Here’s the ultimate list of books set in Barcelona that will make you want to pack your bags and visit the Catalan capital for a few days. Reading novels set in the cities you plan to visit is such an inspiring way to travel – you get to explore the place through the eyes of literary characters. Any city you visit for the first time can feel like home when you’ve already wandered its streets through a unique story.
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Books Set in Barcelona That Will Make You Want to Pack Your Bags
Explore Barcelona Through Books: Literary Journeys in a Magical City
Over my 15+ years of living in Spain, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited Barcelona – and I’ve absolutely enjoyed every single visit to this stunning city and its marvelous Gaudí architecture. One of the highlights of a recent four-day trip to Barcelona was visiting the City History Museum (often overlooked by travelers) and walking through the ruins of ancient Barcino, located directly beneath the modern streets of the city.
So, Barcelona is full of marvelous landmarks and hidden gems, so it’s no surprise that it has served as inspiration for countless writers from Spain and around the world. While I often mention that I personally prefer Madrid and Seville among Spanish cities, there’s no doubt that Barcelona is an epic destination with a unique charm that fully deserves its international acclaim.
That’s why I love reading books set in Barcelona – the vivid descriptions of its streets and architecture always enhance the story, whether it’s a romance novel or a mysterious thriller.
Best Books Set in Barcelona
There’s something magical about reading a book that transports you to another place – especially when that place is as rich in history, architecture, and atmosphere as Barcelona. Whether you’re drawn to its Gothic streets, revolutionary past, or Mediterranean light, the Catalan capital continues to inspire countless authors and readers.
Here are a few great books that bring Barcelona to life on the page – and might just tempt you to book a flight!
1. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Carlos Ruiz Zafón is widely regarded as one of the greatest Catalan writers of all time, and his novel The Shadow of the Wind is considered one of Spain’s finest literary mysteries. The book beautifully captures the soul of Barcelona.
Set in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, this atmospheric novel guides readers through the city’s shadowy alleyways, hidden corners, and layers of intrigue – all the way to the hauntingly beautiful Cemetery of Forgotten Books. It was an absolute 5-star read on my BookTok, so I highly recommend it!
Shop The Shadow of the Wind in the US here.
Shop The Shadow of the Wind in the UK here.
Shop The Shadow of the Wind in Spain here.
Check out Goodreads reviews here.
2. City of Wonders by Eduardo Mendoza
If you’re looking for historical fiction set in Barcelona and enjoy satirical elements in literature, check out The City of Wonders by Eduardo Mendoza (La ciudad de los prodigios in Spanish).
Spanning the years between Barcelona’s two Universal Exhibitions (1888–1929), Mendoza’s novel follows the rags-to-riches journey of Onofre Bouvila, a poor Catalan boy who climbs the social ladder through ambition and cunning. The book paints a vivid portrait of a city, shaped by corruption, transformation, and relentless ambition.
Shop City of Wonders in the US here.
Shop City of Wonders in the UK here.
Shop City of Wonders in Spain here.
Check out Goodreads reviews here.
3. In Diamond Square by Mercè Rodoreda
In Diamond Square ( or La plaza del Diamante in Spanish) by Mercè Rodoreda is considered a classic of Catalan literature. This quietly devastating novel centers on a woman named Colometa and her life during the Second Republic and the Spanish Civil War.
It’s an excellent choice for anyone visiting Barcelona and looking for a literary read that delves into a powerful story with a Barcelona backdrop, exploring the heartbreaking realities of war. Additionally, the book contains elements of feminist literature, focusing on a woman’s struggle in a patriarchal society.
Shop In Diamond Square in the US here.
Shop In Diamond Square in the UK here.
Shop In Diamond Square in Spain here.
Check out Goodreads reviews here.
4. Scent of Laurel by Gabriele Wassermann
The Scent of Laurel by Gabriele Wassermann is an exciting new release among books set in Barcelona. It’s my current read, so I’ll be updating this post once I finish and publish my review. But for now, it feels like the perfect armchair holiday read set in Barcelona.
The novel blends romance, self-discovery, and plenty of delicious food, as the protagonist moves from Germany to Spain after burning out and takes over a restaurant in Barcelona. Additionally, the author was raised in Spain, which adds a deeper layer of authenticity to the portrayal of Spanish lifestyle and the events in the book.
Shop Scent of Laurel in the US here.
Shop Scent of Laurel in the UK here.
Shop Scent of Laurel in Spain here.
Check out Goodreads reviews here.
5. Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell
While George Orwell is worldwide known for his 1984, he also had strong political opinions during the Spanish Civil War and provided a firsthand account of fighting in it via Homage to Catalonia. He arrived in Barcelona in 1936 and found a city electrified by revolution. This war memoir, with elements of political nonfiction, is an important read for anyone interested in Catalan history. It might also be an intriguing Barcelona book choice for fans of George Orwell.
Shop Homage to Catalonia in the US here.
Shop Homage to Catalonia in the UK here.
Shop Homage to Catalonia in Spain here.
Check out Goodreads reviews here.
6. The Color of a Dog Running Away by Richard Gwyn
The Color of a Dog Running Away by Richard Gwyn is another great work of literary fiction set in Barcelona. It also has psychological elements, examining the complexities of the human experience. The story follows a translator living in El Raval neighborhood who becomes entangled in a mystery involving a kidnapped girl, a secret society, and unexpected romance.
Shop The Color of a Dog Running Away in the US here.
Shop The Color of a Dog Running Away in the UK here.
Shop The Color of a Dog Running Away in Spain here.
Check out Goodreads reviews here.
7. Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones
Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones (or La catedral del mar) is probably one of the most popular books set in Barcelona, after The Shadow of the Wind. There is also a Spanish TV series based on the book, and I made the mistake of watching it first, which left me with mixed feelings. Set in 14th-century Barcelona during the construction of the iconic Santa Maria del Mar church, the plot revolves around Arnau Estanyol, a peasant who rises through society during turbulent times. However, the harsh realities of medieval life felt so depressing to me that I’m not sure I’ll ever read the book. Despite this, I’ve heard many people claim it’s one of their favorite books set in Barcelona.
Ildefonso Falcones is also one of Spain’s most iconic and bestselling authors these days, so I’m definitely planning to check out at least one of his other books. I’m thinking of El pintor de Almas, which is also set in Barcelona (unfortunately, it hasn’t been translated into English yet). Also, if, like me, you watched the series and are looking for alternative reads by the author, The Hand of Fatima is set in Granada, and Barefoot Queen is set in Seville.
Shop Cathedral of the Sea in the US here.
Shop Cathedral of the Sea in the UK here.
Shop Cathedral of the Sea in Spain here.
Check out Goodreads reviews here.
8. Private Life by Josep Maria de Sagarra
Private Life by Josep Maria de Sagarra (or Vida privada) is a sharp critique of the fading aristocracy in 1930s Barcelona. When it was first published, it caused a scandal and was later censored during Franco’s dictatorship in Spain. The novel exposes the moral decay within Barcelona’s high society, capturing a world of corruption and concealment. Still considered one of the most unique books set in Barcelona, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s aristocratic underworld.
Shop Private Life in the US here.
Shop Private Life (Spanish Edition only) in the UK here.
Shop Private Life in Spain here.
Check out Goodreads reviews here.
9. Nada by Carmen Laforet
Nada by Carmen Laforet is often considered one of the most important Spanish literary works of the 20th century, as it was one of the first feminine voices in the country’s modernist literature. Set in post-Civil War Barcelona, the novel explores themes of isolation, existential despair, and the struggles of a young woman, Andrea, as she navigates a difficult and oppressive environment.
Shop Nada in the US here.
Shop Nada in the UK here.
Shop Nada in Spain here.
Check out Goodreads reviews here.
Books set in Barcelona offer a unique window into the city’s neighborhoods, political history, artistic soul, and human stories. Since this list includes a variety of options – from modern classics to mystery, romance, and literary fiction – you can simply pick the genre you like and enjoy a virtual trip to the city.
Which of these books have you read – or want to read first? – Let me know in the comments!
@1001_books_club Books: the only passport that lets you live a thousand lives, become million different people, and travel to places beyond imagination. #BookTok #ReadersOfTikTok #BookLovers #ReadingJourney #EscapeWithBooks #FictionWorlds ♬ million different people – ༒︎
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