Lorraine Williamson
Spain is the country with the most bars in the world with a total of 277,539 in 2020. This equates to one catering establishment for every 175 inhabitants. Spaniards love bars, there’s no doubt about that. But the distribution of bars is not the same everywhere in the country. There are some provinces or cities that far surpass the rest. So, where do you find the most bars now?
That’s in the Spanish city of León, with 5.03 bars per 1,000 inhabitants. In total, there are more than 1300 of them. Most of the bars are located in the area known as the Barrio Húmedo. It is a perfect destination to go for a drink in one of its more than 100 establishments.
Barrio Húmedo
The name Barrio Húmedo fits perfectly with this group of streets where it is practically impossible not to find a good bar where you can enjoy a cool drink and some tapas. According to historians, its name comes from an old Leonese tradition in which wine was served unbottled, so that the drops of this spilled drink filled the streets that left the Barrio Húmedo.
The neighbourhood, near the Plaza de San Martín and the Plaza Mayor, is an idyllic destination to stroll along the bars and taste the gastronomic specialties. A walk through the cobblestone streets of León is a must during your visit to the Barrio Húmedo.
Some of the most famous bars in this district – with about 100 bars – of León are in the following areas;
- La Bicha
- La Competencia
- El Flechazo
- El Rebote
- El Tizón
- Jabugo
- Jamón
- La Rúa 11
Moreover, they all have something special!
The Spanish tradition of eating tapas
Spain is known worldwide for its tapas, the delicious dishes that are served with a drink. Eating tapas is one of the most famous customs of the Spaniards. It is a fantastic way to socialise and enjoy the most delicious products of Spanish gastronomy.
Patatas bravas, montaditos, calamari, squid, tortilla de patatas, the list is endless. And there is something for everyone. The tapas culture has been established in Spanish society for years. More and more catering establishments are offering tapas.
Tapas and more in León
León has also taken a step forward in the world of tapas with the tapas route in León. But this beautiful city is also worth a visit to discover its infinite historical and cultural charms. Together with its exquisite gastronomy, León offers all the ingredients for a fantastic city trip!
Also read: Spain has more bars than hospital beds per inhabitant