Sometimes a change of scene helps when studying at home is going nowhere. A bit of company, a good coffee, somewhere you feel comfortable spending a few hours. And when you're finished, you're already out in the city.
These are two cafés I like for studying, followed by a few libraries for days when you'd rather have a desk without buying another drink.
OK Coffee & Bakery
Carrer d'Aragó, 190.
OK Coffee is spacious but still feels cozy. The prices are fair, the Wi-Fi is good, and it feels a little like having a second office in the centre of Barcelona.
I also like being able to get up and go for a walk around the centre between study sessions. Or arrange to meet friends in Plaça Catalunya afterwards, so there's something to look forward to once the work is done.
Brooklyn Café near Francesc Macià
Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 280.
The one near Francesc Macià is my main recommendation, though I've been to the other branches a few times too. There are a lot of students, and I've got through plenty of long study sessions here. I've also made friends and met interesting people along the way, which is a lovely part of coming back to the same place.
And the coffee is good. That matters to me! If I'm going to spend a few hours somewhere, I want to enjoy what's in my cup.
El Clot – Josep Benet Library
Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, 37–38, inside the Disseny Hub building. Metro: Glòries, L1.
If you're around Glòries and want to get a few hours of work done, try the library inside Disseny Hub. It's a useful place to know when you want a break from café spending.
Just check the hours before heading over: some days it opens only in the afternoon, and others have a midday break. Saturday opening changes in summer too.
Gabriel García Márquez Library
Plaça de Carmen Balcells Segalà, 1. Metro: Sant Martí, L2.
This is one to keep in mind for weekend studying. The regular timetable includes both Saturday and Sunday hours, and there's Wi-Fi. If your week has disappeared into classes and other plans, having a Sunday option can be handy.
Some weekdays include a midday closure. You can find branch hours in the public-library directory; current strike notices mean it's worth confirming opening before a special trip to either library.
Biblioteca/CRAI de la Ciutadella
If you're a UPF student, keep this one in your study rotation. Coming from another university? Bring your university ID and check the access rules first. Accredited students from other CSUC institutions have reciprocal access, but UPF can give its own students priority when it gets busy.
Visitors can also ask at the information desk to consult the collections. For an exam session, though, check that you can use the space before making the journey.
MACBA Library
Plaça dels Àngels, 8, El Raval.
If your coursework involves contemporary art or culture, have a look at MACBA's library. You can spend some time with books and magazines related to what you're studying. Entry is free, with no appointment needed; bring your ID or passport on your first visit to get a free library card.
Plan this for a weekday: the library normally closes Friday through Sunday, and its hours are different from the museum's.
Take your reading outside
If you've only got a chapter to read or some printed notes to go through, take them to a park for a while. Find a bit of shade, put your phone away and give yourself a break from the desk. Save the laptop work for somewhere with a table and a connection.