This Barcelona Tapas Tour Is the Secret to Eating Local
Looking for an authentic Barcelona tapas tour but not sure which one to choose? I’ve been there!
As a travel blogger that lives in Barcelona, I wanted to find a food tour that goes beyond the tourist traps and delivers a true local experience.
That’s why I joined the Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour with Devour Tours–to see if it really lives up to the hype.
In this review, I’ll share what’s included, my honest thoughts, and whether it’s worth it for food lovers looking for the real deal. Let’s get into it!
Is the Barcelona Tapas Tour Worth It?
I went on the Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour with Devour Tours, and can honestly say it was absolutely worth it!
This small-group evening tour was led by Erik, a fantastic and super friendly guide who has lived in Barcelona for over 17 years, making the experience both fun and authentic.
We visited three classic, old-school tapas bars, where Devour Tours hooked us up with reserved tables in spots that are usually packed–including one that was even visited by Anthony Bourdain!
The food was incredible (and the portions were generous)–we tried jamón ibérico, tortilla española, pan con tomate, croquetas, patatas bravas, canelons, and more, all paired with cava, vermouth, and several glasses of wine.
What I loved most was that it was never boring–even the history was genuinely engaging, and despite the pouring rain, I still had an amazing time!
If you’re looking for a tapas tour that delivers great food, digestible insights into Barcelona’s history, and an all-around fun experience, this one is a must!
Why Choose Devour Tours?
Devour Tours is one of the most reputable food tour companies in Spain, known for offering authentic and immersive experiences.
They started in Madrid and have since expanded across Spain and Europe, always staying true to their mission of supporting local, family-run businesses.
Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Committed to sustainable tourism: They focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients while honoring Barcelona’s roots by supporting small, family-run businesses through responsible food tourism.
- Exclusive access: Thanks to their local relationships, they can secure reserved tables at iconic tapas bars that are usually packed.
- Great value for money: The tours include generous portions of food and alcohol, along with fascinating history, making it both fun and educational.
- Top-notch guides: Their guides are exceptional, bringing history to life in a way that’s engaging and easy to digest.
- Hassle-free booking: With free cancellation up to 24 hours before, there’s no risk in booking early.
How to Book the Barcelona Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour
The best way to book the Barcelona Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour is directly on the Devour Tours website.
What’s great is that they offer free cancellation so if for any reason you need to cancel, you can do so for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour.
I’d definitely recommend reserving your spot in advance because they are very popular small-group tours with limited spaces.
The Barcelona Tapas Tour Experience
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect on this tour!
I won’t spoil the names of the restaurants to keep it a surprise, but it includes a visit to three traditional tapas bars, as well as a guided walking tour of the Gothic Quarter.
Arrival at the Meeting Point
The tour meets at Carrer de Duran i Bas, 11, right in front of Palau de la Balmesiana in the Gothic Quarter. It’s pretty easy to walk there if you’re staying in the city center.
Our tour started at 6:30PM, with instructions to arrive 15 minutes early.
After a quick introduction from Erik, our guide, we got to know the rest of the group–which was small, just 8 people, making it feel more personal.
Since the entire tour is on foot, be prepared for a good amount of walking!
First Tapas Bar
Our first stop was a classic, old-school tapas bar tucked away in the Gothic Quarter. We had a reserved table on the upper level, avoiding the usual crowds.
We kicked things off with a glass of cava, a local sparkling wine, before diving into some of Barcelona’s most famous foods including jamón ibérico, Manchego cheese, pan con tomate, tortilla española, and fuet.
Then we got to try a glass of vermouth, a local drink, while getting to socialize with other members of the group.
Gothic Quarter Walking Tour
After our first round of tapas, we set off on a 50-minute walking tour through the historic Gothic Quarter.
Even though it was pouring rain, everyone had umbrellas, and we still managed to enjoy the experience!
We strolled past the Barcelona Cathedral, other historic churches, and hidden alleyways, learning about the city’s past.
I especially loved getting insights into landmarks I’ve walked by so many times but never knew the history behind.
Erik was an amazing guide, keeping things engaging by sharing intriguing and mysterious stories rather than just dates and facts.
Second Tapas Bar
Our next stop was a tiny, no-frills tapas bar that’s always packed–but thanks to Devour’s connections, we had a reserved table.
This spot is one of the best tapas bars in the Gothic Quarter, known for its simple yet legendary menu, which features only four dishes, and was even visited by Anthony Bourdain.
We tried fried anchovies, a fresh tomato salad, and botifarra sausage, all paired with house wine served straight from large barrels.
The atmosphere was very lively and authentic, making it one of the most memorable stops of the night.
Third Tapas Bar
The final stop was another classic, old-school tapas bar, where we enjoyed some of the heartiest dishes of the night.
Here, we had a reserved table on the upper level and indulged in croquetas, patatas bravas, canelons, and crema catalana for dessert.
To go with it, we were served both red and white wine, rounding out the meal perfectly.
This was my favorite spot of the night because the food felt a bit more filling–and it didn’t hurt that the wine was flowing!
End of the Tour
The tour ends near Plaça Sant Jaume, which is one of the main squares in the Gothic Quarter.
From there, you can easily walk, take a taxi, or take public transportation back to your accommodation.
We actually went out for another drink with some of the people on the tour before calling it a night!
Tips for the Barcelona Tapas Tour
Follow these tips to make the most of your tour experience:
- Book the tour for the first day of your trip: This is a great way to get familiar with the local neighborhoods, learn some history, and get recommendations from your guide for the rest of your stay.
- Book in advance: Small-group tours sell out quickly, especially in high season, and since there’s free cancellation, there’s no downside to booking your spot early.
- Be prepared for walking: The tour covers a good amount of ground in the Gothic Quarter, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready to be on your feet when you’re not in the restaurants.
- Bring an umbrella: If rain is in the forecast, don’t risk getting soaked–the tour runs rain or shine, so having a travel umbrella on hand will make it much more enjoyable.
- Don’t be late: The group leaves on time, and there’s only about a 5-minute grace period, so arrive early to avoid missing out.
- Don’t be scared to try something new: Even if you think you don’t like certain foods, give them a shot—I always thought I hated anchovies, but on this tour, I was pleasantly surprised!
- Bring cash for tips: It’s best to bring cash (in euros) to tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. You can also tip online but there’s no guarantee that the money will actually get back to the tour guide.
Barcelona Tapas Tour: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Barcelona tapas tour:
How long is the Barcelona Tapas, Taverns, and History Tour?
The tour lasts 3.5 hours, including food stops and a guided walking tour.
What time does the tour start?
It typically starts at 6:30PM, but check your booking confirmation for exact details.
How many people are on the tour?
The group size is small, with a maximum of 10 people for a more intimate experience.
Does this tour accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, it can be adapted for vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-free (not celiac), dairy-free, non-alcoholic options, and pregnant women. Note any dietary needs when booking, and they’ll do their best to accommodate.
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends near Plaça Sant Jaume, where you can easily walk, grab a taxi, or take public transportation.
What’s the Devour Tours cancellation policy?
When booking on the Devour Tours website, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
Do you need to tip?
Tipping is customary but not required–if you enjoyed the tour, a tip for your guide in cash is always appreciated!
Final Thoughts: Barcelona Tapas Tour Review
I hope this review helped you decide whether the Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour is right for you!
Personally, I had an amazing experience–the food was delicious, the drinks were flowing, and the history was genuinely interesting.
It’s a great way to experience authentic Barcelona tapas bars (without the wait), especially if you’re short on time or unsure where to start–which is why it’s at the top of my list of best Barcelona food tours!
If you enjoy good food, local culture, and a fun, social atmosphere, this tour is absolutely worth it!
