A lot of my Barcelona exploration is done via long walks through different neighborhoods. Literally every corner I turn, I see something new and interesting. This city has so much going on that it can be pretty overwhelming. When I head out on these long walks (typically with Ollie in tow), my goal is to see a lot and not spend much money.
On each walk I pass about a billion delicious looking bakeries, and while I’d love to treat myself to a pastry or fresh baked bread on each walk, that’s not a particularly smart idea. Instead, if I see a cute coffee shop, that’s where I indulge. It ups my energy, gives my walks some purpose and is lighter on the calories. It still feels like such a treat.
I’ve found so many cute coffee shops along my walks. Some I’ve seeked out and others I’ve stumbled upon. Most Barcelona restaurants serve coffee, but I’m sharing what I think are cutest and have the tastiest options. Before I jump into the list, a few things you should know about coffee in Barcelona:
- You actually won’t find much “coffee” here like you do in the US. If you’re looking for a cup of coffee, the closest you’ll find in most places is an Americano (shot of espresso + hot water). Even Starbucks in Spain doesn’t have coffee.
- Iced coffee is also somewhat of a rarity. Some coffee shops might look at you like you’re crazy if you order an iced coffee (how has it not fully caught on yet?). You could order a cup of ice (hielo in Spanish) and espresso and mix it, but it’s going to result in watered down coffee and not so good. Most of the places on this list though will have an iced option. If you just pop into a restaurant and ask for an iced coffee or espresso, you usually will be out of luck.
- The coffee culture here is to sit and enjoy your coffee. You won’t see as many people here with to-go cups like you do in the US. Most places though do have to-go cups, just make sure you specify you’d like your drink “para llevar” (to-go).
- The default milk added to drinks will often be whole milk. A lot of coffee shops carry almond milk (leche de almendra), but even more prevalent is oat milk (leche de avena). Both are my preference over cow’s milk and I was so happy to see it’s not so uncommon here.
And now here are my favorite Barcelona coffee spots to stop in for a caffeine fix!
6 Cute Barcelona Coffee Shops To Visit
Hidden Cafe
As the name Hidden Cafe would suggest, it’s a bit off the beaten path, but worth seeking out. I had their matcha latte with oat milk and it was so good. This is a cute place to sit and enjoy your coffee with a book.
Coffee Casa
A small stand in El Born, Coffee Casa is the perfect place stop by after touristing through that neighborhood. I had an iced oat milk latte and it was seriously incredible. I’m not sure if it was because I had been walking for miles on a hot day, but this was one of the best coffees I’ve had in a while.
Satan’s Coffee
Check out Satan’s Coffee in either Eixample or the Gothic Quarter and grab a cold brew for the road (or enjoy it in the cozy cafe).
Nomad Coffee
Visit the counter at Nomad Coffee for a caffeinated pick-me-up when you’re exploring El Born. The beans are roasted in Barcelona and the shop is intimate and inviting. Ollie approved and laid right down on the ground when we entered 🙂
Syra Coffee
Grab-and-go at Syra Coffee, a little spot in the Gracia neighborhood. To-go coffee isn’t the norm in this city, but Syra markets itself as a to-go spot. I love the simple design elements around the shop.
Black Remedy
This is a gem among touristy streets in the Gothic Quarter. Black Remedy has a hipster vibe, it feels like a bit of Brooklyn in Barcelona.
I’ve found a lot of gems, but it’s not the end of my Barcelona coffee tour. This city is full of hidden spots. If you know of any I missed, let me know!
