Barcelona is a very literate city. There are 300 bookshops, 40 libraries, about 25 literary festivals taking place throughout the year. Added to which, there are over 100 book publishing houses ensconced within the city limits. The numbers don’t lie: Barcelona reads a lot. So, it goes without saying that there must be numerous Barcelona literary haunts too.
The trail of Barcelona’s rich literary culture is a long one, in Catalan, Spanish, and English. Here are the best places in Barcelona to revel in the city’s literary past and present.
Barcelona Literary Haunts
Cafe del Centre
A local institution, Cafe de Centre has been pouring coffee and other potent libations since 1873. It is still run by the same family that opened it more than 150 years ago. And, since the late ‘70s and early ‘80s post-Franco era, it has been a frequent place for political discussion among local writers too. This place was also, famously, the stomping grounds for feminist writer Montserrat Roig and comic-book scribe Victor Mora.
- Cafe del Centre: Calle Selva De Mar 215. Open 9am – 9pm daily
Bar Marsella
Bar Marsella has been attracting writers and artists for more than two centuries. Located in the El Raval barrio, Marsella has the reputation of being Barcelona’s first bar – essentially putting the “bar” in “Barcelona”!
According to legend, everyone from Picasso to Hemingway were regulars at one time or another. And, interestingly, absinthe was, for a time, the drink of choice. You can still partake in the green ferry here, if you dare.
- Bar Marsella: Carrer de Sant Pau, 65. Open from 18.00 until the early hours.
Cafe Salambó
High ceilings and an atmospheric setting make Cafe Salambó a draw for local writers. Located in the barrio of Gracia, which has historically been a popular neighbourhood for wrtiers and other creatives. The menu is loaded with edible delights and people gravitate to Salambó as much for the food as for the juicy conversation among writers.
- Cafe Salambo: Torrijos 51. Open from 12.00 noon until the early hours.
Cafe Moka
You wouldn’t know it from the renovated interior, but Cafe Moka first fired up its coffee makers in 1934. This was just two years before the onset of the Spanish Civil War. Located on La Rambla, Moka was frequented by George Orwell when he was working on what would become “Homage to Catalonia.” His place of temporary residency, Hotel Continental, at 138 La Rambla, is still operating. So you can kill 2 birds with one stone, as it is only a two-minute walk from the cafe.
- Cafe Moka: Ramblas 126. Open daily from 8.00 – 23.00
Laie Libreria Cafe
Laie is a new kid on the block. This cafe and bookshop hasn’t been around since the time Orwell and Hemingway were traipsing down Barcelona’s cobblestoned streets. However, this spot, located a few minutes’ walk from Plaça de Catalunya, is a favorite haunt for the city’s writers, publishing house editors, and literary agents.
- Laie Libreria Cafe: C/Pau Claris 85. Open 9.00-20.30 daily, closed Sundays!
Els Quatre Gats
In 1897, two friends, Ramon Casas and Miguel Utrillo, opened Els Quatre Gats, a restaurant and bar in the Barri Gotic or Gothic Quarter. Along with them was writer Pere Romeu, who wanted the bar to be inspired by the Parisian literary haunt Le Chat Noir.
And so Els Quatre Gats, or the Four Cats, was born. Writers and artists were regulars, including some well-known creatives. Even a 17-year-old burgeoning painter named Pablo Picasso hung out here. The place was only open for 6 years but it was miraculously resurrected in 1978 and today you can enjoy some of the most traditional foods found in Barcelona in the inspiring Art Deco setting.
- Els Quatre Gats: Calle de Montsio, 1. Open Tuesday to Saturday 11.00 – 24.00 and Sunday
12.00 – 17.00. Closed on Mondays
Insider’s tip: If you’re looking to mix and match your literary exploration with some culinary adoration, our Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour will take you to or by some of the places on this list. Learning all about Barcelona’s literary love while trying some of the city’s best bites is an amazing way to spend a day.
FAQ: Barcelona Literary Haunts
Are there any bookshops in Barcelona that are considered literary gems?
Popular bookshops include Laie Bookshop (C/ Pau Claris, 85), Casa del Llibre (Rambla de Cataluña 37) , and the iconic Sant Jordi Day celebrations with book stalls across the city.
Which authors have been inspired by Barcelona?
Barcelona has inspired authors like Carlos Ruiz Zafón (“The Shadow of the Wind”), George Orwell (“Homage to Catalonia”), and Eduardo Mendoza (“The City of Marvels”).
What are some historic libraries or archives worth visiting?
Biblioteca de Catalunya and the Sant Pau-Santa Creu library are iconic spots for literary enthusiasts.
Are there any Barcelona events celebrating local Catalan authors?
Yes, Sant Jordi’s Day on April 23rd is a key celebration. It focuses on Catalan literature and the exchange of books and roses. We highly recommend checking it out if you find yourself in Barcelona on April 23rd.
What else should book lovers know about Barcelona?
This Catalan metropolis of 1.6 million denizens has a long literary tradition and history. This official UNESCO City of Literature has countless spots on the literary trail. For starters, the city boasts bookshops and festivals.
It also has hotels where George Orwell slept and trails where Cervantes schlepped, where Quim Monzó ate, and where Hemingway got drunk. Even legendary Colombian writer, Gabriel Garcia Marquez lived in Barcelona for 7 years. Sadly, besides his former residence and a library in his name, there are no solid traces in the form of cafes and bars that he left behind.
Uncover the stories behind Barcelona’s literary landmarks with our expert guides! Whether you’re a fan of Zafón’s shadowy mysteries or Orwell’s wartime chronicles, our Barcelona tours bring the city’s rich literary history to life. Walk in the footsteps of great writers and discover the hidden gems that inspired their masterpieces.