From rooftop libraries to antique bookstores and bookish hotels, explore Barcelona through its most unforgettable literary landmarks and hidden gems.
Though we’ve already touched on Barcelona’s bookstores, that wasn’t nearly enough to get into all the best that this Spanish capital has to offer bibliophiles.
Grand Hotel Central
Presenting with grand, neoclassical architecture from the 1920s, Grand Hotel Central offers 5-star accommodations with modern, stylish interiors and a rooftop infinity pool with panoramic city views. It honestly doesn’t get much fancier than this.
The fanciness doesn’t stop there, either; this hotel has a stunning library/meeting room—an austere, two-level space lined from floor to ceiling with antique, leather-bound tombs. Since it’s a meeting space, you have to book ahead of time to get in, but it’s definitely a way to make a mark at your next conference.
Borneta
This boutique hotel has a deceptively simple, chic design and is located in Barcelona’s lively El Born district, marked by its bohemian vibe and active community of artists.
It’s no slacker in the literary department, either, as it has not one, but two book-oriented spaces: the Gallery and the Library. The former is a comfy lounge area with a smattering of texts and art books, and is part of Borneta’s art program. The latter has a broad selection of English- and Spanish-language books, and was created in partnership with Casa Fahrenheit, a local bookstore.
Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection
Cotton House Hotel lives up to its name in more ways than one. Set in the historic former headquarters of the Association of Cotton House Manufacturers, much of the decor evokes an image of cotton, with some outright sprigs of cotton in vases taking the place of flowers.
Its library is just as beautiful as the rest of the place, with the intricate 19th-century ceilings preserved in their historic glory and much of the space spruced up with modern comforts. It’s also a place where guests can enjoy a spot of afternoon tea.
Llibreria Rodés
Not far away is Llibreria Rodés, a bookstore specializing in old, antique books, with an atmosphere that gives it a timeless, almost whimsical feel. Reviewers praise the shop for its knowledgeable service and unique treasures, attracting collectors and bibliophiles alike.
The shop is small but absolutely jam-packed with books, primarily in Spanish and Catalan. It also includes a friendly, resident cat who likes to lounge atop books or on its own cozy little bed in the middle of the shop.
Library of Catalonia
Though the Library of Catalonia was founded in 1907, it’s been in its current home, a former hospital with truly impressive 15th-century Gothic architecture, since 1939. Here, you can walk down corridors with rib-vaulted ceilings, through peaked arch doorways, and up a grand brick staircase.
While much of the library is restricted to research-related matters, there are guided tours available if you book in advance. Without a booking, visitors are limited to the exterior staircase and the lobby.
Sant Pau Library – Santa Creu
Consequently, the Library of Catalonia isn’t the only 15th-century Gothic former hospital on this list, and Sant Pau Library is the other. Architecturally speaking, it’s almost Catalonia’s twin in a lot of ways, with even the staircase and cross out front looking identical.
However, where Catalonia favors wooden bookshelves to preserve its historic appeal, Sant Pau has a more modern interior juxtaposed against its ancient architecture. Sant Pau is also a public library rather than a research library, so it’s open to visitors without prior reservations.
La Central del Raval
Nestled in a large, beautifully restored 17th-century building, La Central del Raval offers an extensive and diverse collection of books across many genres, including history, philosophy, literature, and comics, with sections in multiple languages, including English and Catalan.
The bookstore’s interior is quite modern and stylish, and even has a gorgeous little café with a stained-glass ceiling. Its lush backyard garden just tops off the vibe, offering plenty of seating so you can drink your coffee indoors or out.
Llibreria Calders
Named after the Catalan writer Pere Calders, this bookstore specializes in contemporary literature, primarily in Catalan and Spanish, with a carefully curated selection supporting local authors.
Located in a former button factory with rough stone walls in one room and smooth white plaster in the other, it has a unique atmosphere with polished wooden shelves and a small stage for events. It also serves up coffee for those hoping to wet their whistle in between reading sessions.
Mercado del Libro Dominical de San Antonio
The Mercado del Libro Dominical de San Antonio is one of Europe’s largest secondhand markets that exclusively sells media materials—especially books, but also other paper-made items and video games. Established in 1936, it offers a vast array of secondhand, antique, and out-of-print books alongside collectibles like stamps, postcards, comics, and vintage items.
Even though it’s only open once a week, it attracts over 5,000 visitors per week and is a beloved cultural and social gathering spot in the city.
News & Coffee
Forget fast food—what about some quick-served books? News & Coffee is a kiosk-style bookshop and café with several locations across Barcelona where you can grab some high-quality coffee, books, newspapers, and/or magazines.
The kiosks stand out with distinctive black designs and colorful illustrations, offering up a curated selection of foreign-language magazines and books alongside their craft coffees. Perfect for bookworms on the go.
Llibreria Altaïr
Travelers to Barcelona will be heartened to know that the city is home to one of Europe’s largest travel-focused bookstores: Llibreria Altaïr. This store offers over 60,000 titles, including travel guides, maps, and literature about destinations worldwide, mainly in Spanish, English, and Catalan.
The bookstore also has a café hosting various activities every day. Its menu consists of a variety of internationally inspired food and drink, which is a nice complement to the overall travel theme.
Llibreria Finestres
Llibreria Finestres has some serious finesse, evident in its beautiful, elegant design. This store offers more than 45,000 titles in multiple languages, including Catalan, Spanish, English, French, and German.
Though a bookstore, it has a high-class, almost country club vibe, with cozy armchairs, a semi-outdoor café, and a terrace that invites visitors to browse and relax. And true to its club-esque feel, it hosts daily events such as talks, book clubs, and literary meetings.
Laie Llibreria Cafè
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This two-story bookstore provides a space both spacious and tranquil for Barcelona-bound book lovers. It offers a curated selection of books on the humanities, literature, philosophy, art, and more, plus a variety of cultural events like book presentations and workshops.
And, as the name implies, the bookstore has a lovely café-restaurant as well that serves Mediterranean cuisine with breakfast, lunch, and brunch options. The café features indoor and outdoor seating, including a quiet interior terrace.
Llibreria Ona
In terms of punchy, avant-garde appeal, Llibreria Ona can’t be beat. The interior is varied and unique, with book-related art displays, black-and-white chevron floors in its main café, and cool, modern chic around the bookshelves.
This store combines books with art, a café, and events like readings and live music. Its main focus is on Catalan literature and culture, featuring an impressive 40,000 Catalan titles.
Llibreria la Central
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Here’s another bookstore with a nice café attached—this one on the second floor with a seating area right next to waist-to-ceiling windows. It’s a peaceful little spot filled with a pleasant natural light, offering a great view of the garden outside.
The bookstore portion contains a vast and diverse selection of books in various languages, including English, Catalan, and Spanish. Visitors praise both the broad range of genres, both fiction and nonfiction, as well as the amazing service of the staff, who are passionate about literature and happy to help customers out.
Dipòsit de les Aigües
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Originally designed in 1874 as a water reservoir, the Dipòsit de les Aigües stands nowadays as a library for Pompeu Fabra University, with modern renovations that ensure comfort and convenience for visitors.
This brick building has some truly astounding architecture, with high arched ceilings and massive columns that reach up for what feels like infinity. Even if you’re not a book lover, this is a place you don’t want to miss out on.
Haiku Barcelona
If you want a taste of Japan while in Barcelona, head over to Haiku Barcelona, named for the famous Japanese style of short-form poem, the haiku. Established in 2005, it offers a curated selection of Japanese books, manga, and various other Japanese-specific items. In this case, that means origami, kimonos, and even Japanese food items and dishware.
Of course, being in Spain, most of the stock is translated into Spanish, Catalan, and English. Ghibli fans will also have a field day here, as it also sells Ghibli merchandise.
Hibernian Books
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As Barcelona’s only dedicated secondhand English bookshop, Hibernian Books boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 English-language titles spanning fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and more. While most are used, there are some new and nearly new books mixed in as well.
Known for its cozy, welcoming atmosphere, you can expect a fairly diverse crowd when you walk in. Whether locals, expats, or tourists, Hibernian is welcoming to all.
Montserrat Abelló Library
You wouldn’t know it just by walking in, given how sleek and up-to-date the interior is, but the Montserrat Abelló Library was once a silk ribbon factory. Built in 1934, it later became a center for the glass industry before transforming into a library. The building’s high ceilings give it a spacious, grand feel.
The library is also connected with Fab Ateneu Les Corts, a digital creation and training center, and that’s reflected in the library’s focus towards promoting the creative arts.
Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez
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The Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez is a jaw-droppingly gorgeous library specializing in Latin American literature. The six-floor building, designed by SUMA Arquitectura, features a distinctive wooden structure and a modern, welcoming design inspired by Barcelona’s urban fabric and book stacks.
If you need more evidence of its architectural beauty, this library has won multiple awards, including the 2023 International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions prize for Best New Public Library in the World.
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K Lou
K. Lou is a writer born in the U.S. who found her way to Japan through a spiritual calling—or, more precisely, better access to tea. She writes about travel, culture, and the occasional creative piece, inspired by her enduring love of books. This love began in high school when K. Lou carried books around to avoid seeming odd while lost in thought. Once she started reading, she never stopped. With zero regrets, she continues to explore the written word and invites others to join her in celebrating its varied forms.
