There are many cafes in the centre of Barcelona: touristy places, dodgy places, and simply gorgeous places. Yet outdoor terraces without tourists are hard to come by, so we did some research and found some great little spots around the centre of town where you can sit outside without having to suffer the buskers on La Rambla or the demonstrations in front of the Cathedral.

If you are ever near Pl. Catalunya or Pl. Universidad, drop by Plaça Vicenç Martorell. A great little square with playground, trees, grass and a lot of sunshine. If you intend to have a drink or a bite to eat, take a seat at Kasparo, a well known café with cheap prices. It also tends to catch the sunlight a bit longer.

While touring the gothic quarter you can always pop into the Museum Frederic Mares (MFM) on Placa de Sant Iu, 5 y 6. Tucked away on one of the streets circling the Cathedral you'll find the entrance to the museum in a quiet courtyard accompanied by an outdoor café, orange trees, a fountain and regular buskers adding to the romantic atmosphere playing their saxophones or cellos.

When down in the Borne area, which is simply crowded with restaurants, cafes and bars, take one of the small side streets that goes past the Picasso museum and look out for the Textil Museum on Calle Montcada. The entrance to the museum is in a small courtyard with a café serving five to six tables on their terrace. Here you can enjoy a coffee at reasonable prices without the hustle of the tourists browsing the Borne streets..