In today’s constantly connected digital age, the nature of work is changing. The days of 9-5 office work are long behind us, and increasingly modern professionals choose to work from wherever they want, whenever they want. This allows them to achieve a healthier work-life balance and has been proven to improve productivity rates and company loyalty. The downside, in particular, if you’ve arrived in a new city or adopt a digital nomad lifestyle, is this can often result in an endless hunt for a work-friendly cafe or workspace where you can set up with your laptop for a few hours. You’ll need high-speed free wifi, plug points, great coffee, and a work-conducive atmosphere – which can be tricky to locate at times.

In recent years, as the startup ecosystem in Barcelona has gathered momentum, we’ve seen more and more resources for modern professionals pop up: from coworking spaces to work-friendly cafes and restaurants. Combine this with an already healthy and thriving cafe culture, and this means our city is full of interesting, creative, and inspiring spaces that are perfect for getting stuck into a productive day’s work. So you can say goodbye to wandering around, laptop-in-bag, looking for your day’s workspace: here’s our ultimate list of the best cafes and work spots across Barcelona.

10 Best Cafes and Work Spots in Barcelona:

Flax & Kale

Flax & Kale is one of the most up-and-coming spots to be in Barcelona. After taking the city by storm, you can now find five different locations across the town. The place Tallers right next to the University of Barcelona is a particular gem. The ‘New York vibe’ will leave you wanting to go back every week. So if you’re looking to get some work done, grab your laptop and connect to their free wifi to unwind. Somewhere between a restaurant and a cafe, Flax & Kale specializes in whole foods that are all made of organic products. So, if you’re a foodie looking to explore more health-oriented options, this could be the place for you.

• Location: Carrer dels Tallers, 74b, 08001 Barcelona. Metro Urquinaona (L1,L4)

Coco Coffice 

Designed for those that want more than a cafe to work in, but aren’t ready to commit to a coworking space either – put coffee and an office together and you get a ‘coffice’. The idea is: you arrive and give your name, and then when you leave you simply pay for the number of hours you worked, starting from €4 for your first. Think of it like a no-strings-attached coworking space that means you can commit to any length of time from an hour to a month. Within that time, coffee, tea and snacks are all free, and it’s light and airy spaces are the perfect place to get inspired and get work done!

• Location: Carrer de Manso, 17, 08015. Metro Poble Sec (L3)

Laie Libreria Café

Situated in a central location within walking distance of Passeig de Gracia and Urquinaona metro stations, Laie is an oasis of calm in the center of our bustling city. A bookshop-meets-cafe with a charming terrace, it’s a great choice for setting up with your laptop for a productive day’s work. Its bookshop has an extensive collection of books in Castellano, Catalan, English, and more, and its cozy cafe offers affordable snacks and great coffee.

• Location: Carrer de Pau Claris, 85, 08010 Barcelona. Metro Passeig de Gracia (L2, L3, L4)

CCCB Archive

Right in the heart of the hip and happening Raval neighborhood, the Centre de Cultura Contemporània of Barcelona is a creative space, museum, exhibition center, cultural hub, and events venue located in the 19th century former Almshouse. Its archive is a beautifully designed little workspace with a variety of work setups available, that also gives visitors access to over 10,000 multimedia references. With free entry, free wifi, comfy chairs, and easy access to the CCCB’s cafe and restaurant, it’s a perfect spot for getting that all-important piece of work done.

• Location: Montalegre, 5, 08001 Barcelona. Metro Universitat (L1, L2)

FabCafe

The homey feel of FabCafe creates a peaceful and quiet space for you to work remotely. From extension cords, solid wifi, and outlets, FabCafe provides all you need to have a productive day in “the office”. And more! If you look for inspiration, their 3D printers, sculptures, and artwork will have you covered. Don’t forget about the delicious food and drinks available to snack on while you work. And if you need a small break, the Parc de la Ciutadella is just minutes away and offers a great way to unwind. FabCafe is a creative space that provides everything you need and more for a busy day of remote work. 

• Location: Carrer de Bailén, 11, 08010 Barcelona. Metro Arc de Triomf (L1)

 Satan’s Coffee

If you’re a coffee connoisseur this is the spot for you. Known for their ‘hellishly good coffee’, their incredible coffee menu changes weekly and you can even buy their blends to take home. The minimalist yet hip ambiance is an ideal spot to settle in and get some work done. With plenty of open space, you’ll find few distractions for studying or working. Additionally, you’ll meet a whole new world of coffee blends, styles, and flavors.

• Location: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 700, 08010. Metro Arc De Triomf (L1)

Muss & Coco

A small and tranquil cafe-meets-bookshop in Sant Antoni, where you can buy books in a variety of languages, Babelia is perfectly set up for studying or working with a laptop. Its terrace is ideal for work breaks and its carrot cakes are famous. A library-type quiet atmosphere with exposed brick walls and heaps of character, this is a hidden Barcelona gem that’s a great location for you and your laptop if you’re working remotely or looking for a change of scene.

• Location: Carrer de les Santjoanistes, 24, 08006 Barcelona. Metro Fontana (L3)

Sopa

With panoramic windows and tonnes of natural light, Sopa is a great choice for a remote workday if you’re in the Poblenou area. The large space has plenty of different areas to sit and work, each with a designated plug point, which can often be a challenge when working remotely from cafes or restaurant spaces. They serve fresh vegetarian and vegan cuisine, and their healthy set lunch menu will set you up nicely for an afternoon’s work in this sunny space.

• Location: Carrer de Roc Boronat, 114, 08018 Barcelona. Metro Llacuna (L4)

Federal Cafe Gotico

One of the original brunch spots in Barcelona, Federal has a dedicated table and cozy ‘cabana’ for those wanting to get stuck into a day’s work over a flat white or a nutritious breakfast with high-speed free wifi, a number of plug points, and a bright, airy ambiance to match. Located just off Las Ramblas in the Gotico, Federal’s super central location and welcoming attitude to laptop workers make it an essential remote work spot in our city.

• Location: Passatge de la Pau, 11, 08002 Barcelona. Metro Drassanes (L3)

Filmoteca de Catalunya La Monroe

The restaurant-bar of the Filmoteca de Catalunya in Raval’s Plaça de Salvador is bustling with life in the evenings, but during the day its long tables and open-plan cafe space make for a lovely work setup for those looking for an office for the day in Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella. What’s more, their great value lunchtime menu is ideal for a nutritious snack or sharing plate to get you through the day. Once your work is done, kick back and relax with a beer as La Monroe transforms into a vibrant nightspot too.

• Location: Plaça de Salvador Seguí, 1-9, 08001 Barcelona. Metro Liceu (L3)

Alsur Cafe

Alsur cafes are an institution in Barcelona. However, the new Cafe and Backdoor Bar in the Born offers even more opportunities for setting up in a corner with your laptop and coffee and smashing some work. Open from 10 am till 1 am, whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, you’ll be able to find a work spot here.

• Location: 18, Carrer de la Ribera, 08003 Barcelona. Metro Barceloneta (L4)

So there you have it! Our selection of Barcelona’s brightest and best cafes and workspaces provide the perfect backdrop for a productive day’s work in our beautiful city. All-day, everyday office work is a thing of the past: these alternative spaces will help inspire you whilst also providing a new way of experiencing Barcelona’s culture too. Happy working!