The Best Outdoor Summer Terraces In Barcelona

Finding a sunny spot to soak up the blissful rays of summer sunshine – or on the contrary, a leafy corner to escape them – isn’t always as easy as it might seem in Barcelona. Busy roads, narrow streets and a general crack-down on outdoor terraces mean you better know where you’re going. Here are some of our absolute favourite terraces for the summertime.

1. Antic Theatre

Cafe, Bar, Contemporary

Once the sun goes down the Antic Theatre will be bustling | Michael & Tara Castillo / © Culture Trip

This quirky independent theatre is located just down the street from the famous Palau de la Música and yet has managed to keep rather a low profile, continuing to attract a mostly local, edgy crowd. The large outdoor terrace is hidden from sight and is accessed via a small staircase from a quiet side-street. There’s nothing fancy about this place and you’ll need to fetch your own drinks from the bar but it’s one of the best places to hang out on a sunny afternoon in the city’s Old Town.

2. Restaurant Taverna El Guindilla

Restaurant, Market, Spanish, Tapas

This family-friendly restaurant is located in the Barceloneta Market, side to side with the fish mongers, butchers and vegetable stalls inside. The large outdoor terrace overlooks the main square of the Barceloneta, the Plaça del Poeta Boscà and is great for people watching in the sun. Outside of meal times there’s absolutely no problem for people to grab a table for a drink on the terrace although there are some pretty tempting tapas on the menu and you’ll struggle to get away without ordering at least a portion of roast chicken and jamón croquetas.

3. La Monroe

Bar, Restaurant, Spanish, Contemporary

Located slap-bang in the middle of one of El Raval‘s livelier squares, La Monroe shares its walls with the Filmoteca de Catalunya, the regional film library and cinema. This quirky venue has a playful interior, with a slightly industrial feel softened by colourful chairs and quirky furnishings. The venue opens out onto a terrace overlooking the square and is a great place to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of El Raval.

5. Bar Lobo

Bar, Spanish, Contemporary

If Las Ramblas are generally hit and miss when it comes to places to eat and drink, turn the corner down Carrer Pintor Fortuny and within second you’ll stumble upon the sun-drenched terrace of Bar Lobo. A modern eatery owned by the Grupo Tragaluz, a local restaurant group, the Bar Lobo offers an accessible menu of international and Spanish dishes including salads, fish, burgers and tapas. This is a great place for soaking up the buzz of the city centre without feeling like you’ve stumbled into a tourist-trap.

6. Cafeteria Can Deu

Cafe, Spanish

The Centre Civic Can Deu, in the middle of the Les Corts neighborhood, is a beautiful Modernist building. The café is a popular hangout spot for locals who take advantage of its great location and outdoor terrace. While the cafeteria no longer serves its famous menu del día, clients can still enjoy a selection of hot and cold dishes for breakfast, lunch or as an afternoon snack.

7. Cafè del Sol

Bar, Cafe, Spanish

In the heart of the happening Plaça del Sol, Cafè del Sol is both a cafe and a bar. At night, Cafè del Sol offers a variety of cocktails to satisfy every taste. Step in to enjoy the classic American music spanning from the 1960s to the present, and join the crowd of Gràcia locals sipping beers after work or enjoying cocktails with friends.

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