Barcelona is a very literate city. Case in point: there are 300 bookshops, 40 libraries, about 25 literary festivals taking place throughout the year, and over 100 book publishing houses ensconced within the city limits. The numbers don’t lie: Barcelona reads a lot.
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.
Cafe del Centre
Pouring coffee and other potent libations since 1873, Cafe del Centre is still run by the same family that opened it in Eixample more than 150 years ago. Since the beginning of the post-Franco era in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, the cafe has been a frequent place for political discussion among local writers.
It was also, famously, the stomping grounds for feminist writer Montserrat Roig and comic-book scribe Victor Mora.
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.
Bar Marsella
For more than two centuries, Bar Marsella (Carrer de Sant Pau, 65) has been attracting writers and artists. Located in El Raval, Marsella has the reputation of being Barcelona’s first bar—essentially putting the “bar” in “Barcelona”—and everyone from Picasso to Hemingway were regulars at one time or another.
Absinthe was, for a time, the drink of choice, and you can still partake in the green ferry here, if you dare.
Cafe Salambó
High ceilings and an atmospheric setting make Cafe Salambó in Gracia a draw for local writers.
The menu is loaded with edible delights, including a traditional bikini and a bocadillo, or sandwich, spread with sobrasada, brie, and honey. But people gravitate to Salambó as much for the juicy conversation among writers.
Cafe Moka
You wouldn’t know it from the renovated interior, but Cafe Moka first fired up its coffee makers in 1934—just two years before the onset of the Spanish Civil War. Located on La Rambla, Moka was frequented by George Orwell when he spent time in town working on what would become “Homage to Catalonia.”
His place of temporary residency, Hotel Continental, at 138 La Rambla, is still operating and just a two-minute walk from the cafe.
Laie
Cafe and bookshop Laie hasn’t been around since the time Orwell and Hemingway were traipsing down Barcelona’s cobblestoned streets, but 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.
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.
FAQ: Literary haunts in Barcelona
Are there any bookshops in Barcelona that are considered literary gems?
Popular bookshops include Laie Bookshop, Casa del Llibre, 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 in Barcelona worth visiting?
Biblioteca de Catalunya and the Sant Pau-Santa Creu library are iconic spots for literary enthusiasts.
Are there any events in Barcelona 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.