Finding a good place to study can make a real difference during your university years. Sometimes you need somewhere quiet to prepare for an exam; other times, you might need a large table for group work or a peaceful space to go through your notes without the distractions of home.
Barcelona has public libraries, university libraries and study rooms spread across different neighbourhoods. Some offer specialised collections and spaces for academic work, while others are a good option if you want to study close to home.
If you’ve just arrived in the city to start university, this Unihabit guide will show you where to study in Barcelona, which libraries you can visit and what you should know before going, especially during exam periods.
1. Jaume Fuster Library: a place to study in Gràcia
The Jaume Fuster Library is a public library in Barcelona where you can study, located in Plaça de Lesseps, in the Gràcia district. Its location can be particularly convenient if you live or study in this part of the city.
It’s a good option for anyone looking for somewhere outside the home to read, consult reference materials and spend time on university assignments.
In addition to its usual library services, the Gràcia study room is located nearby and may be useful if you need to study at night.
Why might it be a good option?
- It’s located in an area with good public transport connections.
- You can combine studying with other activities in the neighbourhood.
- It offers library services and reading areas.
If you’re planning to study in the afternoon or at the weekend, check the opening hours of both the library and the nearby study rooms in advance, as they may differ.
You can find more information about the Jaume Fuster Library and its services.
2. Biblioteca de Catalunya: a space for research and reference
The Biblioteca de Catalunya (Catalonia’s Library) is located in the Raval neighbourhood, in central Barcelona. It is a leading institution dedicated to preserving and providing access to bibliographic and documentary heritage.
It may be particularly useful for university students working on research projects, consulting documentary sources or looking for specialised materials.
Unlike a typical neighbourhood public library, its main role is closely linked to research and the consultation of documents. Before visiting, it’s worth checking which services are available to you and whether you need to request access to specific materials.
It’s a library worth knowing about if your studies involve researching specialised documents, although it may not always be the most practical choice for an everyday study session.
Check the Biblioteca de Catalunya’s services, opening hours and access requirements.
3. UB CRAI Library of Philosophy, Geography and History
The Universitat de Barcelona has several university libraries where you can study in Barcelona, known as CRAI libraries. CRAI stands for Centre de Recursos per a l’Aprenentatge i la Investigació (Learning and Research Resources Centre).
One of these is the CRAI Library of Philosophy, Geography and History, located at Carrer de Montalegre, 8, in Ciutat Vella.
It may be particularly interesting if you’re studying subjects related to the humanities, history or geography, as it provides resources in these fields.
University libraries are a good option for consulting academic literature and studying in an environment designed for academic work.
Before visiting, check the access requirements, opening hours and available services. Access to certain facilities or resources may depend on whether you’re affiliated with the university.
Ideal for: students who need to consult academic materials or prefer studying in a university environment.
You can find more information about the Universitat de Barcelona’s CRAI libraries.
4. Blanquerna-URL Faculty of Communication and International Relations Library
Located at Carrer de Valldonzella, 12, this university library in Barcelona may be particularly useful for students of communication, journalism, advertising and international relations.
Its location in Ciutat Vella makes it convenient for students attending university centres in this part of the city.
If you’re studying a degree related to marketing, communication or advertising, a specialized university library can help you find academic literature, prepare assignments and consult materials related to your subjects.
Before visiting, check whether students from other universities are allowed access and what conditions apply to external visitors.
You can find more information on the Blanquerna-URL Faculty of Communication and International Relations website.
5. UPF’s Dipòsit de les Aigües (Water Reservoir): a library in a unique building
The Dipòsit de les Aigües (Water Reservoir) is one of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra’s best-known architectural spaces. This historic building houses a university library and stands out for its columns and distinctive interior architecture.
It is located on Carrer de Ramon Trias Fargas, on the Ciutadella campus.
For UPF students, the campus libraries are a natural choice for consulting materials and organising study sessions. If you attend another university, it’s worth checking the access requirements beforehand.
Beyond its architecture, remember that this is a study space, so respect the rules and check which services are available to visitors.
You can find more information about the Universitat Pompeu Fabra libraries.
6. Agustí Centelles Library: an option in the Eixample District
The Biblioteca de l’Esquerra de l’Eixample – Agustí Centelles is located at Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 145.
This public library may be useful if you live in the Eixample district or regularly spend time in the area. It offers library services and spaces for studying and consulting materials.
Its location makes it easy to combine a study session with other errands or activities in the neighbourhood.
What should you know before visiting? As with other public libraries, opening hours may vary depending on the day, public holidays and service disruptions. There may also be occasional changes to opening times.
Check the official Agustí Centelles Library listing before planning your visit.
Where can you study at night in Barcelona?
As exams approach, it’s common to need extra time to revise, finish assignments or prepare coursework for submission. In these situations, study rooms with extended opening hours can be an alternative to traditional libraries.
Sala d’Estudi de Gràcia
One option is the Sala d’Estudi de Gràcia, located at Plaça de Lesseps, 20–22. According to information published by Barcelona City Council, this study room offers extended evening opening hours from Monday to Thursday during certain periods of the academic year, although opening hours may vary depending on the season. It is therefore advisable to check the latest official information before visiting.
Before travelling to a late-night study room, check:
- The opening hours for the specific day.
- Whether you need a student card or another form of identification.
- Whether access is open to everyone or restricted to certain groups.
- Whether opening hours change during exam periods or public holidays.
Not all libraries stay open late, and not all study rooms are accessible to every student.
How to plan a productive library study session
Finding the right library to study in Barcelona is only the first step. To make the most of your time, it’s also important to plan what you’re going to do before you arrive.
These tips can help:
- Set a specific goal. For example, revise two topics, finish a presentation or complete part of an assignment.
- Bring everything you need: notes, laptop, charger, headphones if permitted and water.
- Divide your study time into blocks and take short breaks.
- Check the library’s rules on phone calls, food and the use of electronic devices.
- If you’re working with classmates, find out whether group study rooms are available and if you need to book them.
- Avoid wasting time looking for materials by preparing your documents and tasks in advance.
You can also alternate between libraries and other study spaces. If you need to consult books, a university library may be your best option. If you just want to review your notes, a nearby study room might be enough.
Living close to your university and study spaces
Where you live can affect your university routine. Choosing accommodation with good transport connections can make it easier to get to class, access libraries and make better use of your time between daily activities.
If you’re looking for accommodation in Barcelona, it’s worth checking which libraries are nearby and whether you can reach them on foot or by public transport.
At Unihabit, you can explore different student accommodation options across Catalonia. If you’re considering living in Ciutat Vella or Gràcia, for example, you can look into the public and university libraries in the area and check how well they’re connected to your faculty.
Find your ideal place to study in Barcelona
Barcelona offers a variety of places to study, from neighbourhood public libraries to university libraries with specialised collections. The best choice will depend on your schedule, academic needs and where you live.
If you’re preparing for exams, check the available study rooms and any extended opening hours. If you need specific academic references, explore the resources offered by university libraries. And if you’re looking for somewhere to study regularly, consider how far it is from your accommodation.
Unihabit study rooms: study without leaving your residence
In addition to Barcelona’s public libraries, Unihabit’s university residences also offer a study room where you can review your notes, prepare for exams or work on university assignments.
Having a dedicated study space within your residence is a practical way to make better use of your time without having to travel to a library.
This means you can combine Barcelona’s libraries and other study spaces with the convenience of having somewhere to study in your own accommodation.
Frequently asked questions about libraries to study in Barcelona
Are public libraries in Barcelona free to use?
In general, you can access municipal public libraries free of charge and use their reading and reference areas. Some services, activities or resources may have specific conditions. Check the information provided by the library you want to visit.
Do I need a student card to enter a university library?
It depends on the university and the service. Some libraries allow visitors during regular opening hours, while borrowing materials, booking rooms or accessing facilities during restricted hours may require identification. Always check the library’s rules.
Can I book a room for group work?
Some university libraries offer group study rooms that can be booked under certain conditions. Check whether the service is available to you and whether you need to make a reservation in advance.
Are any libraries open on public holidays?
It depends on the library and the time of year. Some libraries close on public holidays or change their opening hours, while certain university study spaces may continue to offer special services. Check the official calendar before visiting.
