Public Libraries Barcelona

Free for all

Carlos from Barcelona

About me I was born in Caracas, lived most of my life in London, also spent some time in Buenos Aires and Leeds, and finally moved to Barcelona in 2011. My passions are good food, reading, films and filmmaking, family and family history, and Barcelona. Why Barcelona? What I love about Barcelona is that I find new things in it to be amazed by all the time. It's a city that ...
"The "Public Libraries" in Barcelona are so good, I really think they make it my ideal city! They're well-stocked and are never more than 15 minutes away..."

When I moved to Barcelona, I realised I had found my ideal city: wherever you are there is sure to be a well-stocked library no more than a fifteen-minute walk away.

I first went to my local library to use the free internet. They all have computer benches where you can log in using your library card number. You can also take your own laptop and use their wifi. Needless to say, they have a wide catalogue of books and films  not just in Spanish and Catalan but also English and other languages. If in doubt, just ask the staff. To get a free library card, just register at the desk with a piece of ID.

I regularly use two local libraries near me, one in Vila Olímpica where I like to work and enjoy the quiet and the other is in Fort Pienc where I wait for my son to finish his sports class and where I read the English language magazines. The library network also organises great cultural events throughout the city; their excellent web page can be viewed in English, so it's easy to get informed and find the nearest library of course.

When I find myself in other parts of town, I like to pop into any library I come across and enjoy their architecture. Most of the city’s libraries were built from the 1990s onwards and follow a functional and rationalist design which I love.

002-building
Art & culture

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Barcelona Spotter Carlos

About me I was born in Caracas, lived most of my life in London, also spent some time in Buenos Aires and Leeds, and finally moved to Barcelona in 2011. My passions are good food, reading, films and filmmaking, family and family history, and Barcelona. Why Barcelona? What I love about Barcelona is that I find new things in it to be amazed by all the time. It's a city that is constantly renewing itself but still manages to retain its sense of tradition, music festivals that bring the world together into one spot, to people in my neighborhood who take the time to greet y...

About this spot

Avinguda del Bogatell 17

free

934022222

Oct 30, 2025

Our Barcelona City Guide

Find your way with 178 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Barcelona guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Barcelona

Frankfurt Sant Jaume

The lovers’ sandwich

With a bar that comfortably fits only 2 people, it's the quintessential nook that beckons you to dive into the city's authenticity.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Dec 3, 2025

Paco Meralgo

Barcelona's Culinary Delight

While sticking to your favorite dishes is fine, the daily specials you can find here allow you to explore new flavors with seasonal products.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Dec 3, 2025

Granja Elena

Humble Haute Cuisine in Barcelona

Their commitment to fresh ingredients and the option for half portions or tasting format dishes is perfect for sampling their consistently superb cuisine.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Dec 3, 2025

Nectari

Barcelona's Culinary Harmony

The soul behind these flavors is Chef Jordi Esteve, who describes his cooking as "modern and imaginative", blending tradition with a contemporary touch.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Dec 3, 2025

Celler Panotxa

Coolest corner for eclectic vibes

The crowd at Celler Panotxa is an eclectic mix, spanning various styles. This diversity extends to their menu, which is surprisingly comprehensive.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Dec 3, 2025

Crossandra

Flavors that spark joy & zest

Crossandra is a quaint little shop with a clear focus: cannelloni and croquettes to go. The selection includes gluten-free & lactose-free products as well.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Dec 3, 2025

Capet

Where every bite is a moan-worthy feast

The menu strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and variety. It's concise enough not to overwhelm yet diverse enough to cater to all tastes.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Dec 3, 2025

101 Dim Sum

A Delicious Detour in Barcelona

Whether it's the perfectly steamed buns or the intricately folded dumplings, you can taste the care and expertise in each dish.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Dec 3, 2025

Cereria Subirà

Light Up Memories with Candles

A whisper from the past, with a history stretching back over 250 years – they've been lighting up Barcelona since before the invention of the light bulb!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Dec 3, 2025

O'Retorno

Galician Delights in Barcelona

A must-try is the Tarta de la Abuela – a brioche-like sponge cake soaked in white Orujo and filled with whipped cream, a delightful end to your meal.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Dec 3, 2025

Sala Apolo

Life on Mars? There is in Apolo

"Sala Apolo" in Barcelona is a legendary club that stands out as being one of the oldest ballrooms in Europe. I love the wide variety of music styles here.

029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Cristòfor

Rosique Bird

Dec 2, 2025

Bun Bo

Vietnamese flavours

"Bun Bo" Barcelona is one of the restaurants I keep going back to. Here I spoil myself with Asian delights when I am too lazy to cook. Very cheap too!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Ilse

de Ridder

Nov 26, 2025

Heading to Barcelona?

178 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Barcelona app Home
Barcelona app Home
Barcelona app Map
Barcelona app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

178 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Barcelona

Get to know our other Spotters from Barcelona

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
21
Made with the 💚 of 498 Spotters.
Filters