Cafè del Sol

Like a man called Peter who names his son Peter, so is the Cafè del Sol. Why take unnecessary risks with fancy names when you're the king of a square where the sun always shines, the trees tickle the windows with their leaves and the dogs bark with glee.

An emblem of the Gràcia neighbourhood, Cafè del Sol was one of the first bars to open in this most famous of Gràcia squares, which is a spot not only for sun worshippers, but also for barrio dogs and more than a few buskers. Cafè del Sol features a generous terrace peppered with metal chairs, where day and night, you hear patrons speaking local and world languages, not understanding each other until the waiter comes over, when everyone knows how to order a 'cervesa'.

If you're not into the uneven sunburn sitting in squares can lead to, inside the bar is like a Gothic cathedral – nice and cool, and a good retreat for the more freckly among us. There's a lovely marble bar, where you can look over the homemade dishes of the day before ordering and sitting at a table while reading the paper. The staff are friendly and the service, while it make take longer in warmer terrace-packed months, is quick and attentive. And if you are inside and don't get a chance to enjoy the constant stream of penny whistle players, the music from the speakers is loud enough to tap your foot to, but quiet enough to talk to friends over a candle lit on your table.