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Dine like a local in Stockholm

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Dine like a local in Stockholm

Dining in Stockholm can be an expensive affair, but the locals do know of eateries that offer the best value for money. Some of these eateries will also not burn a hole in your pocket! 

Here are some eateries the locals in Stockholm love!

1. Bakverket

If bread is a staple forms a staple in your diet, you will love dining at Bakverket. Locals love beginning their day at this cosy cafe, where the aroma of freshly baked bread upon entry. Whether you are looking to have some bread, salads, pastries or yogurt, you can be assured that the food served here is fresh and of excellent quality. Apart from food, the beverages served at Bakverket, be it the coffee, tea or lemonade, are also loved by its patrons so the dining experience at this cafe is certainly not to be missed!

2. Vigarda

Burger-lovers will not want to miss this! Vigarda offers quality burgers at inexpensive prices and the crowd of locals you see is proof of the high standards of food they serve. If you would like accompaniments to your burger, simply get a full meal and you will also get a serving of fries, salad and sauce! Ideal for those craving for looking to grab a quick bite or a healthier yet delicious alternative to fast food. 

3. Citykonditoriet

With stunning interiors, excellent food and a relaxed ambience, you will be surprised to know that prices at Citykonditoriet are actually very reasonable. Serving top quality and traditional Swedish fare at an affordable price, it is little wonder that locals love coming to this cafe for lunch or to spend a leisurely afternoon over coffee and cake.  

4. Drop Coffee

Those who need a daily dose of caffeine must visit Drop Coffee at least once during a visit to Stockholm! Coffee-loving locals head to this cafe for their caffeine fix, which can be accompanied with a roll, pastry or slice of cake. With a wide selection of excellent coffee drinks to choose from, coffee-lovers will certainly not be disappointed. Even if you prefer your tea, you need not be put off visiting Drop Coffee as it also does excellent tea! 

5. Vete Katten

Locals with a sweet tooth frequent Vete Katten, where they can get their fix of traditional Swedish pastries. Tradition is emphasised at this cafe, where its pastries are made only with traditional recipes while its classic interior gives Vete Katten a welcoming and relaxed ambience. Boasting a grand selection of sweet treats, one trip to this cafe will not be enough for dessert-loving folks!

If you do not quite fancy dining out or perhaps hoping for a home-cooked meal away from home, try out a home-dining experience with Vidhatri, our BonAppetour host in Stockholm! A passionate cook, Vidhatri will delight you with a traditional and freshly prepared Indian vegetarian meal, serving up 3 courses at less than the cost of an equivalent meal at many eateries around the city! Whether you are a budget-traveller, vegetarian or crowd-hater, a meal at Vidhatri's is an experience you will not want to miss!

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Top 10 Things to Do in Barcelona

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Top 10 Things to Do in Barcelona

1.Tapas Bar Hopping

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Definitely not one to be missed, Tapas sits on the top of our list as what any traveler must try during their stay in Barcelona. There is strong "Tapas culture" in Barcelona, where friends chat while eating Tapas and having a drink or two. Avoid flocking to the tourist traps at La Rambla– just ask a local and they will be more than happy to direct you to their favourite tapas bar.  If you want a break from bar crawls and would rather learn the art of tapas, join our BonAppetour Host, Nani, and learn how to make your very own Tapas!

[BARCELONA-BEST-PAELLA https://www.bonappetour.com/david-rg/best-paella-cooking-class-in-barcelona-delicious-hands-on-cooking-experience]​

2. Enjoy an enchanted evening

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Just minutes away from the Espanya metro station, The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is a stunning musical display of colored lights and water acrobatics. Illuminated by over 50 hues of coloured lights, this spectacular fountain is a captivating sight to behold. Whether you are 8 or 82, you are definitely in for a treat as this visual spectacle is one of the most visited attractions in all of Barcelona. It should be noted that the fountain only operates on Thursdays to Sundays from 9.30-11.00pm during the summer

3. Hit the beach

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Longing to get that summer glow? It’s time to bask under the Mediterranean Sun at Barceloneta, Barcelona’s most popular beach. Backed with a promenade of seafood restaurants and a string of clubs, it is no wonder that this seafront neighborhood is packed with partygoers every weekend. If the raucous nightlife is not your cup of tea, another beach worth the visit is Sitges, a coastal town that is 20 minutes away from Barcelona. Other than the cerulean waters, this coastal town boasts a rich artistic history, it is home to multiple museums dedicated to the works of Catalan artists.

4. Trek up Mount. Tibidabo

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Overlooking Barcelona, Mount. Tibidabo is a great spot to capture panoramic views of the city. Prepare your favourite snacks, get your playlist ready and put on your trusty pair of sneakers to embark on a 15km trek up the mountain. Pay a visit to Temple de Sagrat Cor, a charming cathedral designed in a modernisme and neo-Gothic styles and for just €2.50, ride an elevator that takes up to a viewing platform just below the Sacred Heart of Jesus sculpture. If you’re travelling with children, The Tibidabo Amusement Park is a must go, With 25 rides like classic roller coasters and great street theatre performances, the Tibidabo Amusement Park promises a fun-filled time for family members of all ages. Do check out the park’s Skywalk area for the Giradabo, a Ferris wheel gives you a bird’s eye view of Barcelona. Before you leave, make a pit stop at the foot of the mountain and wander into Casa Figueres, a hidden tower constructed by Gaudí.

5. Admire Gaudí’s works of art

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With a name synonymous with Barcelona’s urban landscape, it is hard to miss any of Gaudi’s masterpieces while you’re out on the streets. Other than his magnus opus, La Sagrada Família, go on a trail to discover the rest of Gaudí’s work throughout the city. Begin your trail at Güell Palace, a mansion built for the Güell family and then head over to Casa Calvet, one of Gaudí’s most conventional buildings. Once a residential project for textile manufacturers, this beauty now houses a popular restaurant under the same name. We could go on about the other must-see places by Gaudí but it would be slightly ambitious to complete the entire trail in a day. Gaudí’s architecture is full of surprises and unusual elements and it is without a doubt that he left an indelible mark on Barcelona.

6. Watch the sunset at El Carmel Bunker

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The El Carmel Bunker is another great spot to capture the best panoramic views of the city. An important slice of history, the place is the ruins of an old air raid bunker used during the Spanish Civil War.  Located at the peak of Turo de la Rovira, many locals flock here to watch the sunset and have a picnic with their loved ones, particularly during the summer season. Although situated in a rather remote area, the bunker is accessible by metro and public buses that run from the city centre. If you are into photography, this is the place to take breathtaking photos of Barcelona!

7. Uncover hidden treasures at local markets

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Although widely perceived to be ‘tourist traps’, spending the afternoon at a local market is a great way for you to purchase local favourites at an affordable price. These markets are a one-stop shop for everything gastronomical.Push through the tour groups that usually crowd the entrances of the market and venture deeper where you would find the part of the market that locals love- from seafood and specialty meat cuts to pickled delights. Just a word of caution, don’t get carried away by the hubbub of the market’s crowd always keep an eye on your valuables at all times.

8. Dine with a local home chef

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If you are here in Barcelona for a special occasion, why not take up a cooking class for an unforgettable experience? This is a great way for you to learn more about the city, have a wonderful time with your loved ones, straight from a local's kitchen. Cook like a local, dine like a local and live like a local- get a taste of home away from home and perhaps learn a recipe or two! Check out our BonAppetour hosts, like Teresa, who will teach how to make your own paella from scratch!

9. Pop by a quirky museum

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Barcelona is renowned for having one of the most vibrant and established art scenes in Europe. But beyond Picasso and Dalí, there are many weird and wonderful museums to stop by for a fun-filled afternoon. Museu de Perfum tops the list as a museum so unusual that it remains the only perfume museum in Spain. Step into a time capsule and sniff your way through times dating back to Mesopotamia, Roman and Egyptian times. Another museum that showcases something stranger is the Museum of Funeral Carriages, aptly located inside Montjuïc Cemetery. Renowned for displaying some of the most exquisite antique funeral carriages and hearses in the world, the exhibits here are key in learning how the deceased were moved to burial sites in the past. If you have a morbid fascination and are travelling on a budget, do check out this museum as entry is completely free of charge!

10. Be part of a summer festival

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One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Catalan culture is to participate in the neighbourhood festivals. Barcelona’s niche festival, La Mercè takes place during late summer and it is a boisterous celebration that honours the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of La Mercè. La Mercè is a time of gaiety that brings locals and tourists together through the flurry of events and attractions-heart-thumping live music festivals, castells(acrobatic locals building their own human towers), processions of gegants(giant papier-mâché figures) and street parties!

 

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5 Unforgettable Dining Experiences in Barcelona

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5 Unforgettable Dining Experiences in Barcelona

Instead of frequenting the run-of-the-mill tapas bars in Barcelona, try something a little out of the ordinary on your Barcelona vacation. From eating in pitch-black darkness to sharing a drink in a –7º ice bar, here are 5 quirky places to please your palate when in Barcelona:

1.El Bosc de les Fades

Translated to ‘The Forest of Fairies’, this dark fantasy themed tapas bar is sure to appeal to both gothic horror fans and fairytale lovers. Realistically decorated with artificial waterfalls, wispy tea lights and mystical creatures lurking in the mirrors, it is hard not to believe to you have walked straight into an enchanted forest inhabited by fairies and grim-faced talking trees. Grab a refreshing glass of Sangria while you bask in the moonlight of this esoteric forest and share your grisly tales of horror with friends. A note of caution, be careful not to wander too deep into the secret grotto- there’s no telling what lies in the darkness…

2. Enjoy Paella with Home-chefs Bego and Iván

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No foodie trip to Spain would be complete without the iconic dish paella. And there’s absolutely no question the best paella is always homemade paella.

It takes a very long time to cook, so it’s difficult for restaurants to make fresh. Only 5 minutes walk from Gaudí’s iconic landmark Park Güell, talented home-chefs Bego and Iván offers Barcelona’s best paella in town using a traditional recipe from Alacant.

You can watch their whole cooking process while you enjoy an ecological white wine, from El Pla de Manlleu or rosé wine from Penedès A.O., a region famous for its excellent wines and cavas.

3. Dans Le Noir

If you are in search for innovative dining experience, why not dine in complete darkness? Enjoy a gastronomical experience in the dark at Dans Le Noir where you will find yourself fumbling for your wine glass and trying to scoop up the food on your plate. The fun part of this is guessing what you’ are eating and getting to know your fellow diners in a pitch-black room. Considerably one of the most unusual dining experiences in Barcelona, Dans Le Noir deserves a status above novelty. It is an intriguing way for you to invigorate your sense and also appreciate the gift of sight.

4. Icebarcelona  

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Established on the lively shore of El Somorrostro, Icebarcelona is an unusual beach bar with an impressive interior made entirely from ice. Marval at the grandiose ice sculptures while you sip on delicious cocktails with your friends from glasses made of…ice. The bar’s interior design changes with each season, making Icebarcelona a refreshing experience every time. Remember to take lots of photos to capture these memorable frosty moments as the average entry to the bar usually lasts no more than 30 minutes! If you prefer to lounge under the Barcelonan Sun while munching on savoury nachos, you can relax on the terrace on the 2nd floor that overlooks the coastal sands and cerulean waters.

5. ABaC

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Celebrated 2-Michelin-starred restaurant ABaC is helmed by the amazing Chef Jordi Cruz who is the youngest Spanish chef to have earned his first Michelin star at 24. This exclusive 56-seater elegant restaurant boasts an impressive 16-course menu that blends creativity and tradition seamlessly. Indulge in delicacies such asIberian meats, almonds with beans and “compango” bubbles and Foie gras taco with mole migas and sweet corn ice cream while you handpick your favourite wine from an extensive cellar. Also, the ABaC team is well-known for providing impeccable service. Other than the attentive servers, their thoughtful chefs would gladly customize your meal should you have any food allergies or intolerances. Although pricier than most restaurants found in the vicinity, give yourself a splurge to gain a once-in-a-lifetime gastronomical experience.

Bonus: Cook With Teresa!

If you are here in Barcelona for a special occasion, why not book a unique home dining experience with one of BonAppetour’s lovely hosts, Teresa? A professionally trained chef, Teresa easily whips up delicious Spanish fare but never forgets her motto in cooking that has been instilled in her since her childhood: love, time and quality produce. Step into her cozy home and savour an authentic meal that comprises of Coca Bread, Seafood Paella and of course, homemade Sangria. Cook like a local, dine like a local and live like a local- get a taste of home away from home and perhaps learn a recipe or two!

 

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A Foodie’s Travel Guide to Europe

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A Foodie's Travel Guide to Europe

This is a guest post submitted by Christopher from DealsLand UK.

If it is your first time to Europe, you will naturally be really excited and yes of course a little confused too. Why wouldn't you be?! You have so much to do in a short amount of time. You'll want to try out some of the best restaurants in the land, and enjoy every bite without worrying about your budget. It's well-known that Europe can be more than a little expensive, so you should read this guide to find out how you can have your cake and eat it too by following these options to get budget bites in European countries.

Espresso bars in Rome

If you are visiting Rome, have your breakfast just like a Roman. Go to any espresso bar and order some goodies. You will find there cookies, croissants, biscotti as well as some other delicacies. So just take some time in the morning, visit any of these bars, and to be extra Italian be sure to order an espresso along with any of these snacks.

Order your pizza anywhere

The Papa John chain has a number of outlets across Europe. So in case you feel you are missing your slice of pizza, just visit one of the outlets and order one. The pizzas available here are not that costly and moreover you will be able to get a good discount too.  

Street food at Crepe stands in Paris

One of the best ways to enjoy quality cheap food isto indulge in some trendy street food. If you are in Paris and looking for something to fill your stomach after a night out, go for the French staple: Crepes. You will find kiosks for Crepes all over the place. Crepes are something like thin pancakes which is folded and filled with whipped cream, jam or you can go savoury with things like ham…You can put just about anything in them!

In Brussels? Try Belgium waffles

Belgium is known for two things: waffles and chocolate. Trying the former is easy enough as you will find a number of stores making and selling waffles. They are thick and fluffy, loaded on top with whipped cream and fruit. So take a walk around the Grande Place with this best bite in your hand.

How about homely food?

Yes, this is definitely a possibility! You can get a taste of the authentic local food of a place by visiting homes. This has been made possible by BonAppetour. It helps you to connect with the hosts across the different countries of Europe and enjoy food at their place. You will feel satisfied having tasted the amazing food as well as making new friends at a price that is friendly to your wallet!

Try out fish & chips if you are in London

Fish & chips are the staple food of England. You can find chips and fillet of fish seasoned with salt and vinegar around every corner here in London. You can either have them on-the-go or take a seat and enjoy them. It's a great way to enjoy a traditional meal at a low cost

Mulled wine in Prague

There is nothing really amazing like a glass of mulled wine. It is hearty and homely in the winter time and will make your stay in Prague extra Christmassy. You can get this inexpensive drink from a stand at the Christmas Market in Old Town.

 

Make sure you taste these delicacies and have a happy time in Europe. Let us know your best budget tips for travelling in Europ in the comments below!

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