Barcelona has always been a city full of stories. From the narrow medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter to the elegant avenues of Eixample, literature, art and creativity are deeply rooted in its identity. It is no surprise that the city has plenty of beautiful bookshops and cultural spaces.
Some are historic bookshops, filled with shelves from floor to ceiling, while others combine books with art, design, exhibitions, and cafés. If you are searching for your next read, an original souvenir or a quieter side of Barcelona, these bookshops in Barcelona and the cultural spaces around them are worth a detour.
1. Llibreria Finestres
Source: Llibreria Finestres
Located in Eixample, within walking distance of Passeig de Gràcia, it’s a lovely stop to include in a day exploring Barcelona’s Modernist architecture.
With its elegant interiors, carefully curated shelves, peaceful atmosphere and plenty of places to sit, it is a wonderful place to escape the busy streets of Barcelona for a while.
The bookshop has an extensive selection of literature, essays, graphic novels and children’s books in a variety of different languages, as well as a dedicated art and comics space nearby. Regular talks, presentations and cultural events also make Finestres an important meeting spot for Barcelona’s literary community.
Even if you are not planning to buy anything, the beautiful interior design and calm atmosphere make it worth stepping inside.
Location: Carrer de la Diputació, 249, Eixample, 08007
2. La Central del Raval
Source: Instagram (@lacentral_bcn)
Hidden away on Carrer d’Elisabets, just a short walk from La Rambla and the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), La Central del Raval feels like a small literary world of its own.
Located inside a historic building, the bookshop extends through several rooms filled with books on all topics; philosophy, history, art and the humanities. Its leafy courtyard and café add to its charm, offering a peaceful place to stop off during a day exploring El Raval.
It is the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time browsing the shelves before sitting down with a coffee and your latest discovery.
Location: Carrer d’Elisabets, 6, El Raval, 08001
3. Laie Pau Claris
Source: Laie
Just a few streets away from Passeig de Gràcia, Laie Pau Claris has been a part of Barcelona’s cultural landscape for decades. The bookshop specializes in literature, humanities, art, architecture and design, making it particularly interesting for anyone curious about Barcelona’s creative side.
Upstairs, you will also find a café and restaurant with a lovely terrace. This combination of books, culture and food makes Laie an easy place to include in a day of sightseeing around Eixample.
It is also a good stop if you are searching for books about Barcelona, Catalan culture, architecture, or art to take home as a souvenir.
Location: Carrer de Pau Claris, 85, Eixample, 08010
4. Ona Llibres
Source: Pinterest
Ona Llibres is one of the city’s best destinations for discovering literature and culture in Catalan.
Its modern space on Carrer de Pau Claris combines a large bookshop with areas dedicated to exhibitions, talks, presentations and plenty of other cultural activities.
Although the bookshop focuses on Catalan-language literature, it’s also an interesting place for international visitors who want to discover more about Catalonia’s literary and cultural identity.
Beyond browsing the shelves, visitors can get a glimpse into the city’s thriving Catalan literary scene and discover local writers, publishers and ideas.
Location: Carrer de Pau Claris, 94, Eixample, 08010
5. Altaïr
Source: Instagram (@altairllibreria)
For travelers, there are few bookshops better suited than Altaïr. Dedicated to travel, geography, and different cultures around the world, it is a place designed for you to gather inspiration for your next adventure.
Its shelves are packed with travel literature, maps, guides, photography books, and stories from destinations all across the globe. The space also hosts talks, exhibitions and events connected with travel and international culture.
If Barcelona is one stop on a longer journey, Altaïr is the place to plan the next one.
Location: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 616, Eixample, 08007
6. Re-Read
Source: Re-Read
Bookshops do not need to be grand or luxurious to have plenty of character. Re-Read offers a different experience, with shelves filled with second-hand books waiting to find a new home.
The concept is simple: give books another life and make reading more accessible to everyone. With several locations around Barcelona, it is a great option for any travelers, but especially those who enjoy searching for unexpected titles.
You never quite know what you will find, which is part of the fun. A second-hand book picked up in Barcelona can also make a much more personal souvenir than something from a typical gift shop.
Locations:
- Passeig de Sant Joan, 152, Gràcia, 08037
- C/ del Rosselló, 158, Eixample, 08036
- C/ de Muntaner, 270, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08021
- C/ de la Creu Coberta, 73, Sants-Montjuïc, 08014
- C/ de Mallorca, 489, Eixample, 08013
- C/ de la Diputació, 296, Eixample, 08009
- C/ Gran de Sant Andreu, 292, Sant Andreu, 08030
- C/ de Ramon Turró, 201, Sant Martí, 08005
7. Hibernian Books
Source: awellreadwanderer
If you are looking for books in English, then Hibernian Books is one of Barcelona’s best addresses for you to visit.
Located in Gràcia, this independent second-hand bookshop has shelves packed with English-language fiction and non-fiction. Its slightly chaotic, traditional bookshop atmosphere is all part of the appeal; this is somewhere to browse at your own pace, and see what catches your eye.
It is definitely worth visiting if you are staying in Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s most characterful neighborhoods, where independent shops, cafés and lively squares are all an important part of everyday life.
Location: Carrer de Verdi, 66, Gràcia, 08012
8. Fabra i Coats: Fàbrica de Creació
Source: TRENDLAND
Barcelona’s cultural spaces go far beyond traditional museums and galleries. Fabra i Coats is a perfect example.
Located in Sant Andreu, this former textile factory has been transformed into a major center for contemporary art and creative production. The industrial architecture itself is part of the experience, while the program includes exhibitions, artistic projects, workshops, performances, and a variety of other events.
It is an excellent excuse to explore Sant Andreu, a neighborhood that still feels distinctly local despite being only a metro ride away from central Barcelona.
Check the cultural program before your visit to see which exhibitions, performances or guided tours are taking place.
Location: Carrer de Sant Adrià, 20, Sant Andreu, 08030
9. Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB)
Source: ArquitecturaCatalana
In the heart of El Raval, the CCCB is one of the most important contemporary culture spaces in Barcelona.
Its program explores subjects ranging from cities and technology, to literature, cinema, science and society, through exhibitions, debates, festivals, and plenty of other events.
Together with the nearby Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) and the independent galleries and bookshops dotted around El Raval, the CCCB makes this part of Barcelona particularly rewarding and enriching for those looking deeper into the culture here.
Location: Carrer de Montalegre, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08001
10. Biblioteca Pública Arús
Source: Biblioteca Pública Arús
For something completely different, step into one of Barcelona’s most fascinating and historic libraries.
The Biblioteca Pública Arús was founded in the 19th century and preserves an atmosphere that feels far removed from the modern Barcelona we know today. Its collections are particularly associated with social movements and the history of the labor movement, while its elegant reading rooms offer a glimpse into another era.
One of its most unexpected details greets visitors almost immediately: a replica of the Statue of Liberty. It is an unexpected sight and just one of the reasons this lesser-known cultural space deserves a place on your Barcelona itinerary.
Before visiting, check the library’s opening hours and visitor information, as access is more limited than at a regular tourist attraction.
Location: Passeig de Sant Joan, 26, Eixample, 08010
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Barcelona for book lovers?
Come on April 23 for Sant Jordi, Catalonia’s day of books and roses. Stalls selling books and roses fill streets such as La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia, and many authors sign copies. Expect big crowds in the center from mid-morning.
Which Barcelona neighborhood has the most bookshops?
Eixample is the easiest area for a bookshop walk. Llibreria Finestres, Laie Pau Claris, Ona Llibres and Altaïr are all within walking distance of each other, and you can add the Modernist buildings on Passeig de Gràcia on the way.
Where can I find books in English in Barcelona?
Hibernian Books in Gràcia has the largest English-language selection on this list, all second-hand. Llibreria Finestres also stocks books in several languages, and the Re-Read branches often have English titles on their shelves.
Are Barcelona bookshops open on Sundays?
Opening hours vary from shop to shop, and many independent bookshops close on Sundays. Check each shop’s website before you plan a route, especially for the Biblioteca Pública Arús, where visits are more limited than at a regular attraction.
For more ideas in the city, see our Barcelona travel guides, from the oldest pastry shops in Barcelona to day trips by train.
