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What you’ll do

Guidebooks are a bore; they can’t clink a glass of vermouth with you and they’re no fun to share a plate of pimientos de padron (seared peppers) with. But that’s exactly what your host will do as you flit between tapa and pintxos bars. Sip vermouth or cañas (the local measure of beer), and sample the favorite local dishes - like la bomba, croquettas of mashed potato stuffed with ground pork, and esqueixada, a zesty feast of raw salted cod, romesco sauce, tomatoes and black olives.  They’ll take you only to authentic tapa bars where you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the locals and you might not be sure what some of the things on the menu are - although there probably won’t be a menu, so you’ll be ever happier your host is with you. 

 

  • Private experience, tailored to you

  • 3 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Hosted in English (On request: Catalan, French, Hungarian, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish)

  • Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Experience outline

  • Discover tiny eateries and hidden bars you’d never find in a guidebook
  • Explore the El Poble Sec neighborhood and see why it’s known for its tapa culture
  • Your host will recommend staple tapas and pintxos dishes to try, at the bars known for serving authentic varieties of each - you’ll sample 6 - 8 small plates
  • Sip the local favorite accompanying drinks like vermouth, beer, or wine
  • From standing bars to tables clustered out in the street, you’ll visit only authentic tapa and pintxos bars with your host
  • Get recommendations from your host of other tapa bars to visit during the rest of your trip

Things to know

What’s included

  • 6-8 tapas tasting & 2 glasses of wine/beer or non-alcoholic drinks per person
  • 3-hour private and personalized experience
  • Start when you like - later the better for real local vibes!
  • Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

What’s not included

  • Food and drink in addition to what’s included
  • Transport costs
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 14 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

Travelers having fun right now!

Travelers having fun right now!

Reviews

    Jonathan was great , reached out in advance to confirm what we were looking for and met us at our hotel. We had the chance to walk around the city a little and get a feel for Barcelona before heading to dinner. At dinner Jonathan helped order our tapas and explained the local customs …. Felt like we were visiting a friend in Barcelona.

    March 2024

    James R

    Bar Joan at the local market was a highlight - great to taste local food in a very local joint. 5/5 would do again.

    March 2024

    Carter C

    He knows his stuff. 5 out of 5 would do again.

    March 2024

    Carter C

    The tour was amazing. So much more than just tapas and cocktails. Alan is an incredible historian that taught us so much. We had such a great time. The restaurant choices were incredible. They were local favorites, not touristy at all, which made it so much more authentic. Alan mad the tour fun for all of us and we got to see a part of the gothic quarter we may have overlooked otherwise. I highly recommend.

    March 2024

    Nicole L

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Barcelona. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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