Barcelona: Tapas for Beginners

Even if your Spanish is nada, there's no reason to resort to American chain restaurants in Barcelona. Head instead to Txapela, where the menu is printed with photographs and translations of each of the more than 50 items available. Located in the heart of the city, on Passeig de Gracia, the Basque-inspired restaurant is best known for tiny bites of cod with garlic sauce, skewered shrimp and mushrooms, and delightfully gooey brie cheese. Wash it all down with ice cold cavit -- Spain's answer to Champagne -- or the deceptively strong, homemade sangria. Passeig de Gracia, 8-10 08007. 93/412-0289.

---Katie McElveen