I love to discover a city through its bookstores—the ones tucked-away in corners and the stories waiting on their shelves. In Barcelona, each bookshop felt like its own little world—rich with charm, character, and the kind of beauty that invites you to linger. Here is a collection of my favorite bookstores from our time there:
Llibreria Rodés is a century-old bookstore in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, specializing in antique books, scientific literature, maps, engravings, and postcards. I was ecstatic to find this vintage copy of Elementos de Ciencias Fisico Naturales, the perfect keepsake from my visit.
Address: Carrer dels Banys Nous, 8, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
L’Escon Libreria Quera is Barcelona’s oldest bookstore and has been a cherished part of Barcelona’s literary heart since 1916. For four generations, the same family has carried forward its legacy—an enduring testament to devotion, craft, and the quiet magic of books. What began as a humble bookseller and publisher, specializing in plays and Catalan literary works under the name L’Escon, eventually evolved into something even more distinctive. By 1937, recognizing a longing for stories and knowledge rooted in the mountains, Quera found its true calling—becoming not only a bookstore, but a beloved gathering place and restaurant for Barcelona’s mountain culture.
Address: Carrer de Petritxol, 2, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
Set along Barcelona’s beautiful Passeig de Gràcia, and conveniently just a block from our hotel, Casa del Llibre is a welcoming place for book lovers, with endless shelves filled with stories to discover. From beloved classics to new bestsellers, its collection offers something for every reader, including a wonderful selection of books in Catalan that reflects the heart of the region.
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 62 08007 Barcelona
Llibreria Pompeya, located in the historic heart of Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella, is a charming literary stop with a thoughtful collection of books in one of Barcelona’s most storied neighborhoods.
Address: Carrer del Cardenal Casañas, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
