They're my current supliers for travel guides, mainly from lonely planet…read more Staff is friendly but very professional and they like to prove a deep knowledge. Definately, it's a good book shop.

Totally enchanted by Altair. Went looking for the Barcelona Analog guide (per the New York Times…read more2013 gift list) when I first moved in and stayed to wander and contemplate purchasing about fifty more interesting city guides (but settled on a Crumpled Map of BCN- so practical and clever). I wish it wasn't totally silly to purchase a bunch of books that I would have to haul back to the states when I move back West, Altair is the best.

This is one of the best bookshops in Barcelona. First of all, you're drawn in by the architecture…read more They have refurbished a ca. 17th century building with a modern interior and filled it with books and a lovely café. One could spend all day here looking at all the different topics on offer. The café has a daily menú del día which the one time I ate there was very very nice indeed.

I am not a fan to go to bookstores, don't get me wrong, I love reading but I hate not finding what…read moreI want. Because I have lived in many places I tend not to store to many books (they are heavy) and lately I love to get my books for free in the library. But sometimes is good to have a special book, or you need to buy a present. That's why we end up in La Central. This bookstore is located in an old church of the Carrer Elisabeth and is worth visiting. It is specialized in humanities books and it occupies an humongous space, covering the church and an accessory building. The comic section is also very good, but as I told you, I find difficult to browse with their cataloging system. And don't forget to visit the downstair section, where they have the sales and special offers.

The house of books! It's been a while since I've been in a…read morebookstore. We have certain websites that have done away with most bookshops like these. It reminds me of a Barnes and Noble in a large city, with a deep, narrow 'shotgun' store configuration. The book store was well sorted, and the books were mostly in Spanish. We came in looking for some Spanish fiction written by a local author. With a little help from the clerk, we managed to find the book quickly! They also sell art, maps, and postcards, but those seemed to be a bit pricier (and nicer) than the ones in the souvenir shops along the touristy areas. This bookshop, while in a toney side of town, seemed to be frequented by the locals. Many of the books were in Catalonian, not Spanish.

Even though I can't read a word of Spanish, I know a good book store when I visit one. This place…read morefits the bill, and there are books here for the English reader as well, though you'll be in book heaven if you read Spanish. We stopped in for a map and lost half an hour browsing this well laid out bookstore. There's lots of space, a huge array of books, some seating that looks like it's designed for class room learning, and a friendly staff, who kindly led us to the maps so we didn't wander around for too long. The kids area downstairs was a colorful spot for the smaller tykes to browse with Mom and Dad. Rest assured there was plenty to keep both children and adults occupied as the selection was vast. All in all, a well laid out bookstore for the locals and a friendly spot for tourists as well.

Beautiful, large bookstore with larger English collection than other bookstores in Barcelona…read more Recommended if you want to buy English translations of Spanish writers.

I have twin boys who love their bilingual nanny. My Spanish is pretty awful, but we've told her…read morethat she is welcome to speak her native tongue around our boys whenever she wants. When I mentioned I was going to Barcelona for work, she suggested I bring back some books. Abracadabra is a tiny store with an excellent selection of kids' books. There are a few for adults, too. You'll find books in English, but primarily, the offerings are in Spanish and Catalán. While the books are on the pricey side, it feels awesome to support a local bookstore in the age of Amazon. And when I hear my nanny reading these books to my sons (or when I fumble my way through the pronunciation), I'll think back to this tiny bookstore in Barcelona where I bought them. If you have kids or know kids who need a new book, Abracadabra has what you're looking for.

2 childless adults walk into a children's bookstore on a whim and come out with 5 books. Inventive,…read morebeautiful illustrations, amazing keepsakes, thoughtful curation... This bookstore is a treasure! Also has titles in German, French, and English (probably more) and a small but tightly-managed selection of intellectual fiction for adults.

What a cool concept! We stumbled upon this used bookstore with a random assortment or books. We…read moresearched for some English books and only found a few but I imagine the offerings change often. When we got to the counter, we were told that the books were priced "as we like." So basically, you find a book or movie or CD that you like and give the shop a donation. A great option for students or travelers looking for a hunt or distraction. I hope to be back soon!

From the owner: Esa librería de Barcelona en la que tú decides lo que pagas por los libros.read more

Loved the salmon and spinach quiche and the croissant with cheese and jambon Iberica ! Also, this…read moreis a great place to study or get work done since there's a bookstore below the coffee shop.

Since arriving in Barcelona about a month ago I have made Laie a near daily staple in my morning…read moreroutine before class. The cafe upstairs is great; lots of space and good food. Immediately up the stairs are a few tables with a view of the street, and if you follow past the bar seating and you come into the first of two large open rooms with ample seating. There is also a terrace out back which is currently under construction but looks like a great place to enjoy a coffee. The sandwiches and desserts are good as are the drinks, but there's something about the ambiance that is going to keep me coming back. I generally go for the zumo de naranja, a croissant and a cortado but their daily menu, salads etc. are also a treat. Conveniently tucked away within Gracia just behind the Passeig and full of all types of people (locals, tourists and students galore), Laie is a great spot.

A more quiet market and foods are prepared once you order it. Not a touristy but more of a local…read moreplace to enjoy Catalan foods and fresh goods. This is a more quiet and less crowd option.

If you're worn out by the teeming crowds that course through the legendary La Boqueria (review:…read morehttps://yelp.to/ocu5FuOAlD), this is definitely a more than worthwhile stop to explore the edible delicacies that Barcelona has to offer. Jamie W. and I didn't even plan on coming here because we were headed for tapas at Can Vilaro, an authentic homestyle family-run Catalan cafe (review: https://yelp.to/uQGXHqn2SY). This expansive market just across the street from the cafe was the ideal chaser. It's housed in a beautiful mid-19th century art nouveau building with a steep octagon-shaped roof. Although it was built in the middle of the 19th century, it eventually fell into disrepair by 2009, and after a decade of refurbishment, it reopened in 2018 emerging as a foodie destination in its currently modern state. There are 52 separate food stalls supplemented by nearly 100 clothing and flea market stalls. It was a good thing we ate already because the jamon, poultry, and fresh seafood, in particular, looked quite appetizing. There were prepared foods like cones filled with viruta iberico (ham shavings) that almost lured us toward gluttony. We know for next time to save room for such delicacies. RELATED - Exploring Barcelona and Sitges? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/4dTEx5T

What a gem in the middle of las Ramblas. An American in the middle of Spain, it was such a treasure…read moreto hit into a music store (I haven't been into a music store that sells sheet music since the 90's!!). I was overwhelmed with how many sheet music offerings the owner had, and he was such a kind man who made recommendations based on well-known composers I was perusing. I left with a book/sheet music from composer Frederic Mompou, a Spanish composer I've never heard of - but the owner played the most beautiful piece of his that I could not say no. How wonderful to have such a gem like this in a 21st century city. And to have someone help me pick such a great piece of art that i would never have discovered on my own. I love my little Spanish souvenir from here. Thank you!