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Hostal? Hostel? Hotel? Understanding Barcelona’s accommodation options
Most budget travelers probably understand the difference between a hostel and a hotel. One offers shared dorm rooms and a youngish vibe, while the other offers, well, hotel rooms. But a “hostal”?...
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Ask the Cheapos: Frequently asked questions about visiting Barcelona
We recently asked our Barcelona correspondent, Regina W. Bryan, to answer some questions that we hear repeatedly by travelers heading to Barcelona. Some were of the hum-drum variety (“Do hotels have...
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Barcelona: Rebajas! Winter sales offer steep discounts on winter clothing
If you still have some spare euros left over from the holidays, then Barcelona is the spot to spend it these days. Deep sales (called “rebajas”) happen just twice a year; in January after the Epiphany...
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Barcelona: Reasons to eat, dance, pray, sing, carouse and revel in 2013
Barcelona has an exuberant cultural scene throughout the year supplying no shortage of festivals, concerts, parties and food celebrations from which to choose. With little effort you’ll find something...
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Barcelona: Don’t miss these art and history exhibits in February and March
In the winter, Barcelona is a different animal. Perhaps an animal in hibernation. I prefer Barcelona in the winter to Barcelona in August, when the humidity is overwhelming and the metropolis is jammed...
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Barcelona: 10 ways to save on eating, drinking, buying and sleeping
Since 2008, some aspects of life in Barcelona have become more affordable. Renting an apartment, for example, is much cheaper now than it was when I arrived in 2005. Basics though, like coffee and wine...
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8 tasty and cheapo meals in Barcelona (with mouth-watering photos)
What’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Barcelona? (Not to mention tapas…) While we’ve gone on and on in other posts about recommended cheap eats, great lunch spots, and tips for saving on dining in...
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A Room with a Loo: 4 budget hotels with great bathrooms in Barcelona
The WC, loo, bathroom, restroom, toilet or in Spanish, servicios. How important is the loo to you when you travel? Personally, it’s a pretty important feature and can make or break my hotel experience....
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Barcelona: Rock out to these music festivals this summer
If all the UNESCO World Heritage sights, foodie thrills, and pristine beaches are not reason enough to come to Spain this summer, here’s one more: music. And a whole lot of it. Check out these...
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Barcelona Wine Bars: 3 picks from a self-confessed “wino”
When I meet someone new in Barcelona, I prepare myself for the “Three Questions”: Them: “How long have you lived here?” Me: “Almost 8 years.” Them: “Do you like it?” Me: “Yes.” Them: “Why did you move...
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Barcelona: 10 photos that will inspire you to visit
Do you still need to be sold on visiting Barcelona? From its fascinating history to mind-blowing Gaudi architecture, the city offers so much for those in search of a rich cultural experience....
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Barcelona: Day trips to Tarragona, La Garriga and Sitges
If you just have a week in Barcelona, then it’s best to stay put and just see the city, which is large and packed with entertainment, distractions and foodie bliss. However, if you have a bit more time...
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Barcelona: Four cheap hotels with personality
Even in a city as vibrant as Barcelona, staying in a ho-hum hotel can make a grand vacation bland. Your stay will be much more enjoyable if you can find accommodation that feels as alive as the city...
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How much does food cost in Barcelona?
As a visitor to Barcelona, you’re counting out your euros, dollars, pesos, or whatever currency you earn in, and wondering: how far is this going to get me in Barcelona? Good question. For one thing,...
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Barcelona: Park Guell and Caixa Forum to start charging for admission
Remember the good old days when Spain didn’t have 27% unemployment and social and cultural services were free and easy? Yeah, well those days are gone. Welcome to the new Barcelona, where two of our...
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Barcelona’s best hotels for the summer months
Summer in Barcelona means long dinners on breezy plazas, a hearty paella at the beach after a morning of sunbathing, festivals, white wine and holiday season. It also means heat. While this spring has...
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Barcelona: Best “off the beaten path” hotels for Cheapos
On one hand, staying in a touristy area of the city makes your trip to Barcelona easier because everything you might need is in close proximity. Need food? Lots of restaurants on La Rambla. Need an...
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Free summer activities in Barcelona
My friend Kris is a “freegan.” What’s that? You’ve never heard of a freegan before? It’s like vegan but instead of a strict diet, they are very strict in their belief that they should find and get...
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Barcelona: Bargain shopping at Encants flea market
Most of my friends were shocked to hear that in my eight years in Barcelona I’d never “done” the Encants flea market. I assured them that I had wanted to, but had just never found the time, or the...
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Cheap Eats for the Summertime in Barcelona
I mentioned in a previous post that I am trying to lose weight, which means eating less ice cream and going to the gym. Luckily for me, I’ve got nature and the season on my side. Barcelona in the...
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