Spaniard are used to have dinner 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. (sometimes as late at 12 Midnight), which leaves several hours between lunch and dinner. Therefore, Spaniards usually go "bar hopping" (or "Ir de tapas") and eating tapas after work. Keep in mind, however, that "Tapas" is not a particular type of food. Tapas in Spain (specially in its southern half), are usually given for free to accompany a drink before lunch or dinner. They may be cold, such as mixed olives and cheese, or warm, such as puntillitas, Andalusian battered, fried baby squid.

Eating food out in Spain is often a cheap option. One of the best ways to sample Spanish food is to try tapas, or snacks, which are served at any time of day in local bars. There are several types of tapas; they can be served warm or cold and, in a restaurant, you'll find at least 8 different kinds of Tapas. Some tapas are very spicy and they are strongly flavored with garlic, chilies, cumin, salt, pepper, saffron and so on.

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