Secondhand bookstores in Barcelona where you can discover books with a story behind them
Barcelona is a city to be experienced with all your senses. Its Modernist streets, architecture, and Mediterranean energy create a unique setting that invites you to wander aimlessly. However, beyond its most famous landmarks, it’s in the small details that you truly discover its essence. At Musik Boutique Hotel, we believe that traveling isn’t just about visiting iconic sites, but about connecting with the city through authentic, local experiences.
That’s why our guide to Barcelona is designed to help you explore unique spots, discover different things to do, and experience traditions that are still alive in everyday life. Among these, there’s one experience that’s especially interesting for those who enjoy culture and reading: browsing Barcelona’s used bookstores.
More than just stores, these bookstores are spaces steeped in history, where every book has had a life of its own. Discovering used books is a different way to connect with the city, find unique treasures, and immerse yourself in stories that have passed through many hands. It’s an experience that blends culture, sustainability, and curiosity.
If you’re looking for the best used bookstores in Barcelona, this guide brings together affordable, community-focused, and independent options where you can lose yourself among shelves full of books. These are places where time seems to stand still and where every visit can turn into a little discovery.
Secondhand Bookstores in Barcelona: Affordable, Community-Supporting, and Independent
Barcelona has a wide variety of used bookstores, each with its own unique character. From affordable, accessible spaces to charitable initiatives and independent bookstores with a strong cultural identity, the city offers options for all kinds of readers.
Exploring these bookstores isn’t just a cultural activity—it’s also a way to discover neighborhoods, connect with local life, and find used books that aren’t available through the usual channels.
Also, if you’re interested in continuing to discover the city’s more creative side, you can explore our guide to Barcelona’s urban art and round out your cultural tour of the Catalan capital.
Affordable Secondhand Bookstores
Re-Read Bookstores
Re-Read Bookstores is one of the best-known and most affordable options when it comes to finding used books at a good price. Its concept is simple but very appealing: fixed prices that let you buy several books without worrying about the cost.
This approach makes it a must-visit among Barcelona’s used bookstores, especially for those who enjoy spontaneously discovering new books. Here, you can walk in without a specific goal in mind and walk out with several interesting titles.
In addition, its constantly rotating selection ensures that there are always new titles to discover. This makes every visit a unique experience, ideal for those who want to explore and be surprised by new books.
Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 564
Charity Secondhand Bookstores
Tuuulibreria
Tuuulibreria is a unique space where secondhand books become a participatory experience. There are no set prices here: each person decides how much they want to pay for the books they take home.
This model not only promotes access to culture but also fosters a closer relationship between the reader and the book. It is one of the most unique secondhand bookstores in Barcelona, where the experience goes beyond simply making a purchase.
What’s more, the atmosphere is warm and relaxed, inviting you to explore at your own pace. It’s the perfect place for anyone looking for a unique experience among Barcelona’s best used bookstores.
Address: Planeta, 17
Aida Books&More
Aida Books&More combines literature and social responsibility. All proceeds go toward aid projects, making every purchase a way to contribute to a greater cause.
Its catalog includes a wide variety of used books, many of them in different languages, making it an ideal choice for international readers.
It is one of the used bookstores that best reflects Barcelona’s spirit of solidarity, where culture and social commitment come together in a single space.
And if the weather changes during your visit, you can always check out our guide on what to do in Barcelona when it rains so you can continue enjoying the city with cultural activities that are just as interesting.
Address: Carrer d’Astúries, 78
Independent used bookstores
Taifa Books
Taifa Llibres is a bookstore with a strong cultural identity. Its selection is carefully curated, featuring titles that encourage reflection and critical thinking.
Here, used books aren’t just products—they’re tools for understanding the world from different perspectives. It’s a must-visit stop among Barcelona’s used bookstores for those looking for more than just something to read.
Address: Verdi, 12
Sons of Gutenberg
Sons of Gutenberg is a bookstore that stands out for its character and unique selection. Its catalog combines contemporary literature with less commercial titles, making it an ideal place to discover new authors.
Getting lost among its shelves is an experience in itself. It’s one of those places where books seem to appear almost by chance, making every visit special.
Address: Carrer de Ferlandina, 32
LiberActio
LiberActio is committed to giving secondhand books a new lease on life. Its social mission and wide variety of titles make it a very appealing option for those looking for affordable reading material.
It is one of the secondhand bookstores in Barcelona that best combines culture and sustainability, promoting responsible book consumption.
Address: Carrer Hondures, 68
Palau Bookstore
Llibreria del Palau is a cozy space where books take center stage. Its central location makes it the perfect stop during a stroll through the city.
Here you can find everything from classics to more recent titles—all within the world of used books.
Address: Sant Pere Més Alt, 6
Selvaggio Bookstore
Llibreria Selvaggio is a little hidden gem in the historic center. Its intimate atmosphere and carefully curated selection make it an ideal spot for those who enjoy exploring at a leisurely pace.
It’s one of the best secondhand bookstores in Barcelona for those looking for a more personal and peaceful experience.
Address: Freneria, 12
La Retrobada
La Retrobada is a charming bookstore where every corner invites you to discover new titles. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect place to spend some time.
It’s one of those used bookstores in Barcelona where the experience is just as important as the books you find.
Address: Carrer de Marià Aguiló, 124B
Secondhand bookstores selling English-language / international books
Hibernian Books
Hibernian Books is a go-to destination for anyone looking for used books in English. Its catalog includes a wide variety of genres, ranging from classics to contemporary literature.
It’s one of the best secondhand bookstores in Barcelona for international readers or for those who want to practice the language while discovering new stories.
And to round out the experience, you can also visit the Best Coffee Shops in Barcelona—the perfect way to combine book hunting with a pleasant break in the city.
Address: Montseny , 17
Antique and Secondhand Bookstores
Maldà Antiquarian Bookstore
This bookstore is a true journey back in time. Specializing in antique books, it offers unique items of great historical value.
Address: Aribau , 24
Sánchez Bookstore
Llibreria Sánchez is a classic among used bookstores. Its selection is extensive and varied, making it ideal for those looking for hard-to-find titles.
Address: Còrsega , 485
Castro Bookstore
Librería Castro is an ideal choice for those looking for used books with a more specialized focus. Its traditional atmosphere gives it a lot of character.
Address: Josep Estivill, 40-42
Àngel Batlle Bookstore
Àngel Batlle Bookstore stands out for its selection of books of historical and cultural value. It’s an interesting stop for those looking for unique finds.
Address: Palla , 23
Litoral Bookstore
Librería Litoral combines variety and tradition. It is a place where used books offer small opportunities for discovery.
Address: Vilamarí , 55
Rodés Bookstore
Llibreria Rodés is one of the most charming used bookstores in Barcelona, located right in the heart of the historic center.
If you’d like to continue enjoying El Born after your visit, check out our guide to the Best Places for Brunch in El Born and round out your day with a delicious break.
Address: Banys Nous, 8
Gibernau Bookstore
Librería Gibernau offers a more traditional experience, ideal for those who enjoy browsing without a specific goal in mind.
Address: Carrer d’Aribau, 24
Lazarus Long
Lazarus Long is an alternative bookstore with a unique selection of books that make it one of the most distinctive spots in the city.
Address: Carrer de València, 582
Explore the most authentic secondhand bookstores from the Musik Boutique Hotel
Exploring Barcelona’s secondhand bookstores is a unique way to connect with the city from a more intimate perspective. Each bookstore reflects its neighborhood, its history, and the people who visit it.
From the Musik Boutique Hotel, located in the heart of the Born, you’ll have easy access to some of the most interesting neighborhoods where you can explore these bookstores. Our guide to Barcelona is designed to help you enjoy authentic experiences, off the beaten path.
Getting lost among secondhand books, discovering unexpected stories, and letting yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the city is a different way to travel.
Because Barcelona isn’t just a place to visit. You experience it in its streets, in its hidden corners, and in each of its books.