What can you tapas in every city of Spain?

Have you ever traveled to Spain? If the answer is yes, you probably have a fond memory of going to a little bar for a drink or having dinner at a restaurant and being served an unexpected little dish of something delicious to try: from a toast with a slice of jamón on top to a small bowl overflowing with calamari rings.

Or maybe you remember falling in love with pintxos in San Sebastián, picking one at each bar, accompanied by a nice cider. Or, if you went to Granada, you know that there tapas are free and abundant, so many times you don’t need to order anything to eat: by just buying your beers, your night is made.

Everything in Spain is about enjoyment and sharing, and few things represent this way of life better than their tradition of tapas. What’s curious? From north to south, each region has its own way of interpreting this classic, with flavors and locally sourced products. So today, we take you on a journey of flavors and curiosities through some of the most iconic cities for tapas.

In Madrid, the Classic Tapas

In the Spanish capital, tapas are an art and a tradition. From the iconic patatas bravas to tortilla sandwiches, Madrid is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the essence of tapas. In many bars, with each beer, you’re served a tapa (sometimes you choose, and sometimes it’s just “the one that comes”).

"In the Spanish capital, tapas are an art and a tradition"

Fun fact: while you’re sightseeing at Plaza Mayor, you can grab a bocadillo de calamares (a sandwich with the crispiest fried squid you’ve ever tasted) at the always-popular Cervecería la Campana or any other nearby bar, because they all serve tasty ones. Sit down at an outdoor table, order a few beers, and watch people pass by. Then, why not, go grab dessert at Mercado de San Antón, in the heart of the Chueca neighborhood.

Are you in Buenos Aires? During Tapeando 2025, from April 4 to 13, Paquito restaurant will be offering, among other tapas, a bocata de calamaretis because they know what's good. Also, you can try bocata de rabas at El Faro de Vigo. Unmissable.

The Basque Country: The Birthplace of Pintxos

If Madrid has tapas, the Basque Country has pintxos. These are simply delights served on bread, usually “pinned” with a toothpick.

Pintxos are a tradition in cities like San Sebastián or Bilbao, and they can be simple or gourmet, cold or hot. From the famous gilda (with olive, anchovy, and chili) to highly creative preparations by Basque chefs, each pintxo is a little work of art.

The pintxo culture attracts chefs and foodies from all over the world, who get excited seeing the counters filled with colorful, tempting creations, ready for you to choose and try, accompanied by a good cider. Because when we do it, we do it right.

During Tapeando 2025, you can try pintxos inspired by those from the Basque Country. At Path, you’ll find gildas de anchoas, among other options, and at Paxapoga, you can try a pintxo de chorizo a la sidra.

A fun fact: Did you know that San Sebastián has more Michelin stars per capita than any other city in the world? These folks really know how to eat well and enjoy life.

Andalusia: The Most Generous Tapas

In Granada, Almería, and Córdoba, ordering a drink means receiving a free tapa. Pescaíto frito, salmorejo (a cold, thick cream made from tomato, bread, garlic, and olive oil, served with hard-boiled egg and chopped ham), or flamenquines are just a few of the options you can try. In Granada, for example, the tradition is so strong that there are bars where, with each round of beer or wine, the tapa increases in quality: you start with some olives or a slice of tortilla and end up with a plate of migas or a casserole of meatballs in sauce.

"In Granada, for example, the tradition is so strong that there are bars where, with each round of beer or wine, the tapa increases in quality"

And in Seville, it's all about sitting at a crowded terrace, having a blast outdoors. There, tapas is the perfect excuse for chatting: at every corner, you’ll find historic bars where they serve montaditos de pringá, spinach with chickpeas, or pescaíto frito, all paired with a cold beer or a tinto de verano.

If after reading this you’re craving Andalusian tapas, you’ll find options inspired by southern Spain at Tapeando. Pro tip: if you dare to try it, Martineta Bar will be serving salmorejo. Enjoy it while the weather is still warm!

Catalonia: Montaditos and Mediterranean Tradition

In Barcelona, tapas have a Mediterranean flair, and montaditos (small sandwiches) take the spotlight. From bread with tomato to bombas de la Barceloneta, the variety is endless. Also, markets like La Boquería are must-visit spots to discover Catalan flavors.

If you’re in Barcelona, don’t miss out on visiting the Gràcia neighborhood. With its bohemian spirit and plazas full of bars, it’s the perfect place to order a beer and be tempted by the tapas menu. At Plaça del Sol or Plaça de la Virreina, it’s common to see tables piled with montaditos de jamón ibérico, anchovies, or escalivada (roasted eggplant and peppers), paired with a glass of homemade vermouth.

Take advantage of the days Tapeando lasts to visit La Fuerza and try arancini de calamar with a spring vermut from La Fuerza. Several restaurants will also offer montaditos, like the pear and blue cheese ones at Lady Madrid.

Galicia: Seafood and Empanadas

In the north, tapas have the flavor of the sea. In cities like Santiago de Compostela or A Coruña, you can try delicacies like pulpo a la gallega (served on a wooden board), steamed mussels (fresh with a touch of lemon), and the classic empanada gallega, filled with tuna, cod, or seafood.

A fun fact: The famous Camino de Santiago ends at the impressive Santiago Cathedral, where, according to tradition, the apostle’s remains rest. When pilgrims complete the journey, there's no better way to celebrate than with a glass of albariño and tapas at the bars on Rúa do Franco. If you go, make sure to mark it down.

But if you're staying in Buenos Aires, take advantage of Tapeando days to visit La Caña and try empanadas de carne anticuchada, or indulge in gambas at Horta. There’s plenty to choose from.

Aragon: Between Ternasco and Legends

In Zaragoza, tapas often include local products like ternasco (roast lamb) or jamón de Teruel. And to finish with something sweet, miguelitos (small puff pastry and cream bites) are a must at any bar.

By the way, do you know the legend of the Lovers of Teruel? It's about a young couple who were separated when he went to fight, seeking fortune and honor, to marry his beloved (we promise, this story is worth Googling).

If you visit Teruel, you’ll find a mausoleum to visit the protagonists of this legendary story. Meanwhile, enjoy tapas inspired by Aragon during Tapeando. A delicious cured jamón awaits you at Sagardi, for example, or at Arrabal Cantina, you can find a Spanish tortilla with raw ham… In our opinion, these are delights worthy of returning from the Crusades hungry, just like the lover from Teruel.

Tapeando 2025: A Festival to Travel with Your Tastebuds

From April 4 to 13, Tapeando invites you to discover these flavors and many more at various restaurants across Argentina. A unique opportunity to enjoy the most authentic tapas and learn more about Spanish culture. And you, are you ready to tapas?