Spain Guide
Galicia
Bars
1 Bar Chocolatería Metate Travesa de San Paio Antealteres A must for chocolate fans; housed in a former chocolate factory, it offers a large menu of hot and cold alcohol- and non-alcohol-based chocolate drinks, in addition to more usual beverages.
2 Cafeteria Hostal dos Reis Católicos, Praza do Obradoiro 1 On a summer evening the outdoor terrace at the parador, with views back towards the cathedral and out to the green hills, makes the perfect spot to linger over a sunset cocktail.
3 Café Casino Rúa do Vilar 35 With its deep sofas and wood panelling, plus outdoor seating on the old stone lane, this venerable café/tea room has a real old-world charm.
4 Café Derby Rúa das Orfas 29 This classic old café-bar between the old quarter and the Praza da Galicia and kitted out with dark-wood panelling, green leather barstools and bentwood chairs, has been a favourite local rendezvous for over eighty years.
5 Café Literarios Praza da Quintana The terrace of this popular café, at the top of the broad stairs in the square behind the cathedral, makes a perfect venue for peaceful people-watching.
6 Casa das Crechas Via Sacra 5. Well-known folk bar just behind the Praza da Quintana, often with live Galego, Celtic or international folk music. Hanging brujas and a first-rate draught Kilkenny complete the effect.
7 O Filandón Rúa da Azabachería 6 Thread your way through the simple cheese and wine shop at the front to find a narrow, bustling bar in the cave-like space at the back, where students and wine-lovers enjoy cheap, high-quality local vinos and free morsels. Opening time: Closed Sun
8 Momo Virxen da Cerca 23 A popular hangout with wide-ranging appeal, full of students during term-time. Fantastic and varied decor includes Parisian-style mini café-bars, an outdoor terrace and a jungle dancefloor.
9 Paraiso Perdido Rúa Antealtares 3 Cavernous, mysterious bar that tunnels deeply away from a tiny square not far east of Praza da Quintana, with endless eclectically decorated subterranean nooks and crannies. The €4.50 mojitos are recommended.
10 San Jaime Rúa da Raiña 4 All the usual tapas are available inside this little bar, but the best reason to come is to nab one of the few tables on the pretty Praza de Fonseca, and enjoy the finest chocolate con churros in town.