The 10 Best Bookstores in Barcelona

Barcelona has been recognized as a City of Literature by UNESCO since 2015—and looking at these bookstores, it’s easy to see why.

Ona Llibres

This is Barcelona’s top shop for Catalan literature, best known for its eye-popping design and far-out art displays. Ona Llibres has faced many challenges over the years, including shutting down its original shop that had been around since 1962 and reopening three years later on Carrer de Pau Claris. Despite its many struggles, it’s currently thriving.

With over 40,000 titles in its collection and spaces for cultural events and literary discussions, it’s a fantastic stop to learn more about Catalan culture.

Llibreria Finestres d’Art i Còmic

For an art-focused bookshop that is, itself, a work of art, look no further than Llibreria Finestres d’Art i Còmic. With its elegant columns, luxuriant armchairs, and intricate, pyramid-shaped ceiling lights, it’s worth a visit just to soak up the aesthetic.

Luckily, the store’s collection of titles in art and design—in Spanish, English, French, and Catalan—are a fitting addition to this stunning shop.

Llibreria Calders

Llibreria Calders is the place to go to support local authors. It combines a love of books with a vibrant cultural scene, offering readings (for either books or poetry), discussions, and other events, typically in the evenings.

The shop is situated in a former button factory with two rooms: one that’s simple and clean-cut, with polished wooden shelves; and a second with a small stage and bare, rugged brick walls that create a unique, earthy aesthetic. The collection is entirely in Spanish and Catalan, but fear not, English-only speakers; Calders is also well-known for the friendly atmosphere in its café.

Llibreria Altaïr

If you’re traveling to Spain anyway, why not make a stop at one of Europe’s biggest travel-centered bookshops? Llibreria Altaïr offers a wide range of books, including travel guides, maps, essays, and international fiction, alongside travel accessories and cultural items. And yes, a decent chunk of the collection is in English. It also hosts events such as author talks and cultural exhibitions to promote global understanding through literature.

On the lower floor, there’s a café with free wifi and a menu with international flair. At the time of this writing, the café is temporarily closed, but hopefully will be back soon, better than ever.

Hibernian Books

Hibernian is the only English-language secondhand bookshop in Barcelona, so you better believe it’s the go-to for local English needs. popular among travelers and expats. Located in the Barri de Gràcia, its collection is roughly 40,000 strong, and along with it comes some amazing service, like ordering that particular book that you’ve been dying to read.

Hibernian also operates an exchange program where customers can trade in English books for store credit—a nice way for avid readers to not break the budget while supporting a local independent bookstore.

La Central del Raval

Housed in a former chapel, La Central del Raval is a blend of historic and modern architecture. Its collection focuses on the humanities, offering a wide range of subjects like anthropology, architecture, art, and photography. It’s mostly Catalan and Spanish, but there’s a decent foreign-language selection, including English, French, and Italian.

That’s not all; La Central comes complete with a café and garden, so you have your choice of places to relax in while reading your favorite book.

Llibreria Gigamesh

If you love sci-fi, fantasy, or horror, Llibreria Gigamesh is an absolute must-visit. As one of the largest bookstores in Europe specializing in those genres, you’ll be astounded at the vast array of comics, sci-fi and fantasy, all in Spanish, English, and Catalan. On top of its expansive literary collection, there are also board games, role-playing games, and collectible card games.

Not only is this the go-to for speculative fiction and gaming purchases, but it also hosts regular events like book clubs and presentations that keep the community buzzing.

Llibreria Byron

Llibreria Byron is a book café whose design is a seamless blend of modern sleekness and classic comfort. Located in the Sant Antoni neighborhood, it offers a curated selection of Spanish-language books, particularly for children and young people. It also serves as a venue that regularly hosts live music, conferences, author meets, and exhibitions.

For those who want to dive into the local cultural scene, Byron has a club that offers members special discounts and access to exclusive events.

El Lokal

Hoping to spark a revolution? El Lokal might be the place where you want to start. More than a bookstore, it’s a cultural center that is passionate about libertarian ideas and is known for promoting critical thinking and self-management. It regularly hosts press conferences, book discussions, open assemblies, and more.

In addition to books (none in English, sadly), it sells T-shirts, vinyl records, badges, and various other merchandise with revolutionary and countercultural themes.

Barcelona’s Sunday Book Market

Locally known as Mercat Dominical de Sant Antoni, Barcelona’s Sunday book market has been a staple of the area since 1936. It’s one of the largest markets of its kind in Europe, attracting over 15,000 visitors every Sunday between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Set within a beautifully restored modernist building, you can expect a lively and bustling atmosphere among the 70+ stalls. Over half are dedicated to selling books, but others focus on collectibles, postcards, posters, trading cards, and more. Most of the selection is in Spanish and Catalan, but there are a few English titles here and there.