The best spots to enjoy a coffee in Barcelona
Exploring all of the famous landmarks Barcelona has to offer can be thirsty work, especially during the scorching summer months. Whether you’re visiting historic sites like La Sagrada Familia, touring Barcelona FC’s Camp Nou or exploring the countless beaches and barrios the city has to offer, it’s always good to know the best spot to grab a coffee before moving on to the next adventure. There’s a great variety of marvellous restaurants and coffee shops throughout the city. With picturesque squares, cute cafes and rooftop venues boasting panoramic views common to all Barcelona’s beautiful barrios, you can always find some great places to re-energise or spend a lazy afternoon with friends.
El Born
For coffee on-the-go, Cafés El Magnífico is a must-try. The century-old business is known for its expertly-prepared coffee and offers 18 unique and delicious blends just waiting to be devoured. While there’s nowhere to sit and enjoy the coffee inside the store, it’s definitely worth a visit. So why not grab a takeaway and explore the La Ribera neighbourhood it calls home? If you’re exploring El Born, enjoying a cappuccino on the Hotel Edition rooftop terrace as the morning sun rises is an absolute must. While prices are steeper than the Santa Caterina market below, the spectacular views across the entire city make sipping a coffee here a truly unforgettable experience.
Barceloneta
One of the most popular spots to spend the afternoon enjoying a coffee with friends is Barceloneta, one of the city’s star attractions. This beachside barrio is perfect for sipping on a flat white while enjoying the ocean views. It’s also a great spot for a bit of people watching as countless tourists and locals flock here to soak up the sun and take part in water sports all year round. Plus there are plenty of cafes and restaurants around to refuel your energy after a walk around the beachside or a game in the Casino Barcelona, which is also nearby. For a break on the beach, why not stop by La Deliciosa Chiringuito for an iced latte?
Poblenou
The Poblenou district offers a quirky mix of tapas bars and cafes set in the design centre of Barcelona. The area is full of workshops and studios, making it the perfect spot if you’re seeking inspiration or settling down to catch up on a few emails during your stay. A visit to Little Fern for a coffee and breakfast is always worth sampling, as is Espai Juliu, which offers a range of mouthwatering vegan breakfast options. L’Atelier by Amis is a quirky, cosy cafe that is also worth a visit if you’re looking for a delicious selection of pastries to start your day.
Gràcia
Located a stones throw away from La Sagrada Familia, the Gràcia neighbourhood is known for its tree-lined streets, boutiques and galleries. It’s often considered one of Barcelona’s trendiest barrios, so there is no shortage of hip coffee shops and cafes to try out. While you can’t prevent bad weather from happening, it’s always useful to know of a few hidden gems that are perfect for enjoying whether the sun is shining or not. Mama’s Cafe is a great stop all year round thanks to the cosy atmosphere inside and the huge outdoor terrace, just waiting to be enjoyed on sunnier days. La Nena Xocolateria is the ideal place for anyone with a sweet tooth or those in need of a sugar boost after a long day of sight-seeing. Here, hot chocolate with a home-made cookie on the side is a must-try.
Sant Antoni
Sant Antoni is known as one of Barcelona’s up and coming neighbourhoods and is located in the Esquerra de l’Eixample area. It’s already become known for its coffee shop and brunch culture so you’re spoilt for choice if you find yourself seeking out some refreshments around this barrio. Sweetaly is a dream for lovers of both coffee and Italian cuisine as they boast both an extensive coffee selection and open sandwich menu. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a time out from the hustle and bustle of the city, then head to Babelia Books & Coffee. They not only offer an amazing selection of cakes and sandwiches but you can stay as long as you like, immersing yourself in whichever book takes your fancy from their shelves.
