Barcelona: Best hot chocolate, coffee and tea on cold days

Hot chocolate with whipped cream at the Buenas Migas coffee chain in Barcelona. Photo: Ebarrera

By Regina W Bryan in Barcelona—

Yesterday over dinner I asked my sweetie if he remembered the last time it rained in Barcelona. We both tried to remember. It’s been weeks. While the sun is shining and there’s not a cloud in the sky, mornings are crisp and chilly and it feels like winter.

On these nippy winter days and nights, nothing is tastier than a frothy cappuccino, a thick hot chocolate or a aromatic cup of herbal tea. When you want to get out of the cold and warm frozen fingers, these are the cafes and restaurants to hit up:

A serious cup of chocolate at a Granja-Xocolateria in Barcelona. Photo: Pedro Rebelo

1. La Pallaresa: Granja-Xocolateria
c/ Petritxol 11 – Barcelona 08002
Gothic Quarter

There will be a line out the door at this spot on the weekend in the evenings. Locals love to dunk “churros” in lava-like cups of Swiss hot chocolate. I say go for the calorie explosion and get your coco with a slab of whip-cream on top. Heaven in a cup and well worth the wait.

**There are Granja-Xocolaterias all over Barcelona. They are a sort of cafe serving chocolate drinks and desserts.

2. La Nena
c/ Ramón y Cajal 36 – Barcelona 08012
Gracia

Also a Granja-Xocolateria like La Pallaresa but in Gracia. Less of a wait at this one and in an interesting, fun area. They also have teas and cakes.

3. Buenas Migas
Web site

During the winter months Buenas Migas, an excellent cafe chain, serves up several hot cocoa options at all of its restaurants. Try the “xocolata suïssa” topped with whip-cream and chocolate syrup or the “xocolata amb galetes” for a cocoa topped with whipped cream and cookies! Buenas Migas also serves teas, cakes, pies, and all sorts of coffee drinks year-round.

4.Farga
Web site

Another chain, Farga is known for their chocolate, ice cream and sweets. Try a cappuccino and a slice of something sweet and wonderful at their Diagonal location.

5. Federal
Web site

Known for their Aussie brunch more than anything else, Federal is also an excellent place for a morning coffee or an afternoon teatime snack. They serve tempting desserts and pastries and have a full coffee bar.

Also in our guide: Planning a trip to Barcelona and trying to find an affordable place to sleep? Check out our reviews of the best and most affordable hotels in Barcelona, all of them inspected, photographed and reviewed by our editors.