DK Travel : Barcelona

With warm, crystal-clear waters lapping its sandy shores and mountains nuzzling up to its northern edge, this glittering jewel in the Mediterranean is blessed with desirable geographical genes. From the buoyant, revamped port area to the atmospheric medieval streets of the Barri Gòtic and the beautiful Modernista buildings of the Eixample, Barcelona has it all. A host of treasure-filled museums, architectural wonders, lively beaches and enchanting squares provide the icing on the cake.

Cacaolat

Chocolate lovers swoon over this chocolate-milk concoction, one of Spain’s most popular sweet drink exports.
Caelum

Uptairs sells honey, preserves and other foods made in convents and monasteries all over Spain. Downstairs you can sample all the delicacies in a cozy café on the site of a 15th century baths.
Cafè & Cafè

Before hitting the clubs, get fired up on caffeine or cocktails at this café-bar, full of antiques from the former Yugoslavia, birthplace of the original owner.
Cafè amb llet

Traditionally enjoyed in the morning, cafè amb llet is an ample cup of milky coffee.
Cafè de Gràcia

This airy and spacious café, with salmon walls and mirrors, is an ideal spot for a quick coffee away from the crowds. Service is speedy and a touch more formal than most places in Gràcia.
Cafè de l’Acadèmia

Superb Catalan cuisine and top-notch desserts are served at this restaurant in an 18th-century building.
Cafè de l’Òpera

Kick back at this elegant, late 19th-century café while rubbing shoulders with a mixed crowd, tended to by vested cambrers (waiters). This former xocolateria (confectionary café) – named after the Liceu opera house opposite – still serves fine gooey delights such as xurros amb xocolata (strips of fried dough with thick chocolate). It is near to perfect for people-watching on La Rambla.
Café del Born

Plaça Comercial is dotted with cafés, including the laid-back Café del Born, which evolves into an amiable bar as night descends.
Cafè del Centre

Said to be the oldest café in the Eixample, with dark wooden interiors that have not changed for a century. An unpretentious and authentic spot for a quiet coffee.
Cafè del Sol

This café-bar is a cut above the others in the lively, bohemian Plaça del Sol. The atmosphere buzzes, the conversation inspires and the excellent coffee keeps on coming.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €10
- €10–20
- €20–30
- over €30