We lucked out on our tapas tour with not just one, but two amazing guides—Bene from Italy and Ani from Brazil. As we strolled between restaurants, they pointed out fascinating bits of Barcelona’s culture, like El Caganer—a small figurine of a pooping man placed in nativity scenes during Christmas to bring good luck, joy, and fertility to the soil. Only in Catalonia!
Our first stop was Ca l’Agut, where we kicked things off with la hora del vermut—vermouth hour. Our vermouth came over ice with a slice of orange, setting the tone for the night. We then tried our first Gilda—a Basque pintxo (snack) that quickly became one of our favorites: a simple but flavor-packed combo of an olive, salted anchovy, and Ibarra chili on a cocktail stick. Next, we learned the art of pan con tomate (Spanish tomato bread)—rubbing garlic onto a slice of bread, then fresh tomato, letting the juices soak into the bread’s alveoli, finished with a sprinkle of salt. This rustic dish was so easy and so delicious that we noticed its ingredients showing up at every hotel breakfast buffet from Barcelona to Seville to Málaga.
Gilda at Ca l’Agut in Barcelona, Spain
Vermouth and Pan Con Tomate at Ca l’Agut in Barcelona Spain
Our second stop was Bodega Vidrios y Cristales—though to be honest, I barely remember if we ate there because we had so much fun learning to drink from a porrón. This glass wine pitcher lets everyone share wine without touching their lips to it (in theory). After a few hilarious attempts—and a few accidental lip touches—we finally got the hang of it.
Learning to drink from a Porron in Spain
Bodega Vidrios y Cristales in Barcelona, Spain
As we meandered toward our next restaurant, we passed sites like Picasso’s old residence and shops marked with special plaques, like El Rey de la Magia, one of the world’s oldest magic shops, standing for over 130 years. We also walked through the Gothic Quarter, stopping at the Fossar de les Moreres—a solemn square built over the graves of Barcelona’s fallen defenders from the War of Spanish Succession. Nearby, Passeig del Born, once a medieval jousting ground, is now a vibrant avenue buzzing with nightlife.
Plaque for El Rey de la Magia
The Fossar de les Moreres in Barcelona Spain
Passeig del Born Jousting Field in Barcelona
At Euskal Etxea, we were served Basque cider—which, because it’s naturally non-carbonated, had to be poured in a high, dramatic arc to create some bubbles. Then came the tough decision: choosing from a colorful spread of over 10 different pintxos at the bar. These reminded me of Italian bruschetta but with their own Spanish twist—soft, flavorful, and utterly addictive.
How to pour into a glass to add bubbles to still cider.
Finally, we wrapped up the night at Agüita, a charming wine shop that felt like stepping into an ancient cellar, thanks to the earthy, musty scent that greeted us at the door. Here, we tasted two whites and two reds, sharing tasting notes as we went. By the third glass, I fancied myself clever for detecting the scent of a freshly opened bag of clay—until Jim reminded me it might just be the cellar air, lol. The night’s grand finale: a decadent chocolate truffle paired perfectly with a bold, rich red.
Aguita Wine Shop in Barcelona
NOTE: We booked our vacation through Destination: Uncharted, who also researched and arranged our unforgettable Tapas Tour in Barcelona.
