Cafè Bliss

Hidden down a tiny side street, in one of the loveliest Gothic squares in the old city, is this delightful café. There is a bright terrace, comfy sofas and a range of international magazines and newspapers to browse through. It is perfect for coffee, cakes, light meals or a romantic drink in the evening. See Café Bliss.

Cafè de l’Òpera

Kick back at this elegant, late 19th-century café while being 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’s perfect for people-watching on La Rambla.

• La Rambla 74

Tèxtil Cafè

Nestled in a sun-splashed medieval courtyard, this soothing café offers a cheery respite from the outside world. Tuck into the amanida tèxtil, with goat’s cheese, artichokes and leafy greens, or international fusion favourites, from baba ganoush to couscous.

• C/Montcada 12

• Closed Mon

Bar Lobo

This chic café is a popular brunch spot during the day, but it really comes alive in the evenings. From Thursday to Saturday, the second floor becomes a hip club, with guest DJs and a chill-out space.

• Pintor Fortuny, 3

• 93 481 53 46

• Closed Sun eve and for occasional events

• DA

Madame Jasmine

This relaxed, arty café is furnished with flea market finds, and the mismatched tables and chairs give it a boho-chic feel. There are delicious croissants at breakfast, huge salads at lunchtime and killer cocktails in the evenings.

• Rambla de Raval 22

• 60 788 04 43

Bar Kasparo

This laid-back, outdoor café serves a sprightly menu of fresh, international fare with an Asiatic twist, including chicken curry and Greek salad. After the sun dips beneath the horizon, a bar-like vibe takes over, fuelled by beer and cider.

• Pl Vicenç Martorell 4

• Closed Jan

Cafè Salambó

Stylish evidence of Gràcia’s intellectual and literary character, this airy, lofty café draws arty locals. While away the afternoon over a steaming cafè amb llet or munching on fresh salads and entrepans (sandwiches). See Cafè Salambó.

Laie Llibreria Cafè

Tuck into a generous buffet of rice, pasta, greens, chicken and more at this charming, long-running Eixample café-bookshop. You can also opt for the well-priced vegetarian menu, including soup, salad and a main dish. See Laie Llibreria Cafè.

Granja Dulcinea

The xocolateries and granjes along Carrer Petritxol have been satiating sugar cravings for decades. Among them is this old-fashioned café with to-die-for delights, from xurros amb xocolata to strawberries and whipped cream. In the summer, delicious orxates and granissats are on the menu.

• C/Petritxol 2

• Closes at 9pm

El Jardí

This outdoor café-bar occupies a corner of the Gothic courtyard in front of the medieval hospital of Santa Creu. It is a great spot for a quiet drink, and there is live jazz in the summer. During the winter gas heaters are brought outside. See El Jardí.

Cafè amb llet

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

Tallat & Cafè Sol

Need a fortifying caffeine fix? Try a tallat, a small cup of coffee with a dash of milk. A cafè sol is just plain coffee. In the summer, opt for either one amb gel (with ice).

Cigaló

For coffee with a bite, try a cigaló (carajillo), which has a shot of alcohol, usually conyac (cognac), whisky or rom (rum).

Orxata

This sweet, milky-white drink made from a tuber (tiger nut) is a summertime favourite.

Granissat

Slake your thirst with a cool granissat, a crushed-ice drink, usually lemon flavoured.

Aigua

Stay hydrated with aigua mineral (mineral water) – amb gas is sparkling, sense gas, still.

Cacaolat

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

Una Canya & Una Clara

Una canya is roughly a quarter of a litre of cervesa de barril (draft beer). Una clara is the same, but with fizzy lemonade mixed in.

Cava

Catalonia’s answer to champagne is its home-grown cava, of which Freixenet and Codorníu are the most famous brands.

Sangría

This ever-popular concoction of red wine, fruit juices, and liquors is ordered at cafés throughout the city.