potatoes for fall dishes? Candied almonds and dried figs? All of this and much, much more can be found at the local outdoor market in Barcelona. The many markets of Barcelona Every barrio or neighborhood in Barcelona has its own market. Some are historic, others are » Read more
Fancy treats at Bubó. Manel Zaera
When I moved to Barcelona five years ago, I thought yogurt was a breakfast food. Oh how wrong I was! It took some time, and I was not an easy convert, but I now eat yogurt (Greek yogurt if possible, with honey) for dessert. Other favored local desserts include Crema Catalana, panellets, mel i mató, coques, » Read more
Get on the bus. Photo by wizziebob
As I said last week, it took me a while to figure out Barcelona‘s transport system, especially the buses. Now that you’ve learned (and I have too) how to see the sights of Barcelona on the public transport system, it’s time for some of the finer points. Here are seven useful bus tips for locals and » Read more
Breakfast in Barcelona means coffee and pastry. Photo: geek_love13
I have lived in Barcelona for ten years, so visitors sometimes ask me, ‘What do you miss most about the United States?’ I never have to think long about this. Three words sum it up: family, salad dressing and American breakfast. A typical breakfast in Barcelona is a very simple combination of coffee with milk. » Read more
Newspapers in Barcelona. Photo: Mary
We know how it is, Cheapos. You get into a new city, and you want to know what is going on while you’re in town. Maybe there is some info at your hostel or hotel, but most of the time the fliers will be a bit on the touristy side. Luckily, plenty of other local » Read more
A happy face at the Barcelona Zoo. Photo: Carlos Octavio
At first glance, Barcelona may not seem particularly family-friendly. However, if you know where to go, the city offers plenty to entertain adults and kiddies alike. Here are a few choice places to visit in the city with children in tow: Glass Tunnels and Sharks: The Aquarium Right on Barcelona’s central Port Vell, a visit » Read more
MACBA, Barcelona's contemporary art museum. Photo by art_es_anna.
Today I thought I’d throw out a “double tip” for saving some euros in Barcelona. These are sure to come in handy to anyone visiting museums or taking public transportation during their visit. In other words — just about everyone. Museum Tip: The Articket If you love museums and only have a few days in » Read more
Walking along the marina in La Barceloneta. Photo by Motarile.
As of the San Juan parties held on June 23, 2010, it was officially summertime in Barcelona. From now until October, sidewalks, plazas and patios will be full of folks sipping cava, wine and refreshing claras under sun umbrellas. For most of the year, the Barcelones and tourists visiting the city block out the fact » Read more
June 11, 2010. I recently read that out of 36 countries examined by Manpower Inc. for hiring expectations, only four have a negative employment outlook. Those were (can you guess?) Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain. This bad news is reflected in the large cuts in the public sector in Spain. June was rife with protests » Read more
Shopping the small streets of Barcelona. Photo: Oh-Barcelona.com
I have lived in Spain for over four years now, though I’m originally from Portland, Oregon. In my native city, secondhand and vintage clothing boutiques are as common as rainy days. When I lived in Portland, it was all the rage to shop secondhand. From frocks to socks to records and costume jewelry, purchases were almost » Read more
Cheers! Photo: Unsplash
I am not the first to make the cheap pun “BARcelona,” nor will I be the last. The city is filled with pubs, bars, bodegas (wine bars), cocktail joints, and cozy corners to “get your drink on.” The good people of Barcelona like to drink, which does not necessarily mean they like to get drunk. » Read more
The CosmoCaixa science museum. Photo by Alan Bell.
Visitors to Barcelona (especially those who stop by the tourist office) will no doubt learn about the Barcelona Card for museum and transportation discounts. A couple years ago, we were not sure if the Barcelona Card really packed enough bang for the buck. In fact, our conclusion was simple: the Barcelona Card? Not for us. » Read more
Food from the buffet at Fresc Co. Photo by unite.
At first glance, it may not seem like healthy options abound in Barcelona. The endless ham, the white bread and chocolate croissants, the fried and breaded tapas… and all of it, as one of my friends from North America put it, is “swimming in olive oil.” Fair enough. But remember that this is also the » Read more
The audience at Barcelona's Liceu Theater. Photo by scalleja.
When people think about Catalan Culture, they think Gaudi, Modernista Architecture, and laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. They should, however, also think music. Barcelona loves music. While jazz and classical are perhaps the most popular genres in the city, all music is embraced with open arms in Barcelona. This love of music means that there are concerts » Read more
Buying trees at Barcelona's Christmas Market. Photo by Anna Champel.
Despite its lack of snow, fir trees, and reindeer, Barcelona still tries to put on a good show come Christmas time. The city government has hung elaborate lighting displays throughout the streets and, as a local here, I am excited for the evening to come when they will illuminate the city, inaugurating the holiday season. » Read more
Waiting for the Metro in Barcelona. Photo by Jamison.
Barcelona is small enough that you can walk most places, but big enough that you will probably want to hop on the Metro or grab a ride at some point. Here’s the scoop on how to navigate Barcelona on a budget. Metro The Metro is the fastest way to get from point A to point » Read more
Grocery shopping in Barcelona. Photo: Unsplash
There are two aspects of traveling in Barcelona that are particularly hard on the pocketbook: hotels and eating out. (EuroCheapo already has you covered on the cheap hotel front.) Even though Barcelona offers a fair amount of cheap eateries, eating out three times a day adds up. Instead of hitting up a café or restaurant, consider » Read more
The scene at the Harlem Jazz Club in Barcelona; photo by panic
All year long, but especially during summer months, Barcelona‘s balmy air is filled with music. From opera to blues, pop music to jazz, the city offers up music daily. Since most of us can’t pay the big bucks to see major acts on tour here, I’ve put together a list of a few places where » Read more
Going up at the CaixaForum in Barcelona. Photo by Hector Milla.
By Regina W. Bryan Cheap or even free is a great price in an expensive town like Barcelona. There are many museums in eastern Spain’s capital city, some with high entrance fees, such as Casa Batllo, and others with ocassional free admission. Let’s explore the latter. 1. Caixa Forum Funded by the Catalan bank, La » Read more
Barcelona's beaches are hard to resist. Photo: Manuel Martín
It’s June and the weather has been delightfully hot lately in Barcelona, perfect for hitting the city’s beaches. While the Mediterranean is still a bit cool, these long hot days promise to warm up the calm waters that flank Barcelona and tempt swimmers to take a dip. Let me say that as a Barcelona local, » Read more
