Want to learn more about Barcelona before you visit? There are lots of fabulous books about Barcelona to give you more insight into this special city, whether you are looking for a novel to whisk you away to a side of Barcelona you never knew, or want to read about the history of the city, I’ve brought together the best Barcelona books for you to choose from. I’ve even got my top pick of guidebooks about Barcelona too!
Where to Buy Books about Barcelona
If you want to get a headstart and read some Barcelona books before you arrive in the city then ordering your book(s) online is the easiest way to go if you don’t have a favourite local bookshop.
Instead of linking to Amazon, I’ve chosen to link to the books about Barcelona that are available to buy on Bookshop.org. Bookshop.org support independent bookstores, either by allowing you to choose which bookstore you want to buy from or by donating profits to bookstores to help them to compete online and maintain a presence in their local communities.
Of course, if you do want to shop on Amazon you can search for these books about Barcelona on Amazon here, and any books I couldn’t find on Bookshop I linked to the Amazon version.
English Book Shops in Barcelona
You can also buy books from English bookstores in Barcelona like the ones listed below, or from gift shops at attractions like la Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo.
You can also find second-hand English books at the Encants Flea Market, and at the Sunday weekly book fair around Sant Antoni Market.
Buying books in Barcelona can be a perfect souvenir to take home with you, or you might find the perfect gift from Barcelona at one of these bookshops:
- Come In: Located in the Eixample, Come In offers a wide range of English books, including literature, fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. ➡️See Location
- Hibernian Books: Known for its vast selection of second-hand English books, Hibernian Books offers affordable English books in Barcelona. ➡️See Location
- Casa del Llibre: This excellent bookshop on the Rambla de Catalunya has a great selection of books in various languages, including English.➡️See Location
- La Central del Raval: This lovely bookshop in El Raval has a carefully curated section of English-language books to choose from. ➡️See Location
- Fnac: This large chain store has several locations in Barcelona, mainly in shopping centres but they also have a store at the top of La Rambla. It’s a good place to get books about Barcelona, Gaudi and Catalonia. ➡️See Location
Sant Jordi Festival
23rd April is Saint George’s Day – La Diada de Sant Jordi – which is celebrated in Catalonia with a wonderful festival where rose and book stalls fill the streets. The day is also World Book Day, and it is one of the best days of the year to buy books in Barcelona, as many book stores offer discounts. ➡️Read more about Sant Jordi Festival here.
The Best Fiction Books Set in Barcelona
Let’s start with fiction, something to get your teeth into before, during or after your trip to Barcelona.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
I loved this book, which is a thriller and mystery beginning in 1945 as the city recovers from the aftermath of the Civil War. The Shadow of the Wind tells the story of a young boy, Daniel, who is taken to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books by his father and chooses one to take home; The Shadow of the Wind by Julián Carax.
Daniel enjoyed reading the book, but when he tries to find other works by Carax, he discovers that someone is destroying all of Carax’s books and he sets out to find out why, plunging himself into a mystery of madness, murder and doomed love.
Zafon has written a series of books set in Barcelona following the success of Shadow of the Wind; The Angel’s Game, The Prisoner of Heaven and The Labyrinth of the Spirits, so you have plenty of options to work your way through!
Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones
If you enjoy historical fiction, this novel set in medieval Barcelona follows the life of a young man named Arnau Estanyol, who comes to Barcelona and joins the stoneworkers who are building Santa Maria del Mar, the cathedral in El Born neighbourhood.
As Arnau navigates the challenges of medieval society, and the Spanish Inquisition, the book explores themes of love, friendship, social struggles, and the aspirations of a man determined to build a legacy for himself and his family.
Throughout the novel, readers see the growth of both Arnau and the majestic cathedral, symbolizing the triumph of the human spirit and the power of unity.
The Time of the Doves (La plaça del Diamant) by Mercè Rodoreda
The Time of the Doves is a 1962 Catalan novel by Mercè Rodoreda, one of the most influential contemporary Catalan language writers. Known in Catalan as La plaça del Diamant, it portrays the inner life of an ordinary Barcelona woman through the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War. Through her eyes, you see how political upheaval shaped everyday life, relationships, and the fabric of the city itself.
Walking through Gràcia today, the quiet squares and narrow streets take on new meaning when you understand the struggles of the people who lived there, making the experience of Barcelona feel far more personal and layered than simply visiting its landmarks.
Nada by Carmen Laforet
“Nada” by Carmen Laforet is a powerful coming-of-age novel set in post-Civil War Barcelona, often touted as Spain’s version of “The Catcher in the Rye.” The story follows eighteen-year-old orphan Andrea, who moves to Barcelona to attend university. She finds herself living with her unpredictable relatives in a mysterious and gothic house on Calle de Aribau.
As Andrea’s innocence fades, she delves into her family’s secrets, discovering the truths they have kept hidden. Andrea’s wealthy, bohemian friend Ena becomes a central figure in her life, and their friendship unravels the tangled connections with Andrea’s family.
Amidst dark humour, energy, and hope, Carmen Laforet weaves a compelling tale of a young woman facing the harsh realities of postwar society. Throughout her journey, Andrea gains wisdom and strength, embracing a promising future ahead of her.
Our Last Days in Barcelona by Chanel Cleeton
This acclaimed novel skillfully weaves family drama, political intrigue, and star-crossed love stories, exploring the essence of what truly makes a home. In parallel storylines, a mother and daughter are confronted with decisions that challenge family expectations, leading them to choose between their hearts’ desires and their familial bonds.
In 1964, Isabel Perez journeys to Barcelona to rescue her sister, Beatriz, with a shielded heart and a determination to protect her family as a Cuban exile. Alongside an unexpected ally, she delves into her sister’s dangerous world of espionage. Uncovering a buried family secret, Isabel’s life takes a profound turn.
Meanwhile, in 1936 Barcelona, Alicia Perez navigates a marriage in jeopardy amidst Spain’s escalating civil war and rising fascism. Reunited with a man from her past, Alicia’s choices intertwine with her daughter’s, culminating in a compelling tale where past and present collide.
Barcelona Dreaming by Rupert Thomson
Set on the brink of the 2008 financial crash, “Barcelona Dreaming” tells three interconnected stories, bound by time, place, and the serendipitous encounters of a diverse ensemble.
The three protagonists are an English woman managing a gift shop, an alcoholic jazz pianist, and a translator burdened by unrequited love, and all their lives will undergo profound transformations. At the core lies a crime perpetrated against a young Moroccan immigrant, casting a haunting shadow.
Exploring addiction, racism, celebrity, immigration, and self-delusion, the novel brims with longing for the unattainable and nostalgia for an impending loss.
Top Non-Fiction Books About Barcelona
If you want to get under the skin of the city, reading books about Barcelona like these informative and evocative works will give you a broader picture of Barcelona and its complex history.
Barcelona by Robert Hughes, 1992
“Barcelona” by Robert Hughes is a comprehensive portrait of the city. Through meticulous historical research and vivid storytelling, Hughes captures the essence of Barcelona’s rich cultural heritage, tumultuous past, and architectural marvels.
From its ancient Roman origins to the modernist masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí, the book covers the city’s complex evolution, blending art, politics, and social dynamics. Hughes offers readers a captivating journey through Barcelona’s winding streets, exploring its passionate spirit, diverse neighbourhoods, and iconic landmarks.
Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell, 1938
In 1936, George Orwell arrived in Spain with the intent of reporting on the Spanish Civil War, but fate drew him into active participation as a member of the Workers’ Party of Marxist Unity fighting against the Fascist forces.
Immersed in the trenches, he vividly portrays the harrowing and at times comical life of a “democratic army” lacking hierarchy and proper equipment, as well as his own near-fatal injury. Orwell was pulled into a conflict between personal ideals and the complexities of political power struggles.
Regarded as a masterpiece, “Homage to Catalonia” serves as Orwell’s memoir of the frontlines and a tribute to those who fought against the rise of fascism in Spain. This edition, featuring a new foreword by Adam Hochschild, places the war in a broader context and explores the evolution of Orwell’s views on the Spanish Civil War.
Homage to Barcelona by Colm Tóibín, 2002
I really enjoyed Colm Tóibín’s Homage to Barcelona, which I listened to on Spotify as an Audiobook. Although it is a little dated now as it was first written in the 1980s, I felt the great love for Barcelona and Catalonia that Tóibín has for the city, as it comes through in his writing.
The book features personal stories and historical information about Barcelona, from city’s founding and its huge expansion in the nineteenth century to the lives of Gaudí, Miró, Picasso, Casals and Dalí. It also explores the history of Catalan nationalism, the tragedy of the Civil War, the Franco years and the transition from dictatorship to democracy which Colm Tóibín witnessed in the 1970s and 80s.
Gaudí by Maria Antonietta Crippa
If you want to get a head-start on learning about Antoni Gaudí, who designed some of Barcelona’s most iconic buildings, including La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, this is a great option.
The book introduces the Catalan architect’s extraordinary vision and unique legacy, exploring the influences and the details which make Gaudí’s buildings so unique and impressive, so you’ll be ready to explore when you arrive.
Get your tastebuds ready for your trip to Barcelona with this recipe book filled with traditional Catalan recipes. Colman Andrews explores history of Catalan cooking, from its French, Roman and Moorish roots to today’s modern interpretation. After reading this book you’ll know plenty about the food, wine, history and culture of the region, as well as being able to try the receipes for yourself.
I have an older version of the book and I love leafing through it to find recipes. The recipes are with American measurements, so if you’re not familiar with cup measurements you’ll need to convert them to whatever you usually use.
Barcelona Guidebooks
Until I write my own, these guidebooks on Barcelona will give you more tips and advice about travelling in Barcelona.
Lonely Planet Barcelona by Isabella Noble, Jamie Ditaranto & Esme Fox, 2025
The popular Lonely Planet Barcelona guidebook is a comprehensive guide to Barcelona, perfect for both exploring the top sights and taking roads less travelled
Rick Steves Barcelona by Rick Steves, 2026
Rick Steves brings his years of travel experience to this guidebook about Barcelona, sharing advice for how to connect with local cultural experiences and how to make the most of your time and money during your stay in the city. This updated version is due to be released in May 2026.
500 Hidden Secrets of Barcelona
This insider’s guide to Barcelona focuses on the city’s hidden gems and lesser-known spots so you can get under the skin of Barcelona like a local.
I bought this to see what it was like and there was a nice selection of the city’s most interesting places, buildings, restaurants, shops, museums, galleries, neighbourhoods, gardens and cafes – including some I didn’t know!
Catalan Phrasebook
Barcelona and Catalonia have two official languages: Spanish and Catalan. You’ll hear both in the city, but many Catalans are worried that their language is disappearing, so if you speak to a Catalan person in Catalan their reaction will make a huge difference. This is a great book to help you learn the basics, going beyond the simple “hola” and “gràcies”.
Do you have any favourite Barcelona books I have missed? Head over to our Facebook group to start a conversation, or comment below what I should add to my reading list!