Practical information : Take a break Barcelona
Timetable
During the week, the Barcelonians usually meet at around 7pm to have an aperitif after work. On weekends, it is rather around noon that we meet to drink a caña (beer) or the famous vermut. Most of the bars are open every day, some close on Sunday evening.Happy hours are not practiced, but prices are generally cheaper than in France, except in very touristy places.
Budget & Tips
Prices vary greatly depending on the neighbourhood and the location of each bar. Obviously, a drink on a terrace facing the sea will not cost you the same as in a local bodega. As a general rule of thumb, count €2 for a coffee, €3 for a beer or vermouth, between €3 and €5 for a glass of wine, and between €7 and €12 for a cocktail. A small tip is de rigueur if you enjoyed the service...
Age restrictions
As in France, Spanish law prohibits the consumption of alcohol by minors under the age of 18.
What's very local
Vermilion, of course! As an aperitif, Catalans appreciate this plant-flavoured wine, which is usually accompanied by a few olives, marinated anchovies, mussels or canned cockles... On weekends, around noon, it is a real ritual! Every district of the city has traditional bodegas where vermut is served according to the rules of the art.
At snack or breakfast time, the granjas (former dairy) are an obligatory stop to test the churros , accompanied by a creamy hot chocolate. The ones in the Petritxol square, in the Barri Gòtic, are among the oldest in the city
Smokers
Smoking is not permitted in the bars, covered terraces and indoor patios. Smoking is permitted only on the open-air terraces. Most bars will forbid you to go out with your drink if you want to smoke a cigarette outside.
Tourist traps
Beware of bars on the Ramblas and in tourist places that display pictures of pitchers of sangria . it's never a good sign! Don't forget either that beer sellers in public places or mojitos on the beaches are completely illegal, and so are you if you buy their products!