Known as the “red gold” of Spain, azafrán or saffron is one of Spain’s most prized ingredients, present in a wide range of dishes and culinary traditions. Today, there are many regions worldwide that produce this luxurious red spice, however, Spanish saffron is considered to be some of the best there is. But what exactly […]
How to Order Drinks in Spanish Like a Local
Your bags are packed, your tickets are booked, and you’re counting down the days until you arrive in Spain. Now, all that’s left to do is brush up on those important Spanish phrases—and no, we’re not talking about “¿Dónde está el baño?” Serious matters only—you want to be sure you know how to order drinks […]
Best Spanish Wines to Try in Spain: An Intro to Amazing Vino
Beer might be making a comeback, but here in Spain, we’ve always been wine lovers at heart. Luckily for us (and for you), Spain is one of the best places in the world to drink wine! Whether you’re a wine-curious newbie or a budding sommelier, this guide to the best Spanish wines will help you […]
Best-Ever (+ Simple!) Crema Catalana Recipe
Crema catalana is Europe’s lesser-known custard dessert, and we’re here to make sure it gets the credit it deserves! It’s easy to compare crema catalana and its French counterpart, creme brûlée. Both are quite similar to one another, but with some notable differences. And then there’s the matter of their origins—to this day, people still debate about who […]
Romantic Barcelona: 5 Things to Do With Your Special Someone
From the mysterious Gothic Quarter to the countless beautiful views of the city from abve, Barcelona is easy to fall in love with—and in! These are just a few of our favorite romantic Barcelona sights and experiences. Get ready to make the most of the Catalan capital with your special someone. Romantic Barcelona: 5 Things […]
5 Essential Items for Every Spanish Kitchen
This blog post was originally posted on March 5, 2015, and was updated on January 28, 2021. Dreaming of that perfect Spanish kitchen? Make sure you stock it with the essentials! Spanish cuisine is based on simple, fresh ingredients, with some of its best signature dishes using ingredients as basic as an egg to create […]
Calçots in Barcelona (& Why We’re Obsessed With Calçotadas)
Come winter, calçots are the undisputed kings of Catalan cuisine. The calçot, a cross between a spring onion and leek, is by and large one of the region’s most beloved products. For more than a century, they’ve been an integral part of Catalan cuisine every winter.
Warm Up This Winter With This Traditional Spanish Hot Chocolate Recipe
This blog post was originally posted on December 12, 2017 and was updated on January 25, 2021. Some customs, traditions and foodie favorites never go out of style, and Spanish hot chocolate recipe is one of them. Few things in life can compare to the pleasure of ducking into a cozy cafe to escape the […]
The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Spain Lovers
Spain is the kind of place that sticks with you. It’s the kind of place that, as soon as you leave, you find yourself yearning to come back to. In the meantime, you’ll likely find yourself scouring your local wine shop for bottles of Rioja, attempting to recreate some of your favorite tapas recipes at […]
7 Most Popular Tapas in Barcelona: Bombas, Bravas, Buñuelos & More
If you come to Barcelona craving tapas, you’re not alone. Tapas are a way of life here in Spain, and have gained popularity abroad for good reason. Though often considered to be small plates, doing tapas in Spain is less about the food itself and more about the social experience of sharing it with others. […]
9 Michelin Star Restaurants in Barcelona for the Meal of a Lifetime
This blog post was originally posted on June 24, 2019 and was updated on October 21, 2020. Few experiences are more prized in the foodie world than dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant. These are the kinds of places where you’ll never have the same meal twice, thanks to their constant innovation and focus on seasonal […]
Where to Eat in Barcelona: The Essential Guide, by Neighborhood
Wondering where to eat in Barcelona? In a city with options ranging from rustic, traditional Catalan fare to sleek fusion spots, there’s no short answer. Barcelona is a food lover’s city. And even with up to six meals a day, as we often eat here in Spain, that’s still not enough time to truly grasp […]
Where to Rent Bikes in Barcelona & What to Know Before You Ride
This blog post was originally posted on April 5, 2018 and was updated on September 29, 2020. More than 200 kilometers of bike paths wind through Barcelona, making it easy and fun to visit by bike. Public transportation in Barcelona is cheap, easy and efficient. But as a visitor, you probably want to be out […]
7 Incredible Spots to Watch the Sunset in Barcelona
It’s no doubt that Barcelona is one of the most photogenic cities on the planet—especially at sunset. As evening falls over the city, Barcelona takes on a special kind of magic that you have to experience for yourself. Of course, since Barcelona lies on Spain’s eastern coast, you won’t be able to catch a true […]
Soak Up Summer at These Incredible Rooftop Pools in Barcelona
This blog post was originally posted on August 10, 2018 and was updated on September 15, 2020. Is there anything more stylish than relaxing by a rooftop pool with views over the whole city? We think not! Heading up to a fabulous rooftop pool might just be one of the most luxurious indulgences you can […]
All About Spanish Rice: Arroz Caldoso, Paella & More
Paella is just the beginning when it comes to Spanish rice dishes! Depending on where in the country you are, the type of pan your rice is cooked in and the ingredients it contains, rice can go by a huge range of names here in Spain. Making sure you know which words to look for […]
65 Small Businesses in Barcelona You Can Support Right Now
It’s hard to believe that in 2019, Barcelona was suffering a completely different tourism-related crisis: we had too many visitors. Overtourism was a hot topic in Barcelona in recent years, and visiting the city in a responsible way had never been more important. But now, like many cities in Europe, Barcelona hasn’t been immune to […]
The Only Cava Sangria Recipe You’ll Ever Need
This blog post was originally posted on May 13, 2015 and was updated on September 8, 2020. Using cava rather than the traditional red wine for sangria is a twist on this classic recipe that you didn’t know you needed. Sangria is one of the most sought-after drinks among visitors to Spain. But what many […]
Mama Carmen’s Fideuà Recipe
This blog post was originally posted on March 9, 2016, and was updated on September 8, 2020. Everyone’s heard of paella—but what about its noodle-based cousin, fideuà? Try making it yourself with this fideuà recipe. This recipe comes from one of our favorite people in Barcelona: Mama Carmen, whose small seaside restaurant Cal Papi was a […]
Coffee in Spain: A Total Guide on What to Try & How to Order
Coffee in Spain 101 In Spain, the espresso brewing method is the most popular way to prepare coffee in Spain. This method forces extremely hot, pressurized water through finely ground coffee beans, resulting in a stronger flavor in a smaller amount of coffee. As a result, coffee brewed in this manner is often referred to […]