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 and more money in your pocket.

When to visit Barcelona

Easter Holidays during April

Spring break in Spain happens during Easter Holy Week. Each year the spring break dates change, and this year it comes late enough to promise (hopefully) sunny weather and Mediterranean swimming for the brave.

Oftentimes, locals take the whole week off and travel. If they can’t get the whole week off then they take the 18th-21st off, as these dates are national holidays, and make for a nice four-day weekend. This is not a good time to travel because everyone else is.

Easter Holy Week, or Semana Santa as it’s called here, is the first big vacation for Spaniards since Christmas and they like to make the most of it! You’ll have a hard time finding rooms during these dates and sights will be more crowded. In addition, you might be asked to pay more for a hotel room because it’s Semana Santa: supply and demand.

Barcelona’s beaches fill with people ready to party for Sant Joan. Photo: Regina W Bryan

Sant Joan beach parties: June 23-24

After Easter Holy Week, things tend to calm down and prices return to low-season or shoulder-season rates, only to shoot up again in June for Sant Joan. Held on the 23rd and 24th of June, this is another block of dates when Spaniards like to travel. If you’re planning a trip around this time make your reservations way in advance. Wild parties are held on beaches all over Spain for Sant Joan, and Barcelona is no exception.

Where to stay during Sant Joan

If you like noise, fireworks and a rowdy good time, book one of the 72 rooms at Hotel del Mar, a three-star property between the Gothic Quarter and the beach. You’ll be right in the middle of all the action. If big bangs and late-night parties grate on your nerves, reserve a tastefully-decorated room at Fashion House, an intimate B&B in a non-touristy location away from the hubbub. There’s even a lush garden patio, so you can still relax outside, while the rest of the city parties down on the beach.

Fashion House hotel is far enough away from the Sant Joan party to enjoy some peace and quiet. Photo: Regina W Bryan

High Season: Late June to the end of August

From Sant Joan until the end of August, it is officially high-season in Barcelona and all over Catalonia. You’ll pay more during this time and will be sharing the city streets with many more tourists. In August visitors flock to Barcelona, but locals leave for month-long vacations elsewhere. This is a problematic month in that many shops and restaurants will be closed for 20 days or more (though this is not true in the tourist areas of the city).

Plan around these tough dates to save money and beat the crowds in Barcelona and around Catalonia. Good luck!

More trip planning advice

Visit our Barcelona section in the blog for many more articles about ways to save on your trip. Plus, be sure to check out our favorite cheap hotels in Barcelona our full guide to Barcelona hotels.

The post When to Visit Barcelona: Choose the best dates to save appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

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 to help visitors sort fact from fiction, so you can hit the ground running next time you come to town.

1. You’ll see authentic flamenco

This one is tricky, because you very well might catch some flamenco in Barcelona. There are a handful of clubs in the old city center featuring women in tight, bright ruffles and wailing vocalists. But flamenco is not part of Catalan culture. This is akin to visiting Seattle and trying to find the best Philly cheesesteak. If you want authentic flamenco, then you should go south to Granada and Seville to see the real deal. If you must see flamenco in Barcelona, then try JazzSí, which is an out-of-the-way bar in El Raval that has weekly shows. Also, when the flamenco festival De Cajón is in town, you’ll find some excellent performances. Otherwise, why not see regional music? Search out Rumba Catalana or see some Catalan rock and roll at Sala Apolo.

2. The food is spicy

This is another common misconception. People tend to think that Spanish food and Mexican food have spice in common, but in fact Catalan and Spanish cuisine is pretty tame. Apart from garlic, onion, pepper and paprika, not much spice is used. Forget Tabasco sauce and chili peppers. The closest things to jalapeños in Spain are guindillas. They’ve got a nice vinegar-pepper kick to them. Then there is the tortilla. Don’t confuse your Spanish tortilla—which is similar to an omelet—with the Mexican version.

Just because Barcelona has a nice beach doesn’t mean you should wear your swimsuit in the city. Photo: Regina W Bryan

3. Barcelona is a beach, so wear a bikini

Nothing is more offensive to locals than tourists coming into shops, bars, and restaurants without shoes, shirts or pants on! This is especially common in La Barceloneta and other waterside ‘hoods. Spaniards and Catalans are laid-back about dress and lifestyle, but mealtime is sacred. They may be anything-goes while on the beach (there is no body shame here, and topless or nude sunbathing is common), but once you’ve left the shoreline it’s time to get dressed.

Another tip: wear your sandals. You might think that it’s all good to walk barefoot back to your beachside hotel after a morning on the sand, but you’re likely to step in A) dog doo doo B) wads of spit C) recently flicked cigarette butts D) garbage in general or E) the leftovers of someone’s fallen ice cream cone. The sidewalk may look clean with your Ray-Bans on, but it’s probably not.

4. Service is super friendly

Locals don’t tend to chat with random people on the metro, or in line at the grocery store, or even at the bar. They tend to stick to their established friend circle. That said, don’t be afraid strike up a conversation with someone. Just because they don’t tend to initiate, does not mean they are not open to talking to you.

You might also come across some unfriendliness in restaurants. Servers in Barcelona can get a bad rap for being grumpy and sometimes dishing out rough customer service. Although this can happen (and it will, probably at some point during your trip), it’s also important to remember that waiters don’t work for tips, and perhaps that has something to do with it. Big city attitude is also part of the issue. Outside Barcelona in smaller villages, service tends to be better and smiles are offered more readily. On the plus side, turning tables is almost non-existent in Spain, so no one will rush you out the door.

5. You’re visiting Spain

Wait, no. Or yes? Technically you are in Spain when visiting Barcelona; but look up and scan the balconies. You’ll see many Catalan independence flags hanging all over town. Catalonia is a region of Spain whose government is currently trying to separate it from the rest of Iberia.

These bright Catalan colors will be flying with pride almost everywhere you go. Photo: Regina W Bryan

6. All Catalans want independence

Nope. Some do, some don’t. It’s complicated. What most people want in Barcelona and Catalonia is more local control over where tax euros end up, and even more important, work. There is still very high unemployment all over Spain.

Separatists have always been active in Catalonia (as well as the Basque Country, Galicia, and even in Andalusia), but since the 2008  election of conservative president Rajoy, the issue has become increasingly hot. Want to get the locals talking? Ask them about independence while visiting for a lively conversation, as almost no one is apathetic about the subject.

7. Barcelona is very expensive

Yes and no, because compared to the south of Spain it certainly is. Compared to Northern Europe, it’s not even close. Compared to Madrid, it’s about even. The holy trinity of olive oil, wine and cheese are inexpensive, excellent and abundant. Eating out can be very friendly to your wallet if you stick to tapas and local restaurants, and the fabulous food markets have tons of bargains. And while tickets to get into many of Barcelona’s famous sights can be pricey, you don’t have to visit every single Gaudí building to get a feel for the city.

Then there is the cost of sleeping. While it’s easy to spend more than $100 a night on a hotel room in downtown, you can still find plenty of hotel bargains all over the city and even cozy digs for under $70.

8. Everyone guzzles sangria and eats paella

You’ll see lots of people on La Rambla drinking pitchers of sangria and tucking into platters of neon-yellow paella. Avoid this tourist tradition if you can. Locals do not usually drink sangria, and though they do enjoy paella at local spots, you would never find them digging into a platter of the frozen stuff served along the main tourists routes. Instead have a glass of some of the best wine in the world at a local wine bar, as Spain is revered for its reds and whites. Or even better, order a bottle of sparkling cava. It’s very affordable and  produced in nearby Penedès.

One generalization that is no myth is the Spanish love of fiesta. No matter where you go in Spain, whether it’s Catalonia or the Basque Country or Madrid, you’ll find people celebrating life.

The post Visiting Barcelona: 8 misconceptions and myths unmasked appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Keep an eye out for Almogaver, a popular craft brewery based in Catalan. Photo:Manel Zaera

Craft beer movement in Barcelona

Beer and ale are a big deal in Barcelona, and all over Spain, these days. Microbrews are trendy, innovative and in-demand. Most people don’t think ‘beer’ when they think ‘Spain’, and the craft beer scene is still small compared to Belgium, Germany or sudsy cities such as Portland or Denver in the US. Nonetheless, brewers are busy in Catalonia creating some great beers, so keep an eye out for Almogaver, Les Clandestines and Llupols i Llevats.

Sipping craft beer in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Regina W Bryan

Barcelona Beer Festival

Many of these tasty craft beers will be available at the Barcelona Beer Festival taking place April 11-13. The event showcases several up-and-coming Spanish brands but also a few international labels. The festival works like most foodie fests: you buy a half-pint glass for tasting, a wad of tickets and off you go to sip and tip as many beers as you can muster. The same tickets also work for food. This year the festival will be held right at the end of La Rambla in the Maritime Museum, a more ideal venue than last year’s which was in the conference center of a mall. It’s open to the public and popular with locals—expect a long line to get in at night!

Hostal Benidorm is a stylish cheap sleep along La Rambla. Photo: EuroCheapo

Where to Stay

Hostal Benidorm (with doubles from: $83 to $104) is within walking (or maybe stumbling) distance from the brewski bash as well as several great nightlife and dining spots. It’s hard to beat this central location. The interior offers a funky, modernist style, and each accommodation comes with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. A few select rooms even sport balconies that offer views of the bustling scene along Las Ramblas.

Ale&Hop has a modern tap system with several local beers available. Photo: ScottRobertson2009

Where to find local brews

If you’re not able to make it to the Barcelona Beer Festival, but still want to try some locally-made ales, pop into Ale&Hop, a pub in La Ribera ‘hood that is a self-proclaimed beer geek hangout with 10 taps and vegetarian snacks. Cervecería Jazz in Poble Sec is another option with a robust list that pairs with burgers hot off the grill. Or how about a beer library? That’s what you will discover at La Cerveteca that stocks a wonderful selection of Catalan bottles. It’s the perfect spot to browse and taste to see what suits your fancy. You’ll also find bottled craft beer in many wine shops (bizarre as that sounds), a few in supermarkets and at any decent restaurant (okay, maybe not…but eateries are starting to carry microbrews, so keep a sharp eye out for them). Salud!

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When friends came from the United States to visit last fall, I was reminded of many small differences between the USA and Spain. Funny little contrasts that I lost years ago came to light again. Here are a few of them that you may have noticed if you’ve come to Barcelona, or that you might come across on a visit to my adopted city.

Where’s the light?

Where is the light switch?

You’re in the bathroom at a bar or restaurant feeling around along the walls in the dark. Where the h*ll is the light switch!? You can’t find it. That’s because it’s outside. That is, it’s not in the bathroom, but on the wall outside the bathroom. This means that you could be in the bathroom and someone could, theoretically, come along and turn the light off while you’re in there. That’s not going to happen. In any case, if you can’t find the lights, look outside. This is true in many homes and in some guest houses. In my apartment, for example, the bathroom light switch is in the living room. I have no idea why this is. If anyone knows, I’d love you to enlighten me. My visitors spent a lot of time looking for the lights all over Barcelona.

Tipping is not mandatory

My guests were from the USA, so they felt the need to tip at bars, restaurants and in cabs. Do what you feel comfortable with, but I tell you now what I told them: you don’t need to tip. I know. It’s hard to take in. It took me three years to stop tipping. Sometimes I still tip a little something, but certainly not 15% or 20%. Remember that in Spain we have universal health care, and people are paid a fair wage for their work, so it’s not really the same situation as in other countries.

Let’s eat! Typical lunch advertisement.

One, two, three….it’s time for lunch

Three course lunches needed some explanation when my friends came to town. When you get a prix fixe lunch you’ll need to choose one starter, one main course and then the dessert. Usually you’ll be able to choose from four starters, four main courses and a series of desserts. This both delighted and overwhelmed my guests. You also get to select wine or some other beverage, and for the most part my friends went with the wine! More than once during their 10 days here they turned to me and said, “Is there more food coming?! I’m already stuffed…” To which I replied, “Yes, that was just the appetizer and first course!”

Eat, walk, eat

By day nine one visitor turned to me and said, “My days in Barcelona are like this: I eat, then I walk around the Gothic Quarter to see something, then I eat some more. Then I nap. Then it’s time for dinner and wine!” It was then that I knew he was on ‘Barcelona-time’.

Two kisses: Spanish greetings explained

I’m used to kissing people, for the most part (though there are certain situations that always throw me off). When you greet a friend in Spain, or meet a potential friend for the first time, you kiss them.

It works like this:

-Women kiss women

-Men kiss women

-Men shake other men’s hands, unless were dealing with family, and then the rules change a little

-Everyone kisses children

-When in doubt, follow the Spaniard’s lead

I forgot to tell my visitors about this kissing rule. I’m sure they knew about it to some extent, but perhaps didn’t expect to get kissed. After a couple of awkward meetings (Oregonians hugging and Spaniards trying to kiss them—Oregonians are known for being huggers), I broke down the two kisses for them. Note that you’re not actually putting your lips on the person’s face, it’s more like cheek to cheek.

These are just a few cultural contrasts my friends made me think of during their stay. Every time someone pops over from the United States, they help me see my surroundings in a new light, giving me a refreshed viewpoint on my day to day life in Barcelona. If you have any more observations from Barcelona living, feel free to add them in the comments.

The post Living like a local: Eating, walking, kissing and (not) tipping in Barcelona appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So where are the most ideal spots in Spain to spend the winter season? Here are my five top picks:

Fuerteventura. Photo: Regina W Bryan

1. The Canaries

Known and well-loved by Northern Europeans, the Canaries are overlooked by many travelers from the US and Canada. I assume this is because Mexico and Central America is where most North Americans go to escape January’s chill. The Canary Islands offer a summery getaway and make for a smart add-on to any trip to Spain. For example, if you’re coming to Spain this March when most of the mainland is still pretty frigid, tour around Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastian and Seville, and then end your trip on Tenerife, where it’s currently 70°F. Tenerife is my favorite of all the islands, though Fuerteventura is a close second with some beautiful white-sand beaches.

A wintry scene in Andorra la Vella. Photo: Roberto Al

2. Andorra

Right, it’s not Spain! But hey, it’s nearby—just a two-hour drive from Barcelona to the north. Andorra is famous for its skiing, winter sports, and shopping (less tax there). A visit to the tiny, mountainous country makes for an interesting junket and the countryside between Barcelona and Andorra is gorgeous. A few fun facts: they speak Catalan in Andorra as well as Spanish; a country made up of mountains the highest peak in Andorra is over 9,500 feet; it is the sixth smallest nation in Europe. If you’re a skier or snowboarder put Andorra on your list this winter.

3. Madrid

It’s true that Madrid is frosty in the winter, and it can snow there, but the country’s capital deserves a place on this list because cities are excellent destinations when the weather is unpredictable. Madrid’s nightlife, art museums, and many festivals and events provide plenty for visitors to do rain or shine.

4. Barcelona

Of course, we can say the same about Barcelona, Spain’s most popular city. Wander around the Gothic Quarter, marvel at the organic shapes inside the Sagrada Família, and run your fingers over Roman walls. In both Barcelona and Madrid it can be cold, but more often than not the sun is shining. Soak up some vitamin D on a terrace with a café con leche, or cozy up inside with a hot chocolate.

Hot springs in the Pyrenees. Photo: Regina W Bryan

5. La Garriga and other hot spots

Winter is also a superb season to take a dip in some of Catalonia’s abundant thermal hot springs. Many of these springs have been used since Roman times (or before) and are contained within elaborate, historical buildings. In the village of La Garriga, just forty-five minutes from Barcelona by train, there are two hot springs open for day-use or overnight stays. Further north there is Vichy Catalan and Sant Hilari Salcalm’s deluxe spa Font Vella, plus a handful of other thermal springs spas in the Pyrenees Mountains. For a complete list of villages with thermal hot springs, check out the Catalan Spa Towns website.

Spain is a diverse country with a wide range of travel options. With a bit of planning, you could ski, soak in thermal springs, catch a show in Madrid, see Gaudí masterpieces in Barcelona and then hit the beach on the Canaries — all on the same vacation!

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Celebrating love with books and roses

Celebrated on April 23, St. Jordi’s Day is one of my favorite Catalan traditions. All day the streets around the city’s central plaza, Pl. Catalunya, teem with men selecting roses and women examining books.

I do find the tradition a bit sexist. (Men get the books and women roses? Really?) These days, however, it is not uncommon for women to snag a few roses (from various admirers) and a book, so maybe things are finally balancing out.

Instead of reserving a romantic dinner for two, couples walk La Rambla (or “Las Ramblas”) or Passeig de Gracia and maybe have lunch or grab a cup of coco along the way. The streets are filled (and I mean packed, if you’re uncomfortable in crowds, avoid!) with lovers strolling arm in arm and stands selling books.

Sometimes couples go together to pick out books along La Rambla. Others, single or taken, head over to Passeig de Gracia where authors sign their latest novels and speak about the art of writing prose. Many of the city’s book shops have special events on St. Jordi’s Day (although many of their speakers will present in Catalan).

St. Jordi’s Day is not celebrated in the rest of Spain, and is very much a local, Catalan holiday. Regardless of when you’re in town, keep an eye out for St. Jordi (or “St. George”), who is depicted throughout the city in various sculptures and stained-glass art. He is famous for slaying a dragon and saving the damsel in distress.

Favorite bookstores

Some of my favorite places in Barcelona to pick up books for my sweetie are:

Laie
C/ Pau Claris, 85, Barcelona
Web site

I dig the Pau Clais and CCCB store, but any Laie shop will do.

La Central
C/ Elisabets, 6. 08001 Barcelona
Web site

You’ll find an awesome book selection and fab cafe in front!

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