Barcelona, Madrid and Seville: food as a tourist attraction

It’s one thing to just travel (limiting yourself to visiting the most popular points of interest and make a purchase or two in the form of popular souvenirs) but it’s a very different thing to travel in the full sense of the world. Rather than visiting monuments and museums, travelling the way it should be done, stopping in lesser-known parts of the destination to observe what others don’t see, and try out those local delicacies that elevate the experience to another level.

In our country there are destinations where gastronomy is an art form and this is why, even if they can certainly hold their own in any case, destinations like Barcelona, Madrid and Seville have managed to see to it that many of their flavours and dishes are among the best-known international recipes. So, what are the most popular ones in each of these destinations?

Gazpacho from Seville, the ideal starter

Even if many think it’s a summer dish, gazpacho is actually an ideal starter in both summer and winter. Typical to Andalusia, it’s in Seville the recipe reaches that special level.

While many serve it in a glass, there are otheres who prefer to enjoy it like a soup, eaten with a spoon out of a bowl, adding chopped vegetables and hard-boiled eggs (there must be tomatoes and peppers), serving it with small pieces of fried bread (traditional ‘croutons’).

A cocido madrileño as the main dish

A hot dish eaten with a spoon might not be in high demand during these hot months, so a tapas of the famous cocido madrileño stew will be enough to fill your palate with all the magic of Madrid, as well as a shot of vitamins and proteins (ideal for tourists on the move between different areas of the city). A glass of local wine will accompany this dish perfectly.

What about dessert? Crème brûlée (crema catalana) made in Barcelona

If it’s difficult to make your mind up which dessert to choose, it’s always a safe bet to go for a newly-made crema catalana, and if it was made in Barcelona, even better. Fresh, with the top newly caramelised, this dessert is ideal as icing on the cake during a mid-day meal, or to finish off one of those summery dinners filled with the scent of flowers.

Where to stay in Barcelona, Madrid and Seville?

In the summer months it’s nice to enjoy life on the streets, long walks until well into the early morning and charming places filled where you can really make the most out of the word ‘rest’: hotels such as those offered by Petit Palace in Barcelona, Madrid and Seville, where they have thought about every little detail. Our opinion? Petit Palace Boquería Garden in Barcelona, Petit Palace Mayor Plaza in Madrid and the beautiful hotel Petit Palace Marqués Santa Ana, in Sevilla.

High Level Gastronomy in the Attic 11 Restaurant in Madrid

One of those pleasures that always makes you feel good in Madrid is to enjoy the best fusion cuisine in one of the capital’s many dining terraces.

Beyond the traditional terraces, those that are situated at street level and in the most well-known neighborhoods of the city, for some years Madrid has been investing in roof top terrace restaurants, a new concept of having a good time under the stars which everyone loves since it is something totally different and innovative.

Beyond the most legendary and famous terraces (like those located at the Circulo de Bellas Artes de Madrid), the city has other high, beautiful locations such as that offered by the Attic 11 Restaurant, a terrace on the seventh floor of the beautiful Hotel Las Letras Madrid.

Attic 11, IBEROSTAR Las Letras, Madrid

Considered one of the best decorated terraces in Madrid (which is not surprising when you consider that the whole Iberostar Las Letras Gran Via is really lovely), this terrace offers exclusivity, tranquility and a unique environment in which there is no shortage of aromatic plants, wooden furniture, colored bulbs and the best view of the Gran Vía.

With the sky as a witness of exception, the restaurant Penthouse 11 is an ideal choice for those wanting to enjoy the best fusion cuisine in Madrid (either in the form of tasters or portions to share) with unique extras in the city like live music or even exclusive DJ sessions for diners.

What’s the best news?  The flexible opening hours are perfect for almost everyone so that you can access the restaurant from Monday to Sunday from 5.00 pm to 1.00 am and on Thursdays the music lasts until well past three in the morning.

Some known cocktails throughout the city

Along with its exclusive atmosphere and exceptional cuisine for all tastes and palates, the Attic 11 Restaurant is a temple for lovers of original and refreshing cocktails. A menu with thousands of colour and taste combinations presented in XXL format and produced by the master hand of the famous Daniel Arnal.

Discovering other forms of eating in Madrid

Considering that there are many ways of travelling and of enjoying a destination, the arrival of summer weather invites us to enjoy a good company, good weather and a high level gastronomic offer. Where? That is simple, in some of the many terraces that are being opened in the different cities of our country. Madrid is the one offering the most original proposals.

As there are many neighbourhoods available, as well as specialties to be enjoyed, we need to choose the type of terrace and cuisine we like the most. Here is a review of the neighbourhoods with the most in vogue terraces.

La Latina neighbourhood in Madrid

Chamberi, the less bustling Madrid

Chamberi is such a local and authentic neighbourhood that it is ideal for escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city. A place full of young people, students and Madrilian families and full of sunny terraces. And it is a perfect place for discovering the traditional cuisine, with its fried eggs and its outstanding Spanish omelette bites.

La Latina, a perfect option

Another of those places where to get lost and enjoy a route of «summer terraces» is the mythical La Latina neighbourhood, one of the most authentic ones of the capital. With its own style evident in its people and its architecture, La Latina features bars serving delicious tapas, artisan beer bars and restaurants where to enjoy a mouthwatering meal.

Always at good prices, with an incomparable quality and with good communications with the hotels in Gran Via (located less than 1 kilometre from La Latina).

Gran Via, always modern

If there is a place in Madrid where you always find the last tendencies (in fashion, gastronomy and leisure), that is Gran Via. The main avenue of Madrid (or at least the most visited and commercial) features a series of rooftop terraces that will make the delicacies of those looking for something different.

Do you fancy a meal with views and an original and delicious gastronomic offer? The perfect option is The Mint Roof, the rooftop terrace in Madrid of the stunning Vincci The Mint Hotel.