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Barcelona is a city that has long inspired writers, poets and artists, and its literary side is still very much alive today. Beyond its famous architecture, beaches and food scene, the city is home to an impressive variety of bookshops, from the best independent shops and unique second-hand treasure troves to specialist shops dedicated to travel, fantasy, English-language literature and rare editions. 

Whether you’re looking for your next holiday read, a unique souvenir or simply somewhere to spend a quiet afternoon browsing the shelves, here are some of the best bookshops in Barcelona for book lovers. 

1. Llibreria Calders 

Source: tripadvisor  

Tucked away in Sant Antoni, Llibreria Calders is a charming, independently owned bookshop with a strong focus on literature. Its carefully selected shelves make it an excellent place to discover contemporary fiction, classics, essays, and works from both established and emerging authors. 

This bookshop is not the kind of place to have vast amounts of visitors and endless rows of books, instead feeling like a little neighbourhood bookshop, where every title has truly earned its place on the shelf. It is an especially good stop if you’re interested in discovering more Catalan and Spanish literature during your time in Barcelona.  

Must-Browse Shelf: Take a look through the Catalan literature section for a chance to discover local authors and get a feel for the city’s literary scene. 

Tip: Calders is located in Sant Antoni, one of Barcelona’s best neighbourhoods for independent shops, cafés and restaurants, so leave yourself some time to explore the surrounding streets too. 

Location: Passatge de Pere Calders, 9, Eixample, 08015 Barcelona 

2. Altaïr

Source: Instagram (@altairllibreria) 

Dreaming of your next adventure? Altaïr is one of Barcelona’s essential stops for anyone who loves both books and travel. 

Located on Gran Via, this specialist bookshop is dedicated to travel culture, anthropology and nature, with an enormous selection designed to help readers discover different places, people and cultures. Here, you can find everything from travel literature and maps to books on history, society, and the natural world.  

It’s just as enjoyable for experienced travellers as it is for those who prefer to discover far-away places without leaving their reading chair. 

Must-Browse Shelf: Explore the sections dedicated to different regions of the world. It’s an easy way to find literature and travel writing connected to your next destination. 

Insider Tip: Check Altaïr’s agenda before visiting. The bookshop regularly organises presentations, talks and other cultural events centred around travel, society and different parts of the world. 

Location: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 616, Eixample, 08007 Barcelona 

3. Re-Read 

Source: Re-Read   

For the budget-conscious bookworms, Re-Read is one of the best places in Barcelona to hunt for second-hand books. 

The concept is simple: give books another life, while making reading more affordable. Its shops are filled with pre-owned titles covering fiction, history, travel, biographies and so much more, and because the stock is constantly changing, every visit offers something different. 

The pricing system also makes it particularly tempting to leave with more books than you originally planned: as currently, one book costs €4, two cost €6 and five cost €12. 

There are several Re-Read locations around Barcelona, including in Sant Andreu, Poblenou, Muntaner, Creu Coberta, Diputació and Carrer de Mallorca. 

Must-Browse Shelf: Head to the fiction section and see what catches your eye. Part of the fun here is finding an unexpected title among the shelves. 

Insider Tip: Look out for books in other languages too. The selection varies between locations, so it’s worth browsing rather than arriving with one particular title in mind. 

Locations:  

• Passeig de Sant Joan, 152, Gràcia, 08037  

• C/ del Rosselló, 158, Eixample, 08036  

• C/ de Muntaner, 270, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08021  

• C/ de la Creu Coberta, 73, Sants-Montjuïc, 08014  

• C/ de Mallorca, 489, Eixample, 08013  

• C/ de la Diputació, 296, Eixample, 08009  

• C/ Gran de Sant Andreu, 292, Sant Andreu, 08030  

• C/ de Ramon Turró, 201, Sant Martí, 08005 

4. La Central del Raval 

Source: Instagram (@lacentral_bcn) 

Hidden away on Carrer d’Elisabets, just a short walk from La Rambla, La Central del Raval combines an extensive bookshop with one of the most atmospheric literary spaces in the city.

Its shelves cover an impressive range of subjects, with particularly strong sections dedicated to literature, philosophy, humanities, art and culture. The setting makes it even more special: the bookshop occupies a historic building and opens into a peaceful interior garden. 

The garden is also home to Decameron, the bookshop’s café/bar, making this a particularly good choice when you want to turn a quick browse into a relaxed afternoon. 

Must-Browse Shelf: Explore the philosophy, humanities and art sections. Even if you arrive without a particular book in mind, there’s plenty here to spark your curiosity. 

Insider Tip: After browsing, head to the garden for a coffee and start reading your latest purchase away from the busy streets of central Barcelona. 

Location: C/ d’Elisabets, 6, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona 

5. Come In 

Source: Come In 

If you prefer your books in English, Come In should definitely be on your list. 

Founded in 1984, this independent English-language bookshop has become a reference point in Barcelona for English literature and language learning. Its shelves include contemporary fiction, classics, non-fiction, children’s literature and educational material, making it suitable for everyone from casual readers to students and teachers.  

It’s also a useful place to discover recent releases in their original English versions rather than waiting for translations.  

Must-Browse Shelf: Browse the contemporary fiction section for recent English-language releases or explore the children’s and young adult shelves if you’re visiting with younger readers. 

Insider Tip: Come In also organises literary activities, including book clubs, storytelling sessions and conversations with writers, so take a look at what’s happening during your stay. 

Location: C/ de Balmes, 129 Bis, Eixample, 08008 Barcelona 

6. Gigamesh 

Source: Facebook (Libreria Gigamesh) 

For fans of science fiction, fantasy, horror, comics and graphic novels, Gigamesh is an essential Barcelona bookshop. 

Located near the Arc de Triomf, this book shop has become one of the city’s best-known destinations for genre fiction. Alongside its huge range of books and comics, you can also browse board games, role-playing games and other items connected to fantasy and science-fiction culture. 

Whether you already know exactly which universe you want to dive into, or are simply curious to explore something new, there’s plenty here to keep you occupied. 

Must-Browse Shelf: Head straight to the science-fiction and fantasy sections, where you’ll find everything from established classics to newer releases. 

Insider Tip: Don’t stop at the books. Take some time to explore the games and other specialist sections too; particularly if you’re looking for an unusual gift for a fellow fantasy or sci-fi fan. 

Location: C/ de Bailèn, 8, Eixample, 08010 Barcelona 

7. Llibreria Documenta 

Source: Facebook (Llibreria Documenta) 

A long-standing part of Barcelona’s literary landscape, Llibreria Documenta has been welcoming readers since 1975. 

Today, the bookshop remains a lively cultural space with a carefully selected collection covering literature, art, history, philosophy, and other areas of the humanities. It’s the kind of bookshop were browsing without a particular title in mind can easily lead to an unexpected discovery. 

Documenta also maintains a busy cultural agenda, with regular book presentations, discussions, book clubs, and events taking place throughout the year. 

Must-Browse Shelf: Explore its literature and humanities sections, particularly if you’re interested in discovering authors and titles beyond the usual bestsellers lists. 

Insider Tip: Check the bookshop’s events calendar before you visit. There are regular presentations and literary activities, making Documenta a great place to experience Barcelona’s contemporary literature scene. 

Location: C/ de Pau Claris, 144, Eixample, 08009 Barcelona 

8. Hibernian Books 

Source: awellreadwanderer 

If second-hand English books are more your style, then head to Hibernian Books in Gràcia. 

Hibernian specialises in English-language books, with a collection that includes both second-hand titles and new books. Its shelves cover everything from fiction and children’s books to art, science, history, and politics. 

Because a fair amount of the stock is second-hand, part of the appeal is simply taking your time and seeing what you uncover. You might walk in looking for one thing but leave with something completely unexpected. 

Must-Browse Shelf: Browse the second-hand fiction and classics. The ever-changing stock means there’s always the possibility of discovering something you weren’t expecting. 

Insider Tip: Don’t rush your visit. This is one of those bookshops were digging through the shelves is the best part of the experience. 

Location: C/ de Verdi, 66, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona 

9. La Lata 

Source: ThisIsBarcelona 

Formerly known as Lata Peinada, La Lata is a specialist bookshop, dedicated to connecting Barcelona with the literary scene and culture of Latin America. 

Located at the entrance to El Raval, close to Plaça Universitat, the shop offers readers the opportunity to discover more established names alongside contemporary voices from across Latin America. It’s an especially interesting stop if you want to look beyond the most internationally famous authors and explore the diversity of the region’s literary scene. 

La Lata is also closely connected to Barcelona’s Latin-American cultural community, and organises Lata Fest, an annual festival dedicated to Latin-American literature and culture. 

Must-Browse Shelf: Head for the contemporary Latin American literature section and look beyond the authors you may already know. This is an excellent place to discover new voices from across the region. 

Insider Tip: Keep an eye on La Lata’s cultural programme. Its events offer everyone a chance to hear directly from writers, journalists and other figures connected to contemporary Latin American culture. 

Location: C/ de la Verge, 10, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona 

10. Llibreria Anticuària Farré 

Source: Instagram (@Llibreria_Anticuària_Farré) 

For something completely different, step into the world of rare and historic books at Llibreria Anticuària Farré. 

Now located in Eixample, this specialist antiquarian bookshop is dedicated to antique, rare, and collectible books. Its collection includes first editions, manuscripts, scientific works, and books covering subjects such as literature, philosophy, art, and gastronomy. 

Books aren’t the only treasures here either. Farré also deals in historical graphic material, including maps, engravings and unusual documents, making it a fascinating place for collectors and anyone interested in the history of the printed word. 

Rather than simply looking for your next holiday read, a visit here is about discovering objects that have their own history and, in some cases, have survived for centuries. 

Must-Browse Shelf: Look out for first editions and older collectible works. Even if you’re not a serious collector, seeing books and documents from another era makes this a particularly interesting place to explore. 

Insider Tip: Don’t overlook the maps, engravings, and other historical documents. They offer something completely different from the other bookshops on this list and could make for a particularly special souvenir from Barcelona. 

Location: Outdoor bookstall –  C/ del Rosselló, 487, Eixample, 08025 Barcelona 

Barcelona may be famous for its beaches, architecture, and tapas, but its bookshops reveal another side of the city. From specialist, travel- focused shops, and independent neighbourhood bookshops to second-hand English titles, Latin American literature and centuries-old collectible editions, there’s something here for every kind of reader. 

So, next time you’re exploring Barcelona, make some room in your itinerary—and perhaps in your suitcase—for a visit to one of its bookshops. You just might discover a new favourite author, find an unusual souvenir, or simply enjoy a quieter side of the city for an afternoon. 

Happy reading!