Take to the shade

Cafe d’Estiu, Museu Frederic Marès

Tucked discreetly behind the cathedral, the Museu Frederic Marès is housed in an outstanding Gothic building. Between April and September you can enjoy a refreshing drink at their Cafe d’Estiu in the cool and very peaceful courtyard. Plaça de Sant Iu 5

El Jardí

Hidden in the gothic gardens of the old Hospital de la Santa Creu in the Raval is El Jardí tapas bar. Surrounded by thick stone walls that drown out the sounds of the city, it’s a great spot to unwind with a glass of wine, some seasonal tapas and ambient music.C/ de l’Hospital 56BiergartenDuring the summer months the Princesa Sofia hotel recreates a little bit of Bavaria in Barcelona. Wooden terraces, traditional German music, staff in traditional costumes, authentic German beers and of course plenty of pretzels and sausages. Plaça de Pius XII 4

El Café del Gallery

Part of the Gallery Hotel on Roselló, this cafe is set in a small, secluded passageway next to the Palau Robert gardens. Your cool afternoon tipple and snack can be followed by a stroll in the park which holds frequent art exhibitions. Roselló 249

Mescladis

Situated in the heart of the Born, Mescladis is not easy to find twice. This social project in an Aladdin’s cave-like setting is a great place to spend some time with a book and a cool drink.They also have a generous ecological menu in case you get peckish. Carders 35

El Bar de l’Antic Teatre

This open space forms part of the l’Antic Teatre, just a stone’s throw away from the Palau de la Música. It’s not the poshest of venues, but this cheap and cheerful beer garden is well shaded under vegetation, and is ideally located right in the city centre. Verdaguer i Callís 12