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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.