Saturday, October 29, 2022

Italian ja Suomen kulttuurien erot

Kulttuurituottaja Belinda Nieminen                                                                      ViestinnĂ€n kurssi

Olen toisen vuoden kulttuurituotannon opiskelija Humanistisesta ammattikorkeakoulusta ja olen työni vuoksi asunut kolmasosan vuodesta Italiassa, Milanossa viimeiset neljÀ vuotta. Italia on lÀhellÀ sydÀntÀni, ei vain pelkÀstÀÀn sen takia, ettÀ siellÀ on parempi sÀÀ kuin Suomessa ja koska siellÀ valmistetaan maistuvia pasta-annoksia, vaan myös siksi, ettÀ saan pÀivittÀin todistaa mitÀ hauskempia tilanteita paikallisten kanssa. Vaikka me suomalaiset ja italialaiset olemme molemmat kotoisin Euroopasta, on pakko myöntÀÀ, ettÀ Pohjolan ja etelÀn asukkien vÀlillÀ on eroa kuin yöllÀ ja pÀivÀllÀ. Millaisia kulttuurieroja vÀlillÀmme sitten onkaan?

 

Duomo

ViestintÀ

ViestintĂ€ on ihmisten vĂ€listĂ€ kommunikaatiota, joka tapahtuu lĂ€hettĂ€jĂ€ltĂ€ vastaanottajalle. Tyypillinen viestintĂ€tilanne tapahtuu Suomessa yleensĂ€ niin, ettĂ€ vĂ€hĂ€sanainen suomalainen varovaisesti vilkaisee vastaantulevaa tuttuaan sanaakaan sanomatta – ehkĂ€ ystĂ€vĂ€n tullessa vastaan sanoo varovaisen hei. Suomalaiset eivĂ€t harrasta smalltalkia tuntemattomien kanssa, koska mitĂ€pĂ€ sitĂ€ aikaa ja energiaa tuhlaamaan vieraisiin ihmisiin. Italiassa taas sanotaan ciao eli terve jokaiselle vastaantulevalle tutulle, puolitutulle, naapurille ja jopa heidĂ€n sukulaisille tai ihan tuntemattomille ihmisille, esimerkiksi lenkkipoluilla ja asuinyhtiöissĂ€. Italialaiset pitĂ€vĂ€t puhumisesta ja jos suomalainen on heidĂ€n seurassaan pitkÀÀn hiljaa, tulee joku todennĂ€köisesti kysyneeksi ”Tutto bene?” eli ”Onko kaikki hyvin?”

MitĂ€ tulee tervehtimiseen, suomalaisen matkustajan on hyvĂ€ varautua poskisuudelmiin (baci) kĂ€ttelemisen sijaan. NiitĂ€ harrastetaan tervehtiessĂ€ ystĂ€viĂ€, sukulaisia tai uusia tuttavuuksia – ja myös lĂ€htiessĂ€. Muiskauttelu voi tuntua jĂ€nnittĂ€vĂ€ltĂ€ kosketusaroille suomalaisille, mutta kyllĂ€ siihen lopulta tottuu.


Vuorovaikutus

Vuorovaikutus on toimintaa, jossa ihmiset yhdessĂ€ tuottavat, jakavat ja tulkitsevat merkityksiĂ€ (Gerlander & Poutiainen 2009, 82). Italialaiset pitĂ€vĂ€t vuorovaikuttamisesta – ehkĂ€ vĂ€hĂ€n liikaakin. HeillĂ€ on tapana nimittĂ€in tulla hyvinkin lĂ€helle ja jakaa kosketuksia herkĂ€sti. Ei ole epĂ€tyypillistĂ€ italialaisille esimerkiksi seistĂ€ lĂ€hellĂ€ tuntemattomia ihmisiĂ€ vaikkapa kassajonossa, vinkata silmÀÀ puolivahingossa tai tulla yllĂ€tysvierailulle kotiin. Suomalainen pelĂ€styisi vastaavanlaisissa tilanteissa nopeasti ja tuntisi olonsa epĂ€mukavaksi, sillĂ€ onhan oman tilan ja yksityisyyden kunnioittaminen kaikista tĂ€rkeintĂ€!

KĂ€siliikkeet hallussa

Italialaisilla on myös tapana puhua kovaan ÀÀneen, jopa aggressiivisesti ja runsaasti kĂ€sillĂ€ elehtien – joskus vaikuttaen siltĂ€, ettĂ€ osapuolilla on pahempikin vĂ€ittely meneillÀÀn. YleensĂ€ kyseessĂ€ on kuitenkin vain normaali keskustelu italialaisten vĂ€lillĂ€. Suomalaiset tuntuvat kummallisen rauhallisilta ja hiljaisilta sen jĂ€lkeen, kun on viettĂ€nyt aikaa italialaisten kanssa.

Milano

Ruoka

Italialaiset ovat hyvin ylpeitĂ€ keittiöstÀÀn – niin ylpeitĂ€ nimittĂ€in, ettĂ€ heidĂ€n mielestĂ€nsĂ€ se on maailman paras. Italialaiset myös rakastavat syömistĂ€, tai no, ei niin syömistĂ€, mutta sosiaalisten menojen liittĂ€mistĂ€ ruoan ja juoman ÀÀrelle. Aamupala ei ole kuitenkaan niin tĂ€rkeĂ€ juttu, ehkĂ€ pieni biscottino eli pikkukeksi ja espressokahvi pĂ€ivĂ€n kĂ€ynnistĂ€miseksi. Italialaiset lounastavat sen sijaan usein yhdessĂ€ vĂ€hintÀÀn pitkĂ€n tunnin viinilasin ÀÀrellĂ€ työkavereidensa kanssa, lĂ€htevĂ€t aperitiiville eli drinkeille ja snackseille seitsemĂ€ltĂ€ ja sen jĂ€lkeen vielĂ€ dinnerille yhdeksĂ€ltĂ€. YhtĂ€kkiĂ€ ruoan ja juoman ÀÀrellĂ€ onkin kulunut koko ilta ja keskustelulle ei tule loppua, koska ruoan ÀÀrellĂ€ on puhuttu monta tuntia pĂ€ivĂ€n kuulumisia, uusia juoruja sekĂ€ mitĂ€ sitĂ€ seuraavana pĂ€ivĂ€nĂ€ tapahtuu. NĂ€itĂ€ aperitiiveja ja dinnereitĂ€ tapahtuu kaiken lisĂ€ksi monta kertaa viikossa pĂ€ivĂ€stĂ€ riippumatta. TĂ€mĂ€hĂ€n on suomalaisen kauhistus, koska ruokahan kuuluu syödĂ€ hiljaa, yksin ja mahdollisimman nopeasti, jonka jĂ€lkeen kĂ€ydÀÀn ehkĂ€ puolen tunnin keskustelu ja sitten onkin aika lĂ€hteĂ€ tekemÀÀn jo omia iltajuttuja.

Onko pakko olla muiden kanssa?

Italialaiset eivĂ€t syö yksin – jos menet ravintolaan istumaan yksin, tulee tarjoilija todennĂ€köisesti kysymÀÀn, onko kaikki hyvin tai alkaa hĂ€n juttelemaan sinulle niitĂ€ nĂ€itĂ€ varmistaen, ettet koe oloasi yksinĂ€iseksi. Ai niin, Ă€lĂ€kĂ€ tee sitĂ€ virhettĂ€, ettĂ€ lĂ€hdet keskipĂ€ivĂ€llĂ€ kahvilaan toiveissasi opiskella tai tehdĂ€ töitĂ€ siellĂ€ omassa hiljaisuudessa etĂ€nĂ€ – ei sellaista hiljaista kahvilaa ole olemassa siihen aikaan eikĂ€ kyllĂ€ muutenkaan.

Un cappuccino, per favore!

Muistathan myös, ettĂ€ cappuccinoa ei saa juoda lounasajan jĂ€lkeen eikĂ€ kahvia missÀÀn nimessĂ€ ottaa pöytÀÀn samaan aikaan ruoan kanssa. TodennĂ€köisesti saat vain kummastuneita katseita tai tyhmĂ€n turistin leiman. ÄlĂ€kĂ€ missÀÀn nimessĂ€ sano coffee halutessasi suomalaisten suosimaa suodatinkahvia, koska italialaisille kahvi tarkoittaa vahvaa espressoshottia. Voit sanoa caffĂš americano mikĂ€li vesilitku miellyttÀÀ espresson sijaan.

kahvi

Ajan kÀsite

Aina myöhÀssÀ

TÀsmÀllisenÀ suomalaisena on ollut hyvin vaikea sopeutua italialaisten kÀsitykseen ajasta. Jos tapaaminen on sovittu kuudelta illalla, on parempi, ettei koskaan saavu paikalle silloin ja vielÀ vÀhemmÀn minuutilleen ajoissa. Italialaiset tulevat paikalle todennÀköisesti puoli tuntia myöhÀssÀ, miksei tunninkin tilanteesta riippuen. Saan usein odotella italialaisia ystÀviÀni ja nÀprÀtÀ puhelintani, koska he eivÀt ole koskaan ajoissa.

Voitteko olla vÀhÀn tehokkaampia?

Asiat tehdÀÀn verkkaisesti ja työssÀni joudun usein pyörittelemÀÀn silmiÀni, koska asioita ei vain yksinkertaisesti tehdÀ tehokkaasti ja jÀrjestelmÀllisesti vaan aina vÀhÀn sinne pÀin. Jatkuvaan odotteluun ja epÀjÀrjestelmÀllisyyteen on hyvÀ tottua tai muuten saa turhaan kiristellÀ hermojaan. Kaupan kassalla paikalliset Marcot ja Annalisat vaihtavat pÀivÀn kuulumisia kassatÀdin kanssa ja edellÀ odottava asiakas saa odottaa tovin pidempÀÀn, kun tuotteet liukuvat hihnalla hiljalleen eteenpÀin. Kadulla edellÀ kÀvelevÀt laahustavat ja työpaikalla työtehtÀvÀt jÀÀvÀt yhtÀkkiÀ puolitiehen, koska pomo pÀÀttÀÀ vaihtaa työtehtÀvÀsi kesken kaiken. Ei kannata odottaa asioiden hoituvan vauhdikkaasti ja jÀrjestelmÀllisesti vaan vetÀÀ syvÀÀn henkeÀ ja laskea kymmeneen!

Kuka syö dinnerin yhdeksÀltÀ ja aloittaa bileet aamuyöllÀ?

No italialaiset tietysti! Italialaisilla on tapana venyttÀÀ pÀivÀÀ pitkÀlle iltaan. Illallinen alkaa yleensÀ vasta myöhÀÀn illalla yhdeksÀltÀ ja jos lÀhdetÀÀn juhlimaan klubille, bileet alkavat vasta noin yhden tai kahden aikaa yöllÀ ja jatkuvat aamuun asti. Suomalaisena sitÀ alkaa vÀsyttÀÀ helposti jo siihen aikaan, kun Italiassa juhlat alkavat. Toisaalta pÀivÀllisen syöminen viideltÀ suomalaiseen tapaan kuulostaa aika erikoiselta tavalta sen jÀlkeen, kun on tottunut etelÀn meininkiin.

Navigli

Muita havaintoja

Tulisia tunteita

Italiassa ollessa olen huomannut, ettĂ€ italialaiset ovat hyvin tunnerikkaita ihmisiĂ€. Tunteita ei peitellĂ€ olivat ne sitten positiivisia tai negatiivisia ja ne nĂ€ytetÀÀn vahvasti. Jos jostakin pidetÀÀn, se sanotaan kyllĂ€ ÀÀneen – ja jos syntyy riita, sen kuulee kauas asti. Yleisesti italialaiset ovat aika iloisia ihmisiĂ€ ja he hymyilevĂ€t paljon – toisin kuin suomalaiset, jotka pelkÀÀvĂ€t hymyn johtavan keskusteluun tuntemattoman ihmisen kanssa.

YhdessÀ vai erikseen?

Italialaiset ovat myös yhteisöllisempiÀ kuin suomalaiset: usein isovanhempia ja muita sukulaisia tavataan paljon sÀÀnnöllisemmin kuin suomalaisessa kulttuurissa. YhteisöllistÀ toimintaa jÀrjestetÀÀn paljon naapurustoissa ja naapurit toimivat monille turvaverkkoina, joilta voi kysyÀ vaikkapa puuttuvaa kahvipakettia keskellÀ pÀivÀÀ. YstÀvÀt ja ihmissuhdeverkostot saavat ihan erilaisen merkityksen Italiassa, ja yksin oleminen ja yksinÀisyys ovat kuin sairauksia, joita kenenkÀÀn ei pitÀisi kokea. Suomessa taas omaa aikaa arvostetaan ja jopa vaalitaan pattereiden lataamiseksi. Italialaiset lataavat niitÀ muiden ihmisten seurassa!

pasta

Loppusanat

Italia on siis paikka, jossa puhetta ja sosiaalisia menoja riittÀÀ, cappuccinoa ei juoda keskipÀivÀn jÀlkeen ja jossa hiljaisuutta sekÀ yksinoloa pidetÀÀn omituisena. Pohjolasta tuleva suomalainen onkin kuin vaalea kummajainen, jolle voi aluksi olla vaikea sopeutua Italian menoon ja poskisuudelmiin. Loppujen lopuksi suomalainenkin voi tottua tÀhÀn aurinkoiseen ja lÀheisyyttÀ korostavaan kulttuuriin, mikÀ yleensÀ vaatii vÀhÀn aikaa tai pari lasillista viiniÀ.

Kiitos, kun luit tĂ€mĂ€n postauksen – toivottavasti se antaa teille kaikille vĂ€hĂ€n nĂ€kökulmaa Suomen ja Italian kulttuurieroista. Kiitos ja nĂ€kemisiin!

Grazie e ci vediamo!



LĂ€hteet

Gerlander, Maija ja Poutiainen, Saila 2009. Puhe sosiaalisena toiminta. Teoksessa Olli Aaltonen & Reijo Aulanko & Antti Iivonen & Anu Klippi & Martti Vainio (toim.).  Puhuva ihminen: puhetieteiden perusteet. Helsinki: Otava

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Tips for traveling in South Korea

In our previous post "Where to visit in Seoul, South Korea?" we talked about the best places to visit in Seoul. In this post we give general tips and info about traveling in Korea.

Seoul, South Korea

1. Download Naver map in your phone! 
Google maps doesn't work in Korea properly so by using Naver map you can make sure you will find your way to the right place. It is better to copy paste the addresses in Korean letters to find the correct locations!

2. Get a T-money card!
It costs 2500-4000krw You can purchase this travel card anywhere in convenience stores like 7-Eleven, CU or GS25. After buying the card you can recharge money in it and travel more conveniently all around Seoul with travel card. T-money also works in Busan or when going to Everland by bus.  By T-money travel card you can transfer for free from metro to bus or vice versa within 30 minutes and the tickets are slightly cheaper as well.

3. In Korea you don't have to worry about pickpockets as much as in other countries
In Seoul you can easily leave your bag to reserve a seat in a cafe or leave your phone on a table while visiting the bathroom. Koreans are very reliable people and almost everywhere you can find CCTV so it is safe to walk alone even in the middle of the night without worrying about your safety too much. In more international areas like Itaewon it is better to pay more attention to your belongings.

4. Try these Korean foods
Korean barbecue ì‚ŒêČčì‚Ž, bulgogi ë¶ˆêł êž°, cold noodles 냉멎, kimbab êč€ë°„ kimchi jigae êč€ìč˜ì°Œê°œ or bibimbab! ëč„ëč”ë°„. Food in Korea is often very spicy so if you can't handle spicy food remember to tell the waiter to make the food less spicy! Don't forget to try some local soju ì†ŒìŁŒ (drink) as well!

5. Learn a few words of Korean!
That makes Korean people feel more comfortable, it is polite and often is a good conversation starter to make new local friends!

안녕하섞요                 Annyeonghaseyo         =      Hello!
안녕히 êł„ì„žìš”            Annyeonghi kyeseyo   =      Good bye (when you leave)
안녕히 가섞요            Annyeonghi kaseyo     =      Good bye (when somebody leaves)
ê°ì‚Źí•©ë‹ˆë‹€                 Kamsahabnida             =      Thank you
저는 *name* 입니닀 Jeoneun *name* imnida =   I am *name*
맛있얎요                     Masisseoyo!                 =     It is delicious!
반갑슔니닀                 Bangabseumnida         =      Nice to meet you!

6. Have some cash with you!
Even though almost everywhere in South Korea you can pay by card, it is good to have some cash with you because many local vendors sell some street food which you can't buy by card. Also there are some small fashion stores where by paying by cash you get a cheaper price for the products.

7. Try a photo booth
In South Korea it is easy to find photo booths in every corner with only 5000krw! It is a fun way to make memories with your loved ones and you can wear some funny accessories and choose the theme for your pictures. At the end of the photo booth the machine will print you the pictures!

8. In Korea you pay at the cafes first and in the restaurants it depends on the place.

Generally speaking you always pay your coffee and cake while ordering. In restaurants it is case by case: Sometimes you pay the meal when you order it and sometimes after you are done with eating. Tipping is not necessary in Korea.

9. Tap water is safe to drink...
...but most people don't do it because it doesn't taste good.

10. Don't be surprised if your new Korean friends are too busy to meet you...
...because many of them do long working days until late evenings. Try to catch up on the weekends or during their spare time!

Friday, October 1, 2021

Where to visit in Seoul, South Korea?

Many people go to Japan, Tokyo when they travel to Asia. But have you ever thought about visiting South Korea, the country where K-pop and Samsung come from? If not, take a look of this post and let us introduce you Seoul ì„œìšžSouth Korea's top city to visit and let us tell why it should be your next destination!

Seoul cherry blossoms
Seoul during cherry blossoms

Seoul is the capital of South Korea with the population of 9,7 million. It is located in the northern part of South Korea and the nearest international airport is Incheon airport 읞ìČœê”­ì œêł”í•­ . This city is a large city full of life and action which will never stop even during the night. You can find hundreds of different restaurants, cafes, bars, fashion stores, game halls, karaoke rooms, temples and anything you can imagine. Only the sky is the limit for this city! If you want to get a feeling of Asian New York, Seoul is the place!

How to get to Seoul city center from airport?
From Incheon airport it is easy either to take Airport Railroad Express (9500krw express/all stops 4500krw), Seoul Metropolitan subway (4250krw) or Airport bus (9000krw) to the city.

Where to visit in Seoul?
 
1. Gangnam-gu: Gangnam, Sinsa, Apgujeon Rodeo, Cheonnam ê°•ë‚šê”Ź
Gangnam-gu is a business area with more pricey stores and restaurants, trendy cafes and offices. Here you can also find the famous Gangnam statue, Ceox shopping mall and a city temple Bongeunsa at Samseong-dong, K-star road from Apgujeong Rodeo station and the famous shopping street Garosu-gil or "Green street" at Sinsa-dong. Why not to also pay a visit to the Han river park and have a lovely picnic with your family or friends watching the sunset?

Gangnam
A picture from Gangnam


2. Yeonnam-dong: Hongdae/Hongkik university í™ëŒ€
A youth area with local fashion stores, more affordable local restaurants, many bars, clubs and pubs around. Many young Korean artists gather here to perform their dance or music performances. You can go to game hall, have some Korean barbecue, spend a few hours in Karaoke or just walk on the streets of Hongdae in the evening. There is also a famous Thursday Party pub, where many foreign people gather to meet new people. If you go out from exit 3 of Hongdae station you will find a park to chill and many great cafes surrounding the walkway. 

Hongdae
Hongdae

3. Yongsan-gu: Itaewon ìŽíƒœì›
Itaewon is known to be the area where most foreigners reside. Here you can find a lot of foreigners spending their weekend at the rooftop bars and restaurants. There are foreign marts for imported products, Turkish, American, Italian Japanese and Mexican restaurants and so on. You can also bargain a cheap luggage or go to the small famous bar street called Haebangcheon í•Žë°©ìŽŒ to watch sports match, have a fancy glass of wine or have one of the best pizzas in town at Bonny's Pizza Pub. If you want to see the city view, hike up to Namsan mountain to the famous N Seoul Tower/Namsan tower서욞타워

N Seoul Tower Itaewon
N Seoul Tower Itaewon

4. Myeong-dong ëȘ…동
Myeong-dong is a heaven for skincare lovers. Here you find all the Korean cosmetic stores lined up next to each other. At the times the workers lure you in the store and give you free sheet masks or cosmetic samples while visiting the stores — sometimes you don't even have to buy the products to get those free sheet masks! There are also great Korean restaurants, a movie theater and walking towards north you end up to the stream called Cheonggyecheon ìČ­êł„ìȜ. It's a popular spot to get some new Instagram material by the water! If you are interested in animals they also have a Meerkat cafe in Myeong-dong where you can meet the real meerkats and other animals like wallabies!

Meerkat cafe, Myeong-dong
Meerkat cafe, Myeong-dong

5. Insa-dong ìžì‚Źë™
Insa-dong is a popular area for traditional Korean art, handcrafts, clothes and tea houses. You will find the stores names only written in Korean letters here. You can try one of the best green teas here in Osulloc tea store or buy some beautiful Korean traditional accessories as a souvenir!

6. Bukchon Hanok Village ë¶ìŽŒí•œì˜„마을
Bukchon Hanook Village is a must to visit when you are in Seoul. It is a neighborhood with traditional Korean houses, a beautiful view facing the mountains and some cafes. One of the best cafes in this area is called Onion Cafe and many times you have to line up to get in. They offer amazing pastries and you can sit down traditional way on the floor while sipping your afternoon coffee.

Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village

7. Gyeongbukgung palace êČœëł”ê¶ 
Near Bukchon Hanok village is Gyeongbukgung palace, which is a royal palace from the era of Joseon Dynasty. It is built in 1395 and it has a significant meaning in Korea's history. It is known as the largest palace in Seoul and the National Palace Museum is within the complex. The entrance fee for adults is only 3000krw to visit this beautiful historical attraction. You can also spend some time at the garden or rent a Hanbok — the traditional Korean outfit — to visit the palace with the touch of history on you.

Gyeongbukgung
Gyeongbukgung palace

The address of the palace: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

8. Seoul Forest ì„œìšžìˆČ
Do you prefer a peaceful day in a park? Then Seoul Forest is the place for you. This park is one of the biggest city parks in Seoul. Nearby the park there are streets where you can find bakeries to buy some picnic snacks as well as some great restaurant! There is an amazing burger restaurant called Bas Burger quite near from the subway station. Their fries and chips are so crispy that it is hard to resist them!

Bas Burger, Seoul Forest
Bas Burger, Seoul Forest

9. Bukhansan mountain ë¶í•œì‚°
Are you more of an active person and you want some challenge in your holidays? Prepare your backpack, a couple of bottles of water, some snacks and head towards Bukhansan mountain in the morning. It is the highest mountain in Seoul with the height of 836 meters. The peak Baegundae can be reached in three to four hours depending on your physical condition. The view is spectacular and I recommend to go there when there is less pollution in the air to get the best sight. It is a popular hiking attraction and you will see a lot of Korean ahjummas and ahjussis (older Korean aunts and uncles) hiking with their professional hiking equipment. Don't worry, you will do as well as them with just normal sports wear! Just avoid going to the mountain in the evening or rainy days because it can be dangerous and slippery that time.

Bukhansan mountain
A view from Bukhansan mountain.
 
10. Everland ì—ëȄ랜드

This theme park is definitely a must if you go to Korea! Everland is not located exactly in Seoul but it is just one hour by bus from there. You will find speedy rollercoasters, Ferris wheel, water slide, a zoo, French garden, game halls and many other interesting things in this amusement park. If you are not afraid of heights or speed, you must try the craziest ride at the rollercoaster T Express!

Everland
Everland with the T-Express rollercoaster behind.

The address: South Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Yongin-si, Cheoin-gu, Pogog-eup, Everland-ro, 199

Do you need some more tips about visiting Seoul, Korea? Check out our new post "Tips for visiting Seoul, South Korea!"

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Top 5 cafes in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the cities where you can find hundreds of cafes with high quality coffee, sunny terraces and good customer service. In Barcelona the bartenders make you feel welcomed and always treat their customers with a smile on their face. Here are Top 5 cafes to visit in Barcelona!

1. Hoffman A La Seca

Hoffman A La Seca is a small cafe terrace in the lobby of El Born's La Seca–Espai Brossa theatre. It's known for its tasty croissants. They also offer other great pastries along with great hot chocolate! It's located at a narrow alley of the streets of Barcelona not far from the Park de la Ciutadella.

The address: Carrer dels Flassaders, 40, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Hoffman A La Seca

2. ARTiSA Barcelona

This cafe is located by La Rambla, the famous pedestrian street in Barcelona. They say they have one of the best churros in ARTiSA - no wonder because they were sold out when we got there. However, their other sweets are as great and this lovely cafe was a perfect spot to stop by while exploring the streets of Barcelona.

The address: Carrer de Colom, 2, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

ARTiSA Barcelona

3. Alsur Café & Backdoor bar

Alsur is one of the great cafes, lunch places and bars at the same time. They have delicious lunch options along with tasty cakes. They also offer a coffee + cake set with very reasonable price in the early afternoon! The interior reminds of the bars from 80's with their blue lighting and neon signs.

The address: Carrer de la Ribera, 18, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Alsur Café & Backdoor bar

4. Molinet CafĂš Antic

One of the greatest hidden cafes in Barcelona and no wonder - the service here was super friendly! The waiter even served us an extra drink free of charge. Molinet CafÚ Antic is a small cozy cafe in the El Poble-Sec district which greets you in with their warm lights and interior design (like from an old film!) It seemed pretty busy here and they have just a few seats so I recommend to go there during weekdays rather than a weekend. Their brunch menu has great avocado toasts and bagels so Molinet Café Antic is definitely a place for grabbing lunch!

The address: Carrer d'Elkano, 69, 08004 Barcelona, Spain

Molinet CafĂš Antic


5. Manso's Cafe

This cafe is for all the Scandinavian lovers because in this Swedish cafe you can find authentic Swedish pastries like kanerbullar (cinnamon buns) or semla (cardamom-spiced wheat bun with cream and almost paste). They also have some tasty cakes and Swedish cookies. Have a cup of coffee, a Swedish pastry and take a seat at their sunny terrace to enjoy the afternoon!

The address: Carrer de Manso, 1, 08015 Barcelona, Spain

Manso's Cafe

What else to do than visit great cafes in Barcelona? What is your favourite cafe in Barcelona and what makes it special? Check out our post TOP 10 Best Places to Visit in Barcelona!