Everyone who visits Spain wants to enjoy a tapas experience. The country’s unique tapas culture, a sublime mixture of bar hopping and eating, has become the envy of the world.

Introduction to Tapas

Tapas is a plural term, referring to a group of small Spanish savory dishes typically enjoyed alongside alcoholic beverages. This culinary practice is a popular aspect of Spanish culture, encapsulating the way people socialize over food and drinks as they travel from bar to bar, or restaurant to restaurant.

Logroño: Tapas in Wine Country

In Logroño, you can explore two well-known streets dedicated to tapas and fine wine in the heart of Spain’s most famous wine region. Calle Laurel and Calle San Juan have transformed over the past few years, offering distinctive and memorable tapas experiences. This area is also home to many bars and nearby wineries, making it a hotspot for food and wine lovers.

San Sebastian: City of Gourmet Tapas

San Sebastian is quickly earning a reputation as a top European destination for foodies. The streets of its old town are lined with excellent tapas bars, known as pintxos, and Calle 31 de Agosto is among the most popular. Many bars have cold tapas on display, allowing patrons to either serve themselves or point to their desired selections.

San Sebastian Tapas Tour Opportunities

If you’re not fluent in Spanish or find the bustling atmosphere of tapas bars overwhelming, consider two alternatives. One option is to join a San Sebastian Tapas Tour, where a guide accompanies you from bar to bar, assisting with orders and providing insights into the local tapas culture. Another option is using the San Sebastian Food Pintxo Passport, which grants you a booklet that includes a drink and a pintxo/tapa in various bars, allowing you to explore while enjoying more value.

San Sebastian’s Most Popular Spanish Bars for Tapas

Borda Berri is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, while Zeruko is recommended for its bar-top selections. La Mejillonera is renowned for serving classic seafood dishes and patatas bravas.

What Else Is There to Do in San Sebastian?

Apart from tapas bars, San Sebastian boasts one of Europe’s best city beaches and offers great surfing opportunities. Art enthusiasts may enjoy visiting the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

Granada: The Best City for Free Tapas in Spain

Granada is celebrated as one of Spain’s premier cities for tapas, with many establishments offering complimentary tapas with drink orders. Guests will discover that the quantity of drinks ordered often corresponds with the quality of tapas served. Higher-end bars may provide curated tapas menus, showcasing a variety of delectable options.

Best Tapas Bars in Granada

Calle Elvira is the central hub for free tapas, with Bodegas Castañedas just off Elvira being highly recommended. Visitors should steer clear of Calle Navas, known for bars that are skimpy with their offerings. The Albaicín neighborhood also houses a few exceptional tapas bars worth exploring.

What Else is There to Do in Granada?

In addition to a wealth of hotels, Granada’s allure extends to the stunning Alhambra fortress, constructed in AD 889, which attracts many visitors seeking to immerse themselves in its rich history.

Seville: The Best Tapas in Andalusia

Seville, along with San Sebastian, serves as a popular destination for tapas. The city boasts an impressive estimate of 4,000 bars, ensuring no shortage of tapas options for both residents and visitors alike. However, enthusiasts may need to conduct a bit of research to locate the most exceptional spots.

Popular Spanish Bars for Tapas in Seville

Seville’s tapas bars are distributed throughout the city, with well-known areas including Plaza los Terceros, Paseo Catalina, and the vicinity between Avenida de la Constitucion and the bullring. Noteworthy establishments include El Rinconcillo, Maquila, La Azotea, and Catalina Bar de Tapas.

What Else is There to Do in Seville?

Renowned as one of Spain’s most historically rich cities, Seville offers a plethora of attractions, including the iconic Giralda Tower and The Seville Cathedral, along with bustling shopping centers and nature parks.

Leon: Free Tapas in North-West Spain

Head northwest from Madrid to find Leon, recognized as Spain’s second-best city for free tapas. The Barrio Humedo region contains many bars offering complimentary tapas. Unlike Granada, here you will encounter local specialties like cecina and morcilla without the usual tourist trap offerings.

Best Tapas Bars in Leon

Notable tapas bars in the Barrio Humedo include Jamon Jamon, Cerveceria Las Tapas, Bar La Sachristia, and Bar Miche.

What Else is There to Do in Leon?

The famous Santa María de León Cathedral and The Casa Botines, designed by Antoni Gaudí, draw many visitors. Adventurous souls might enjoy exploring the Cave of Valporquero or combining a trip to Leon with a visit to nearby Oviedo.

Malaga: Good, Cheap Tapas All Over the City

Food enthusiasts heading to Malaga will find an array of tapas, from complimentary options in casual bars to various priced dishes in more upscale establishments. The compact, pedestrian-friendly city center is perfect for tapas exploration.

Best Tapas Bars in Malaga

Among the popular tapas bars in Malaga are Bodega Bar El Pimpi, La Taberna de Monroy, and La Tranca, favored by both locals and tourists.

What Else Is There to Do in Malaga?

Visitors to Malaga can enjoy beautiful beaches, an amusement park, golf, and many other recreational activities. Main attractions include the medieval Alcazaba of Malaga and the Castle of Gibralfaro.

Madrid: Tapas in the Capital

As the capital and largest city of Spain, Madrid offers a plethora of tapas bars sprinkled throughout its neighborhoods. Cava Baja, located in La Latina, is famed for tapas, while the area between Puerta del Sol and Plaza Santa Ana provides another lively bar hopping experience.

Best Tapas Bars in Madrid

Among the overwhelming choice of tapas bars, notable mentions include Stop Madrid, Casa Gonzalez, and Malaspina.

What Else is There to Do in Madrid?

Madrid offers a vibrant atmosphere with numerous attractions, including the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and the Museo Nacional Del Prado.

Barcelona: Catalan Tapas Bars

Despite its global reputation for art and architecture, Barcelona is not typically known for its tapas scene. Finding quality tapas here can be challenging, so recommendations from locals or guided tours can enhance your experience.

Best Tapas Bars in Barcelona

Quimet & Quimet has garnered a strong following, alongside notable bars like Bar Celta and Restaurant Palosanto.

What Else is There to Do in Barcelona?

Barcelona abounds with attractions and activities, including the Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter, and La Boqueria market.

Jaen: Free Tapas in Olive Country

Similar to Granada, Jaen is noted for offering complimentary tapas with drinks. While there is no choice in the tapas selection, guests can expect a delightful surprise with each order.

Best Tapas Bars in Jaen

Some recommended tapas bars in Jaen include Restaurante Casa Córdoba and Alcaudon.