Bookstores Guide for Expats
Barcelona has plenty of bookstores, and the good news for expats is that there are plenty that deal either exclusively in English books or have a good range.
As well as bookstores, make sure you get a library card. The main public library is on Plaza Sant Jaume, in the heart of the Gothic district, open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m and there are about 150 public libraries in Catalunya altogether. The libraries have plenty of English books (and DVDs) that are recent, well-chosen and free.
La Central
http://www.lacentral.com/
C/ Elisabets, 6 08001
Tel.: 00 34 902 884 990
Mon-Fri 9:30-21h
Saturday – 10-21h
With five locations to choose from in Barcelona, this beautiful chain of bookstores carries a selection of English books (along with its extensive Spanish and Catalan collection) along with music and a gorgeous cafe in its Raval location. La Central also has stores in Madrid, and their staff is always extremely helpful.
FNAC
http://www.fnac.es/
Plaça Catalunya, 4
08002 Barcelona, Spain
933 441 800
Mon-Sat 10-22h
One of the largest chains of books, computers, electronic and music superstores in Europe, with a big presence in Spain, and several stores in Barcelona. They offer a decent selection of books in English and on-line shopping capabilities.
The Watergate Bookshop
http://www.watergatebcn.com/
Pl. Vicenc Martorell, 2
+34933435838
m2dsh@hotmail.com
botiga@watergatebcn.com
Mon-Sat 17-21
Mostly English books, the Watergate offers all kinds of non-fiction and fiction titles at catalogue prices. It´s hidden behind a stone archway so once you find it, it will really feel like a shared secret between you and the owner/manager. A very ecelectic and well-stocked little store.
Elephant
http://www.lfant.biz
Creu dels Molers 12
+34 934 430 594
info@lfant.biz
Huge selection of English books, hard or soft back. Elephant also carries second-hand books, for a maxiumum of €5 euros. Worth going just for the brownies and coffee they sell as well.
BCN Books
http://www.bcnbooks.com/
Roger de Lluria 118
934577692
Mon-Fri 10-20
Sat 10-14
BCN is a chain that has more of a Borders feel to it than a cosy hideaway from the world. Good range, and an extensive selection of travel books in English.
Altair Barcelona
http://www.altair.es/
Gran Via 616
93 342 71 71
Mon-Sat 10-14 and 16:30-20:30
Altair deals exclusively in travel books and is a must-visit if you plan to leave the borders of Barcelona city – or even if you aren´t planning to as their coverage of Barcelona is heavy. A great bookstore, well-laid out with knowledgable staff. They offer books in English and even have their own travel agency onsite.
Hibernian Books
http://www.hibernian-books.com
Montseny 17
Gracia
93 217 4796
hibernianbooks@yahoo.com
Mon: 4pm – 8.30pm
Tue-Sat: 10.30am – 8.30pm
Hibernian is Barcelona´s only exclusively second-hand English bookstore. This place is hugely popular with the book crowd for being a bit of an icon in Barcelona as well as having an amazing range of titles at some ridiculously low prices. Most of the prices are fair but sometimes you can pick up two or three books for a grand total of €5.
Come In English Bookshop
http://www.libreriainglesa.com
C/ Balmes 129 bis
93 453 12 04
Here is where you will find brand-new books in English. The range is not as extensive as some other bookstores but Come In are very accommodating when it comes to locating and ordering a title you are after, or recommending one you will like. One to keep on regular watch.
Casa del Llibre
http://www.casadellibro.com/
Passeig de Gràcia 62
+34 93 272 3480
pgracia@casadellibro.com
Working Hours:
Mon-Fri 9:30-21:30
The “House of Books” stocks mostly Spanish and Catalan titles (with a limited English selection) but is worth mentioning as it is the biggest chain bookstore in Catalunya. Like Borders, they don´t only stock books and as your language improves, they are a great place to source kids books, CDs and DVDs and all the other pretty shiny things that bookstores like to sell.
