thebarcelonaguide:

Spas and Hot Springs for a Winter Escape

From the 24th of December until after King’s Day on the 6th of January, not much is happening in Barcelona, and more or less the city is on vacation. This is an ideal time to go out of town on day or overnight trips to hot springs and spas around Catalonia. Spanish Spa Escapes. By Regina WInkle-Bryan Rent...

December 27th, 2009 | Barcelona | Read More

Local Winter Festivals: King’s Day in Barcelona

Kings Day, or Los Reyes, is much more important in Barcelona, and really, in all of Spain, than Christmas. Sure, people here celebrate the 24th and the 25th and welcome Santa, or Papa Noel as they call him, but the real party is in January. King's Day, or Los Reyes in Barcelona. By Regina WInkle-Bryan King’s...

December 23rd, 2009 | Barcelona | Read More

5 New Year’s Eve Tips: Barcelona 2010

New Year’s Eve is a popular time to visit any large city in Europe. No matter where you go, prices are higher, hotels are booked and the mood is festive. Certainly, Barcelona is no exception. After having spent 4 New Year’s in Barcelona, I have for you today a few tips to make the 2009 –...

December 22nd, 2009 | Barcelona | Read More

4 Restaurants for a Holiday Meal : The Tragaluz Group

If you are spending the holidays in Barcelona and have not been invited over to Paco and Carmen’s for a Christmas Eve dinner, then you may want to consider this list of restaurants. The holidays are a time to spend a bit more for something special, and while many places will be closed for Christmas...

December 21st, 2009 | Barcelona | Read More

5 Christmas Shopping Options in Barcelona

The holidays are here and while it is not about what you give, that doesn’t stop most of us from wanting to find just the right thing for our sweethearts, families and friends. Barcelona is packed with shops offering perfect present options, so let’s take a look at some of my favorite spots...

December 17th, 2009 | Barcelona | Read More

Tips on Taking Barcelona’s Subway

The subway, or metro, is the quickest way to get around Barcelona. There are 9 metro lines crisscrossing the city, and they will get you where you need to go with in the center. Barcelona's Metro and Transport. By Regina Winkle-Bryan Here are some facts and tips for safe and easy riding on Barcelona’s...

December 16th, 2009 | Barcelona | Read More

5 Must-See Spanish Movies

So, this doesn’t so much apply to Barcelona as it does to all of Spain. Besides reading books on Barcelona and Spain prior to a visit, another good way to learn about Spanish culture is through watching movies made in Spain, or by Spanish directors. There are tons of fabulous Spanish movies. Spain...

December 15th, 2009 | Barcelona, Europe | Read More

Holiday Parties in Barcelona. Something Different.

Yes indeed, the holidays are coming up fast! Barcelona seems to begin the Christmas fiesta around the 6th of December and does not honestly come back from vacation until after King’s Day in January… Navidada Event. Poster thanks to Marc Curcio So enjoy! One way to get into the festive spirit,...

December 14th, 2009 | Barcelona, Europe | Read More

Cheap Eats at Nostrum

Fast food doesn’t necessarily have to be greasy and unhealthy. The new chain of Nostrum cafes proves that home cooking can be healthy and quick. Nostrum Barcelona. By Regina Winkle-Bryan Nostrum is a local company which has quickly expanded throughout the city over the last couple of years. They...

December 10th, 2009 | Barcelona, Europe | Read More

Ginger Bar. Good Music and Cocktails in the Gothic Quarter

There are two establishments that you will find on every corner in Barcelona: bakeries and bars. With so many bars to choose from, a place really has to be good to catch my eye anymore. Ginger Bar, hidden in the Gothic. By Regina Winkle-Bryan How do I define ‘good’? Well, music is key. If...

December 9th, 2009 | Barcelona | Read More

Shopping in Barcelona. Retro Collective Clothing Store

Barcelona’s Gracia neighborhood is a fabulous area to shop in if you are looking for something unique. It only makes sense then, that Retro Collective has opened up in the heart of this hip barrio. Retro Collective Vintage Clothing. By Regina Winkle-Bryan Retro clothing is just now gaining popularity...

December 8th, 2009 | Barcelona | Read More

Post Office Tips in Barcelona

The postal service has been around for a long time, but this does not mean that mailing a letter is any easier than it was 200 years ago. Little has changed in the Spanish/ Catalan post office in many moons. Post Office in Spain. By Regina Winkle-Bryan For those who would like to mail a letter or buy...

December 7th, 2009 | Barcelona | Read More

Art Outings: Opening At Contrast Gallery

Usually the many galleries of La Eixample hold their openings on Thursdays, staying open late so that visitors can pop into one gallery and then the next. Barcelona, Spain. By Regina Winkle-Bryan This month, however, Galeria Contrast will be holding their opening for the show Suite Flamenco on a Saturday....

December 6th, 2009 | Barcelona | Read More

Kid’s Stuff: Abracadabra at Cosmocaixa

Cosmocaixa is the city’s science museum, a popular destination for families. Geared mostly towards kids, Cosmocaixa offers rotating expositions and interesting permanent expositions including a detailed underwater forest. Outings in Barcelona. Regina Winkle-Bryan Abracadabra is currently on at...

December 6th, 2009 | Barcelona | Read More

My Top 5 Books on Spain and Barcelona

I travel a lot and have a passion for gaining a deeper understanding for the places I visit. One of the best ways to do this is to step outside the narrow constraints of a guide book and read up on a city or country through a novel or biography. Barcelona has stories to tell. By Regina Winkle-Bryan In...

December 2nd, 2009 | Barcelona | Read More

What NOT to Do in Barcelona: 5 Tips

In travel writing and guides we are used to reading long lists and reports of what we ‘must see’ and should experience. Today I want to share with you what you should avoid doing and seeing in my adopted city Irish Pub in Barcelona. By Regina Winkle-Bryan . Number 1: No Rambla. Okay, maybe...

December 1st, 2009 | Barcelona | Read More

Hotel Arts. Holiday Specials and New Year’s Packages.

Barcelona has several high-end hotels but there are only a couple five-stars in the city situated right by the Sea. Hotel Arts is one of these, and has incredible views overlooking all of Barcelona and across many miles of the Mediterranean. Flowers in Hotel Arts. By Regina WInkle-Bryan This holiday...

November 28th, 2009 | Barcelona | Read More

Shopping Barcelona. The Perfect Bag.

Looking for the perfect bag for your metro-sexual friends this holiday season? Well have I got the tip for you then! Mauro Bianucci’s bags are super stylish and durable, designed to be functional and unique. Mauro, Carga Designer. Photo Thanks to Carga Bags. When Mauro started Carga, the line...

November 27th, 2009 | Barcelona | Read More

Best Exhibition in Barcelona on Now: World Press Photo 2009

As I have mentioned before here, every Sunday until the beginning of 2010, most museums in Barcelona offer free entrance. This is a great deal, and last Sunday a friend and I decided to take advantage of the freebie and go see the World Press Photo show at the central CCCB Museum. The CCCB Art Museum...

November 27th, 2009 | Barcelona, Europe | Read More

Christmas Market Shopping in Barcelona

The holidays are more or less upon us. Here in Barcelona it’s clear that Christmas is coming, because the city has strung up lights and decorations throughout the city. These festive twinkle lights have yet to be illuminated, but I can’t help being a bit excited for the night when they turn...

November 26th, 2009 | Barcelona, Europe | Read More