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The Best Day Trips From Barcelona

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The Best Day Trips From Barcelona

 

Barcelona is known for its vivacious art and cultural scene but if you want a break from this bustling city, why not catch a train to a nearby town for a day-long jaunt?

Here are five places to visit should you decide to take a break from the metropolis:

 

1. Montserrat

Spend a day away from the metropolitan city to explore the beauty of this iconic Catalonian beauty. The base of the mountain houses a Benedictine monastery that is known for its       legendary Black Madonna statue. To uncover on the legend behind the Black Madonna, ride the funiculars up the mountain to Santa Cova, the cave where she was first discovered in 880AD. If you’re feeling adventurous, trek up the Sant Jeroni peak and be awed by the breathtaking view of the valley below. Before you leave, be sure to catch a performance by the world-famous L’Escolania Choir boys at the Basilica– they only perform at 1300 and 1845 daily!

Getting There:

An hour’s journey by train from Barcelona’s Placa d’Espanya station. Choose to travel up the mountain either by cable car or a rack railway ride.

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2. Sitges

Hailed as the St. Tropez of Spain, Sitges is famed for its rambunctious nightlife and rollicking annual Mardi gras celebrations. If the raucous nightlife is not your cup of tea, this quintessential seaside town is also home to multiple museums dedicated to the works of Catalan artists- check out the Museo Romantic if you have an appreciation for dolls. Be it the vibrant nightlife or artsy culture, you are sure to find something quirky to do in Sitges (other than topless sunbathing, of course).

Getting there:

Take less than an hour to reach Sitges by train from Barcelona’s city centre, Passeig de Gracia.

3. Colònia Güell

Discover one of Gaudi’s last big projects when you stop by Santa Coloma de Cervelló, a once prosperous suburb. Although only the crypt was completed, the church structure remains striking articulate with its twisted columns. The crypt has a rustic and abstract interior, with colourful stained glass windows in the shape of flower petals. This design is said to have inspired his magnum opus, the Sagrada Família. In addition to Gaudi’s masterpiece, you can explore the rows of old houses in this former textile village to understand how life was like back then.

Getting there:

A short 20-minute journey by train from Barcelona’s Placa d’Espanya station.

4.Girona

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Boasting a rich cultural history, Girona was once home to the ancient Romans, Moors and Jews. For a slice of history, visit the Força Vella, Banys Àrabs and the well-preserved Jewish quarters. Don’t miss out on the picturesque Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants that has delicate cloisters carved with designs of otherworldly creatures and mythical figures. If this is not for you, take a stroll along the River Onya to admire the brightly-coloured houses before settling down at one of the world's best restaurants, El Celler De Can Roca.

Getting there:

An hour's journey by train from Barcelona’s Sants station.

5. Figueres

The birthplace of Salvador Dali, Figueres is famed for its Dalí Theatre-Museum. Step into the world of Dalí and find yourself surrounded by his artistic brilliance through his greatest works ranging from the whimsical to the deeply religious. Apart from this prominent attraction, there are some other remarkable museums as well -the Toy Museum of Catalonia, Emporda Region Museum and the Technical Museum. Make a pit stop to Castell de Sant Ferran and for just €3, embark on a guided tour around the sprawling 18th century fortress. Before leaving, do stop by local establishments to get your fair share of Dalì memorabilia.

Getting there:

With the new high-speed AVE train, the journey from Barcelona’s Sants station to Figueres only takes 53 minutes. Alternatively, catch this passing train at Passeig de Gracia.

 

Recommended reading: A Guide to Off the Beaten Path Experiences in Barcelona

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10 Movies Guaranteed to Get Your Taste Buds Tingling

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10 Movies Guaranteed to Get Your Taste Buds Tingling

1. The Grand Budapest Hotel

Ok so the plot might not actually be centred around food, but this visually beautiful film will definitely appeal to your sweet tooth. From the building of the Grand Budapest Hotel itself to the color of the sky, and everything in between, it will constantly make you ache for pastries and cakes as you try to focus on the plot. Not to mention, Mendl’s Courtesan Au Chocolat!

2. Julie and Julia

This movie is about two women who eventually find solace in cooking, and it will make your mouth water for French cuisine. The whole plot centres around the joy of cooking, eating, and living. Get ready to feel those hunger pangs. 

3. Chef

A word of warning: make sure you have eaten before you watch this movie. Saying that, we still guarantee you'll be lusting after a taste of scrumptious Mediterranean food. 'Chef' should be rated ‘PG Hungry'!

4. Jiro Dreams of Sushi

This film is a delight for fish fans. The sushi in this movie is so tempting and the plot encaptivating as you watch the sushi hef master the serene art of sushi making.

5. Eat Pray Love

As if Julia Roberts alone isn’t enough to get you all tingly, this movie has both the beloved actress AND delicious Pizza Napolitana, Spaghetti all'Amatriciana, exotic Balinese fruits and more! You'll be heading straight to your nearest Italian once the credits roll.

6. Spirited Away

Another movie hailing from Japan in at number 6. This Ghibli Studio film, despite its somewhat surreal plot, is foodie heaven. You will spot a multitude of traditional Japanese food shown in this movie, and although the food is not real you still might lose track of the story as you sit drooling over the masterfully drawn food.

7. Marie Antoinette

Hold it! Your jaw is about to drop at these shots from cake heaven in this visually stunning film. Your eyes are about to be spoilt with not only gorgeous actors, dresses, and settings, but more importantly, CAKES!

8. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Once Charlie enters the factory, everything you see is made of chocolate and other sweet treats; even the grass! So much chocolate! Here, take my money!

9. Ratatouille

This is the most famous movie among food lovers and critics. It's not hard to see why, plus the delightful plot of a rat winning over humans through his cooking expertise is guaranteed to make you smile.

10. It’s raining falafel in Israel

‘It’s raining falafel in Israel’ is a 3D comedy film for those who cannot get enough of those vegetarian-friendly balls. If you are watching this movie and feel your taste buds tingling for falafel, just give Operation Falafel Delivery Number a buzz at +971 4 424 3098 and enjoy the best spicy falafel at your door step.

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Breakfasts Around The World

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Breakfasts Around The World

Ever wondered about what people have for their most important meal of the day all around the world? Who knew that breakfast would give you such a taste for traveling…

1. England

A traditional English breakfast would consist of bacon, poached or scrambled eggs, grilled tomatoes, fried mushrooms, toast with butter, sausages and baked beans. Black pudding and hash browns are usually thrown into the mix as well. Next time you're in London, be sure to stop by Camille's for a delicious breakfast!

2. Japan

Japanese usually start their day with a bowl of steaming hot rice with side dishes such as baked salmon fillet, miso soup, egg rolls, pickles, and coffee or tea. Sometimes, they might eat their rice with Natto, which is fermented soybeans with a pungent smell. A raw egg or spring onion is mixed in with the natto and rice to create a gooey mixture.

3. Central Mainland China

Breakfast may come in the form of a bowl of noodles, jiaozi(dumplings), or egg pancakes with spring onion. Various kinds of Baos(buns) such as Xiaolongbao  may be eaten too.

4. Pakistan

A Pakistani breakfast, called nashta, consists of a meat based curry served with rice or roti (bread) such as naan, shermaal with tea or lassi and fresh seasonal fruits like bananas, melons, and mangos.

5. Peru

A Peruvian breakfast is usually a hearty one because traditionally it is the source of energy for a hard day's labor in the fields. A typical breakfast consists of slices of bread and rolls, cheese, eggs, and fruits. This is all usually accompanied by a hot cup of coffee or tea.

6. Italy

The classic Italian breakfast consists of a cup of cappuccino and a butter croissant. Italians may also eat other pastries but the cappuccino is only reserved for breakfast and not any other meals. Next time you're in Italy, try having breakfast at a local's! In Rome, Emma would be happy to show you the Roman way for breakfast ! 

7. Philipines

The Filipinos love their food and can have up to seven meals a day. The usually start their day with rice, an egg (sunny-side-up), pork strips, beef jerky and/or salted fish. They may sometimes substitute their white rice with a more flavourful fried rice.

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Beer festivals around the world

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Beer festivals around the world

Beer festivals are exciting events for the millions of beer lovers around the world. Some would even travel around the world to sample the different types of beer and attend beer festivals! Besides festivals, plenty of beer goes around in pubs, bars, restaurants and even in grocery stores. Whether it is to celebrate a victory, birthday or any other special occasion, there is no denying that the love for beer is universal. 

If you are a beer-loving traveller, here are some beer festivals you may wish to attend some day!

1. Oktoberfest

Munich's Oktoberfest is undoubtedly the largest and most famous beer festival in the world. The festival was first celebrated in 1810 and has since been central to Bavarian culture. It runs for 16 days, beginning in mid-late September till early October. There will be an endless flow of beer and food during Oktoberfest so you will certainly leave happy and stuffed!

2. Brussels Beer Weekend

Belgium's beer festivals are admittedly less well-known as compared to major ones like Munich's Oktoberfest. But the beer-making tradition is firmly rooted in Belgian culture and some of the most famous brands of beer in the world come from Belgium! The Brussels Beer Weekend, held on the first weekend in September, is not only a chance for you to enjoy some of the best Belgian beers but also sample beers from other local breweries and there are over 250 different Belgian beers available so you will surely be spoilt for choice!

3. Great British Beer Festival

The Great British Beer Festival is the largest beer festival in the UK and is also known as the "biggest pub in the world". This annual festival, which takes place in August, is organised by Campaign for Real Ale and held in London Olympia. You can expect to find over 900 real ales, ciders and perrys from breweries in the UK as well as international beers. One day is definitely not going to be enough to sample all that is on offer!

4. Czech Beer Festival

There is no doubt that Czech Republic is renowned for beer and every year in May, the Czech Beer Festival is held in Prague over 17 days! This beer festival will give beer-lovers the chance to quench their thirst for Czech beer, with over 100 draft beers available for you to enjoy as well as beer from small and local breweries! Besides beer, there is also plenty of food to go around as well as concerts and performances to keep you full and entertained!

5. Great World Beer Festival

Beyond Europe, beer festivals are also held across the Atlantic. The Great World Beer Festival takes place in New York and is also known as the United Nations of Beer. It is held over 2 days in October and for a fixed entrace fee, you will get to enjoy unlimited servings of beer! And with over 100 brewer booths at this festival, beer lovers will certainly be delighted to enjoy all the beer they can get filled in their glasses! If you are planning a trip to the Big Apple, do buy tickets to this festival in advance as huge crowds are expected. 

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