Can Paixano

Of course, it’s become a tourist trap over the last years.

But Barcelona’s most loudest, dirtiest, crowdedst and – to put it in one word: best – Xampañería is still called Xampañería Can Paixano and really is the best.

There is other Xampañerías, true: not such a wild crowd, a more relaxed atmosphere, better food.

But you care only so much when, randomly passing Carrer de la Reina Cristina in the evening, you see the lively masses enjoying an abundance of Cava and Bocadillos. You can’t escape.

The champagne stand is nested between all sorts of Radio- and other shacks in Barceloneta, right by the port. But not only tourists find their way here, there’s also lots of locals and students enjoying a nice after work cava after a hard day’s work or exhausting lectures at the uni.

Along with the tasty Bocadillos, the ruby red Cava is served – it used to be by the (cheap) bottle, but that got out of hand pretty soon. Now, with a glass of Cava, you have to eat something. But once you ordered a Bocadillo, you can just go and order more and more glasses of Cava (Rosado). Usually, there’s a lot of meaningful gestures involved, not so much talk.

The Bocadillos usually consist of rolls stuffed with Serrano ham, fish or greasy, mouthwatering sausages and steaks from the grill. You can’t really go wrong, just order any of the hot (calents) or cold (freds) sandwiches (entrepans).

Not too much needs to be said about the Rosado: In two, you can easily do 2-3 bottles within an hour. But you should bring an emtpy stomach, otherwise you won’t get as many Bocadillos in as you require given the consumption of alcohol.

It’s a one of a kind experience – but then again, not: You’ll be back, and that’s a promise.

Avoid if you need personal space, a seated intimate romantic evening or cleanliness. It is the opposite of all of those things and it is wonderful! Delicious cava, dirt-cheap bocadillos, you’ll hear at least 6 different languages within 30 seconds of entering. It’s a wonderful place to bring people to overwhelm them right off the get go, and to inevitably make a few friends. :)

An different option for a simple sandwich. Packed (literally) with locals and tourists, the ambiance is warm and young. The sandwiches, composed of typical spanish ingredients, are served cold or warm. Simple tapas of croquetas, cheese, ham, or chorizo are great options to compliment the house cava.

That's one of the must see places in Barcelona. Always crowded because of the cheap prices and good bocatas, it's a great stop before starting the night.

If you want to sample the cheapest cava in town alongside a bewildering selection of sandwiches, this is the best place to go. It’s a rowdy cava bar where a copa is about 50 céntimos and the most expensive own-label bottle a little over 4€. There are no seats though. If you go at lunchtime, you’ll be able to find some space to enjoy your drink -- but if you go at night, expect the place to be crammed full. It’s a good way to get tipsy early, but don’t say I didn’t warn you about the evenings -- any time after 7pm will start to get very, very full. It’s compulsory to order two mini sandwiches with the first bottle you buy.