Menu del Dia

First of all let us remind you of the local timetables as they are different to most European countries. Lunch and dinner in Spain usually start later than the rest of Europe. Locals will normally have lunch from 14.00 to 16.00 and dinner from 21.00 to 23.30.

At lunch time, the best option is the 'Menu del Dia' as it is a very economic way of trying typical Spanish cuisine. It consist of 2 main courses, bread, drinks and coffee or dessert for a fixed price of around €12, although price depends on the restaurant.

These are offered at lunch time Mon-Fri, although some restaurants offer this menu on Saturday usually at a higher price.

There are lots of offices around Passeig de Gracia (see area in the map), that means that there are lots of restaurants in the area, so instead of staying around the Ramblas for lunch, go to any of these restaurants, look for 'Menu del Dia' sign and if you see local people in there, just get in. You won't regret it.

Click here for a list of restaurants in Barcelona.

Bonus Restaurants: cheap and nice food

Here you will find a short list of a few restaurants with very very cheap prices located by the city center. Pay attention that these places are quite a treasure. Some of them are also specialised in anniversaires and hen parties for large groups of people.

MESÓN DAVID - Located in Calle Carretas 63 (Metro Paral.lel L3, near Rambla del Raval). Open for lunch and dinner all week except Mondays. This is certainly a boom not to be missed, for a very low price you will get such amazing plates as we would call them in Catalan 'plats casolans' or food that your own mom could cook. Better call for reservation if you are in a big group, otherwise it is not so necessary. Recommendation: Mot to miss the dessert called 'Pijama'.
Tel. 93 441 59 34
http://www.mesondavid.com

CASA DE ANDALUCIA - Located in Via Layetana 59 pral. 1ª (Metro Urquinaona L1 & L4). This is a traditional restaurant from Andalucía with all their magic and happy environment. They have large rooms to hold big groups in special parties. It is a kind of place that you will not imagine there is a restaurant until you are shown the place. Very very cheap prices, they have a Menu all days but also serve very good tapas and also sandwiches. It is mandatory to reserve before you go.
Tel. 93 302 04 03

TASCA I VINS - There are a few of them:
Industria 118 (Metro Sagrada Familia - Hospital San Pau L5) tel. 93 435 50 52
Cardenal Tedeschini 32 (Metro Congres L5) tel. 93 408 27 39
Diputación 304 (Metro Girona - Urquinaona L4 and L1) tel. 93 342 53 28
Marques de l´Argentera 13 (located in Borne - Metro Jaume I/Barceloneta L4) tel. 93 310 50 08
These are rustic restaurants with a long tradition within the city. Huge toasts with a large number of options to fill with ... a kind of pizza but with a toast below... very good and cheap.

Barcelona beaches

Barcelona has over 4km of sandy beaches which are always crowded with people sunbathing and swimming in the sea during summer time.

There are 7 beaches in total (Sant Sebastià, Barceloneta, Nova Icària, Bogatell, Mar Bella, Nova Mar Bella and Llevant), easily accessible using public transport.

How to get there:

- Sant Sebastià (Metro L4 - Barceloneta)
- Barceloneta (Metro L4 - Barceloneta and Ciutadella)
- Nova Icària (Metro L4 - Ciutadella and Bogatell)
- Bogatell (Metro L4 - Poblenou and Llacuna)
- Mar Bella (Metro L4 - Selva de Mar)
- Nova Mar Bella (Metro L4 - Selva de Mar and El Maresme)
- Llevant (Metro L4 - Selva de Mar)

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All beaches are provided with disabled access, showers and lifeguards (during summer season) as well as parasol and beach chair rental services. The city council is putting a great effort into keeping them clean, both sand and water are cleaned daily.

Click here for furhter details regarding up to date information on water quality and beach condition.

Finally, be aware of the risks that large exposures to the sun can cause to your skin so take the following precautions: use enough sun cream protection at all time, and try avoiding the hours from 12 to 16. Also, ensure that you drink plenty of water.