One of the best ways to embrace the culture of a new city is by eating the food. This is especially true in Europe, where cities like Barcelona are filled to the brim with gourmet and once-in-a-lifetime foods on every street corner. Although Barcelona is more commonly known for its tapas, there’s no shortage of eclectic and unique food in this incredible city. If you only have 72 hours in Gaudi’s cities, here are the places you should be sure to eat at in Barcelona to truly immerse yourself in the Spanish way of eating.
Day 1
Lunch: Surf House Barcelona
Make your way to the Barceloneta to this chill cafe with the best beachy vibes in the city. Start with a pitcher of their delicious sangria and order the Summer Chicken Joe salad. You’ll die for their avocado and Asian dressing mix. Don’t forget their famous acai bowls too, perfect for a hot summer day and the best way to kick off a European adventure with a view of the Mediterranean.
Dinner: La Luna
Before you hit the bars for your first night out, stop by La Luna for amazing tapas. Tucked away in a small little alley in the El Born district, La Luna serves delicious small plates that you shouldn’t skimp on. Start with the goat cheese salad and seared ahi tuna, and finish your meal off with to-die for ravioli and nachos for a little slice of home. The margaritas are strong and the perfect way to start the night off on the right foot.
Day 2
Breakfast: Brunch and Cake
Live out your wildest Insta story dreams with this cute little brunch place. With locations all over Barcelona, there is sure to be one near you. Their specialty is cupcakes and bakery items, but don’t be afraid to try their brunch classics reinvented for a fun spin on traditional brunch foods. Whether it’s their baked brie with apple or their house pancakes loaded with fruit, it’s the best way to start your day of exploring Barcelona.
Lunch: Casa Angela
Take a break from your sightseeing and stop at a restaurant with one of the best views in the city. Grab a glass of cold white wine and enjoy a delicious mixed green salad, some bruschetta or their famous paella, while taking in incredible views of La Sagrada Familia. Casa Angela is the perfect way to cool off and take a delicious lunch break in the heart of the busy city.
Dinner: Mariscco
Make your way to this cute square, La Plaza Reial, for a seafood dinner. Order the seafood paella for a classic Spanish dinner or try something different from the menu like tortellini or garlic shrimp. You can’t go wrong with this fresh food and a great view of this quaint plaza.
Drinks: The City Bar at Hotel Central
For some of the best views of the city, stop by the City Bar at Hotel Central for drinks. Open to the public starting at 9 pm, enjoy a crisp G&T while sitting on comfy couches looking over the city of Barcelona before going out.
Day 3
Breakfast: Alsur Cafe
For your last brunch in Barca, stop by this boho brunch place known for their “Brunchtails” and unique food. With an apple pie mojito and red velvet waffles, Alsur Cafe is sure to make your Instagram pop.
Lunch: Rosa Negra
Stop by Rosa Negra for the best tacos and margs in Barcelona. And, the best part is that they’re both only 3 euros each! With fun, vibrant colors all over the walls, this place is a great place to stop for a midday pick me up taco and Corona.
Dinner: Restaurant Arcano
This little restaurant tucked behind the hustle and bustle of the city will be by far your favorite meal in Barcelona. It’s rustic and cozy vibe is a great place to enjoy their homemade prosecco sangria. They’ll serve you complimentary housemade gazpacho to start and a chicken thigh dish that is melt in your mouth incredible. Whatever you do, don’t forget to order the goat cheese cheesecake, it will be the best thing you do all trip.
Drinks: Paradiso
The perfect way to end your visit to Barcelona is at this quirky, hidden bar called Paradiso. The catch? You have to walk through a refrigerator to get there. This place serves fun cocktails in all different types of glasses and fashions. Whether the drink be smoking or lit on fire, it is sure to be a cocktail you’ve never had before.
If you’re lucky enough to spend 72 hours in the amazing city of Barcelona, be sure not to miss any of these hidden gems. These places will fill you up and give you some of the best food experiences of your life while you explore the streets and tastes of Spain.