If you have an Instagram account, you’ve almost certainly seen dreamy photos of the hot air balloons, cave hotels, or crazy rock formations in Cappadocia, Turkey. I remember the first time I saw a photo of the hot air balloons dancing above the rooftops at sunrise in Cappadocia. From that moment on, I knew Cappadocia was a place I needed to see in my life.

In the last few years, Instagram has gone absolutely crazy for Cappadocia. I was worried that after seeing all the incredible photos online, my expectations for Cappadocia would be way too high. However, Cappadocia turned out to be one of my favorite places in Turkey and one of the most memorable travel experiences I’ve had. Cappadocia is a truly unique location and deserves a spot on your travel bucket list, if it isn’t on there already!

Keep reading for more info on:

• How to get to Cappadocia
• The best time to visit Cappadocia (and when to see the hot air balloons!)
• The coolest hotels in Cappadocia, including the cave hotel I stayed at
• What to pack for Cappadocia
• Safety info and advice
• Cappadocia’s best restaurants and cafes
• Best tours and activities in Cappadocia (and which ones aren’t worth it)
• And, of course, the best spots to take pictures in Cappadocia!

If you’re traveling to Istanbul, be sure to also check out my Istanbul, Turkey Travel Guide and 5-Day Itinerary!

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Heading to Barcelona, Spain and wondering where to find the best tapas bars, coffee shops, and rooftop bars in Barcelona? Barcelona is an incredible foodie city and it can be overwhelming to decide which eats to add to your list. Here are 12 of my favorite restaurants, cafes, and bars that I got to check out on my recent visit to Barcelona, Spain.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Barcelona, check out wine-themed hotel Hotel Praktik Vinoteca. I spent 4 nights there and would definitely recommend it. It’s stylish, clean, budget-friendly, and located in the upscale Eixample neighborhood. It even came with a welcome glass of wine! You can also check out Hotel Praktik Vinoteca’s sister hotels, such as Hotel Praktik Bakery, Hotel Praktik Rambla, and Hotel Praktik Essens.

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Brugarol

If there’s one Barcelona recommendation you take from this post, it should be to go to Brugarol for their tasting menu! Nestled in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, this hidden gem serves up farm-to-table tapas with a Japanese twist. Brugarol is a lean operation with only one server and two chefs at lunch, but they were super friendly and welcoming. If you can, try to get a spot at the kitchen bar so you can watch the chefs do their magic!

Our 7-course tasting menu included manchego cheese and anchovy “nigiri”; potato and salmon crunchy roll; brugarol ecological tomato; white truffle flan; pan grilled calamari and sushi rice; 5 spice beef brisket; and miso caramel mousse for dessert. And at 35 euros, it is a STEAL. I also highly recommend trying their house-made rosé, which pairs perfectly with the tasting menu. It’s a small restaurant, so be sure to make a reservation!

Address: Carrer de Salomó ben Adret, 10, 08002 Barcelona, Spain