Best Cafes to Work in Barcelona

 Unlike some places around the world, the culture of working in cafes is not yet so prevalent in Spain. Don't get me wrong - it exists. Some of this culture has taken root with the increase of immigration to Barcelona over past years - but it can still be hard to find a place to spend a few hours working. Many cafes have a no laptop policy or are so busy that it feels (is) rude to take up space there.

If you find yourself looking for a place to "clavar los codos" for a few hours in Barcelona, ponder the below:  

1/ Think Commercial

 In some countries, if you're looking for a place to work or study, you might head to your local hole-in-the-wall cafe for some quiet time. In Barcelona, these hipster-type places are more likely to be small and filled with people going to enjoy the food and drinks. If you hope to find a place with enough free space to feel comfortable posting up for a few hours, consider some local chains like SandwiChez or Juice Dudes. While these places may not have the romantic, intellectual vibes of a warmly lit cafe overflowing with books and serving teas you've never heard of before, they do usually boast plenty of empty tables, electrical plugs (some more than others), a relatively quiet space, wifi and some great juices/coffee/tea/snacks.

2/ Go in Off Hours

 While not a majority of locales offer continuous service between breakfast and lunch and dinner, some places do. In which case these places tend to be pretty empty between Spain's more common eating hours. Think 9:00-10:30 for morning coffee, 1:00-3:00 for lunch and 8:30+ for dinner. If you go to a cafe between those times, they will likely be more lenient to let you stay for some hours. My favorite place to get some morning work in is Sopa in Poblenou. It has a bright airy feel and plenty of tables. Just make sure to leave (or better yet stay for lunch) before lunch as it does get totally full usually.

3/ Go to Places Meant for Working

 Even if you find a cafe to work in for a few hours, if you're like me, you eventually might start feeling uncomfortable or guilty. In which case, go somewhere where people expect you to work! Barcelona has many public libraries with free internet access for library card holders and a guest wifi for those without. They also have computers available for reservation with some locations also providing access to a scanner and a printer.

 In this same vein, try a co-working space! Coco Coffice is a great place that offers their space from only 1 hour (3.50€) to up to 10 days (120€) - no having to commit to a monthly subscription and you can work confidently and without worrying if you need to buy another muffin or sandwich you aren't hungry for.

My List

Here are some details about some of the places I have already mentioned, and some more of my favorites:

• Federal - There are a few around the city, they have great food and drinks (highly recommend them for lunch between your working), they do have a no laptop policy on many of their tables but have a communal table where you can work.
• Little Fern - This is a winter time/ off time only suggestion. This cafe gets lines down the block for it in the summer, but if you visit in the winter or any other off time, the team members are more than happy to help you find a seat to work with a plug. Highly recommend this cafe for dining as well.
• SandwiChez* - Though it's a chain, it's not a franchise model and they take great pride in making each location a quality place. They have many tables, free wifi, and you are likely not going to be the only one working there.
• Juice Dudes - Has great smoothies, juices, bowls and sandwiches on top of friendly staff and plenty of tables to work.
• Santander Work Cafe - A co-working space in some Santander offices, free and open to customers and non-customers. They have coffee, open spaces for working as well as bookable rooms.
• Laie - A bookstore with a coffee shop inside it with free wifi - you will often find people here studying, its a quiet and beautiful place to get some work done

Tips  

 Wherever you end up, you want to make sure not to be an asshole. These tips probably go without saying, but I'll say them anyways.

• Buy something every hour you're there.  
• Be cognizant of how full the place is - leave if there aren't any other open tables.
• Ask if you can work there and if they have any policies around it. Often times people will be happy to help get you set up with wifi and a plug if they are okay with you working there, and if they're not - at least you get a straightforward "no" up front instead of side eye 20 mins in.

Finally - just because I feel like I have to say it in this influencer age - I am neither sponsored nor affiliated with any of these establishments. I do not gain anything from you going there. I am merely sharing my personal opinions. :)