L’Arc sits at the foot of the steps that lead to the imposing cathedral, and has for 50 years provided a first-row seat to the city's most iconic structure. It is especially popular among students, artists and tourists, and is thus always lively. Try the ratafia, a drink made from 80 herbs, best served …

Café Royal is one of the liveliest and most stylish bars in Girona. It is a great place to start a night out on the town. But it is also a good place to start your day with one of their delicious sandwiches and a hot …

Context GastroLlibreria is a charming cafe and bookstore in the northern tip of the Jewish quarter. On top of serving small snacks and hot coffee, they also often host literary events, such as talks from local authors and poetry readings, as well as occasional live …

Simple and elegant Saratoga Cafe boasts famously friendly and attentive service, as well as excellent value for money on all items. Their set-menu lunches and weekend dinners are locals' favourites, as are their breakfasts and expertly prepared coffee …

Established and run by professional cyclist Christian Meier and his wife, Amber, La Fabrica is a wonderful speciality coffee shop, the city's high-quality first third wave cafe. The building's original stone walls are exposed throughout the cafe, decorated with cycling photos and memorabilia, making it a unique spot in …

For coffee, a bite to eat or an evening drink at Plaça de la Independencia, stop by Imperial Cafe. They have great value set-menu lunches and a range of montaditos (tapas served on small pieces of bread). At night the place comes alive with students and visitors enjoying the great terrace right on the …

L’Antiga is a traditional style xocolateria and cafe in the heart of Girona. They serve rich, thick hot chocolate in the best Spanish tradition, but rather than pairing it with churros, the Catalans opt for 'melindros' (ladyfingers), light and delicate dry sponge …

El Pessic has a wide selection of quick snacks and light meals, including typical options like empanadas and coques, but the real draw the heaps of seductive pastries (both sweet and savoury) and baked goods that line the windows and tempt passers-by into popping …

Besides the great selection of different and creative flavours of ice cream (including Kinder Bueno, pistachio and turrón, among many others) and Illy coffee, locals come to Gelateria La Gioconda for their orxata, a traditional nut-based beverage, made fresh …

Espresso Mafia may not look like much, a simple open-space concept, white from wall to wall, but behind its sleek elegance might be the best coffee in Girona. They use only the highest-quality, sustainably-sourced beans, roasted with utmost care, and brewed fresh by top …