Barcelona is a city rich in history, culture, and a vibrant coffee culture. Whether you consider yourself a coffee snob or are simply visiting and want to go to the best coffee spots, you will find plenty of different styles of coffee shops in Barcelona – and yes, part of it is the experience and atmosphere. In this guide to some of the best coffee shops in Barcelona we provide an overview of some great spots including hidden gems, as well as places you will remember forever.

The Rise of Coffee Culture in Barcelona

Barcelona has long been known to chiefly emphasize its art and architecture, Mediterranean lifestyle, and all-around charm. However, when the city gained notoriety for coffee, an explosion of Barcelona coffee shops opened all over, offering many iterations of it. The coffee scene has grown dramatically in the city by blending local traditions with international trends. The experience ranges from traditional Spanish café con leche to unusual third-wave coffee trends

Best Coffee Shops in Barcelona

1. Satan’s Coffee Corner

Satan’s Coffee Corner is an excellent place to experience a unique cafe and high-quality coffee. It is located in the El Raval area and it offers some of the best specialty coffee you will find in the city. Everything is minimalist, the vibe is lovely for a coffee date or to relax alone. Make sure you order one of their cold brews or pour-overs.

2. Nomad Coffee

If you’re serious about coffee, Nomad Coffee is your best impression. Nomad Coffee certainly cares about coffee, and they have brought Barcelona’s coffee culture forward by emphasizing quality through sourcing and roasting. Their main shop is located in the El Born neighborhood and is going to be the place for ambitious espresso drinking and amazing cappuccinos you can find in Barcelona.

3. Café de la Princesa

This lovely café near the iconic Palau de la Música Catalana is a great retreat from the busy streets of the city. The owner has created a beautiful space and a variety of coffee drinks at Café de la Princesa from which to choose. When you’re there, consider ordering an espresso and a Spanish churro with chocolate.

4. El Celler de Can Roca’s Coffee Shop

Although the Roca brothers are likely to be best known for their Michelin-starred restaurant in Girona, they also bring their impressive restaurant talent to Barcelona. The coffee shop from El Celler de Can Roca in Barcelona offers up Roca’s distinct style and progressive nature to coffee culture. The design of the coffee shop represents modernity and minimalism, but the coffee menu actually features a selection of quality artisanal coffee brews, and baked goods available for purchase.

The Coffee Culture: What Makes Barcelona’s Coffee Shops Special?

Barcelona’s cafes are more than simply cafes. Even local cafes build an environment you want to experience for longer periods of time, which means that while enjoying a warm atmosphere, nice baristas, and an environment which allows consideration or conversation, whether it be to people-watch from a terrace or enjoy a moment with your book, the Barcelona coffee shops make for an enjoyable city experience. Many cafes will advertise sustainability and ethical sourcing, meaning that every cup of coffee supports local communities and international coffee farmers.

Barcelona’s coffee scene requires not simply your time, but quality coffee & an ethical supply chain that defines Spanish culture.

Case Study: Nomad Coffee’s Impact on Barcelona’s Coffee Scene

Nomad Coffee has played a vital part in building the coffee culture in Barcelona. Upon their inception Nomad introduced Barcelona to the concept of third-wave coffee. Emphasizing direct-trade beans, proper brewing techniques, and quality coffee, Nomad has raised the bar for coffee in the city and encouraged other cafes to follow. Nomad’s success is a reflection of the growing trend of specialty coffee in Spain. A traditional café culture is evolving into something more exciting.

Pros & Cons of Barcelona Coffee Shops

Pros:

Variety: 

If you’re a fan of the traditional espresso or a pour-over, the coffee shops in Barcelona have a large variety of brewing techniques to choose from. 

Coffee Culture: 

One of the best features is the slow, yet energetic coffee culture that encourages you to chill, enjoy your drink, and connect with others.

Ethical Sourcing: 

Many coffee shops pride themselves on their focus on fair-trade coffee, so your dollar has a more sustainable impact.Different Coffee Shops: Both minimalism and art characterize many coffee environment’s which typically are as unique as their coffee. 

Cons:

Prices:

Specialty coffee is generally more expensive than your regular café, which may not suit everyone. 

Crowds: 

Places like Satan’s Coffee Corner and Nomad can become quite crowded, especially during peak time. 

Location:

Many of the best cafés are in neighborhoods that are not necessarily touristy, so you may need to do some work to find them.

FAQs About Barcelona Coffee Shops

Q: What is the typical coffee beverage in Barcelona? 

A: The standard coffee beverage in Barcelona is called a café con leche (or coffee with milk). You can also get a cortado (espresso with just a bit of milk) or a bombón (espresso with sweetened condensed milk). 

Q: Are coffee shops in Barcelona friendly to remote workers?

A: Many coffee shops in Barcelona are friendly to remote workers since they offer free Wi-Fi and a relaxed environment for remote work. Nomad Coffee and Satan’s Coffee Corner are particularly known among the digital nomad community. 

Q: How can I find the best coffee in Barcelona? 

A: Some coffee shops are well-known for their quality, but talking to locals for their recommendations or using online reviews from Google or Yelp may help you locate some hidden gems.

Conclusion: Sip, Relax, and Explore Barcelona’s Coffee Scene

Barcelona is a great city for coffee shops, whether you’re looking for the standard Spanish café experience or a new, fun kind of coffee shop to experience! This city has an abundance of rich culture and creativity, so whatever you’re after you won’t be disappointed. Next time you are in the red and blue city, make sure you check on the coffee scene; we’re positive you’ll find your new favorite café.