Barcelona Coffee: The Good, The Bad, and the Yummy

Words and photos by Amelia McGonigle, who studied abroad with ASA in Barcelona during spring semester 2025.

During my time in Barcelona, I learned to appreciate the way Europe does coffee. Since being home, I miss how delicious a simple espresso solo can be. Here are my favorite spots for coffee around the city, from brunch, to a quick pit stop, to a cozy study spot!

Quick Coffees To Go

LA CHERRY COFFEE CO. This is my ALL-TIME FAVORITE in Barcelona. I love the minimalist atmosphere, the employees, and especially the coffee! And it was close to my apartment, which made it easy to grab on the way to school, groceries, etc.

CAFE FARGO. This was where I had my first cup of European coffee during my study abroad experience. I will never forget how shocked my roommates and I were about how small the cups of coffee were compared to the US! Great place for a quick cup on the go.

NORA COFFEE. All the best spots happened to be right by my apartment! I found this place when I was meeting my friends from my home university who were visiting for their spring break. The barista was very kind, and we had a nice conversation in Spanish! Definitely recommend the coffee here.

FUNKY BAKERS. The ladies here are so nice, and the baked goods they have are delicious! I would have one of everything if calories didn’t exist. They have a few locations around Barcelona, but the one I went to was around the Gothic Quarter.

CAMELIA ART CAFE. Another great spot around the corner from my apartment! The only thing better than the coffee was the atmosphere, and the little details from the plates and cups they served with, to the decorated walls!

THE COFFEE. One of my friends from school who I studied abroad with found this place that happened to be around the corner from our apartment! It was right across from the laundromat too, which was convenient to stop at while my laundry was drying. We also studied here together a few times. I highly recommend trying their salted caramel syrup!

ALFAR. All the best coffee spots I know just happened to be found on the way to class or the metro! I was meeting my "Great Art Collections of Spain" class excursion when I found this little place. The logo with the lighthouse reminded me of my coastal hometown!

Coffee + Study = Success

SANTAGLORIA. This was my number one study cafe in Barcelona. The coffee was cheap and delicious, especially for a chain! I always studied at the location across from the old Sant Pau Hospital, down the street from UAB where I was taking classes. I frequented this place so much, they began to recognize me in a matter of weeks!

PHILOSOPHEAT. This was one of my favorite cafes to study in. They had outlets available underneath the booths, and the coffee was delicious! I loved the minimalistic and earthy vibe in here, and the conversations were never too loud to be distracting.

FORN PUIGGRÒS. This little place was right on Avenguida Gaudi, which made it convenient to stop by from my apartment or from school. The brownies here are so fudgy and delicious, I would always have to get one for longer study sessions!

STARBUCKS. This one may seem a bit basic, but I really enjoyed spending time in some of the Barcelona Starbucks locations. I loved getting a venti hot caramel macchiato when I was in need of something sweet. It came in the biggest mug I have ever seen! There were always plenty of outlets and enough space to spread out my laptop and notebook next to my beverage.

Brunch Spots with Great Coffee

CORGI CAFE. This should be at the top of the itinerary of any dog lover who visits Barcelona. There are two locations in Barcelona; one is more in the center of the city and the other is in the Gothic Quarter. I have been to both! The owners are so kind, the corgis (Mocha and Latte) are ADORABLE, and the food/drinks are delicious! Visited about 3 or 4 times, and I never had a bad thing to say about any part of the experience!

BRUNCH AND THE CITY. I went here only once, but it was definitely worth it! I went with a couple of my roommates from abroad, and we had the best time. I loved how everything from the interior decorations to the names of the dishes and drinks were themed after the iconic HBO series starring Sarah Jessica Parker. This cafe brings to life all the little moments from the show!

BILLY BRUNCH. This cute little brunch spot has two Barcelona locations, and so much good food on their menu it’s hard to pick a favorite! Their logo, a yellow chick, is all over their plates and cups, and they even give you stickers at the end of your meal! This was probably my second favorite cup of coffee I had at a Barcelona brunch.

BRUNCHIT. I really loved this place from the inside out. The exterior has this catching floral wall, which definitely attracts anyone ready for an Insta-worthy meal! I loved the different sweet and savory pancakes, but especially their coffee options.

Thanks Amelia!