Not to miss in Barcelona

Roaster-run bar from a well-known Barcelona specialty brand, listed in the World's 100 Best Coffee Shops; try a fruity filter coffee.

Weekdays are calmer

Small-batch roastery with a calm room, ranked among the world's top 100 coffee shops in 2025. Good for a slow filter or espresso.

Visit mid-morning for space

Bakery-café known for pastries, including a coffee-syrup mico, and brunch. Queues build up, especially at weekends.

Arrive early on weekends

Tiny brew bar serving single-origin filter coffee, such as a fruity Kenyan pour-over, with a claw machine by the door.

Ask about today's filter

Long-running tapas bar at a counter: order tuna tartare, cod fritters, croquettes and tomato bread. Open Monday to Saturday.

Walk in; expect a wait

Classic counter spot with no fixed menu. Start with the molten tortilla, then take whichever seafood arrived fresh that day.

Ask what's good today

Venetian-style tavern near the Boqueria on two floors. Order sardines in saor, pasta and tiramisù; Bib Gourmand in Michelin's 2026 guide.

Book for dinner

Newer wine-led restaurant with a seasonal, informal menu; try the onion soup. Added to Michelin's Bib Gourmand list in 2026.

Book ahead for wine pairing

Former anti-aircraft site on a hilltop with 360-degree city views, from the Sagrada Família to the sea. Free entry.

Go at sunset; leave by closing

Circular terrace on a converted bullring facing Montjuïc and the Plaça d'Espanya towers. Reach it using the mall's internal escalators.

Use internal escalators, not paid lift

Wide steps and terraces beneath the Palau Nacional, looking down Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina toward the city.

Sunset, around Magic Fountain shows

Free lookout above Park Güell, a no-ticket way to photograph the city and coastline from high ground.

Bring water; steep walk

Big market bar from the Michelin-starred Torres twins: croquettes, esqueixada, oysters, battered prawns and cold beer at fair prices.

Walk in mid-afternoon

Artisan gelato shop with Catalan flavours like carquinyoli and crema catalana; went viral after Barça players ate it at the title parade.

Try the crema catalana