Foodie's Guide To Barcelona

Over time, Barcelona has become one of the world's most popular gourmet food hubs. It is a port city that is conveniently located for many travelers making their way through the region. Chefs from around the globe make their way to Barcelona to test out new culinary masterpieces and work on new food experiments, thus making this area one of the best places for foodies to visit in the world, especially when looking for new and innovative cuisine options. In addition to the amazing food found throughout the city, foodies will have a great time exploring narrow streets lined with medieval architecture in order to find those hidden gems.

While in Barcelona, you will find everything from cafes to fine dining restaurants and casual restaurants to Catalan cuisine dining options. Catalan cuisine, also known as shared cuisine, originates from the Principality of Catalonia and has quickly become a popular choice in Barcelona. Popular Catalan cuisine dishes include butifarra, coca, bolets, cava and calcots. All of these dishes are must-haves when experiencing Catalan cuisine while in Bracelona.

There are three key areas in Barcelona that every foodie must visit. These areas are filled with great restaurants, including those offering funky, international and eclectic cuisine options. These areas — lined with some of the best restaurants in Barcelona — include Placa del Santa Maria, Gracia and Barceloneta.

If you are looking for bars and quaint cafes, you will want to explore the areas of Placa del Santa Maria, Carrer d'Enric Granados and the Gothic Cathedral. In these neighborhoods. you will find small sandwich shops and quaint cafes in the daytime and at night you will find great places to grab a drink or two.

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There are many different restaurants in Barcelona, including everything from quick-service cafes to fine dining establishments. All of these restaurants serve something different and unique, making is possible to find whatever type of meal you are looking for. Popular restaurants in Barcelona include:

• Cerveseria Catalana
• Cal Pep
• Restaurant 7 Portes
• Els Pescadors
• Kaiku
• Moments
• La Cova Fumada
• Madre Lievito
• Tickets Bar
• La Vinateria del Call

Many bars start the day off as a morning café, serving assorted coffees and breakfast treats. Among all of the cafes found in Barcelona, you will have a thousand (and even some more) varieties of coffees to choose from. Do not forget to enjoy a croissant and some fresh juice for a simple breakfast. Later in the day, they turn the tables and turn into a bar at night.

Van Van Market

The Van Van Market is a popular mobile food market that is held in Barcelona in September. Those wanting a full foodie experience during their visit will want to plan their getaway during this market. With more than 15 food vans and trucks featured in the market, you will have access to cuisine from various countries. There is also live entertainment available, making this market a great place to gather and enjoy some good eats at an affordable price.

Many of the festivals held throughout the year in Barcelona showcase the unique cuisine available at all of the area restaurants. These festivals host a variety of live entertainment, dancing, street food, wine, beer stands, crafted beverages and exciting festivities. Must-experience festivals include Sant Joan (June), Montjuic (July), Festa Major de Gracia (August) and Festes de la Merce (September).

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Most of the locals enjoy six meals a day, which means you too can enjoy six mouth-watering meals (or more) every day of your visit to Barcelona. Basic meal times are 8 a.m. for coffee, 10:30 a.m. for coffee and croissants, 2 p.m. for lunch, 4 p.m. for coffee and a sweet treat and 9 p.m. for dinner. With so many different meal times, you are sure to have plenty to eat throughout your entire visit.

To avoid looking like a tourist, try not to wear a T-shirt and shorts when dining during your vacation. Also, make sure you are using your silverware — not many of the locals use their fingers to eat. Chances are those who are using their fingers to eat are tourists.

There are many destinations around the globe that all foodies must plan to visit. Barcelona should be one of the destinations near the top of that list. Your visit to Barcelona will be filled with amazing meals, a variety of cuisine and the opportunity to experience something new. You will discover why so many foodies enjoy their time eating their way through the city of Barcelona.