Tapas, sangria, dancing – repeat. This post will help you find the perfect tapas, tacos, and paella while in town. Check out A Perfect Day in Barcelona for how to layer in the famous sites + activities between meals.

TravelingKT – Barcelona Guide for a printout / screenshot version of this guide for easy reference during your travels.

For a Food Hall: Mercado de La Boqueria

A must-stop open-air market along Las Ramblas.  Stop here to grab picnic supplies to take to the beach (think Jamón ibérico + manchego cones, fresh fruit, smoothies, spices, oils, candies). You could spend hours exploring the various stalls, sampling the food, and enjoying the buzz of the locals + tourists. Make sure to bring Euros and to visit Monday-Saturday as it’s closed on Sunday.

For Tapas: Cerveceria Catalana

In 2018, I intentionally booked a flight with a 4-hour layover in Barcelona so I could head into town to eat lunch here. If you had to pick one place on this guide to visit, make this the place. One of my favorite restaurants in the world and a must-stop for me on any visit. Casual but classic experience of a delicious tapas feast in the heart of Barcelona. You must order the huevos cabreos (so good, you’ll order another round) + steak baguette sandwich, at a minimum.

You cannot book ahead and there will be a wait, but there’s a wine bar around the corner to kill time.  Worth the wait + cannot be missed!

For Paella: Arume

My second favorite restaurant in town – and they take reservations! Order their famous duck paella and you will not be disappointed. 

For Tacos: El Pachuco

For a hole-in-the-wall dimly lit local experience of incredible tacos, tequila, and mezcal – look no further. Located a short walk (10 minutes) off Las Ramblas – do not be alarmed if it seems off the beaten path, totally safe + local neighborhood. Prepare to queue, but bring a beer or bottle of wine to enjoy while you wait on the street with the other patrons.

For Lunch on the Barceloneta Beach: Bo Kapp & Barraca

For beachside dining, with an expansive selection of tapas, paella, sangrias, and cocktails with sweeping ocean views. Don’t miss grabbing a Magnum ice cream bar from one of the various ice cream carts and strolling along the Barceloneta beach pedestrian walkway.

For Pre-Going Out Drinks: Espit Chupitos, Dow Jones & Room 

After dinner, head to Espit Chupitos, a bar famous for different types of shots with funny names and stories, or Dow Jones, the famous ‘stock market bar’ where drink prices flux based on patron’s demand.  Then, walk down Barceloneta to Room for a pre-game with fishbowls and people-watching, before heading to the clubs to dance until dawn.