7 reasons Barcelona is the tastiest city in Spain

When most people think about culinary meccas in Europe, they think of France or Italy, but the Spanish know their way around the kitchen, too. Catalonia in the northeast corner of Spain is no exception, and its capital city Barcelona is teaming with delicious options. Experience regional Spanish culture—and good living—through these 7 tasty dishes you can’t leave Barcelona without trying.

RELATED: How to spend 3 perfect days in Barcelona

A local and international favorite – Paella – Photo by GettingStamped.com

1. Paella

This internationally famous dish has its roots along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Fresh seafood is simmered atop a bed of deliciously seasoned rice and vegetables for a one of a kind dish. Paella makes the menu of most restaurants in the city, but a few do it a cut above the rest. For some of the best Paellas of your life head to Elche. Address: Carrer de Vila i Vilà, 71

Get fueled up for the day with a Spanish favorite – churros & chocolate – Photo by GettingStamped.com

2. Churros & chocolate

A morning favorite of Barcelonians is a cup of hot chocolate and churro, or fried dough rolled in sugar and cinnamon. However, the hot chocolate is probably a bit different than what you grew up with. A cup of the thick, rich beverage comes to the table capped with a generous dose of whipped cream, plus a spoon because the chocolate is near the consistency of pudding. The light, crispy fried dough alongside the rich chocolate is the perfect pick me up (and your entire day’s recommended sugar intake) to keep you exploring Barcelona. Head to Granja La Pallaresa for some of the best chocolate and churros, but be warned: They partake in the afternoon siesta and are open 9am–1pm and 4pm–9pm. They’ll literally turn the lights off on you at 1pm! Address: Carrer de Petritxol, 11

The one and only Iberico ham! – Photo by GettingStamped.com

3. Ibérico ham

Native to Spain and Portugal, this cured meat is regularly voted among the best in the world. For fist time visitors to Spain, don’t freak out when you see the ham stored, sliced and served at room temperature—that’s how it’s done! This tried and true process of curing the hams has been perfected over the centuries. Enjoy ham alongside cheeses and bread, or other tapas. Oh, and don’t forget to get a glass of Spanish red.

ALSO: Fill up on tasty rewards when you sign up for Orbitz Rewards!

So many choices of delicious tapas & pinchos in Barcelona – Photo by GettingStamped.com

4. Tapas & pinchos

The tapas concept has taken the world by storm over the past decade, making it fashionable to serve up small plates of food in restaurants around the world, but it all started here in Spain. Tapas is a great way to truly experience Spanish cuisine while visiting Barcelona, although another lesser known version of Spanish appetizers or small meals are pinchos. They’re similar in nature to tapas, but the term pinchos is a reference to the Spanish word pinchar, which means “to pierce,” generally with a wooden cocktail stick or skewer. Another way to tell pinchos apart from tapas is that they are almost always served on top of a piece of bread.

The best place to get a taste of local life is at the markets of Barcelona – Photo by GettingStamped.com

5. Fresh from the market

Food markets are ahuge part of life in Barcelona. Within the city limits, there are more than 40 fresh markets with over 10,000 stalls of delicious, local food. A visit to a local market is a must while in Barcelona. The city’s most popular is La Boqueria in the heart of the city. Address: La Rambla, 91

It doesn’t get too much fresher! – Photo by GettingStamped.com

6. Fresh seafood

Being right on the Mediterranean, the seafood doesn’t get much fresher than in Barcelona. Among the favorites of Barcelonians are razor clams, mussels, shrimp and squid. You can find these and other delights from the sea added to all kinds of locally flavored dishesin the city.

Bring on the Spanish wine! – Photo by GettingStamped.com

7. Sangria & Spanish wine

It goes without saying, but a visit to Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without some sangria in your glass. Don’t like fruit floating in your wine? Barcelona’s got you covered with tasty Spanish wines that are full of flavor and cheaper than water.

Tagged: Europe