With Spannabis just around the corner, I want to share a few tips to get the most out of a very busy time in Barcelona. While the festival and the events surrounding it can take up most of the days, here are a few tips to experience the best of this year’s Spannabis
Can’t Miss: Dab A Doo 2025
In a scene with a growing number of events every year, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of new cups and competitions. One can’t-miss event this year is the Dab-A-Doo, hosted by legendary cannabis icon Mila Jansen. Regarded as a sort of Mother Theresa among hash makers, Mila is a true cannabis pioneer, having been a part of the movement for the past 60+ years. While many people know of her for inventing the Pollinator and Ice-O-Lator, revolutionizing ways to make hash, Mila started a tea house in 1960s Amsterdam that was the place to be for the up and coming underground scene. It is now widely regarded as the precursor to the world famous coffeeshops of Amsterdam.
What started as a birthday celebration for Mila, Dab a Doo quickly turned into a celebration of the culture, art, and shared passion for hash. Historically there has been a competitive element, but this year there is none. “We’ve decided to switch the focus of this years event. Instead of a competition- with all the ego, tension, and drama that can sometimes overshadow the spirit of our community- we will be transforming Dab a Doo into a celebration of life, of legacy and of love”.
While it looks like this will be the final gathering of Dab-A-Doo, “It will be about collaboration - not rivalry - and about making the year unforgettable, one for the history books.” You can expect some of the best food and hash to delight all senses, and legends from around the world to be in attendance to celebrate.
Visiting the Social Clubs
The Cannabis Social Clubs of Barcelona are considered "private member groups”, so bring an ID/passport and prepare to become a member before being allowed to enter. Most commonly there is a small fee for becoming an annual member, and that will allow you to visit the club as much as you like during your stay.
Loitering, loud noises, or consumption right outside the clubs is a big no no as keeping a solid relationship with their neighbors is critical to the clubs continuing to exist. Each club may have specific rules for being inside, oftentimes including no photos of menus, people, or product.
Oftentimes they will have a small assortment of drinks or snacks available, but be prepared to leave the club for a full meal.
Getting to and From Spannabis
Spannabis itself is located a drive from Barcelona center, so be prepared to take a cab or get transportation to and from the event. Depending on when you decide to leave, getting a ride out of the venue can take a bit longer than expected, so plan a few extra minutes for travel when you leave, especially just after 4:20.
Dining in Barcelona
Barcelona is an amazing city for food of all kinds. From tapas to incredible fusion, Barcelona is a city that takes its dining seriously. Many restaurants in Barcelona require reservations, so be prepared to wait a while for a table if you do not have one. Many restaurants shut down for the late afternoon and don’t open for dinner service until 8, so the options are a bit more limited for those looking to have an earlier supper.
One of the main differences in dining in Europe is the tipping culture. Tipping is not expected in Spain, and oftentimes you will need to flag down a server in order to get your bill and pay, as there is not a big rush to get people out of the restaurant once your meal is finished. While there are almost unlimited options, a few we can’t miss are:
Dinner
La Flauta, Vinitus, Ciutat Comtal
A group of restaurants that serve classic catalonian/spanish tapas. While each restaurant has a similar menu with a few slight differences, none of them take reservations but the restaurants are large, and the tables move fast.
Bar Brutal
Delicious classic Spanish tapas with a huge selection of natural wines. Incredibly friendly staff with a few expats working there, they will take the time to get you the right food and beverage.t
Berbena
A standout in the Barcelona food scene. Berbena is a small plates + tapas style restaurant with some wildly delicious flavors. This one is hard to recommend, because it’s already hard enough to get a table
Casual
Gigi Focacceria
Exceptional Italian sandwiches with a small but absolutely delicious menu.
True Burger
A short walk from the HQ Club, here you can have fantastic smash burgers that can be loaded up with some incredible toppings.
Bars
Creps al Born
A lively tiki bar in the heart of Barcelona that’s open late and serves crepes. Great for after dinner, it’s a fun spot that’s open late.
Dr. Stravinsky
This isn’t a bar for classic cocktails but a truly unique and elevated experience with a large menu of cocktails.
