Shady terraces in Barcelona: the coolest places to hide from the heat
In high summer, the heat in Barcelona can quickly become almost unbearable. The answer? Hide from the sun, sheltered by pine trees or by ancient walls!
The rural one: Caseta del Migdia
Caseta del Migdia is a haven of greenery just outside the city centre. After a busy day’s roaming around Barcelona, pull up a chair at one of the bar’s many tables and relax! Just like a trip to the country… peace, quiet and a laid-back atmosphere guaranteed. What more could you want?
When? Winter: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, from 12pm to sunset
How much? Under 10 euros
Why? For a breath of fresh air without leaving the city
Where? Mirador del Migdia, Montjuïc (next to Montjuïc castle)
The hip one: Federal Café
If we had to describe the Federal in three words, they’d have to be pleasant, designer and green. You could easily spend the whole day here, from breakfast to brunch, a quick aperitif, lunch, coffee, tapas and drinks (alcoholic or otherwise). More information on this oasis in the city can be found in our article on the Federal. However, note that the terrace is only open part of the year (when it’s hot, essentially).
When? Monday-Thursday: 8am – 11pm, Friday: 8am – 1am, Saturday: 9am – 1am, Sunday: 9am – 5.30pm.
How much? €5-15
Why? For its tranquil charm
Where? Carrer Parlament 39, metro Sant Antoni (L2)
The authentic one: Kasparo
Hidden away in the arcades of an old building, Kasparo feels like it’s lightyears away from the hustle and bustle of Las Ramblas, although in reality, the distance is much, much smaller – just a few metres. No cars, no dodging restaurant tables, no illegal souvenir touts…
Just across from a small park with a play area, you can watch staff write the day’s specials on the blackboard (proof, if proof were needed, of the freshness of the products on offer) and deliver appetising, colourful plates of food to the tables around you.
Kasparo offers a very varied range of tapas (the photo shows their gaspacho and a curry empanada), cakes and other desserts, with both vegetarian and gluten-free options. The kitchen is open all day.
When? Summer: Tuesday-Saturday, 9am – midnight; winter: Tuesday-Saturday, 9am – 10.30pm
How much? €10 – 15
Why? For the quality and variety of tapas on offer
Where? Plaça de Vicenç Martorell, mero Universitat (L1, L2) or Catalunya (L1, L3, L6, L7)
After a stroll around the Gràcia quarter, stop off for a moment’s calm at Liadísimo. Note that there are only a few tables on the flower-bedecked terrace, hidden away at the back of the café-bar, so you may well need to wait a while. It’s worth it, though, for a truly relaxing stop-off a stone’s through from Gaudí’s Casa Vicens.
When? Monday-Friday: 7.30am – 9.15pm, Saturday: 8.30am – 9.15pm
How much? Around €15
Why? For its flowery charm
Where? Guillem Tell 22-25, metro Fontana (L3)
The lively one: the terrace at Hotel Neri
The Plaça Sant Felip Neri is a truly unique location in Barcelona. Whilst it looks like the perfect setting for a romantic film, its history is rather less tranquil.
During the civil war, a bomb exploded inside the church of the same name, killing over 40 people, including several children who had taken refuge there. Some of the adjoining houses were also destroyed. The architect responsible for rebuilding the square focused on recreating the vibrant atmosphere of the square, highlighting and restoring its historic buildings.
Nestled between two streets in the Gothic Quarter, this is one of the city’s best-hidden terraces – annnd it’s also our favourite.
As you enter the square, time seems to stand still. Listen to the water running through the fountain, soak up the historic atmosphere and enjoy the shade of the buildings and trees… perhaps whilst enjoying some soft guitar music. This little corner of Barcelona is truly exceptional – you’re sure to fall under its spell.
There’s only one terrace on the square, with just a few tables, and it belongs to the Hotel Neri, a 4-star Relais & Châteaux establishment. Drinks are available all day, but at lunch and in the evening, the terrace forms part of the hotel restaurant.
On weekdays, a three-course lunch menu (starter, main and dessert, plus a drink) is available for €25 (€22 if you eat inside, but we’re all about the terraces here!) – slightly more at the weekend. The food is good, but it’s the setting you’ll remember…
When? Monday-Friday 6.30pm-midnight, Saturday-Sunday 9am – midnight
How much? Around €30
Why? For the atmospheric setting
Where? Plaça Sant Felip Neri, metro Jaume I (L4)
- Looking for more secret places to hide from the heat? Read our article on Barcelona’s hidden terraces!
