Barcelona is home to hundreds, if not thousands, of lively coffee shops, cafés, and bars. Although some may serve up a killer cup of coffee, not all places are ideal for working or studying. Many specialty coffee shops are takeout only, while the classic cafés and bars you’ll find on most streets are not exactly promoting a coworking atmosphere.
Furthermore, the Barcelona restaurant landscape is constantly changing, with new cafés popping up and old ones closing down. Coffee-hopping is probably one of the many cool thing to do in Barcelona.
As a part-time student, part-time freelancer, and full-time coffee enthusiast, I am constantly on the hunt for new coffee shops and cafés. Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of the top cafés for working and studying in Barcelona. Some are great for long working sessions, others for a quick coffee and study.
Top Picks
- Top Pick for Working – Itnig Café
- Largest Space – Laie Llibreria Café
- Coolest Ambiance – SAGA Coffee Stories
- Best Café Chain – Sandwichez
- Best for Evenings – Libertine at Casa Bonay
- Best for Brunch & Work – Morning Glory
Itnig Café
Location: C. de Pujades, 100, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona
Looking for a café that promotes coworking and studying? Itnig Café is a unique space dedicated to entrepreneurs and startups. It has paid coworking options, but the cafe area is free to work or study. I love this place because of the tall communal working tables that are great for standup working. They serve Syra Coffee (a staple in Barcelona) and offer small bites.
Laie Llibreria Café
Location: C/ de Pau Claris, 85, L’Eixample, 08010 Barcelona
A library and café in one, the Laie Llibreria Café is a perfect place for working, studying, or meetings. Above the bookstore you will find the café that includes a dining room, covered terrace, and outdoor sunroom. It’s one of the bigger spaces you’ll find with ample tables. The chairs aren’t the most comfortable for long-term working; however, this is a top choice for sure.
Tos Tao Coffee & Libertine at Casa Bonay
Location: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 700, L’Eixample, 08010 Barcelona
Located on the ground floor of the Casa Bonay Hotel, there are two places open to the public that are excellent for studying or working. Tos Tao is a small coffee shop serving killer lattes and espresso. Connected to the back of the coffee shop you will find the Libertine, which is a beautiful café/cocktail lounge. The lounge includes a bar, numerous tables, sofas, and two larger communal tables. This place is great in the late afternoon and evening, where you can enjoy a beer or glass of wine while doing some work.
SAGA Coffee Stories
Location: C/ de Casp, 70, L’Eixample, 08010 Barcelona
This coffee shop self-promotes as a “sanctuary of peace”, and rightly so. Saga Coffee Stories is truly an escape from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. There is limited seating, however, with half of the tables reserved for “non-working, non-studying guests”. This may not be the most reliable location to get some work done (because it’s so popular), but if you can snag a table for an hour or two, you will feel the VIP experience.
Morrow Coffee
Location: Av. Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes 403 Barcelona, Spain, 08015 Barcelona
If you’re looking for a cool vibe, then Morrow Coffee is your spot. There is something about it that makes you feel instantly cooler when you visit. The coffee is superb, and they serve some tasty bites as well. The seating area isn’t massive, but it is a great spot to work or study if you can snag a table.
Roma & Sants
Location: Carrer de Sants, 29, Sants-Montjuïc, 08014 Barcelona
A fantastic option in the Sants-Montjuïc area is a specialty coffee shop called Roma & Sants. This place has a cool atmosphere, great coffee, and tasty bites (go for the acai bowl). It can get a little busy on the weekends (like most coffee/brunch spots), otherwise it is relatively quiet with a good amount of seating available.
Morning Glory
Location: Carrer de la Riereta, 15, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona
A hidden gem in the Raval district, Morning Glory is both a coffee shop and brunch spot. It has an artistic ambience full of books, poetry, paintings, and photography. When not super busy on the weekends, it is a perfect spot to get some work or studying done. Oh, and they have a killer eggs benedict.
Sandwichez
Location: Everywhere
This popular café chain aims to be the preferred local spot or “lloc” in each neighborhood of the city. All Sandwichez locations offer free Wi-Fi with ample tables to do some work or studying. Prices are inexpensive, the food is solid, and you’ll feel right at home with other fellow workers and studiers. It’s a safe and easy bet!
Frizzant
Location: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 692, L’Eixample, 08010 Barcelona
For a unique place to work or study, you will definitely want to check out Frizzant. This “urban oasis” is not only a coffee shop, but a yoga studio! As the website reads, “The space is designed to promote the daily activities of our community: working, doing conscious movement classes (yoga, dance, etc.), socializing, having breakfast and eating in the same cozy and inspiring space.” They have several tables located on the ground floor, as well as a communal table situated on the loft above.
Hidden Coffee Roasters
Locations: Carrer dels Canvis Vells, 10, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona; C/ Constança, Carrer de Déu i Mata, esquina, 08029 Barcelona
Best coffee presentation goes to Hidden Coffee Roasters. The coffee is fantastic, the service is friendly, and you won’t be disappointed. They have two locations in Barcelona to choose from (Les Corts and El Born), but the Les Corts location is slightly bigger for studying/working purposes. Either one is definitely worth a stop-in.
Honorable Cafe Mentions
- Brew Coffee – L’Eixample
- Sabio Infante – Gracia
- Federal Café – Sant Antoni
- Indigo Café & Brunch – L’Eixample
- Origin – Sant Antoni
- Trigo Coffee – El Born
Other Café Chains for Working or Studying
- Buenas Migas
- Juice Dudes
- Vivari
- Cappuccino
About the Author
Chase is an adventure blogger from California, USA living in Barcelona, Spain. His blog, Up For The Chase, is about exploring outside your comfort zone, chasing adventure, taking a sabbatical leave, and, of course, Barcelona. Check out his blog and give him a shout!
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Craig | September 17, 2024
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As noted, Hidden Coffee Born is pretty small and they will not let you allow you to use a laptop at any of their low tables. Good coffee and baked goods, though.