Tapas Crawl in Barcelona

Tasting, smelling and savoring culture in one of the world's most atmospheric, relaxed and casually chic cities is what I would call a very, very good day. And, to me, tapas exemplifies this with sophisticated yet unpretentious Catalan style. I love everything about Barcelona's independently-minded, bohemian, modernista style and what better way to absorb this vibe than to consume it.

For those in search of a truly authentic and memorable night in Barcelona, a tapas crawl is essential. Basically, you simply head from bar to bar, enjoying one plate of food and one drink in each joint. For me, there is no better way to sample the food of the city, meet new people, enjoy the ones your with and capture the essence of the city. As the sociable air that pervades all tapas restaurants inevitably comes out in full as the night wears on, lose yourself in Catalonia.

Here is where I would crawl...

Cal Pep - This is definitely where to start. And it may be the gastronomical highlight of the entire crawl. This is probably the most popular tapas bar in the city with tourists and locals alike. It's getting in the door here that seems to be the issue. It's not uncommon for Cal Pep to have a line out the door and around the corner. Just squeeze up to the bar and enjoy a plate of the tastiest gourmet seafood tapas in the city with a glass of cava, the Catalan version of champagne. You will be glad you started your evening off here. My tapas pick: trifasic (combo of calamari, prawns and whitefish).

Bar Pinotxo - This bar located in the Mercat de la Boqueria near the La Rambla entrance bustles with locals and tourists. Grab a stool, a plate of the freshest food in the city, an Estrella Damm beer and people watch. No matter where you come from Bar Pinotxo will make you feel as if you belong. Bar Pinotxo serves fabulous lunch fare. Say hi to Tony and catch a glimpse of his effervescent smile.

Bar Central - Located in the same market, Marcat, Bar Central is where to head for lunch and jostle with the locals for a stool. With the the same atmosphere as Bar Pinotxo, Bar Central makes for a great alternative if the wait is long at Tony's bar. My tapas pick: grilled "fresh catch of the day".

Granja Viader - While this is a cafe and not a tapas bar, I would be remiss not to mention it. For more than a century people have flocked down this alley to get Grandja Viader's cups of thick hot chocolate and whipped cream. The Viader clan in vented Cacaolat (the forerunner to Nestle's Quik). This nook is an ideal breakfast locale for the sweet tooth with it's suis and pastries on display. Granja Viader closes at 8:45pm (18:45). Don't miss out!!! My pick: suis, of course.

La Vinacoteca Torres - La Vinacoteca Torres clearly understands that tapas and wine are simply unbeatable as a double act on the palate. This wonderful establishments near the Passeig de Gracia metro station offers not just excellent and varied tapas, but also a wine list to remember. It’s not the cheapest of places, but then you forget after you’re 4th glass of red anyway. My pick: any Catalan red wine with Toro in the name

Ciudad Condal - It may not be the most traditional of joints, but Ciudad Condal is a sure-fire bet for a fun and cheap evening spent eating and drinking with the locals. The tapas selection here is impressive, and many of the tapas available are on display to help you when it comes to deciding where to start. My pick: the most expensive (read: aged) Spanish jamon and a San Miguel beer.

El Xampanyet - Nothing has changed for decades in this, one of the city's best-known cava bars. This place reeks bohemian atmosphere. I love it. Grab a plate of any regional tapas and a few glasses of cave and find a table against the tiled walls and absorb it all.

Though the tapas crawl may be more traditional in Madrid or Andalusia, the Catalans have integrated their distinct culture in to an amazing experience. Much like a pub crawl in London, quite simply there are few traveling experiences more enjoyable than a tapas crawl in Spain.

Hambre? Come mucho!

Al, the Travel Valet