Alternative Experiences in Barcelona

1. Admire the View at the Bunkers del Carmel
2. Explore the Trendy Gracia Neighborhood
3. Tour Casa Vicens, Gaudi's First Masterpiece
4. Discover Hidden Secrets inside the Cementiri del Poblenou
5. Go on a Pintxos Crawl in Poble-Sec
6. A Feast for the Eyes (and the Mouth) at the Mercat de Sant Antoni
7. Admire the Lush Gardens on a Hike up Montjuïc Hill
8. Uncover Spain's Funerary Rituals inside the Museum of Funeral Carriages
9. Marvel at Modernisme inside the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site
10. Find Peace inside the Monastery of Pedralbes

Admire the View at the Bunkers del Carmel

Although the Bunkers del Carmel is definitely not a “hidden gem” anymore, its location far north of the touristy centre still makes a trip to the Bunkers del Carmel a unique experience. The Bunkers del Carmel, also known as Turó de la Rovira, was a former anti-aircraft battery from the Spanish Civil War. But after the war, the area was abandoned and taken over by graffiti artists and the rocks are all covered in vibrant street art. 

But what really makes this area so popular for tourists is the breathtaking panoramic views of the city. From the top of the bunkers, you have an incredible elevated vantage point over the entire cityscape of Barcelona. From here, you can truly admire the awe-inspiring height and splendour of the Sagrada Família.

Despite its increasing popularity, Bunkers del Carmel maintains a relatively peaceful and laid-back atmosphere. Grab some snacks and a bottle of wine, and let the colours of the skyline and waterfront amaze you. Starting May 2nd, 2023, the bunkers close at 7:30 p.m. during the summer and 5:30 p.m. in the winter. So, this is no longer the best sunset spot in the city. Keep that in mind.

Explore the Trendy Gracia Neighborhood

The Gràcia neighbourhood in Barcelona is a charming and bohemian enclave known for its artistic spirit, lively atmosphere, and strong sense of community. Stroll through the colourful streets and immerse yourself in its multicultural charm. This neighbourhood is a captivating blend of cultures, art, food, vintage shops, and countless hidden gems. You’ll find everything from cool boutiques to tucked-away art galleries, making it perfect for the curious traveller seeking authentic local vibes.

The heart of the neighbourhood can be found in the Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia. This square is a bustling hub where locals and visitors converge. It features a lovely clock tower and a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s a perfect spot for people-watching and enjoying a meal or a drink. Hit up News & Coffee for your morning brew if you come early. For some vermuth and tapas, stop in at Nou Candanchú.

Festa Major de Gràcia

Gràcia is famous for its annual neighbourhood festival, Festa Major de Gràcia, held in August. During this time, streets in the neighbourhood are adorned with imaginative and artistic decorations, and there are numerous cultural events, concerts, and activities to enjoy. You CANNOT miss this event if you’re in town during the festival.

Tour Casa Vicens, Gaudi’s First Masterpiece

Antoni Gaudí, the iconic Catalan architect, left an indelible mark on Barcelona. But his unique and imaginative architectural creations all started here at the Casa Vicens, his earliest and most extraordinary works. Most people who come to Barcelona see his penultimate work, the Sagrada Familia. But if, on the other hand, you tour his very first commission, you’ll get to see where his true genius was first unveiled.

Casa Vicens was originally built as a summer residence for Manuel Vicens i Montaner in 1885. Casa Vicens is a testament to Gaudí’s avant-garde vision and his ability to blend various architectural styles into a harmonious and visually stunning masterpiece, including Moorish, Gothic, and Art Nouveau. Every corner of Casa Vicens is adorned with meticulous attention to detail. From the ceramic tiles on the exterior to the intricately designed interiors, Gaudí’s artistic touch is evident throughout the building. Each room is a masterpiece, showcasing his fascination with natural forms and geometrical patterns.

While many of Gaudí’s other works in Barcelona draw large crowds, Casa Vicens offers a more intimate and personal experience. It’s a chance to appreciate Gaudí’s genius without the bustling tourist masses.

Discover Hidden Secrets inside the Cementiri del Poblenou

Tucked away in the Poblenou neighbourhood lies a hidden gem that often escapes the radar of mainstream tourism—the Cementiri del Poblenou, or Poblenou Cemetery. While visiting a cemetery might seem rather morbid, I always argue that cemeteries are such a wonderful historical fingerprint. As often, cemeteries tell us so much about the living when the residents were interred. Far from being just a burial ground, this cemetery is a testament to Barcelona’s rich history, artistry, and the deep reverence the city holds for its departed souls. 

Walking through the cemetery feels like strolling through an open-air museum. Elaborate and artistic tombs and mausoleums line the pathways, each telling a unique story about the individuals or families they commemorate. Intricate sculptures, delicate stonework, and beautiful mosaics adorn many graves.

Unlike some of Barcelona’s more crowded attractions, the Cementiri del Poblenou offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere. It’s a place for quiet reflection, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find a sense of peace among the tombstones.

Go on a Pintxos Crawl in Poble-Sec

Dining on some Spanish tapas is one of the reasons many people come to Barcelona. Tapas encompasses many small dishes, including olives, cheese, chorizo, calamari, croquettes, patatas bravas and more. But one type of tapas that is unique is called pintxos. The term “pincho” comes from the Spanish verb “pinchar,” which means “to pierce” or “to stab.” This refers to skewering the ingredients onto a toothpick or small piece of bread, which serves as a base to hold the ingredients together. 

Pinchos are known for their artful and creative presentation. They are often displayed on the bar counter, and customers can choose the ones they want to enjoy. Common pinchos ingredients include cured meats (like chorizo or jamón), cheeses, olives, seafood (such as shrimp or anchovies), vegetables, and sometimes even small portions of hot dishes like tortilla española (Spanish omelette).

Since pinchos are so small, one of the most popular ways to eat them is hopping from bar to bar, trying out their unique creations along with a small beer or vermuth, and heading on to the next one. Career de Blai, a street in the Poble-Sec neighbourhood, is a hub of pinchos bars. Try Pincho.j, Blai 9, Koska Taberna or Blai Stop to try some pinchos for yourself!

A Feast for the Eyes (and the Mouth) at the Mercat de Sant Antoni

While the most popular tourist market in Barcelona is the Mercat de la Boqueria on La Rambla, if you’re looking for a market that is just as bustling but perhaps a little more off the tourist track, head to Mercat de Sant Antoni. Although a few locals might still shop at the Mercat de la Boqueria, few are willing to fight past the tourists. So, if you’re looking to shop where the locals shop, come here!

Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Sant Antoni, the Mercat de Sant Antoni offers a sensory explosion of colours, flavours, and aromas. This historic market, recently restored to its former glory, has been open since 1882. The market’s modernist architecture is a sight to behold. The building’s iron structure, stained glass windows, and ornate details are a testament to the architectural brilliance of the time. 

The market is a treasure trove of culinary delights. You’ll find many fresh produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, and a kaleidoscope of fruits and vegetables. Beyond the traditional market stalls, Mercat de Sant Antoni also hosts several Bar Cafeterias where you can sit at the counter and sample tapas, seafood, and local specialties. It’s the perfect place to indulge in Catalan cuisine and taste authentic flavours.

Sunday Book Market

If you’re lucky enough to come on a Sunday, you’ll find the market surrounded by a series of popup tents. Underneath hides a bustling secondhand book market. Book lovers can browse through stacks of vintage books, magazines, and collectibles, adding a literary touch to the market experience.

Admire the Lush Gardens on a Hike up Montjuïc Hill

For a touch of history and nature, consider a hike up Montjuïc Hill. Now, be aware that Barcelona can get very hot in the summer, so you’ll want to do this hike early in the day or after the sun goes down in those hot and humid summer months. While I call this a “hike,” I think it would merely be considered an uphill walk for many, but this just means it is an achievable endeavour for all fitness levels.

Montjuïc Hill, often called the “Jewel of Barcelona,” overlooks the city and the vast Mediterranean Sea. The best place to start the walk is the Jardines del Teatre Grec in the Poble-Sec neighbourhood. Continue along the path towards the Miró Foundation. You can walk through a series of Barcelona’s finest beautifully landscaped gardens!

Montjuïc Castle

Go through the Jardins de Joan Brossa towards the Jardins del Mirador. Each little vignette features a variety of plants, sculptures, and fountains. You have an incredible look out over the city from the Jardins del Mirador. Then, you make your way west along the pathway towards Montjuïc Castle. This historic fortress dates back to the 17th century. It was initially built as a military stronghold and has served as a prison at various historical points. 

For a scenic ride back down the mountain, take the Montjuïc Cable Car. This aerial tramway connects the hill to the Barcelona waterfront. You can take in some breathtaking views of the city, the sea, and the hill as you look back towards it. It’s a nice relaxing reward after an afternoon of exercise.

Uncover Spain’s Funerary Rituals inside the Museum of Funeral Carriages

The Museu de Carrosses Fúnebres (Museum of Funeral Carriages) is one of the most unconventional museum in Barcelona! The Museu de Carrosses Fúnebres provides a unique and thought-provoking glimpse into the city’s funerary history. You will walk through the evolution of funeral customs over the centuries. It’s a place where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and social aspects of Barcelona’s past. And explore an aspect of history that is often overlooked but undeniably significant.

The museum houses a collection of historic funeral carriages and hearses in Barcelona and the surrounding region. These carriages, some of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, are beautifully preserved. The carriages on display are often works of art in their own right. They feature intricate details, ornate decorations, and craftsmanship that reflect the artistic styles of their respective eras. I truly wish we still had this beautiful carriage at funerals today! What a beautiful way to honour the dead.

Marvel at Modernisme inside the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site

The Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, also known as the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, was my absolute favourite thing I saw the first time I came to Barcelona. And I’ve spent the last five years encouraging every single person I know to make their way there! The Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site was designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. And today it is considered a masterpiece of Catalan Modernism. Originally built for the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau in 1930, the design of the complex was meant to make patients feel at peace in this beautiful, uplifting and serene environment. While also being surrounded by state-of-the-art medical care. It was the first of its kind and remains a unique concept for medical care facilities.

The complex is adorned with exquisite Art Nouveau details, including intricate mosaics, stained glass windows, colourful ceramics, and sculpted figures. Curved lines and decorative elements cover every surface, a departure from traditional architectural styles. 

The complex’s architecture incorporates various themes and symbols, such as floral motifs, religious symbolism, and references to nature. Each pavilion and building within the site has its own unique character and design, contributing to the overall grandeur of the complex. This place is not to be missed, but time and time again, I see people overlooking this spot in favour of the nearby Park Guell or less impressive Gaudi residences. Trust me, this one is well worth your time and money.

Find Peace inside the Monastery of Pedralbes

The Monastery of Pedralbes is hidden in Barcelona’s residential Les Corts neighbourhood. Even in the dense tourist summer months, when I visited the monastery, it felt like I was the only one there. There were probably a few dozen people in reality, but it is such a grand place that you always had parts of it to yourself!

The Monastery of Pedralbes was built between 1294 and 1326! And yet, it had been so magnificently preserved that in no way does it feel like it could be that old but in that great shape. The building is an outstanding example of the Catalan Gothic style, characterized by its graceful arches, pointed vaults, and intricate stonework.

The monastery was founded by Queen Elisenda de Montcada in 1326 as a place for the Order of Saint Clare, also known as the Poor Clares. When Queen Elisenda commissioned the monastery, she also had a small palace built nearby as her husband was in failing health, and she wanted a place to live after she became a widow. One of her favourite places to come, pray and even perhaps live was the serene monastery courtyard and gardens. The courtyard features a picturesque central fountain, surrounded by medicinal plants that were used to help treat many illnesses in medieval times.

Hopefully, these less frequented experiences allow you to sere a different side of the city! Venture off the beaten path, explore the city’s lesser-known wonders, and make unforgettable memories. Barcelona’s alternative charms are waiting to be uncovered, so what are you waiting for? ¡Vamos!

The post The Ultimate Guide to the Best Alternative Experiences in Barcelona first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. BREAKFAST
   • Xuixo
2. Coffee
3. Hot Chocolate and Melindros
4. Spanish Omelet
5. LUNCH
   • Paella
   • Bombas
   • Calçots
6. TAPAS
   • Caracols a la llauna
   • Navajas
   • Patatas Bravas
   • Pimientos de Padrón
   • Jamón Ibérico
   • Manchego Cheese
   • Escalivada
   • Pan con Tomate
   • Chipirones
7. PINCHOS
8. Dessert
   • Churros
   • Crema Catalana
9. Drinks
   • Cava
   • *A Word About Sangria
   • Happy Travels Adventurers!

BREAKFAST

Xuixo

Many travellers visiting Barcelona, especially those from North America, will head out early in the morning expecting some gourmet breakfast options and might be surprised that many restaurants don’t open any earlier than 10am. Going out for breakfast just isn’t popular in Catalonia. Breakfast time is most often held in the home, so if you get a chance to visit a bakery and bring something back to your accommodation, this is the best way to spend a morning in Barcelona.

Xuixo’s is one of the best options to sample, as the sweet pastry comes from the city of Girona, just a few hours away from Barcelona. These are very similar to doughnuts; they are deep-fried pastries coated with sugar and thick custard. You can find these in almost any bakery around the city, so feel free to try out that shop down the street to give back to your community.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ganivet Fotogràfic (@bartomeu9)

Coffee

Coffee culture in Barcelona has seen a big boom in the last few years. However, coffee shops follow the same trend as those breakfast joints and still don’t open too early in the morning. Instead, most locals get their morning coffee from small bakeries or corner stores. Usually, they drink an uncomplicated espresso shot while standing, chatting about the morning news to the owners and other morning patrons. If you’re looking for something other than espresso, order a “cortado.” This is a trendy option in Catalonia and is made with a shot of espresso with a splash of steamed milk. Cortado means “cut” because adding milk to the espresso essentially “cuts” the bitterness of the coffee.

Hot Chocolate and Melindros

On the weekends, you’ll see families out for a special treat; a cup of hot chocolate served alongside ‘melindros‘ (Catalan sponge fingers). The hot chocolate is nothing like the powdered version you get in North America; this hot chocolate is thick, almost like a cream. After sipping a bit of the hot cocoa, you dip the cookies into the drink, coating the cookies in the thick chocolate. Best served with a giant helping of whipped cream on top!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Restaurant Can Pobla (@can_pobla_rural)

Spanish Omelet

Around 11 am, you’ll hear the clatter of cafes opening their doors, and people start to head inside for a hearty breakfast since lunchtime won’t arrive till 2 or 3 pm. The best thing to try in Barcelona is a Spanish Omelet, a ‘tortilla.’ But don’t come in expecting that same watery, eggy mess you might get a diner back home; a true Spanish Omelet is made with huge chunks of potatoes and onions. These two ingredients are simmered in fatty olive oil and, once fully cooked, covered in eggs to bind the entire dish together. It’s served in triangular slices, and despite the recipe’s simplicity, the dish is extraordinary. The caramelized onions add that incredible umami flavour that is unbeatable.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emilia | Matinspo.se | Middagstips & recept (@emiliasmatinspo)

LUNCH

Lunch is considered the main meal of the day in Barcelona. Unlike elsewhere, lunch is held anytime after 1 pm, but people usually start eating around 2:30 pm. Lunch tends to be a three-course affair with a starter, entree and dessert. You can see why they need a siesta after such a big meal!

Paella

One of the most popular menu items to choose from in Barcelona is paella. Paella is much too heavy for dinner, and locals like to go out with their co-workers to share this traditional family-sized meal. Paella is a bit contentious in Barcelona since it’s originally a Spanish invention. But the Catalans have, of course, added their own local spin on it. To spot an authentically Catalan paella, be sure you’re not eating it in Las Ramblas or any place that has pictures in English outside on the street. This is a clear sign of a cheap tourist trap where you’ll never receive the kind of paella locals would ever eat.

Catalan paella is generally made with many of the same ingredients as Spanish Paella. But in Barcelona, the difference is in the method of cooking. In Catalan paellas, the rice is added first, and the other ingredients are added to cook atop the rice. The rice isn’t stirred at all once the other elements are added to the seafood flavours of the rice as it boils. Paella takes a long time to cook, so don’t expect it to be ready in under an hour. If you see a place offering it up fast, don’t expect good quality.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pilar't Restaurant Bcn (@pilartrestaurant)

Bombas

If you’re still adjusting to the Catalan way of eating and need a quick yet authentic snack, you must try a bomba! Bombas are not only a delicious snack, but they are also reflective of a big part of Barcelona’s history. During the Spanish Civil War, revolutionaries roamed the street throwing homemade grenades against the fascists. A chef in the town created this recipe in honour of those fighters and named it “la bomba” (the bomb). A bomba is similar to a croquette made from ground meats and potatoes, rolled into a ball, covered in breadcrumbs, and fried. Bombas are usually served alongside some sauce which often varies from place to place.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Madrid food map | (@madridfoodmap)

Calçots

If you can visit Barcelona in the winter, don’t miss out on this excellent side dish. Calçots are a Spanish vegetable cross between a leek and a green onion. They are only available during the winter months. They are cooked over an open flame to give them that iconic charred flavour. Served alongside a thick sauce called romesco made from roasted tomatoes, nuts and garlic, the taste is something unlike anything I’ve had before but oddly addictive.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Irene cocina para ti (@irenecocinaparati)

TAPAS

Tapas was first invented in the country’s north by the King of Spain. The King suffered from a severe illness restricting him from eating large meals. To help him cope with the disease, his chefs prepared multiple small meals throughout the day for him to enjoy. The King would use these small dishes to cover his glasses of wine as he ate them to keep the flies out of the wine, and that’s where the name came from. The word “tapas” is derived from the Spanish verb ‘tapar’ which means “to cover.” Tapas dishes are served inside small bowls, and these tiny portions allow you to try all different flavour combinations.

Caracols a la llauna

Catalans seem to have a festival for everything; they like to party. And every party revolves around food. In late May, the festival of L’Aplec del Caragol (snail meat) is celebrated in a small town in Spain where over twelve tonnes of snails are consumed! But you can sample these famed dishes pretty much any time of the year as a form of tapas.

The best way to eat them is ‘Caracoles a la llauna’, which are snails cooked in a roasted metal tray over a charcoal grill, seasoned with salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. They are then served with aioli or romesco sauce to dip the meat of the snails into. I find cooking them this way, compared to preparing them covered in sauce, to begin with, allows the flavour of the snails to come through more. Which I suppose is good or bad depending on how brave you want to be!

Navajas

‘Navajas,’ or razor clams, are deep-sea creatures caught off the shores of Spain. Their long, oblong shape makes for a unique eating experience. Before I came to Barcelona, I had never even heard of them! They are generally cooked in a butter and garlic sauce and served with a sprinkling of parsley. The meat tastes very similar to a regular clam, if not a bit chewier, so it might not be totally new in terms of taste. But the visual experience is worth the effort of seeking them out.

Patatas Bravas

If you find yourself a bit hungry between lunch and the very late dinner, which Barcelona is famous for, stop in to sample one of their best snacks, the Patatas Bravas. Patatas Bravas is a favourite tapas dish made from thick-cut potatoes, fried and served with a salsa made from tomatoes and cayenne and topped with Catalan aioli. These are best eaten outside with a cold glass of beer.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tepuy Pastisseria (@tepuy.pastisseria)

Pimientos de Padrón

Found in the Spanish municipality of Padrón, these tiny green peppers are some of the most addictive tapas items on the bar. Cooked in nothing but olive oil and a dash of salt, these peppers are mouth-wateringly delicious. These taste like miniature versions of green pepper, but about one in ten is super hot! Eating them with friends becomes somewhat of a game of chance. I don’t find even the hottest ones bad, but I love spicy food. Just be sure you can have a glass of cava on hand if you land one of the hot ones.

Jamón Ibérico

Jamón Ibérico, or Iberian ham, is one of those dishes people come to Barcelona to sample. Even today, the memory of eating this ham for the first time makes my mouth water. Spain’s Iberian pigs are carefully bred to ensure their lineage never dips below 75% Ibérico. They are of the highest quality, and the farms which raise them are held to almost impossibly high standards to ensure the taste is of the most excellent, consistent quality.

One of the things which makes this ham taste so unique is that the pigs are fed a diet of olives, chestnuts and acorns to change the flavour of the meat. The fresh meat is heavily salted and left to dry for 2 weeks before it is rinsed and then left to dry for another four months, but it can be cured for as long as 48 months! I think the ham is best enjoyed all on its own since you get the deepest tasting of the flavours this way.

Manchego Cheese

In the Mancha region of Spain, you’ll find one of the best things to come out of the country: Manchego Cheese. I only recently discovered my love of Manchego. It’s a hard, aged cheese made from sheep’s milk with a salty and nutty taste. It’s just creamy enough to combat the salty taste, and I could honestly eat this by the wheel. You’ll find manchego cheese served atop many different recipes and sliced on its own for tapas.

Escalivada

A beautiful winter tapas is Escalivada, a dish of roasted eggplant, tomatoes and bell peppers covered in olive oil. The vegetables are baked until soft and then topped with salty anchovies and sardines. It’s then mixed together like a salad and served atop crusty bread.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Natuki (Natural Kitchen) (@natuki.ch)

Pan con Tomate

One of the most popular tapas dishes in Barcelona is Pan con Tomate. ‘Pan’ is bread, so this dish simply translates into ‘Tomatoes on Bread.’ While the recipe might sound overly simplistic, it is the perfect way to start a meal. Unlike Italian bruschetta, pan con tomate is made by rubbing roasted tomatoes on top of thick, crusty bread and then drizzled with oil and salt. The roasting of the tomatoes before they go on the bread means they develop deeper flavours, making this item scrumptious.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cook's Illustrated (@cooksillustrated)

Chipirones

If you got a little squeamish around the snails, then you might wanna skip this one. One of the most popular seafood dishes from Barcelona is chipirones. Chipirones are baby squid best cooked by battering and deep frying them. They are about the size of a slice of lemon and served alongside just that. They are caught just off the coast and, as such, are one of the freshest seafood options for you to eat while in the city.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MAG673 (@miguel_a_673)

PINCHOS

Pinchos is the Catalan version of Tapas originating in the Basque region of Spain. They are made of various ingredients and are always served on top of pieces of bread. Enough for one bit or sometimes, if they really piled on the ingredients, perhaps two. There are hundreds of different varieties of pinchos all over Barcelona, but below are some of my favourite combinations:

• Spicy chorizo with quail egg
• Giant prawns in butter and garlic
• Mushroom carpaccio
• Smoked salmon and ricotta
• Sardines and tomatoes

Dessert

Churros

One of the most famous dishes you no doubt have already heard of from Barcelona is Churros. Churros are long, thin fried pastries with a doughnut-like taste and texture. These are sometimes considered to be Mexican desserts. But the dish originated in Portugal (although the Portuguese explorers may have brought the dish back from China).

The Portuguese brought Churros to Spain, where they combined the recipe with their national treasure, chocolate. The place to get the best churros is in the Carrer Petrixol district, where Barcelona’s chocolatier’s guild was first located. Here you’ll find the tastiest chocolate sauce to dip your pastries inside. The churro dough is pretty interchangeable, but the chocolate sauce can make or break the dessert.

Crema Catalana

Crema Catalana is much like the more famous French dessert, crème brûlée. But in reality, Crema Catalana’s recipe pre-dates the French method but hundreds of years. Crema Catalana is made from milk and eggs mixed with cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Unlike crème brûlée, it is flavoured with lemon and cinnamon and topped with a thick layered of burnt sugar to give it that toffee-like topping.

Drinks

Cava

Before ordering a glass of Sangria in Barcelona, consider ordering the local drink of choice; cava. Cava is a sparkling white wine. France has Champagne, Italy has Prosecco, and in Spain you have cava. Cava is wonderfully refreshing and light and the perfect drink to enjoy on a late summer night. Sangria has a lot of sugar. Those prone to headaches from wine alone might find that cava is much more straightforward and doesn’t leave the hangover so often produced by red wine and too much sugar.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Barcelona Chocolate Tours (@chocolatelovers_barcelona)

*A Word About Sangria

Some writers would never dare utter the word sangria when writing about food and drink in Barcelona. It is commonly thought to be an overly “Spanish” beverage. The Catalans are passionate about being made separate from the rest of Spain. Take issue with sangria being served in Barcelona over their regional beverage, cava. Many restaurants will have sangria on the menu solely for tourists, and it’s made from cheap, unused red wine and subpar fruit. Instead of sugar, they’ll just add Sprite.

That being said, if you’re visiting Spain just once and you’ve really got your heart set on sampling sangria, some places in Barcelona serve fantastic jug of the stuff. Sangria is delicious, and as much as the Catalans might take issue with its popularity and the assumption it’s a Catalan specialty, they can’t escape the fact that it is indeed delicious. There are dozen wine bars across Barcelona serving up genuinely great sangria, so seek them out to get your fix. But just try the cava before you do. It’s truly wonderful.

Did I miss any of your favourite items from Barcelona on this list?! Tell me in the comments what your favourite thing to eat while visiting Barcelona is or what you’re most looking forward to trying!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post The BEST Foods you Must-Try in Barcelona first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.