Summer in Barcelona is synonymous with vibrant streets, long sunny days, and, of course, the constant search for the perfect way to cool off. In a city with such a warm climate, what could be better than a delicious ice cream in Barcelona? The city has evolved into a gastronomic hub in the world of ice cream, offering an incredible variety that ranges from the purest Italian tradition to creative artisan flavors that challenge the imagination. At HCC Hotels, we know that a good ice cream can be the perfect end to a day of sightseeing or the ideal plan for a hot afternoon. That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to the best ice cream shops in Barcelona, so you can discover the flavors that will make your visit even more enjoyable.
A Taste of Italian Tradition: The Classic That Never Fails
The Italian ice cream tradition is a cornerstone in Barcelona, and many of the best ice cream shops in Barcelona follow the philosophy of natural ingredients and artisan techniques that guarantee unparalleled flavor and creaminess. If you’re looking for the essence of authentic gelato, these places are a must-stop on your tour.
Parallelo
Parallelo, originally from San Remo, applies an impeccable artisan ethic to its ice creams. They are dedicated body and soul to producing ice creams that are as amazing as the pineapple with basil, without any pre-made mixes. The composition of their sorbets is 70% fruit. They love to experiment and also specialize in savory ice creams.
They pay close attention to the zero-kilometer concept: their Lleida pear sorbet is a delight. No less amazing is their Ganxet bean ice cream, which is 100% vegan. Located at Carrer de Sèneca, 18, in Gràcia.
Delacrem
Massimo Pignata left his native Italy to open this artisan ice cream shop in the Eixample district. His gelatos are made with pure, 100% natural ingredients, just as his Piedmontese grandparents would have wanted. Every time you taste them, pleasure will take over your senses.
If you prefer hot food and drinks, try the coffee and accompany it with the daily sweets, made by Massimo. Located at Carrer d’Enric Granados, 15, in l’Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample. It has a second location, Delacrem Creativa, on Passeig de Sant Joan, 59. And this year, it has opened a third location, Delacrem Terra, with local products at Carrer Muntaner, 59.
Gelaaati di Marco
Possibly one of the best Italian ice cream shops in the city, Gelaaati di Marco stands out for its wide variety of flavors, all made with natural ingredients, without colorants or preservatives. It’s a paradise for those looking for a sweet and healthy treat. Its offerings also include Sicilian cannolis and excellent coffee. Located at Carrer de la Llibreteria, 7, in the Gothic Quarter.
Cacao’s Gelato Siciliano
Ice cream was born in Sicily, and this classic Sicilian ice cream shop is the proof. The shop might go unnoticed, but the ice creams certainly won’t. They are canonically Sicilian: creamy, with intense flavors, made with fresh and quality ingredients. Of course, they offer almond, chocolate, and pistachio, the island’s classics. There are always granitas, and from time to time, you can also find cannoli. Located at Carrer de Riego, 19, in Sants.
Badiani
It’s always news when a good ice cream shop opens in Barcelona, especially if it’s a branch like Badiani, a giant of artisan gelato with origins in Florence. Badiani, which opened in 1932, remains one of the places to visit in the homeland of ice cream.
You can try the gelato that has given them worldwide fame: the iconic Buontalenti. You’ll also find the gelato they dedicate to Barcelona: made with white chocolate with turmeric and raspberry ripple. It has locations at Carrer del Rosselló, 232; at Carrer Mandri, 37; and in Westfield Glòries.
Innovation and Signature Flavors: A Journey for the Palate
For those looking for a different experience, Barcelona offers a new generation of ice cream shops in Barcelona that explore unusual combinations and creative concepts. These places are perfect for venturing beyond traditional flavors.
Rocambolesc
The ice cream shop Rocambolesc, opened in 2012 in Girona, gained so much momentum that they opened one in Barcelona in 2016. The ice creams are inspired by the desserts of El Celler de Can Roca and by Jordi Roca’s nostalgic and humorous vision of his childhood.
The ice creams are not pre-made but are crafted instantly from an artisan base, resulting in a gelato full of nuances and less cold. Located at La Rambla, 51-59, in El Raval, next to the Liceu.
Mamá Heladera
Irene Iborra, a fifth-generation owner of the Tío Ché horchatería, is at the helm of Mamá Heladera. Through neurogastronomy, she creates memory-evoking ice creams that recall the perception of taste and memory. For example, the `Rebañas la olla de la bechamel` (Scrape the Béchamel Pot) ice cream, with nutmeg, pepper, salt, and butter. Her proposals are as unique as they are fascinating. Located at Rambla de Poblenou, 44, in El Poblenou.
Aurélien
In Plaça del Sol in the Gràcia neighborhood, Aurélien—a physicist, painter, designer, and calligrapher—has opened an ice cream shop that reflects his artistic vision. Here you’ll find signature ice creams with floral flavors (lavender, jasmine, rose), nuts (black sesame, pistachio), and original combinations. Located at Plaça del Sol, 9.
Fusion and Memorable Experiences: An International Touch
The city is a melting pot of cultures, and its ice cream in Barcelona is no exception. These places fuse traditions from different parts of the world to create new and surprising offerings.
Gelato Collection
The ice cream shop that Albert Adrià opened in Barcelona is far from the parody of ice cream with smoke. His intention, along with pastry chef Alfredo Machado, was to open an ice cream shop with low-sugar ice creams and the optimal level of creaminess.
The solution has been to prioritize sorbets with the best seasonal fruit, supplied by La Boquería. Their cherry ice cream, made with the best cherry of the year, has an incredible flavor intensity. Located at La Rambla, 136, in Ciutat Vella.
Amiko Gelato
Amiko Gelato is an ice cream and coffee shop with a stunning interior design, inspired by Miami Art Deco. Its design is as stylish as it is comfortable, offering an open-plan space with a mix of tropical vegetation and sculptures reminiscent of ice cream. Located at Carrer Consell de Cent, 318, in l’Eixample.
Azah
Barcelona is the first city in Spain to host a Lebanese ice cream shop. Azah, which means orange blossom in Lebanese, brings a unique type of ice cream to the Dreta de l’Eixample neighborhood. Its distinctive factor lies in the use of mastic, an aromatic resin that gives it a gummy texture.
The flavors, covered in pistachios, are a surprise for the palate—a mandatory stop for those seeking an exotic and different gastronomic experience. Located at Carrer d’Enric Granados, 61.
Lucciano’s
If you’re walking through the center of Barcelona and you think you see a space station with astronauts inside, you haven’t gone crazy: you’re in front of the new Lucciano’s store, one of Argentina’s major ice cream chains.
Located at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 601, the store recreates the design of a space station. You’ll also find them at their second store at Carrer Ferran, 14, Lucciano’s The Moon. Flavors with a strong Argentine identity, like dulce de leche and various chocolate flavors, are a hit. They also have a wide selection of ice pops, the classic popsicles in a high-quality format.
Your Barcelona Ice Cream Tour from HCC Hotels
Touring the best ice cream shops in Barcelona is an ideal plan to discover the city through its flavors. By staying at HCC Hotels, you have the perfect base for this delicious adventure.
Our hotels, located in the heart of Barcelona, give you unbeatable access to the neighborhoods where these prestigious ice cream shops are located. You can start your route on foot or with a short public transport ride, enjoying each stop without worrying about logistics.
After a day of exploring flavors, you can return to the comfort of HCC Hotels. We await you with the warmth of our team and the amenities of our facilities, so that your rest is as pleasant as your gastronomic experience.
Dare to live the sweetest summer in Barcelona. Prepare your palate and book your stay with HCC Hotels for the perfect adventure!
