If you are planning a getaway or visit to Barcelona, your list of things to do in the city should include going out for tapas. Going for tapas is one of the activities that both locals and tourists enjoy in Barcelona, so this activity is a must, regardless of how long your trip lasts.
For those of you who haven’t yet tried this tapas tradition, it has its origins in Andalusia; however, it has spread so far that it is now a regular in almost every region of Spain, including Catalonia and Barcelona.
Tapas are simply a small single-serving dish that is usually accompanied by a drink.
There are many stories that revolve around the origin of tapas, but perhaps the most widespread is the one that assures that they are the consequence of covering drinks with small lids to prevent dirt or any kind of insect from falling into them; it is said that over time, these improvised tapas were accompanied with some small edible food…. little by little the idea evolved into a separate dish that has become a social activity that has hooked a whole country, as it encourages people to get together with friends and family to enjoy a delicious and creative gastronomy while having a very pleasant time in company. And for tourists, it has become one of the favorite activities, since it allows them to enjoy the typical cuisine in a different and fun way while they feel that they are experiencing the culture of the country from the inside.
The ideal time to go for tapas and enjoy this activity is undoubtedly in the afternoon, between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm, just before dinner time. However, the truth is that over time the time to go for tapas has been extended; and the truth is that any time is good to enjoy a while of tapas, so many also like to enjoy a little while of tapas also at noon, especially on weekends, holidays or when you are on vacation.
Especially in Barcelona, any time is a good time for ‘tapas’, especially if you are visiting and enjoying the city, between visits, a break tasting some delicious tapas will make the trip more enjoyable and pleasant -if possible-.
Each corner of the country has its own ideal corners for this activity and typical and characteristic tapas. In Barcelona, we recommend you try it:
- The patatas bravas
It is, perhaps, the most typical, so you can not leave Barcelona without having tried the patatas bravas. They are small potatoes cut in squares accompanied with a typical Catalan sauce. - Squid
Calamari is another of Barcelona’s typical tapas. Fried and with lemon is the most common way to serve them. - Padron peppers
Despite its non-Catalan origin, padron peppers have become a very common tapa in Barcelona. They are prepared fried and are a real delicacy. - Sausages
In Barcelona you will find an exquisite selection of sausages in any place, be sure to try them and enjoy them. - To accompany: Beer or wine
A tapa, without a good wine or a good beer, is not the same thing. We leave it up to you to choose one or the other, it is a matter of taste.
As for the best places to taste some of the best tapas in Barcelona, although in general in any corner of the city you can find places to go for tapas, we recommend the Born or Poble Sec.
