5 Hidden Terraces
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Bar Obama
Gràcia’s rather bizarrely named pub Obama British Africa looks like the kind of place you’d only venture in winter, with its cosy sofas and dark wood panelling. Head through to the back, however, and you emerge into the beer garden. It’s not especially beautiful or green but it has plenty of tables where you can chill with one of a huge variety of beers.
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El Jardí
The best hidden terraces are the ones that you have to know about in order to find and El Jardí definitely fits that category. Situated in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, to reach it you have to walk through indoor market, El Mercadillo (look out for the camel guarding the door) and up some narrow back stairs. Once you’re there however, you emerge into a shady garden, complete with bar.
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Antic Teatre
As well as being a performing arts hotspot, the Antic Teatre also boasts an excellent pub garden. Slightly raised from the street, nature invades the city here, with plants growing out of the brickwork and tables grouped under a tall tree with far-reaching branches providing that much-needed shade.
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Mama's Cafe
Mama’s Cafe is a slightly more civilised affair. The neatly tiled courtyard edged with pretty potted plants is a great spot for a sip of cava, a cup of coffee or a bite of one of their scrumptious homemade cakes.
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Petit Palace Opera Garden
Another secret garden that involves a bit of adventure to reach. Walk down the narrow Carrer de n’Aroles and you’ll stumble upon a lift built into the ancient-looking stone wall. Take the lift up one level and you’re in the raised Boquería Garden—a tranquil spot with greenery, wooden decking and 100-year-old trees. Tables and chairs are dotted around, so take a seat and have a drink.