A Beginner's Guide to Tapas in Barcelona

Tapas are small plates meant to be shared, and the best way to enjoy them is to move from bar to bar rather than settle in one place.

Dishes worth trying

• Pan con tomate - toasted bread rubbed with ripe tomato, a staple of Catalan tables.
• Croquetas - creamy fried croquettes, often with ham.
• Patatas bravas - fried potatoes with a spicy sauce.
• Tortilla - the classic Spanish potato omelette.
• Jamón and cheese - cured ham and local cheeses, simple and excellent.

How to order

Start with two or three plates, see how hungry you are, and order again. Locals often have one drink and one or two bites before moving on.

Why go with a guide

The streets of the Gothic Quarter and El Born hide excellent bars that are easy to walk past. On our VIP tapas route, your guide chooses traditional spots and connects them by private tuk-tuk, so you spend your time eating rather than navigating.