20 Amazing Bookshops in Barcelona to Visit
I spent four months living and working in Barcelona and made it my mission to uncover Barcelona’s best bookshop. Here are my top recommendations for Barcelona bookshops.
Barcelona is probably most famous for its stunning architecture, wonderful weather, delicious food and sandy beaches, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that it’s also a wonderful city for bookshops and bookshop cafes.
Here are 20 Barcelona bookshops I visited during my time there, with a mix of Spanish and English bookshops, bookshop cafes and specialist bookshops.
20 of the Best Barcelona Bookshops
Llibreria Finestres
Llibreria Finestres was the number one Barcelona bookshop recommended to me by friends and colleagues when they found out that I loved all things bookish.
I went in, however, with zero idea as to why that was or even what type of bookshop it was. And I was simply blown away.
Finestres is not just a bookshop but a veritable haven for bookworms in Barcelona. The interior decor is simply stunning with a mix of brown wooden shelves, dark velvet sofas, gold light fittings and mirrored surfaces.
On the shelves you’ll find books of every genre. And, curiously, the foreign language books are not given their own section but stand next to their Spanish counterparts in each section.
You’ll see R F Kuang’s Yellowface next to Amarilla in the general fiction section and Rooney’s Normal People next to Conversaciones entre amigos.
Expect to see English, Spanish, and perhaps also German or French editions all next to each other.
Outside, there’s a green oasis – a peaceful terrace with water walls and cheese plants growing wild all around the area.
In the centre, there’s a long table with colourful chairs, as well as small marble tables for smaller groups.
There’s a bar (called Bar Watson!) serving coffee, wine, beer and nibbles for those who want to stay awhile (ahem, me).
I want to spend every free moment I have left in Barcelona here with a new book in one hand and a cold glass of wine in the other! When a large glass of wine only costs €3.50, it would be rude not to
Who wants to join me?
Address: Carrer de la Diputació, 249, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 10 am–9 pm every day
Website: www.llibreriafinestres.com
Finestres d’Art i Còmic
Imagine my delight when I left my new fave bookshop in Barcelona and discovered that right across the street they had another branch! And that this one might be more beautiful than the last!
It’s hard not to be instantly wowed by the ceiling when you walk into this newer branch of Finestres. I mean, just look at the stained glass! And the decor is fitting, given this is a bookshop dedicated to books about art.
Again, there’s a mishmash of different vibes in here with beautiful white and gold shelves on one side and dark wood shelves on the other. There’s comfy seating in this branch too, with armchairs that closely resemble clouds.
Both branches of Finestres are simply wonderful and great places for bookworms to while away a few hours.
Address: Carrer de la Diputació, 250, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 10 am–9 pm Monday – Saturday; closed on Sunday
Website: www.llibreriafinestres.com/recomendacion/obrim-nova-llibreria-dart-i-comic
Llibreria Byron
Llibreria Byron is an independent bookshop in the Sant Antoni neighbourhood (bordering Eixample) with almost 500 metres of shelves displaying a carefully curated selection of books in all genres.
The bookshop has an interesting layout with a relatively narrow first room with bookshelves lining either side, and more books on tables down the centre.
If you head off to the right at the end of this section, there’s another long room running parallel to the bookshop with lots of long tables, which is a great space for students and freelancers to set up shop to study or work.
There are even more bookshelves lining these walls, displaying second-hand books available to purchase.
However, as most of the books here are in Spanish with only a very small selection of English books, it was the cosy cafe at the back of the space that made this establishment a firm favourite for me.
The staff here were very friendly and they had a selection of different coffees, teas, pastries and sweet treats every day.
The cafe space led into a bigger event space (with a grand piano and fireplace for ultimate cosy vibes). Here, the bookshop regularly hosts a variety of cultural events for the community, including live music, dance and theatre.
Llibreria Byron was located a brisk 20-minute walk from my Barcelona apartment and was therefore the Barcelona bookshop I visited most during my time in the city (closely followed by Finestres), so I would highly recommend it if you’re looking for somewhere cosy to read or work.
Address: Carrer de Casanova, 32, Eixample, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 10 am–2 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm Tuesday to Saturday; closed on Monday and Sunday
Website: llibreriabyron.com
Hibernian Books
Hybernian Books calls itself the only second-hand English language bookshop in Barcelona and stocks a whopping 40,000 titles.
And I was amazed to learn that when this bookshop first opened (around 20 years ago!), the owners boxed up and brought around 30,000 books over from Dublin with them.
Imagine!
This bookshop is located in Gracia, a short walk away from Casa Vicens, a neighbourhood with a hippie / boho vibe.
Hibernian Books fits the bill and, if I’m being very honest, looks a little run down, but is positively stuffed with good books at good prices, which is what’s important.
Most of the books here were still in good condition and available for €4-6, which is great for English language books in a foreign city.
There really were books in every genre here – general fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, non-fiction, children’s books, even antiquarian books. I could literally have spent hours in here browsing these shelves.
There were also some books in other foreign languages, such as Dutch, French and German.
Although they still primarily stock second-hand books, there’s also a small selection of new general fiction on offer, and a selection of ‘overstocks’ (excess new books sold at lower prices).
If you’re on a budget and looking for an English bookshop in Barcelona, then this is the shop for you.
Address: Carrer de Verdi, 66, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 10:30 am–2 pm, 5–8:30 pm Monday to Saturday; closed on Sunday
Website: www.hibernianbooks.com
On the Road Bookshop
This small independent bookshop, tucked down an alley in the Born, has to be one of my favourite Barcelona bookshops that I’ve visited so far.
On your left as you walk in is a selection of 300 books that the owner says everyone needs to read. Of course, it includes On The Road, the book the shop is named after, and then a mix of old and modern classics. There’s Frankenstein, Fahrenheit 451, and Never Let Me Go.
The shop mostly features books in the Spanish language in a variety of genres – general fiction, classics, poetry, science fiction, the arts, feminism and more.
There’s a small selection of English books too, from recent bestsellers like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo to Penguin classics.
The bookshop also hosts poetry readings, writing workshops, book clubs and more.
Address: Carrer de Verdaguer i Callís, 14, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 11 am–2 pm, 5–8:30 pm Monday to Saturday; closed on Sunday
Website: www.libreriaontheroad.online/en/
Laie Llibreria Cafe
Laie Llibreria Café is one of those perfect hybrids between a bookshop and a café, and I spent many an afternoon here.
Spread across several floors, there’s a cosy bookshop at the bottom, with tightly packed shelves offering a well-curated selection of new titles across most genres, including a good range in English and other languages.
Upstairs is a spacious cafe, which is an excellent spot for working or writing, with reliable Wi-Fi, plenty of seating, and (largely) a calm atmosphere.
I came here several times during my stay in Barcelona – sometimes to work on my blog, other times just to browse and unwind with a coffee.
One of my favourite visits was for a local book swap event, which turned out to be a great way to meet fellow book lovers and English speakers in the city.
Address: Carrer de Pau Claris, 85, L’Eixample, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 9am–8:30 pm Monday to Saturday; closed on Sunday
Website: www.laie.es/es/pau-claris
Taifa Llibres
Taifa Llibres was recommended to me by a colleague as his favourite bookstore in Barcelona, and it didn’t disappoint.
Stepping inside feels a bit like travelling back in time – there’s an old piano tucked between the shelves, and curious trinkets scattered around that give the space a nostalgic charm.
Located in the heart of Gràcia, this traditional bookshop was founded by the Republican poet, bookseller, and publisher José Batlló.
It offers both new and second-hand titles in Catalan and Spanish, though English readers will find only a small selection in their language.
The booksellers are wonderfully friendly and seemed up to chat to any customer, giving this bookshop a warm and friendly atmosphere.
With its character, history, and excellent prices, Taifa Llibres is one of those rare bookshops that truly feels like a piece of Barcelona’s literary soul.
Address: Carrer de Verdi, 12, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 10:30 am–2:30 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm Monday to Saturday; 4:30–8:30 pm Sunday
Website: www.taifallibres.com
La Central del Raval
La Central is a chain of bookshops in Barcelona and Madrid, but La Central de Raval is my favourite of the lot.
Housed in the former Convent of Sant Agustí in Barcelona’s El Raval neighbourhood, the historic setting adds a sense of grandeur to what is now a modern, bustling bookstore in the centre of Barcelona.
It’s an immense bookshop, with sections dedicated to every subject – from literature, comics and children’s books to art, photography, and cinema to music, food, and travel.
You could easily spend hours wandering through the shelves.
However, the main reason to visit this bookshop is the hidden oasis tucked away at the back: an adorable café and outdoor garden space filled with trees and plants.
This outdoor cafe offers the perfect escape from the bustle of the city. While the food and drink are fairly average, the vibes are immaculate.
It’s a popular spot, so get here early if you want to grab a table and linger with a new book and an iced coffee.
Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 237, L’Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 10 am–9 pm Monday to Friday; 10:30 am–9 pm Saturday; closed on Sunday
Website: www.lacentral.com
Alibri Llibreria
Alibri is one of the largest and most impressive bookstores in Barcelona, with shelves covering every genre imaginable, fiction, non-fiction and more specialist subjects.
It’s also one of the best places to buy English books in Barcelona, with a particularly large English-language section that even includes beautiful editions like the Penguin Clothbounds – not something you’d expect to find in Spain!
You’ll also find plenty of popular English titles translated into Spanish, as well as books in Catalan and several other languages, making Alibri a fantastic place to shop if you’re learning another language.
I particularly loved the YA section, which had an incredible range of series to browse through, and there’s even a dedicated Harry Potter section with books and memorabilia.
Alibri often hosts author events and literary talks, so if you live in the city, you might have the chance to meet your favourite writers here too.
Address: Carrer de Balmes, 26, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 9:30 am-8:30 pm Monday to Friday; 10am-8:30pm Saturday
Website: https://www.alibri.cat/en/
Llibreria Calders
Llibreria Calders was right around the corner from me in Barcelona and, in my opinion, a really underrated bookshop.
Housed in a former button factory, it’s a spacious, almost warehouse-like space with an effortlessly aesthetic feel – high ceilings, exposed beams, and shelves neatly lined with Spanish books.
I enjoyed the selection of English language titles translated into Spanish and picked up a cool copy of Bram Stoker’s Dracula in Spanish.
Named after Pere Calders, a celebrated Catalan writer of the 20th century who once lived nearby, the bookshop specialises in local authors and pays homage to Barcelona’s literary heritage.
I found this bookshop to be surprisingly quiet most times I visited, but the adjoining café was always buzzing with locals chatting over drinks.
Even if you don’t read Spanish, the café alone is worth a visit – it’s a lovely spot to enjoy a glass of vermouth and some light bites while soaking up the atmosphere.
Address: Passatge de Pere Calders, 9, L’Eixample, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 10 am–9 pm Monday to Friday; 1 am–9 pm Saturday; 11:30 am–7:30 pm Sunday
Website: www.llibreriacalders.com/es
Casa del Llibre
Casa del Llibre (House of Books) is the Spanish equivalent of Barnes & Noble or Waterstones. There are 10 Caso del Libro stores in Barcelona and over 70 in Spain, with more shops being opened each year.
Some branches of Casa del Llibre are enormous, with tall floor-to-ceiling bookshelves displaying an extensive selection of books in all genres.
You’ll also find books in many different languages – Spanish, Catalan and English, of course, but many other languages, too.
This is where I would buy my Spanish language learning books, as well as some recent releases in English. If you’re looking for a new release and want to guarantee you’ll find it, Casa del Llibre is your best bet.
Despite their large size, these bookshops still don’t feel too corporate, and they are doing their best to rival Amazon in Spain, so I think they are well worth supporting in addition to some of the cosy independent shops on this list.
Address: Pg. de Gràcia, 62, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 9:30am-9:30pm Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday
Website: www.casadellibro.com
Fatbottom
Fatbottom is a small but vibrant independent bookshop tucked away in the heart of El Raval, dedicated primarily to self-published comics, zines, and graphic art.
It’s the kind of place that feels genuinely creative – every nook and cranny is filled with unique works and independent titles you won’t find in many other places.
I loved the variety here too – instead of the usual mainstream comics, Fatbottom champions the experimental, the quirky, and the under-the-radar.
The shop also plays an important role in supporting local artists, giving them a space to share and sell their work.
It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves illustration, alternative publishing, or discovering hidden gems in Barcelona’s indie scene.
Address: Carrer de la Lluna, 21, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 5–8:30 pm Monday, 11 am–2 pm Tuesday to Friday; 11 am–3 pm Saturday; closed Sunday
Website: fatbottombooks.com
Norma Comics
Norma Comics is the ultimate destination for comic book lovers and pop culture geeks in Barcelona. This is basically heaven for anyone passionate about graphic novels, manga, and related memorabilia.
It’s absolutely huge, with different themed sections spread across multiple adjoining stores on the same street.
The space is impressively well organised, with an entire second floor dedicated solely to manga, and shelves brimming with titles from DC, Marvel, and beyond.
You’ll also find a large range of merchandise, from t-shirts and mugs to toys and collectables. The shop’s atmosphere was buzzing when I visited, and even a few cosplayers were browsing here, adding to the fun.
Their selection of both European and American comics is vast, and it’s easy to lose track of time browsing through it all.
Norma Comics is more than just a bookshop – it’s a pop culture landmark and an absolute must-visit for any self-confessed geek exploring Barcelona.
Address: Pg. de St. Joan, 9, L’Eixample, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 10:30 am–8:30 pm Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday
Website: www.normacomics.com
Libreria del Palau
Libreria del Palau bookstore in Barcelona has been open since 1986 and is a must-visit for lovers of quaint second-hand bookshops with floor-to-ceiling stacked shelves and narrow corridors filled with books.
This bookshop’s collection covers a wide range of subjects, including literature, poetry, essays, and more.
There are books dating back to the 19th century as well as more recent literature, predominantly in Catalan and Spanish, but with a smattering of French, English, German, and Portuguese titles too.
It’s a diverse mix, making this bookstore a great find for anyone who enjoys exploring books across different genres and languages.
For my English readers, the English section was not terribly exciting and is not as well-stocked as the other languages. But it’s still nice to browse and get lost in this shop for a few moments.
Address: Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, 6, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 1–9 pm every day
Llibreria Ona (Catalan Bookshop)
Alongside Spanish, Catalan is one of the official languages spoken in Barcelona, and this bookshop is doing its best to preserve Catalan culture through literature.
Spread over two floors with multiple different rooms in different styles, this bookshop is dedicated to books by Catalan writers and in the Catalan language.
The owner’s idea was that the books in here would not have to compete with those written in the Spanish language, and that shoppers would know that when they pick up a book in here, it will be a book in Catalan.
There’s an extensive selection of books with everything from fiction to non-fiction, children’s, poetry and art. With tall ceilings and a large selection of books, you might need a step ladder to reach what you’re looking for.
For those who don’t understand Catalan (aka me) there’s also a section devoted to works by Catalan writers that have been translated into languages including English, Italian, German, and French.
Beyond books, the owners want this to be a Catalan culture centre, and there’s a beautiful library / cafe space where students can study and shoppers can read.
It also functions as an event space for book clubs, poetry evenings, author events, talks and more.
Isn’t it beautiful?
Address: Carrer de Pau Claris, 94, L’Eixample, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 10 am–9 pm Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday
Website: www.onallibres.cat
Come In Bookshop
Come In Bookshop was founded in 1984 as Barcelona’s English bookshop. It’s not a large bookshop, but they do have a nice range of titles in different genres, particularly general fiction, young adult, children’s, and non-fiction. They also have some signed copies by popular authors, too!
If you’re learning English, then this is a great place to come for textbooks and study materials too. There are also some books in English about Barcelona and some titles translated from Spanish and Catalan.
They host lots of events here, including a monthly book club, author events and signings and children’s storytelling sessions.
There’s also a large range of board games in English, which are perfect for cosy board game nights or to occupy kids who are learning English.
The books here are a little pricey, but I think that is to be expected when buying new foreign language books that have been imported from outside of Spain.
Address: Carrer de Balmes, 129 Bis, L’Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 9:30 am–8:30 pm Monday to Friday; 9:30 am–2 pm, 4:30–8 pm Saturday; closed Sunday
Website: www.libreriainglesa.com/en
A Romance Court | Romance + Fantasy Booksellers
A Romance Court is Barcelona’s first dedicated bookshop for romance and fantasy lovers. In fact, it’s the first romance and fantasy bookshop in all of Spain!
Here they stock romantasy, historical romance, epic fantasy, rom-coms & indie gems in both English and Spanish.
The shop itself looks pretty magical with dark walls, wooden furnishings and magical-looking cabinets.
But it’s much more than just a bookshop; it’s a real community space for those who love these genres.
You can even become a member and be initiated into one of four ‘Houses’ (either in person or via Instagram).
The Houses are: Emerald Willow, Onyx Raven, Blood Ruby and Midnight Sapphire. Twice a year, you can request realignment and move to another House. But the Court always decides.
Members get priority access to events, access to the Court Library, House-only gatherings, House points and more.
It sounds super cool, and you can learn more about the Houses here.
Address: Carrer de Monistrol, 1, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 11am-8pm Tuesday to Saturday (closed on Mondays and Sundays)
Website: https://aromancecourt.com/
ALTAÏR Llibreria
If you love travelling and learning about other cultures, then you simply must visit ALTAÏR Llibreria.
It has a rather unassuming exterior, but inside you’ll find a long corridor lined with travel-related books, giant globes hanging from the ceiling, and maps of the world covering the walls.
This bookshop is packed with books and maps for all kinds of adventures, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a round-the-world trip.
You’ll find guidebooks from Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, and plenty of others, along with a good selection of Spanish, Catalan and English-language titles.
In addition to books, there’s also a wide range of maps and travel accessories to which may be gelpful on your next journey or great as a gift for a travel-loving friend.
On your way out, don’t miss the notice board near the entrance, covered in messages from previous visitors – some are heartfelt, others hilarious.
Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 616, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 10 am–2 pm, 4–8:30 pm Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday
Website: www.altair.es/es/
Re-Read
Re-Read is a chain of second-hand bookshops in Barcelona and is a great place to look if you don’t have any particular read in mind and want to pick up a bargain. The prices here are set at 1 book for €4, 2 books for €6, and 5 books for €12 – a steal given most books here are in almost perfect condition.
Given this is a second-hand bookshop, I was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of books on offer here, in terms of relevance, genre and language.
There were lots of popular books from the last decade or so in the fiction section, many of which were on my wishlist.
They also stock books in Spanish, Catalan and English, but also languages like Chinese, Korean and Dutch. Being able to access good quality second-hand books in another language in a physical bookshop is quite rare!
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, they won’t be able to order one in for you, but they do have a book alert service, so you can sign up to be notified if that book comes in.
You can also sell your books to Re-Read for a set price of €0.25 per book. They generally prefer books published from the 1990s to 2000s onward, but also take some classics, history books, essays, and philosophy books from earlier years.
They do not buy encyclopedias, textbooks, or old or damaged books.
Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 564, L’Eixample, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours: 10:30 am–2 pm, 5–8:30 pm Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday
Website: www.re-read.com
Backstory (English Bookshop)
Of course, they opened an amazing English bookshop in Barcelona right after I left!
Backstory has been recommended to me time and time again, and I can’t wait to visit it the next time I am in Barcelona.
They describe themselves as Barcelona’s cosiest, friendliest, most authentic English bookshop, and I can believe it based on all the glowing reviews I’ve heard from my friends.
It’s a beautifully modern space with two storeys of great books in English, hanging chairs, and even a cosy book fort!
If you’re a local, they also run book clubs and events so you can mingle with other local bookworms.
Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 330, Eixample, 08037 Barcelona
Opening Hours: 10am–8pm Monday to Thursday and Saturday, closed on Friday, 12pm-5:30pm on Sunday
Website: https://www.backstorybookshop.com/
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