What Time Is Dinner in Barcelona?

By Alice Nichols

Barcelona is a beautiful city full of culture, history, and delicious food. One of the questions that many visitors to this amazing city have is, “What time is dinner in Barcelona” In this article, we will explore the typical dining habits of Barcelona and answer this burning question.

Understanding Spanish Dining Habits

Before we delve into the specifics of dinner time in Barcelona, it’s important to understand the overall dining habits in Spain. In general, Spaniards eat later than most other European countries. Breakfast is usually light and taken early in the morning, around 7-9 am.

Lunch, or “la comida,” is the main meal of the day and typically takes place between 1 pm and 3 pm. This is followed by a short nap or “siesta.” Dinner, or “la cena,” is eaten much later than most other countries and usually starts at around 9 pm or later.

Dinner Time in Barcelona

Barcelona follows similar dining habits as the rest of Spain but with a few variations. Dinner time in Barcelona can start anywhere from 8 pm to 10:30 pm depending on where you go.

Many restaurants don’t even open their doors until 8:30 pm or later. It’s not uncommon for locals to dine as late as midnight on weekends.

Tapas Hour

One unique aspect of dining out in Barcelona is Tapas Hour or “La Hora del Vermut.” This tradition involves enjoying small plates with drinks before dinner. Tapas Hour usually takes place between 7 pm and 9 pm when people get off work and want to unwind before dinner.

Plan Accordingly

If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, it’s important to keep these dining habits in mind when making plans for your evening meals. If you’re used to eating dinner early, you may want to consider having a late lunch and enjoying some tapas during Tapas Hour. This will help you adjust to the local dining schedule and avoid being disappointed if restaurants are closed or not yet open when you arrive.

In Conclusion

Dinner time in Barcelona is typically much later than in other countries. Understanding the dining habits of Spain can help you plan your meals and fully enjoy the culinary delights that Barcelona has to offer. Whether you choose to dine during Tapas Hour or enjoy a late-night dinner, Barcelona’s food scene is sure to be a highlight of your trip.