Most Charming Cafes in Barcelona

Want to escape the cookie-cutter cafes in Barcelona and their mediocre moods? From an old-world atmosphere to a mysterious ambiance, check out these charming cafes in Barcelona whenever you’re fiending for a coffee shop with character.

Granja M. Viader

A beloved Barcelona cafe and restaurant, Granja M. Viader has been serving hot chocolate and other breakfast goodies for over a century and across four generations. Its founding forefathers invented the Cacaolat drink, a bottled milk chocolate beverage that kids across Catalonia have come to know and love. Come inside this cafe, and you’ll feel like you’re part of the Barcelona’s chocolate history, where walls are decorated with Cacaolat’s vintage and nostalgic memorabilia. For a real chocolate experience, try the suís (hot chocolate topped with whipped cream), or have one of the local pastries like a fluffy melindro.

Carrer d’en Xuclà, 4

Salterio

This tea house and cafe oozes an Arabic ambiance and a mysterious mood. Bohemian and eclectic, Salterio’s cool candlelight and stone walls to make you feel like you’ve found a hidden cove carved in to the Gothic Quarter. Taste their hot herbal teas like chai tea or Moroccoan mint tea. For your dose of caffeine, try their Turkish coffee. Small but accommodating, Salterio is perfect place for cozy conversations during an Arabian night or day.

Carrer de Salomó ben Adret, 4

Cafe d’Estiu

Only open in the summer, Cafe d’Estiu is a kickback oasis away from the frenetic pace of the Born district. Hidden in the courtyard of the Frederic Mares Museum, this cafe is ideal if you feel like going solo to relax and read a book. Of course, it’s cool to bring a friend or four. Its trickling fountain sets the peaceful tone, inviting you zen out and reset in between sightseeing. For drinks, try a ginger lemonade, or go for a tradition coffee to lock and load your energies. 

Plaça Sant Iu, 5

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Alsur Café El Born

Even though Alsur Cafe has four locations in Barcelona, the Born branch is centrally located and is the most atmospheric. Sit on the terrace for a lively experience of listening to outdoor musicians and watching the passersby. For a more comfy climate, head inside the cafe and sink in to their soft armchairs, leather benches, or chat with a friend within its stone walls. Spacious and inviting, Alsur invites you to come and study, enjoy their homestyle brunch, or even just sip on a cup of joe.

Plaça de Sant Cugat, 1

Cosmo La Central

Bookworms who are coffee lovers can rejoice in this golden gem in the Eixample neighborhood. Housed on the second floor of a bookstore, Cosmo La Central is a place to savor a coffee and lose yourself into a good ol’ book. The bookshop (called La Central) offers a huge selection of books in Spanish, Catalan, and some in English. Calm and tranquil, the outdoor cafe is a fine place to study, but you won’t find any Wi-Fi or outlets here. Want more than just coffee? Enjoy a fixed-price lunch called a menú del dia or taste some delicious croissants or cakes.

Carrer Mallorca, 237

Have you been to any of these charming Barcelona cafes? Are you looking for another unique cafe? Let us know in the comments?

July 8, 2019 | Words by Justine Ancheta for Eye On Food Tours