In the morning, enjoying a nice cup of coffee is possible in many places in Barcelona. Moreover, Spaniards take their coffee very seriously, and the number of specialty coffee shops in Barcelona has only increased in recent years. But which Spanish coffee is the tastiest, and how should you order it? On this page, you’ll find everything about coffee drinking in Barcelona and the best coffee bars and specialty shops.
Coffee Drinking in Barcelona
A “cafetería” is the Spanish version of a coffee shop. Here, various types of coffee are served throughout the day because, make no mistake, Spain has its own way of enjoying coffee. But you can also get your daily pick-me-up at the local bar or in a restaurant.
Drinking a delicious cup of coffee in the morning is possible in many places in Barcelona. Moreover, Spaniards take their coffee very seriously, and the number of specialty coffee shops in Barcelona has only increased in recent years. But which Spanish coffee is the tastiest, and how should you order it? On this page, you’ll find everything about coffee drinking in Barcelona and the best coffee bars and specialty shops.
Coffee Culture in Barcelona
Everyone enjoys their coffee differently, and it can sometimes depend on the time of day. Spaniards typically drink coffee four to five times a day: in the morning during breakfast, then during the mid-morning break or “almuerzo,” again after lunch, and finally in the late afternoon during “merienda” (afternoon snack).
👉 Read more about Spanish eating habits here.
Good to know:
- It is not customary to receive a cookie or something sweet with your coffee, but you can always order something sweet on the side.
- A cup of coffee typically costs between €1 and €1.50. With milk, it’s slightly more expensive, around €1.75.
- You can always specify how much coffee (“café“) you want by saying “corto” (short), “largo” (longer), or “doble” or “muy cargado” (very strong).
- You can also adjust the temperature of the milk (“leche“) by indicating whether you want it at room temperature (“natural“), hot (“caliente“), or very hot (“muy caliente“).
- You will always receive a packet of sugar so you can choose how much sugar you want in your coffee.
What types of coffee are available in Barcelona?
Ordering coffee in Spain can sometimes be challenging due to the many specialties and jargon. However, if you read up and come prepared to a café, ordering coffee in Barcelona will be a breeze. Here’s an overview of the most popular types of coffee in Barcelona with their Spanish and Catalan translations and variations.
Café solo (black coffee)
A cup of strong coffee or espresso is called “café solo” in Spain (or “cafè sol” in Catalan). This is what you’ll get when you simply ask for a coffee (“un café por favor“). If you prefer an Italian ristretto, you can say “un café solo corto.” If you want your coffee with a splash of liquor, it’s called “carajillo” (or “cigaló” in Catalan).
If you don’t like very strong coffee, it’s better to order a “café americano” (or “cafè americà” in Catalan), which is mixed with hot water and served in a large cup or glass.
It’s customary to have black coffee after the midday meal.
Café con leche (coffee with milk)
In Spain, a coffee with milk is called “café con leche” (or “cafè amb llet” in Catalan) and is served in a cup with a good amount of warm milk. This is the ideal morning coffee.
If you prefer an espresso with a bit of milk, you can order a “cortado” (or “tallat” in Catalan). It can be served in a glass or cup. If you like condensed milk, you can ask for a “bombón.”
Ordering a cappuccino will get you coffee with milk froth and cocoa powder; a latte is an espresso with hot milk and a layer of milk froth, and a mocha is a tasty cup of hot chocolate with espresso, frothed milk, and whipped cream.
Carajillo (coffee with alcohol)
Carajillo (or “cigaló” in Catalan) is one of the most famous Spanish coffee types. It originated after the conquest of Cuba when coffee was mixed with a shot of Cuban rum. Nowadays, carajillo is made with various types of alcohol, including whisky, brandy, cognac, rum, or liqueurs like Licor 43 or Baileys.
Due to its alcohol content, this coffee is often consumed as a pick-me-up in the morning or after a meal.
The preparation of carajillo can vary by region. In Catalonia, it’s common to serve it warm with a shot of brandy or cognac, along with a packet of sugar so you can adjust the sweetness to your liking.
If you add milk, it’s called “trifásico” (or “trifàsic” in Catalan).
Café con hielo (iced coffee)
Especially during the summer months, iced coffee, “café con hielo” (or “cafè amb gel” in Catalan), is a popular drink. When you order this, you’ll receive a standard cup of espresso with a glass containing an ice cube. The idea is to pour your coffee into the glass to cool it down.
Another refreshing option for coffee lovers is “granizado de café” (or “granissat de cafè” in Catalan): coffee with slushy ice, and the delightful Frappuccinos from Starbucks.
Café descafeinado (decaffeinated coffee)
A black decaffeinated coffee is called “café descafeinado” or “descafeinado solo” (or “cafè descafeïnat” in Catalan), while a decaffeinated coffee with milk is called “descafeinado con leche” (or “descafeinat amb llet” in Catalan).
It’s important to specify whether you want the coffee from the machine (“café descafeinado de máquina“) or from a sachet (“café descafeinado de sobre“).
Where Can You Enjoy the Best Coffee in Barcelona?
Now that you know what kinds of coffee you can find in Barcelona, you might be wondering where you can enjoy the best coffee in the city. The following addresses are some of the best in town and a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts!
Best Coffee Shops in Barcelona
The following cafes and coffee roasteries are well-known for their excellent coffee and are often featured in top-ten lists of the best coffee shops in Barcelona.
- Three Marks Coffee (Carrer d’Ausiàs Marc, 151) Metro: Marina (L1)
- Syra Coffee (Carrer de la Mare de Déu dels Desemparats, 8) Metro: Fontana (L3)
- Satan’s Coffee Corner (Carrer de l’Arc de Sant Ramon del Call, 11) Metro: Liceu (L3)
- SKYE Coffee Co. (Carrer de Pamplona, 8) Metro: Bogatell (L4)
- Onna Cafè (Carrer de Santa Teresa, 1) Metro: Diagonal (L3, L5, L6, L7)
- True Artisan Café (Passatge Sant Benet, 6) Metro: Arc de Triomf (L1)
- Cafe & Galeria Cosmo (Carrer Enric Granados, 3) Metro: Universitat (L1, L3)
- Morrow Coffee (Av. Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes, 403) Metro: Espanya (L1, L3, L8)
- Il Caffe di Francesco (Passeig de Gràcia, 66) Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (L2, L3, L4)
Trendy Coffee and Lunch Spots in Barcelona
Enjoy a nice lunch with a sandwich or a hearty meal while sipping a good cup of coffee at one of the following hotspots in Barcelona.
- La Esquina (Carrer de Bergara, 2) Metro: Catalunya (L1, L3, L6, L7)
- Brunch & Cake (Carrer Enric Granados, 19) Metro: Universitat (L1, L2)
- OMA Bistró (Carrer del Consell de Cent, 227) Metro: Urgell (L1)
- Bicioci Bike Cafè (Carrer de Venus, 1) Metro: Urgell (L1)
- Café Cometa (Carrer del Parlament, 20) Metro: Sant Antoni (L2)
- Federal Cafe (Carrer del Parlament, 39) Metro: Sant Antoni (L2)
- El Árbol Brunch (Carrer del Consell de Cent, 252) Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (L2, L3, L4)
- El Petit Mos (Carrer de Sepúlveda, 80) Metro: Rocafort (L1)
- Chica Boom (Carrer de la Diputació, 191) Metro: Universitat (L1, L2)
Coffee Roasteries in Barcelona
In Barcelona, there are several coffee roasteries that make excellent coffee. You can taste it on the spot and then buy a bag of coffee beans or ground coffee to take home.
- El Magnífico (Carrer de l’Argenteria, 64) Metro: Jaume I (L4)
- Nømad Coffee Lab & Shop (Passatge Sert, 12) Metro: Urquinaona (L1, L4)
- Cafés Caracas (Carrer de Puigmartí, 38) Metro: Joanic (L4)
- Cafès Roure (Carrer del Comte Borrell, 48) Metro: Sant Antoni (L2)
Coffee and Bookshops in Barcelona
Reading a book or newspaper with your coffee is possible at one of these coffee and bookshops. They are peaceful havens to enjoy a good book for a while.
- El Café de La Central (Carrer Mallorca, 237) Metro: Diagonal (L3, L5, L6, L7)
- Laie Pau Claris (Carrer Pau Claris, 85) Metro: Urquinaona (L1, L4)
- Llibreria Calders (Passatge de Pere Calders, 9) Metro: Sant Antoni (L2)
- Casa Usher (Carrer de Santaló, 79) Metro: Muntaner (L6)
Kid-Friendly Cafés in Barcelona
Kid-friendly cafes in Barcelona are an excellent option for those who want to enjoy a nice cup of coffee in the company of their little ones. These cafes provide features such as a play area, high chairs, and changing tables and warmly welcome you and your family.
- Pudding Pau Claris (Carrer de Pau Claris, 90) Metro: Urquinaona (L1, L4)
- Cocoa (Carrer de Lepant, 241) Metro: Sagrada Família (L2, L5)
- Ideal Poble Nou (Carrer de Marià Aguiló, 103-77) Metro: Poblenou (L4)
- Mama’s Cafe (Carrer de Torrijos, 26) Metro: Joanic (L4)
