Sun, sea and sangria. Tapas, pintxos and paella. Barcelona has it all. The city is an absolute paradise for food and drink lovers. From sprawling beach-side restaurants specializing in fresh seafood, to tiny tapas bars tucked away in side streets serving an array of ever-changing delicacies, Barcelona has something for everyone.
Although eating out in Barcelona can be expensive, it is possible to enjoy all the delights of Spanish and Catalan cuisine without breaking the bank. With the Barcelona Pass, you can save on everything from churros to Iberian ham tasting. And then wash it down with some ice-cold beer on either of the two(!) included Estrella Damm brewery tours.
Feeling hungry yet? Read on to find out exactly what comida y bebida you can enjoy with the pass. Buen provecho y salud!
Enjoy a slow afternoon of tapas tasting and sangria sipping
Let’s start off with two of the big hitters. Tapas and sangria – two absolute icons of Spanish cuisine. No trip to Barcelona would be complete without spending an afternoon tucking into some traditional small plates while sipping on sweet, chilled sangria.
The Afternoon Tapas Tasting with Sangria experience certainly delivers on both fronts. Your host will serve you up a selection of plates – think crispy croquetas filled with rich béchamel sauce, spicy patatas bravas, fresh Andalusian-style squid, and pan con tomate (bread with tomato) – all utterly delicious, and perfect to enjoy with friends on a lazy afternoon. And while you’re devouring those, you can sit back and enjoy a refreshing glass of classic Spanish sangria.
The setting is very relaxed, and the vibe casual and welcoming – making this a great choice for both solo travelers and groups. The restaurant is just a short walk from the beach, and located in a slightly quieter neighborhood away from the main tourist hotspots, so it’s also a great way to escape the crowds for the afternoon.
Did you know?
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Sangria is believed to date back to Roman times, when people mixed wine with water, fruit, and spices for both flavor and sanitation.
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Tapas got its name from the Spanish word "tapar," meaning "to cover" – bartenders used to cover drinks with a small plate of food to keep flies out.
Tuck into some seafood paella by the beach
If you’re craving paella, this Seafood Paella near Barceloneta experience is the one for you. The location is unbeatable – just steps from Barcelona's most famous stretch of beach. The paella is rich, savory, and loaded with fresh seafood like mussels, shrimp, langoustines and squid. You’ll get a generous portion that’s perfect for sharing, making it an ideal choice for couples or friends traveling together. (Please note that due to the size of the dish, the menu is for a minimum of two people). This delicious paella is served with a glass of white wine and pan con tomate, a classic Catalan dish.
The restaurant itself is family-run and has been in business for over 70 years. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over lunch, sip a cold drink, and watch the world go by. And because it’s all included on the pass, you won’t have to worry about tourist traps or inflated prices. Just good food, good views, and good value.
After lunch, why not head down to Barceloneta beach and walk off your meal with a stroll along the waterfront. You can soak up some rays and then even end your day with an epic sunset catamaran cruise with a live band on board – also available on the pass.
Did you know?
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Paella is originally from Valencia and is named after the large, shallow pan it’s cooked in, which is called a paellera.
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The deliciously crispy layer of rice that forms on the bottom of the paella pan is called “soccarat” (from the word socarrar meaning “to scorch”).
Churros Tasting and Historic Gothic Quarter Tour
Walking through Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter feels like stepping back in time. The narrow medieval streets are full of surprises – from beautiful old churches to trendy bars and restaurants. It’s the historic center of the city, and even includes remains of the city’s Roman wall.
Exploring (and getting lost in) this picturesque labyrinth is an absolute must while you’re in the city – and if you have a sweet tooth, this combo Churros Tasting and Historic Gothic Quarter Tour is perfect for you. You start out in La Rambla where you meet your expert guide – they’ll take you down Barcelona’s most famous street, sharing local knowledge and interesting anecdotes (you’ll hear stories of Plaça de Catalunya and the Columbus Monument), and lead you on a visit to Boqueria Market.
La Boqueria has to be seen to be believed – stall after stall of fruit in every color, mounds of delicious olives, entire streets selling nothing but Spanish cheese or dried meats, piles of freshly fried fish... this is one of the most famous food markets in the world for a reason. It’s vibrant, loud and smells sensational. Grab a cup full of mouth-watering ham, some croquetas and calamari, or a freshly blended fruit juice (you can choose your own fruit combinations) and drink it all in. (If you’re after more market action, check out this walking tour of Barcelona’s most popular markets available on the pass).
After the market, you continue deeper into the Gothic Quarter and explore the city’s oldest streets, before indulging in one of its favorite treats. At the iconic La Pallaresa café, you’ll stop to enjoy warm, freshly made churros – they're golden, crispy, and served with thick, velvety chocolate that’s perfect for dipping. It’s a simple pleasure, but one that feels totally indulgent.
Next on the tour are Plaza Sant Jaume and the Jewish Quarter, where you can sample some traditional nougat. Then you’ll finish up in a charming winery not far from the beach, a great place to stay and enjoy some tapas for lunch. Please note: tours only depart in the morning, and winery meals at the end of the tour are not included.
Did you know?
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The term "churro" is thought to come from the Churra sheep, a Spanish breed whose spiral-shaped horns resemble the pastry's twisted shape.
Tapas Tasting and Gothic Quarter Tour
If churros aren’t your thing, why not explore the Gothic quarter and combine it with some tapas instead! That’s what you’ll get on this Tapas tasting and Gothic Quarter Tour. More specifically, you’ll get the chance to enjoy some traditional Spanish pintxos.
Pintxos are essentially tapas but on bread (and of course everything is better on bread!), with everything held together with a skewer or toothpick. Originating in the north of Spain, they can feature a huge range of ingredients – from cured meats to seafood, to cheese and vegetables. They are usually snack-sized, perfect for eating while enjoying drinks with friends. Traditionally, the bill at the end of the meal is calculated by counting the toothpicks left on your plate (some restaurants will put different color flags on their toothpicks to mark different prices).
The tour itself is lively and informative, with guides who know their stuff and love sharing it. You'll learn how the Gothic Quarter was founded, its evolution over the years, and the history of its most illustrious characters. You'll also be taken to see the remains of the ancient city wall that dates from Roman times, before finishing off in a lovely traditional bar to enjoy your pintxos.
Did you know?
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Pintxos are held together with a small toothpick – known as the 'spike' or 'pinch' – which is where the word 'pintxo' comes from.
Iberian Ham Tasting Experience
Jamón ibérico is one of Spain’s culinary treasures, and this Iberian Ham Tasting Experience lets you enjoy it without splurging on a full meal. The tasting is hosted at Xarcuteria La Pineda, a beloved local charcuterie. You’ll learn about the different types of ham, how they’re aged, and what makes them so special.
The setting is rustic and authentic, with hams hanging from the walls and ceiling, wooden barrels and shelves of delectable regional specialties, including traditional cheeses. The tasting itself includes several cuts of ham, each with its own texture and flavor profile. It’s a great way to sample high-quality ingredients without paying restaurant prices, and the staff are friendly and passionate about what they do.
Did you know?
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Xarcuteria La Pineda has been in business for over 100 years and is the only place in Barcelona that sells all four Denominations of Origin (D.O.) Iberian cured meats.
Beer tasting and Old Estrella Damm Brewery tour
After all that salty food and walking around, it’s definitely time for a drink! And what better way to quench your thirst than with one of Spain’s most iconic beers – Estrella Damm. This Beer tasting & Entry to Old Estrella Damm Brewery tour gives you an insight into how the brand has evolved, shows you how the beers used to be made, and, most importantly, lets you try the beer itself!
Estrella Damm is Spain’s oldest brewery, with over 140 years of history. On the tour, you’ll learn about the origins of the company, and explore the old brewery to see the traditional beer-making process first-hand.
The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the guided tasting. You’ll get to try five different beers, including the legendary Estrella and four rotating Damm specialties. You'll dive into the flavor, color, aroma, and texture of each variety, much like in a wine tasting. The experience is topped off with light snacks and nuts to complement the flavors.
The old brewery is only a short walk from the world-famous Sagrada Familia, so it’s a great way to cool off after exploring Barcelona’s most spectacular building. We recommend the Sagrada Familia Guided Tour as the best way to experience this jaw-dropping piece of architecture – you’ll get so much more insight and detail than if you go around without a guide.
Did you know?
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Ordering a beer in Spain isn’t always as simple as saying “Una cerveza por favor.” Draft beer comes in many different shapes and sizes, and the words often vary from region to region. The most commonly used are: caña (small), tubo or doble (medium), jarra / tanque / pinta (large).
Estrella Damm Brewery tour in el Prat de Llobregat
What’s better than one Estrella Damm brewery tour? That’s right, two Estrella Damm brewery tours!
For a deeper dive into the world of Estrella Damm, head to the brewery in El Prat de Llobregat. This modern facility offers a comprehensive tour that covers everything from brewing techniques to sustainability practices. You’ll see how the beer is made on a large scale, with gleaming tanks and high-tech equipment that contrast nicely with the brand’s traditional roots.
Round off your tour with the beer tasting itself. Get a real taste of the Mediterranean as you sip your way through several different recipes in a sleek and stylish setting. It’s a bit outside the city center, but easy to reach – and well worth the trip if you’re a beer aficionado.
Did you know?
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Estrella Damm continues to be brewed following founder August K. Damm’s original recipe from 1876.
Now all that’s left is to choose your pass, then you can start eating and drinking your way around the capital of Catalonia.
Looking for more things to do in Barcelona? Check out our guide to the city’s best markets, discover the incredible range of annual festivals, or explore ideas for things to do at night.
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