Anna GR
Yoga teacher and wellness mentor
More Than Just Bookstores
My Favorite Bookstores
About this guide
My name is Anna. I am a Barcelona-based yoga teacher who finds solace in the pages of a good book and delights in the company of a great cup of coffee. This is a list of my favorite bookstores in Barcelona. These places form the rich tapestry of Barcelona's literary scene waiting to be explored.
Llibreria Finestres
Cosmopolitan charmAnna GR
This big store is located in the Eixample neighborhood. The historic building sets the tone for the experience. You will find here all kinds of literary treasures. Most importantly, it has a wide selection in different European languages including English, French, Italian, and German as well Catalan, Galician and Basque. The store has cozy and spacious reading areas, one of which is Bar Watson situated on a green terrace with vertical garden. Here, you can enjoy a coffee, tea, or light refreshment while diving into a book. Across the street there is a continuation which specializes on art books and comics.
Altaïr Llibreria
Broaden the horizonsAnna GR, Sergio
This place is for travelers and explorers. You will find here guides, maps, and nonfiction (some of them published by the bookstore itself) to plan your next trip to distant or not so lands. Altaïr Llibreria is also famous for its vibrant community. They often host all kinds of meetings at the small café on the ground floor. The store has its own travel agency. Plus, at the entrance, there is a notice board where fellow travelers seek companions for their next adventure.
La Central del Raval
Cultural epicenterAnna GR
It is a local chain with several bookstores throughout the city. However, the most iconic location is La Central del Raval which is situated in a 17th century building formerly known as the Chapel of Mercy. Its high vaulted ceilings are part of the bookstore’s charm. The place is huge. So, you can find here almost anything. Meander between the aisles or sip coffee in the patio café. The store has a legendary status and hosts many cultural activities, including book presentations, lectures, discussions, and exhibitions.
Llibreria Byron
Aristocratic eleganceAnna GR
This bookstore in Sant Antoni neighborhood is worth a visit, at least, for a big fireplace with cozy armchairs: ideal to relax and set on a literary journey. To make it even more exiting, you can order a cup of coffee at their cozy café. It is a classy and sophisticated place. The store has its own club which organizes book presentations, masterclasses and even classic music concerts.
Laie Llibreria Café
Serene ambienceAnna GR
This place combines a bookstore which is located on the ground floor and a restaurant upstairs. The restaurant has different types of menus and very reasonable prices. It is also very nice to work from thanks to the free Wi-Fi and multiple outlets. The bookshelves create a calm atmosphere which helps you to focus and stay productive.
Libreria On the Road
A place to make friendsAnna GR
This cozy bookshop in El Born is more than just a business. It is a life project. The owner Ángel carefully handpicks the books. Though the store is tiny, you often can find here rare volumes you won’t be able to find anywhere else. The place is famous for a reading club and a community around it. It often organizes meetings and discussions in unusual formats. They can discuss "The Old Man and the Sea" on a sailboat or explore "Walden" in a remote forest cabin two hours from the city. Right next to the store, there is a space called Antic Teatre which has a garden and a bar for you to relax.