Is there a better way of preparing for your life in an unfamiliar city than reading a great book in the place in which it is set? We definitely think that books are the best way to get to know a place, so we have put together a guide on the best books in Barcelona, along with tips on must-visit libraries and top bookstores for English speakers.
A guide: English books in Barcelona
Must visit libraries in Barcelona
Barcelona is home to some of the most unique and beautiful libraries, blending history, culture, and modernity:
Biblioteca de Catalunya
Biblioteca de Catalunya – Housed in a 15th-century Gothic building in El Raval. It offers a stunning setting with vaulted ceilings and an extensive collection focused on Catalan literature and heritage. Primarily dedicated to Catalan heritage and literature, it has a limited selection of books in English. However, you may find historical or academic works related to Catalonia in English.
Biblioteca Jaume Fuster
For a modern contrast, Biblioteca Jaume Fuster, designed by architect Josep Llinàs, stands out for its striking architecture and expansive reading spaces. As part of the Barcelona public library network, it offers a wider selection of English-language books, including fiction, non-fiction, and magazines. This is one of the best spots for contemporary literature in English.
Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez
The Gabriel García Márquez Library in Barcelona, located in the Sant Martí district, has been recognised as the best public library in the world by the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). After opening in 2022, it stands out for its sustainable design, innovative community programmes, and focus on Latin American literature, serving as a vibrant cultural hub that encourages creativity, learning, and inclusivity.
Biblioteca Pública Arús
Art and book lovers shouldn’t miss Arús Public Library, a hidden gem dedicated to Freemasonry, anarchism, and social movements. These libraries are more than places to read—they’re windows into Barcelona’s rich cultural history. Its collection is more specialised, focusing on Freemasonry, anarchism, and social history, with some resources in English. If you’re interested in these topics, you may find rare English books and documents here.
Biblioteca Joan Miró
For a more comprehensive collection of English books, public libraries like Biblioteca Joan Miró is another great option.
Barcelona library card
Did you know that in Barcelona you can apply for a free library card? It comes with more perks than you might expect.
Beyond borrowing books, it gives you access to digital databases, newsletters, educational courses, workshops, language-learning programs, study rooms, internet access, computer equipment, and personalised services. Library cardholders also enjoy discounts on cultural events and services throughout Barcelona and Catalonia.
Getting your library card is quick and easy. You can apply online by filling out a form and selecting your preferred library for card collection. Once submitted, your card will be ready for pickup. Prefer to do it in person? Just head to the front desk at any Barcelona library, and they’ll create your card on the spot.
Best multilinguals bookstores in Barcelona
Barcelona is a paradise for multilingual book lovers, with a variety of bookstores catering to diverse literary tastes.
Alibri Llibreria
Alibri Llibreria, one of the oldest in the city, offers books in multiple languages.
Llibreria Jaimes
Llibreria Jaimes is a haven for French literature enthusiasts, though it also offers books in multiple languages.
La Central
La Central, with several locations, stands out for its broad selection of books in multiple languages, covering art, humanities, and design. For travellers and adventurers.
Altaïr
Altaïr is a must-visit, offering an impressive collection of travel books and maps from around the world.
English bookstores in Barcelona
Barcelona boasts a fantastic range of bookstores with books for English speakers in Barcelona – perfect for expats.
Backstory
Backstory, known as Barcelona’s cosiest and friendliest English bookshop, stands out for its warm atmosphere, inviting reading nooks, and community vibe.
Come In
Come In is a favourite for its extensive range of novels, educational books, and learning resources for English students.
Hibernian Books
Hibernian Books, the city’s only second-hand English bookstore, is perfect for those hunting for literary treasures.
La Central
La Central also features a sizeable English section focused on humanities, art, and contemporary literature.
Whether you’re after a classic novel or something offbeat, these bookstores offer something for every English reader.
Best multilingual second hand bookstores in Barcelona
Hibernian Books
If you’re into second-hand treasures, Hibernian Books, located in the vibrant Gràcia neighbourhood, stands out with its vast collection of second-hand books in English and other languages, offering everything from fiction to academic texts.
Re-Read
Re-Read, a popular chain, offers affordable multilingual selections with a “buy more, pay less” model, providing everything from new releases to second-hand bargains.
Llibreria Calders
For a more eclectic experience, Llibreria Calders in Sant Antoni blends contemporary literature with second-hand treasures in multiple languages, creating a unique literary haven.
The best books set in Barcelona
The Cemetery of Forgotten Books Series
A favourite of many, ‘The Shadow of the Wind’ (La sombra del viento) by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. It’s the first novel in the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series, which is followed by The Angel’s Game (El juego del ángel), The Prisoner of Heaven (El prisionero del cielo) and The Labyrinth of the Spirits (El laberinto de los espíritus). The great thing about these books is that they act as a way of discovering the nooks and crannies of the city. They enable you to see the city through the eyes of Daniel, a young boy who is brought to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books in The Shadow of the Wind.
The Time of the Doves
The Time of the Doves by Mercè Rodoreda, (also known as ‘La plaça del Diamant’ in Catalan), is set in Barcelona before, during and after the Spanish Civil War and pictures a young woman’s struggles in life as well as her conflictive relationships. Classed as “one of the most beautiful novels written about the Spanish civil war”, the personal history of Natalia mirrors that of many Barcelonians.
Victus
Written by Albert Sánchez Piñol, Victus is a sweeping tale of heroism, treason, war, love, and regret that culminates in the tragic fall of the legendary Barcelona. Set in early eighteenth-century Spain, the story surrounds a military mastermind whose betrayal ultimately leads to the conquest of the city.
The City of Marvels
The City of Marvels (La Ciudad de los Prodigios) written by Eduardo Mendoza Garriga, tells of Barcelona’s growth from a small provincial capital to a thriving metropolis. The story is about the city of Barcelona and its cultural evolution during the turn of the 20th century. Its central character, Onofre Bouvila, represents a lower class character and their collective ideology.
Don Quixote of La Mancha
The oldest and most well-known recommendation on this list is one of the most influential works of literature from the Spanish Golden Age. Written by Miguel de Cervantes, this novel tells the story of a middle-aged gentleman who, after gaining an infatuation with books of chivalry, decides to take up his sword and defend the helpless. At some point during his travels of Spain he arrives in Barcelona and that’s where it becomes an even more enjoyable read for Barcelona lovers.
Cathedral of the Sea
Written by Ildefonso Falcones, this historical novel takes place in 14th century Barcelona at the height of the Inquisition, with the construction of the Santa Maria del Mar serving as the background to the story. Netflix also recently developed the story into a drama series of the same name. This historical novel covers the topics of friendship, revenge, love and war.
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