El Born has something few Barcelona neighbourhoods can offer: narrow medieval streets that suddenly open onto bright squares, perfect for sitting down with a drink, a coffee or an ice cream as the day winds down. This guide gathers the best terraces in the neighbourhood, grouped by the kind of evening you’re after, so you can find the one that fits the moment.
Terraces with the best views
If the Palau itself is what draws you in, it’s worth reading our guide on visiting the Palau de la Música Catalana before you book a table nearby.
Squares and corners to sit outdoors
Terraces for cocktails
The perfect finish: gelato across from the Palau de la Música
After an afternoon of terraces around El Born, there’s one plan that never fails: cross over to the Palau de la Música and finish with an artisan gelato at La Palau.
The gelato is handcrafted by Menodiciotto, a workshop founded in Turin in 1986 by master gelato maker Luca Grassi, with over 80 natural flavours and gluten-free, vegan and lactose-free options.
Check all the flavours on our menu or see how to find us — we’re right across from the Palau.
How to plan your afternoon of terraces in El Born
If you want to take in several of these terraces in a single afternoon, this order works well:
- Aperitif at Plaça de Santa Maria or La Vinya del Senyor.
- A stroll along Passeig del Born, stopping at whichever terrace looks liveliest.
- A late finish with views of the Palau de la Música at Mirador del Palau, or a gelato at La Palau.
For everything else the neighbourhood has to offer beyond its terraces, see our guide to things to do in El Born.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best terrace in El Born for views?
Mirador del Palau, next to the Palau de la Música Catalana, has some of the best views in the neighbourhood while you eat or have a drink.
Where are the quieter terraces in El Born?
Casa Spritz and Farola Cocktail Bar have a more relaxed feel, ideal for a calm afternoon away from the crowds of the busiest tourist spots.
Which square in El Born has the most terraces?
Plaça de Santa Maria, at the foot of the Basílica de Santa María del Mar, brings together several of the neighbourhood’s most popular terraces.
Where can I get an ice cream after the terraces in El Born?
At La Palau, right across from the Palau de la Música Catalana, at Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, 14. Open every day until 23:30.
Are the terraces in El Born open all year round?
Most of them are, although the atmosphere and the crowds pick up considerably in spring and summer, when the weather invites you to stay outside longer.
Is El Born a good neighbourhood for an afternoon of terraces?
Yes, it’s one of the best in Barcelona for it. It combines medieval architecture, open squares and a varied food scene in a very walkable area.