My husband and I will be in Spain in June and July and I just figured out that the hotel breakfasts at 12-15 euros a pop will run us about $380 throughout our stay. Any suggestions on where to eat breakfast in Barcelona, Cordoba, Grenada or Madrid, and what it might cost? I'd like eggs, ham or cheese and a cup of tea, or the local "substantial" breakfast whatever it is (as opposed to roll and coffee). If I'm way off base, please tell me. Really any comments would be helpful!

Hate to tell you will find drinking tea a disappointment here in Spain. It is usually served without milk. However if you ask for Leche, milk, it is mainly milk. The temp of the water is usually the same as the coffee, and not very hot.
To find a place for breakfast just look at where the local are eating. Usually standing at the bar/counter as it is cheaper. Breakfast is usually fast. Try chocolate and churros for a filling starter.

Most large hotels area rip off so best be avoided.

Typically breakfast in Spain is not a large sit-down meal. Breakfast in Spain could be considered the true "continental breakfast", bread (toasted or not) or a croissant, juice and coffee and possibly a tostada. Chocolate and churros are also good, but not everyday.

Most people will stop later in the morning, around 10:30 or so, for another café (a cortado) and a sweet, a tapa or pintxo, or even a short beer or glass of wine.

hi, lrousman,

we just spent a long weekend in Madrid, and had no problem getting breakfast outside the hotel. coffee, croissant [or other pastries] and freshly squeezed orange juice were 5Es each. ham and eggs about 3E.

you can easily get tea - just ask for "the con leche freddo" or the hot chocolate is usually excellent.

we usually get breakfast in the hotel on the first day just to make sure we aren't missing a bargain, then eat out the rest of the time.

can't help with BCN I'm afraid - it's high on our "must do" list, but everytime I look at flight, it's too pricey.

regards, ann

I wouldn't do the hotel brakfasts. As noted, there are plenty of cafes and bars available. True Spanish breakfasts are normally juice, coffee, and toasted bread with perhaps a bit of olive oil or tomato on it. More likely htan not, eaten standing. However, you might inquire if they have a bit of tortilla around. a tortilla in Spain really a qhiche of eggs, potatoes, and onions. a real meal.

In BCN, try to get dwon the the Boqeria Market just off Ramblas. A breakfast [or any meal] heaven.

many places will make to order what you want.. plain omelette, grilled crosissant "a la plancha" ( my favorite), beicon, loganizas (sausages)..

ask for your beicon "MUY hecho" or it will be almost raw. they do not usually make it crispy.. nor darkened.

so just learn to say what you would like and most places will be happy to make it if they have a grill.

you will notice that more of a bar/café will have a grill in the back contrary to the pastry/coffee shops.

tortilla española ( the potato omelette mentioned) is very tasty and filling.

they will probably ask you if you want it in a bocadillo, or al plato.. (in baguette or on a plate).

let us know what we can translate for you so yo get your coffee/tea thas close to the way you like it as can be expected.. it is really a good feeling when you can at least start the day the way you like best!

there are "desayuno popular" fixed price most places for 2-4 euros.

then you have a set price "almuerzo" some places that include a small bocadillo, a beer/wine/beverage and coffee.. for 3-5 euros. this is a very economical way to fuel your body.

in the afternoon you will see "merienda popular" for a fixed price again .. coffee and cake/roll.

you can always get extra hot water for your tea bag. and when you ask for tea make sure you ask for a TAZA GRANDE ( large cup).

some places they serve it in almost thimble size glasses.

Ann, "the con leche freddo" or "the/tea con leche frio"?

We stayed on The Ramblas in the Hotel Continental (it has a sister hotel) and it included "continental breakfast" which was cold cereals, fruits, toast, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, croissants,coffee, tea, hot chocolate and although there wasn't bacon and eggs.. there was more than enough to fill us up..Plus, there were refreshments available all day long

Though you didn't ask about any other meals, I highly recommend a wonderful paella restaurant in Barcelona, called The Seventh Port. It was the best I have ever tasted! kp

It is "té con leche fria" or "té frio con leche", I don't know what you are trying to say

We just returned from Barcelona a couple of weeks ago. We stayed in an apartment near Las Ramblas and La Boqueria market. We had breakfast at the market every day for 4 days. There are several places there. You could have continental or something substantial such as pork chops, omelettes (spinach or potato) etc. We also bought Manchego cheese there in slices and bread at the bakery and made our own. Great food!

You could even stop in at El Corte de Ingles (the big dept store) and grab pastries, yougurt & coffee in their market section. We stayed in an apartment last fall, so we were able to stock up and make our own coffee & breakfast. It was a relaxing way to start the day. You may also find that many bars that are open 24 hrs (they are around) will have pastries and coffee in the mornings. To be honest, I didn't notice tea but it's possible that it is available. Barcelona is so tourist driven with tourists from all over the world that they seemed to have something for everyone.

hi, comfyshoes -

oops, sorry, i segued into Italian. Kenderina is quite right. I blame my DD who won't go to italian lessons unless I go with her. The sacrifices we make for our children!

regards, ann

Never a problem, Ann. It is just that I am heading to Spain at the end of this week, and I really do not want to ask for "Freddo" with my tea whether or not I want "té con leche fria" or "té frio con leche". I mean one never knows who or how expensive Freddo might be I am merely pulling your leg, please forgive me.

Yes, this Kenderina "girl" is always right. She just knows everything. Right, Kend? What's your prediction? Do you think I will like your beautiful country and its nice and friendly inhabitants? Make a prediction and when I am back at the end of this month, I will tell you all about it.

Lrousman, sorry "man" for hijacking your thread.

Hey, Comfy, I'm a girl , you guessed right
And no...I only know I don't know anything (I can't remember who said that..but he was true ! )
Prediction ? Are you calling me a witch ? hahahahahaha.
Seriously, I know you will have a great great time here, even if you find some stupid inhabitants (yes, there are a few everywhere ) and I'm sure you will turn back to see more

Ahh.... no woman is ever a witch, Kend. Never say that. You know Spain is a part of me, and let's leave it at that. I know I will enjoy it a lot.

Later.