As Granada is likely to be most people's number one destination for snagging free food, these tips are intended specifically for Granada, though things are similar in other cities where free tapas is common. Read more on Where to Get Free Tapas in Spain
- There are three kinds of eating establishment in Granada - those that say 'tapas' outside, those that say 'restaurante' and those that say neither. Tapas bars give free tapas, restaurants don't, and if it says neither - who knows?
- Follow the crowd – the Spanish know where to go. Crowds of people hanging out on the terraza is a good thing.
- The only way the best bars can serve good tapas and not go broke is by only serving free tapas at peak times – that’s 1-3pm for lunch and 8-10pm or 11pm for dinner, so make sure you get your timings right. For more on tuning in to Spanish time, see The Right Way and the Wrong Way to Spend Twenty-Four in Spain
- While half the fun is exploring and looking for your own treasure trove of free food, if you want an easy time try c/Elvira (from Plaza Nueva it is the street that starts with all the kebab shops) or c/Navas (just off Plaza del Carmen).
- It is common to get bigger and better tapas for each consecutive drink that you buy (up to a point - there is no caviar and truffles for those who make it to the tenth drink!), but this is by no means a fixed rule. Take a look around – if other people have something more impressive than you have, stay for another, you might get something better next time. If everyone has the same, chances are they are dishing out the same to everyone, so move on.
