While I'm a devoted tea drinker, I adore the scent of freshly roasted coffee, and on certain occasions, a frothy cappuccino is just the thing. On the other hand, my husband, is the biggest coffee snob I know, and can't function without his morning espresso. The perfect place for us in Barcelona? Cafés El Magnifico and Sans & Sans Fine Tea Merchants. The former is Spain's finest coffee roaster, located at at number 64 Carrer de l'Argenteria, about a ten minute walk from Le Méridien Barcelona And the latter is just across the street at number 59. Both shops are run by Salvador Sans, a third generation coffee roaster who brought the family business into the gourmet realm nearly three decades ago, and has built a solid reputation around his brand.

Burlap bags stacked on either side of the coffee shop's entry are nearly busting with beans from the world's best destinations for coffee bush cultivation. Places like Sumatra, Colombia, Ethiopia and Kenya are stamped upon their rough brown surfaces. Each day Sans roasts a new batch, and offers a free sample to customers as they enter. I'll leave my husband here to chat with the friendly proprietor, and head across the street where they've also got a sample of the day's leafy brew on hand. It could be a Lung Ching green tea, a Darjeeling, or some exceptional herbal concoction like the Infusion Equilibrio, which mixes Rooiboos with honey and chamomile. With nearly 300 types, it's hard to know what the day's special will be, but I've always got my fingers crossed for a transporting cup of fine Earl Grey. Both shops offer their products in bulk, and carry a range of tea and coffee accessories like cups, pots and filters. Set aside some room in the carry on.

[image via Sans & Sans]