Taste some of the creamiest, most flavorful ice cream you've ever had. These shops serve the BEST ice cream in Barcelona and give Italy a run for its money.
One of the best things about Europe is they know how to make ice cream right. I rarely eat ice cream in the US because it just doesn’t hold a candle to the texture and flavor you get in Europe. Therefore, it's no surprise that one of the first things I research when visiting a European city, especially if it’s in Italy or Spain, is where to find the best gelato.
Barcelona does not disappoint in the gelato scene. My list of places to sample was pretty lengthy, but don’t you worry, I took the challenge in stride and offset the endless servings with many morning jogs. I assumed it would be extremely difficult to pick my top 5 starting with such a long list. It wasn’t. The winners were an easy pick, serving some of the creamiest and most flavorful ice cream I’ve ever had.
These ice cream shops give Italy a run for their money and without a doubt serve some of the best ice cream in Barcelona. Try one of all five. I guarantee you will find yourself going back for a second, third, or tenth visit.
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1. DeLaCrem
My top pick for the best ice cream in Barcelona and a favorite with locals
DeLaCrem serves the best ice cream Barcelona has to offer. Quality ingredients are used to make a fresh batch each day. You won’t find any second day leftovers here. My first bite had me reminiscing to sitting in a sun-soaked piazza enjoying the finest gelato in Italy. DeLaCrem will rival the best Italy has to offer. Trust me. As a person who has no problem subbing gelato for meals and enjoying multiple servings a day…I would know.
I appreciate that DeLaCrem only uses ingredients that are gluten free. Therefore, those with celiac or gluten sensitivity don’t have to worry about cross contamination. Vegan friendly ice cream and sorbet is available as well.
The last time I visited Barcelona, I was between several hotels. You know what my final deciding factor was? The hotel closest to DeLaCrem…because I knew I would be visiting this spot every evening. If that isn’t a testament to how good this Barcelona ice cream shop is, I don’t know what is.
DeLaCrem is located about 10 minutes northwest of Placa de Catalunya, Barcelona’s most central square. This is my favorite area to stay in Barcelona and makes the location of DeLaCrem extremely convenient.
DeLaCrem is right across from the University of Barcelona. As a result, it's common to find students surrounding the place. Don’t fret if there is a line, which is usual, as it moves fast. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to grab a table on the sidewalk patio.
Freshly made and extremely delicious pastries are also available if you want to go all out. My gelato favorite flavors are gianduia (hazelnut, chocolate) and mascarpone with coffee. A small cup or cone will get you two flavors and costs €2.50. The coffee at DeLacrem is also great. Order an affogato (espresso poured over gelato) if you need both a sugar and caffeine high.
2. Parallelo
Not only some of the best gelato in Barcelona, but also the best ice cream bars and most unique flavors
Located within striking distance of Casa Mila and Casa Battlo, famous buildings you can tour by Antoni Guadi, and just off the designer shopping street, Passeig de Gracia, Parallelo is the perfect stop for an ice cream break.
Parallelo not only offers some of the best gelato in Barcelona, they also whip up some of the most unique flavors. If you’re lucky, they may be serving artichoke the day you visit. Other unique flavors include sweet potato, guacamole, tzatziki, and parmesan with balsamic. The black sesame and matcha tea are a great option if you don’t want to go too wild with your flavor choice. It’s worth noting that the pistachio flavor at Parallelo is some of the best I’ve ever had. If you’re a pistachio fan I would order several scoops of this flavor alone!
There is a nice selection of vegan and dairy-free flavors and the prices are so cheap you’ll forget you’re in the ultra-chic and expensive Eixample district. €2.00 for a scoop and €4 for 5 scoops!
If you’re a fan of ice cream bars Parallelo is a must! Try the pistachio sorbet covered in a thick layer of dark chocolate and covered in pistachio pieces or the hazelnut sorbet covered in dark chocolate and hazelnut pieces. Both vegan.
See Also:
Best gelato in Florence, Italy | TOP 5
BARCELONA COFFEE SHOPS – TOP 5
SPAIN IN A WEEK | 5 SPAIN ITINERARY IDEAS
BARCELONA TO GIRONA DAY TRIP | A COMPLETE GUIDE
3. Swiit
The triple threat winner: Best gelato in Barcelona + ideal location + charming atmosphere
Swiit seems to have it all. Not only will you find some of the best gelato in Barcelona here, you’ll also fall in love with the charming atmosphere and the ideal Gothic Quarter location. It’s obvious from the first bite that the Italian gelato makers at Swiit know their craft and have brought a piece of Italy to the streets of Spain.
Organic milk from local Catalan farms, seasonal fruit, and small batches create a consistent quality. It’s no surprise Swiit has a devout following, 5 star rating on Tripadvisor (4.9 on Google), and gushing reviews.
The space is as artfully crafted as the gelato itself. Large wood framed windows look out onto the city’s original roman walls. Grab a seat and watch the locals and tourists hurry by on the cobblestoned street. Everything about Swiit gives you an authentic European vibe…the quality, flavors, design, location, and view. Bring your camera because you will most definitely be tempted to take pictures of this adorable Barcelona ice cream shop.
4. Gocci di latte
The best ice cream in Barcelona for a beach day treat
Headed to Barceloneta beach? Grab some of the best ice cream in Barcelona on your way at Gocci di Latte. The gelato is so flavorful here you might just grab a second serving on your way back! The tiramisu is a must and the dark chocolate is so dark it’s almost black. Combine the dark chocolate with pistachio for a heavenly combination. Unique flavors are offered on rotation. Rice and cinnamon, avocado, mandarin and rosemary…imaginative but not too crazy. Vegan options are also available.
5. Gelarto Rosa
The best gelato in Barcelona for that Insta shot
I am usually weary of a place that serves shaped and molded ice cream and often view it as a way to distract from the subpar quality. Not so with Gelarto Rosa! Not only will you find your perfect Instagram prop at this Barcelona ice cream shop, you will also be deliciously rewarded. This gelato gets a double thumbs up for both taste and artful presentation.
All the ingredients used are organic and many are imported from Italy to offer a truly Italian style ice cream. Vegan, lactose free, and sugar free options are available.
Gelarto Rosa is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter which makes it a convenient stop while sightseeing.
In Summary
You will find some of the best ice cream in Barcelona at these five spots. Each was good enough that I visited multiple times. I had to check that the quality was consistent of course! Try one or all five and let me know which was your favorite.
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