Barcelona is a very inspiring city, where in some of its streets, cafes, and historical monuments, literature and history combine in an admirable way. There is a lot to read in Barcelona. This is for those who love books, those who want to be authors, or those who are curious about the city’s stories. Literary tourism in Barcelona is an essential experience thanks to some famous novels set in the city and many charming bookstores.
A few famous authors have been captivated by Barcelona. In their novels, they use it as a setting. Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a very famous author. His book, The Shadow of the Wind, takes many readers to walk the streets of the Gothic Quarter and El Raval. By carefully walking through each of these places, anyone can powerfully evoke the atmosphere of the book, in addition to contemplating all the authentic places that originated the story.
George Orwell, an important writer associated with Barcelona, described some of his experiences during the Spanish Civil War in his book Homage to Catalonia. His vision of the world was affected by his writings. It was also affected by his time in Barcelona. In the Gothic Quarter, you can visit the Plaça de George Orwell today, a small recognition of his memory.
Literary places not to be missed in Barcelona
- Ateneu Barcelonès A haven for writers and intellectuals since the 19th century, the Ateneu Barcelonès is a cultural institution with a magnificent library and impressive architecture. If you are passionate about literature and history, it is an incredibly magical place to spend a beautiful time.
- La Casa del Llibre & La Central: Barcelona is home to a wide variety of bookstores, but two of the most beloved are La Casa del Llibre and La Central. These literary spaces offer a vast collection of books in multiple languages and organize cultural events for reading enthusiasts. A very interesting place for both tourists and citizens.
- Els Quatre Gats This historic café was a meeting point for famous writers and artists, including Pablo Picasso and the poet Rubén Darío. Today, you can visit Els Quatre Gats to enjoy a coffee in the same artistic atmosphere that inspired so many creatives in the past. A unique experience that will take you to great times
- The Cemetery of Forgotten Books Route For fans of The Shadow of the Wind, there are guided literary tours that take visitors through the main settings of the novel, including the hidden alleys of El Raval and the enigmatic streets of the Gothic Quarter.
Where to read and relax in Barcelona
The city has many charming corners ideal for immersing yourself in a good book:
- Parc de la Ciutadella: a peaceful place in the heart of the city, where you can sit under a tree and enjoy reading.
- Jardins de Rubió i Lluch: a hidden courtyard in El Raval, perfect for book lovers looking for peace and quiet.
- Café Salambó: a literary café in Gràcia that often organises readings and cultural events.
- Parque Glóries: next to a large natural space and two iconic buildings in the city, you can enjoy a pleasant moment of reading in nature.