Barcelona's most famous cafe, across from the Gran Teatre Liceu, was originally a 19th-century hot chocolate shop, but by 1929 had switched to coffee. The styling is Modernista without putting too fine a point on it, and the cafe frankly shows its age. But it remains a popular stopover for opera-goers as well as strollers on Les Rambles. The establishment opens at 8:30am, making it a good bet for a traditional breakfast, with or without the semi-traditional shot of brandy in the coffee. On a hot summer afternoon, it's great to duck into the dark, air-conditioned recesses for a granizado of either coffee or lemon (like an American slushie, but not as sweet).