Searching for the BEST ice cream in Barcelona? I've got you covered! These shops serve up ultra-creamy and flavorful gelato. I've made sure to include spots located throughout the city and close to tourist attractions.
One of the best things about Europe is they know how to make ice cream right. I rarely eat this treat in the US because it 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 when it comes to gelato. My list of places to sample was pretty lengthy and I assumed it would be extremely difficult to pick my top 5.
It wasn’t. The winners were an easy pick, serving some of the creamiest and most flavorful ice cream.
Try one of all five of these top Barcelona ice cream shops...they won't disappoint and give Italy a run for its money.
This map shows my picks for the best ice cream in Barcelona. Click the icon in the very top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Click the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.
1. DeLaCrem
My top pick for the best ice cream in Barcelona and a favorite with locals
DeLaCrem has been a favorite of mine for over five years and serves the absolute best ice cream in Barcelona. A visit here will have you reminiscing of the ultra-creamy gelato found in Italy.
This is one of the few ice cream shops in Barcelona that uses the lidded metal canisters to store their gelato...a sign that the gelato is made fresh each day and in small batches.
I appreciate that DeLaCrem only uses ingredients that are gluten-free. Therefore, those with celiac or a gluten sensitivity don’t have to worry about cross-contamination. Vegan-friendly ice cream and sorbet are available as well.
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.
Don’t fret if there's 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 favorite gelato flavors are gianduia (hazelnut, chocolate) and mascarpone with coffee. A small cup or cone will get you two flavors and costs €3.10.
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
the best gelato in Barcelona for unique flavors
Located within striking distance of Casa Mila and Casa Battlo, famous buildings you can tour by Antoni Gaudi, and just off the designer shopping street, Passeig de Gracia, Parallelo is the perfect stop for an ice cream break.
Like DeLaCrem, Parallelo keeps their gelato in metal canisters, proving their gelato is superior in quality and fresh.
Parallelo not only offers some of the best ice cream 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 great options if you don’t want to go too wild with your flavor choice.
There's a nice selection of vegan and dairy-free flavors and the prices are cheap considering you’re in the ultra-chic and expensive Eixample district. €2.50 for one scoop, €4.00 for two 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:
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BARCELONA TO GIRONA DAY TRIP | A COMPLETE GUIDE
TOP 5 BARCELONA BAKERIES | MUST-TRY BAKED GOODS
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3. Badiani Gelato
The best ice cream in Barcelona for hefty scoops and ultra-creamy texture
I discovered Badiani Gelato when Jake and I spent six weeks in London. It quickly became our favorite gelato spot in London and just happened to be walking distance from our flat in Chelsea.
The original Badiani Gelato shop opened in Florence in 1932. While the original shop is no longer in Florence, Italy, it has since opened several locations in London.
Barcelona was added to the family in 2022.
The taste and quality were just as good as the London location. While the prices are on the high end (for Barcelona), the portion size is large. A medium cone is €4.50 and almost double the size of a typical 2-scoop cone. I will also note, this is some of the creamiest gelato I found in Barcelona.
The location of Badiani is perfect for a shopping break as it's located right off of Passeig de Gracia.
The Buontalenti with pistachio and Dolce Vita with Nutella swirls are insanely good and incredibly rich. The regular pistachio and Buontalenti are more subtle/less heavy flavors. Try the turmeric, white chocolate, and raspberry if they have it!
4. Gocci di latte
The best ice cream in Barcelona near the Beach
Headed to Barceloneta Beach? Grab some gelato from Gocci di Latte on the way. Located at the southern tip of the Gothic Quarter, it's a mere 14-minute walk to Barceloneta Beach.
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. Oggi Gelato Barcelona
The best gelato in Barcelona minutes from the cathedral and in the Gothic Quarter
Oggi Gelato Barcelona hails from Italy, so you know it's good. There are three locations outside of Italy; Chile, Athens, and Barcelona.
Oggi Gelato Barcelona is in the Gothic Quarter a mere 5-minute walk from the Cathedral of Barcelona. Being in the heart of a tourist area, I was expecting subpar quality. Thankfully that was not the case.
You could taste the quality. Rich flavors, not overly sweet, and in small batches. As you can see in the photo above, the color pistachio is exactly as it should be. That natural brown/green color.
My go to flavors here are dark chocolate, pistachio, tiramisu, and mascarpone with figs.
In summary
I hope this post helped in your search for the best ice cream in Barcelona. These are the spots I find myself returning to again and again. The quality remains consistent and the flavors are outstanding! These locations also serve as an ideal break as they are close to all the top tourist spots.
Oriana Labra says
Excelentes tips to travel to Spain!
Ashley Friemel says
Thank you!