Barcelona is a fantastic city to visit year-round. That said, during the warmer months, you’ll definitely want to stay hydrated and cool off with something refreshing as you explore. Luckily, the Barcelona city center is packed with excellent ice cream spots serving everything from artisan gelato to classic summer favorites.
Here are our top 6 picks for the best ice cream shops in central Barcelona.
Related read: Places to Stay Cool in Barcelona in Summer
Best Ice Cream Shops in Central Barcelona
1. Cremeria Toscana
This ice cream shop brings together tradition, craftsmanship and top-quality ingredients. Founded by Tuscany-born Andrea Giuntoli, it first opened its doors in Barcelona’s Eixample district in 2004.
Fresh gelato and sorbets are made daily using seasonal ingredients to create rich, creamy flavors packed with character. Alongside classics such as pistachio and chocolate, you’ll also find inventive seasonal combinations worth trying.
The quality-to-price ratio is excellent, and its central location makes it the perfect excuse for a stroll through Eixample, an area full of independent shops, cafés, and local businesses.
On their website, you can discover more about their story and explore their range of flavors.
Address: Carrer de Muntaner, 161, Eixample, 08036 Barcelona
Related read: Where to Get the Best Ice Cream in Barcelona
2. Nonnarella
Nonnarella is one of those welcoming ice cream shops where the friendly staff instantly make you feel at home. The brand was founded in 2023 to bring the warmth and love of Italian grandmothers to the streets of Barcelona. They create their handcrafted gelato alongside renowned Sicilian gelato master Angelo Corvitto.
You’ll find a wide range of flavors that are anything but ordinary, from refreshing coconut to pineapple and mango. Tucked away on one of the city’s charming narrow streets, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed afternoon stroll while exploring Barcelona’s vibrant city center.
On their website, you can read more about their story and discover their products and flavors.
Address: Carrer d’Enric Granados, 53, Eixample, 08008 Barcelona
3. Rocambolesc
This is far from your average ice cream shop. It is the creative vision of renowned chef Jordi Roca, where every order feels like a personalized experience combining imagination, flavor and playful presentation in a truly unique way.
The shop itself is incredibly eye-catching and designed to look like a whimsical sweet factory. The moment you walk in, you’ll want to try every flavor on display. It’s the perfect place if you’re after something more exciting than a traditional ice cream.
Thanks to its central location, you can also enjoy a wander through the charming neighborhoods of El Born and Ciutat Vella, exploring their winding streets and lively atmosphere, all just a short walk from Plaça de Catalunya.
On their website, you’ll find more information about how the project began and the products they offer.
Address: La Rambla, 51-59, Ciutat Vella 08002 Barcelona
4. Farggi
Since 1957, this ice cream shop has been serving delicious gelato and sweet treats, including crêpes and croissants. It’s the perfect place for both locals and visitors to take a break and cool down during Barcelona’s hottest months.
Their artisan Italian-style ice creams are full of flavor, with vegan and sugar-free options also available. The shop itself is spacious, bright and colorful, making it an inviting stop in the heart of the city.
One of its biggest highlights is its unbeatable location, right opposite El Corte Inglés in Plaça de Catalunya. If you fancy an ice cream or a refreshing drink while exploring central Barcelona, this is the place to go.
On their Instagram page, you can learn more about the shop and see their delicious creations.
Address: Pg. de Grà cia, 2, Eixample, 08007 Barcelona
5. CAJÚ Gelato
What makes this ice cream shop stand out is that their gelato is made without milk, cream or eggs. It may sound hard to believe, but one taste is enough to win you over.
Everything is made using a fully artisanal process, with only natural ingredients, fresh local fruit and no industrial pre-mixes. The result is light, refreshing ice cream packed with authentic flavor.
Located in the heart of Barcelona, it’s the perfect stop while wandering through the charming streets of El Born. If you’re interested in art and culture, you’ll also be within easy reach of the Picasso Museum and the European Museum of Modern Art.
To learn more, visit their website.
Address: Carrer de Rera Palau, 9, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
6. Vincis
Right in the heart of the Eixample district, you’ll find this Italian ice cream shop known for its wide range of flavors and excellent vegan options. One flavor that always stands out is the dulce de leche. Everyone who tries it seems to come back for more.
Its fantastic location makes it the perfect excuse to explore one of Barcelona’s most vibrant neighborhoods, filled with unique cafés, boutiques and local businesses. If you enjoy discovering authentic local spots, make sure to visit Mercat del Ninot, where you can experience the atmosphere of a traditional market with stalls selling all kinds of fresh produce and specialty products.
If you’d like to see just how tempting these ice creams look, take a look at their Instagram page.
Address: Avinguda de Roma, 148, Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
Six shops, six different reasons to stop walking. Four of them sit in Eixample, so a single afternoon is enough to compare Cremeria Toscana’s seasonal gelato against Vincis’ dulce de leche without much extra walking. Head into El Born and Ciutat Vella instead, and Rocambolesc and CAJÚ Gelato reward the detour, especially if a vegan or dairy-free scoop matters to you. Pick a direction, start walking, and let the heat decide how many stops you make.
