Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world flock to Spain, and many of them won’t leave without visiting the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona. The bustling city is loved for its unique Gaudi architecture, its lively Las Ramblas boulevard, its stunning beach, and, of course, the incredible food.
Barcelona is one of the best foodie destinations in Europe, and amongst the meat-, cheese-, and seafood-heavy offerings, you can expect to find plenty of delicious plant-based options. Find out more about how to enjoy the ultimate vegan-friendly vacation to Barcelona below.
Is Barcelona vegan-friendly?
According to vegan restaurant guide Happy Cow, there are more than 540 vegan-friendly restaurants in Barcelona. So the answer is yes, Barcelona is a super vegan-friendly destination. It’s also worth noting that some traditional Spanish tapas dishes are often vegan by default, too.
Patatas bravas, for example, typically consists of fried potatoes and a spicy tomato sauce and is usually prepared without animal ingredients (watch out for mayonnaise though!). Pimientos de Padrón (small green peppers fried in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt) is another option to look out for, and you can find marinated olives on most tapas menus across Barcelona, too.
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Are there any vegan hotels in Barcelona?
If you’re looking for vegan-friendly accommodation close to Barcelona, check out Hotel Casa Albets. It’s not actually in the city, but it’s only around an hour’s drive away, so you can enjoy a stay deep in the Spanish countryside in an organic, vegan hotel (with views of the Pyrenees!) and visit the Catalonian capital during the same trip.
Inside Barcelona, most hotels will accommodate you with vegan breakfast choices if you let them know your dietary requirements. Toasted bread topped with ripe tomato, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt is a traditional Spanish breakfast and can be easily made without non-vegan ingredients like cheese. Another failsafe option, of course, is fresh fruit, juice, and coffee!
You can also head to the Yurbban Passage Hotel in the center of Barcelona to try the city’s first-ever vegan spa experience, called Signature Spa. All of the products used inside the spa are 100-percent vegan and made with natural ingredients, too.
The best vegan restaurants in Barcelona
When it’s time for lunch or dinner, you have no shortage of vegan restaurants in Barcelona. Below, we’ve picked just a few of the best options. Buen provecho!
El Vato Loco
1 El Vato Loco
When you fancy a break from tapas, head to El Vato Loco for a slice of Neopolitan pizza. Choose from options like the Clasica, complete with plant-based mozzarella and confit cherry tomatoes, or branch out and try a fusion dish like the Shawarma with Novameat chicken and vegan feta.
Find it here
Blu Bar
2 Blu Bar
Blu Bar is the ultimate summertime destination. Sip on a Tropical Daiquiri or a Coconut Caipirinha while you treat yourself to a spread of “Funky Tapas” options like roasted eggplant with peanut sauce and tahini, toasted avocado, and roasted sweet potato. It’s the perfect spot to relax with friends.
Find it here
Bubita Sangria Bar
3 Bubita Sangria Bar
When in Spain, tapas and sangria are a must. Indulge in both at Bubita, where you can treat yourself and your loved ones to one of its Tapas Deluxe sharing boards. The Spanish Vibes spread includes veggie shrimp, vegan calamari, and piquillo peppers stuffed with paella.
Find it here
Age of Aquarius
4 Age of Aquarius
Waiting for you at Age of Aquarius is a gourmet vegan menu full of indulgent delights like sourdough with kimchi, king oyster tacos, and Milanese made with seitan. In the mood for a dance? The plant-based restaurant also hosts Aquarian Nights, complete with DJ sets and delicious cocktails. Keep an eye on its social media for updates.
Find it here
Gallo Santo
5 Gallo Santo
This popular veggie Tex-Mex spot has two restaurants in Barcelona: Gallo Santa Marina, which is 10 minutes from the famous Gaudi church Sagrada Familia, and Gallo Santa Gracia. Both serve delicious plant-based tacos, flautas, burritos, and much, much more.
Find it here
Mad Mad Vegan
6 Mad Mad Vegan
On days when only a big juicy burger will do, head to Mad Mad Vegan. Choose from options like the Double Cheese Vacon, the Dirty Philly, and the Rock’n Chick’n, and wash it all down with the restaurant’s own craft lager, the Mad Mad Craft Beer.
Find it here
Veganashi
7 Veganashi
For vegan sushi, you can’t beat Veganashi. Start with some classic edamame before tucking into a feast of delectable choices like sundried tomato hosomaki, vegan tuna nigiri, and sushirrito (a sushi burrito!). There’s even sushi for dessert in the form of banana uramaki.
Find it here
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
