Amanda & Felix Eats in Ciutat Vella, Catalunya

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Barcelona

Must-try foods in Barcelona

• Pa amb Tomàquet
  Pa amb TomàquetThe quintessential Catalan staple: rustic, toasted bread rubbed with raw garlic and ripe vine tomatoes, finished with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. It is the foundation of every local meal.
• Fideuà
  FideuàThe local alternative to paella, made with short, thin noodles (fideos) instead of rice. It is typically cooked in a wide pan with monkfish, squid, and shrimp, and is traditionally served with a side of rich, hand-whipped aioli.
• Escudella i Carn d'Olla
  Escudella i Carn d'OllaA deeply traditional Catalan winter stew. It features a rich broth served with 'galets' (large pasta shells) followed by a platter of the meats and vegetables used in the pot, including the 'pilota,' a large spiced meatball.
• Esqueixada de Bacallà
  Esqueixada de BacallàA refreshing 'shredded' salad made with raw salt cod, tomatoes, onions, and black olives. It is dressed in plenty of olive oil and is a summer favorite for its light, savory, and bright Mediterranean flavors.
• Canelons Rossini
  Canelons RossiniA beloved dish traditionally eaten on St. Stephen's Day but found year-round in old-school spots. These are pasta tubes stuffed with roasted meats (often leftovers), topped with silky béchamel sauce and truffle oil or foie gras.
• Arròs Negre
  Arròs NegreA striking 'black rice' dish flavored and colored with squid ink. It features tender cuttlefish and seafood, offering a deep umami flavor that is distinct from traditional yellow saffron-based rice dishes.

Trip guide

• About Barcelona
  About BarcelonaBarcelona is a coastal city on the northeast Iberian Peninsula with a documented history spanning over 2,000 years. Founded as the Roman colony of Barcino in 15 BC, remnants of its initial settlement include sections of defensive walls and columns from the Temple of Augustus, which are preserved in the Gothic Quarter.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Barcelona is during the shoulder seasons of May to June or September to October, when the weather is pleasantly warm and ideal for both sightseeing and the beach. Summer (July and August) is hot, humid, and extremely crowded, while winter offers mild temperatures and fewer tourists but is too cold for swimming. To avoid peak prices and heavy crowds, aim for the spring or autumn months.
• Getting around
  Getting around Barcelona

  • Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) The main international gateway located 15km southwest of the city center, offering extensive global connections and easy access via the Aerobús shuttle, RENFE trains, or the L9 Sud metro line.
  • Barcelona Metro and TMB Bus Network A highly efficient and integrated public transit system covering the entire metropolitan area; visitors should use a T-casual or Hola Barcelona travel card for seamless transfers between subways and buses.
  • AVE High-Speed Rail (Barcelona Sants) The primary railway station connecting Barcelona to Madrid in under three hours and providing direct international links to France, making it an ideal choice for sustainable regional travel across Europe.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Validate your T-casual transport card at every transfer and keep it accessible until you exit the station to avoid heavy fines.
  • Eat lunch between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to take advantage of the 'Menú del Día,' as many kitchens close before late dinner service.
  • Wear your backpack on your front in crowded areas like Las Ramblas and the Metro to prevent professional pickpocketing.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Barcelona

  • Completion of the Sagrada Família's Tower of Jesus Christ (tallest spire) and citywide Gaudí Year 2026 celebrations.
  • Barcelona World Capital of Architecture 2026, featuring over 1,500 cultural events and the UIA World Congress.
• Visit Barcelona↗
  Visit BarcelonaThe official tourism website of Barcelona, providing comprehensive visitor information for the Ciutat Vella district and the entire city.