Find out why coworking spaces in Barcelona are growing and how you can find the perfect space for you.
The perennially sunkissed Catalan capital is witnessing a boom in coworking. Real estate consultants Forcadell estimate that coworking spaces in Barcelona accounted for 20 percent of all contracted office space in the first quarter of 2019.
Costs per square meter of coworking space are highest in the tech-dominated 22@ district in El Poblenou, a former industrial neighborhood where towering factory chimneys still pepper the horizon. Amazon and HP are two of the biggest tenants that established themselves in 22@ district last year.
Meanwhile, the EU parliament ranks Barcelona as one of the leading innovation hubs in Europe. Today, Barcelona is home to around 1,197 startups representing nearly one-third of all startups in Spain.
Highly-skilled local talent, low overheads, and significant investment in tech innovation by the local government in Barcelona are attractive incentives for investors and budding CEOs. The urban renewal of Barcelona due to the 1992 Olympic Games and the moderate Mediterranean climate are welcome bonuses.
Convenient and comfortable – Coworking spaces in central Barcelona
Not sure where to start? Government-established Barcelona Activa is a great resource center for anyone wishing to start or expand operations in Barcelona. If you just need a desk and reliable Wi-Fi, consider the following spaces.
OneCoWork – Hard to beat for location and facilities
With three office spaces across the city, one in Plaza Catalunya, one next to the Gothic Cathedral, and one at Port Vell, you won’t need to go far to see popular attractions after work.
OneCoWork offers daily and weekly passes, as well as fixed and hot desks and offices for companies for longer-term clients. Meeting rooms, a gym, and organized workshops and social gatherings are also available for members.
La Vaca Coworking – All the mod cons to run your business with ease
On the other side of Port Vell in the traditionally working-class suburb of El Poble-Sec, you’ll find La Vaca Coworking, a former dairy. The space offers daily Digital Nomad and 10-day passes, plus longer-term options and office space for companies.
For lunch or an informal business meeting, head around the corner to Carrer Blai, a street known for its tapas.
Betahaus – A strong community in a bohemian building
If the leafy and rustic neighborhood of Gracia sounds more alluring, make your way from the sea to the mountains. Three kilometers north of the Arc de Triomf you’ll find Betahaus. A branch of its German cousin, it subscribes to the sharing economy philosophy and takes pride in its bohemian ambiance.
The six-floor renovated factory is around a century old and was left abandoned for 25 years before being restored and opened as Betahaus in 2012. Informal workshops and seminars are held regularly, and yoga and tai chi classes are available to keep you healthy. Choose from hourly, weekly, and monthly passes for individuals and companies.
Espai Born – Creative coworking in the heart of the old town
Find Espai Born in the backstreets between Via Laietana and the Picasso Museum in the heart of the shabby chic neighborhood of El Born. It’s home to creative types and software engineers who enjoy a friendly chat now and then. Go for an after-work drink at one of the numerous bars nearby, found in the narrow cobbled streets and tucked in between Roman archaeological ruins.
MOB – 3D printers, labs, and workshop space for makers
Makers and creative types that need to work with 3D printers, wood, metal, and other materials, can try one of MOB’s three branches in Sant Antoni, Eixample, and El Born.
Daily passes and monthly plans for hot and fixed desks are available as well as virtual office services if you just need a mailbox, company address, and the occasional meeting room.
Pier 01 and Pier 03 – The perfect hubs for tech startups
CEOs and founders searching for a permanent home should consider Pier 01 and Pier 03, two coworking hubs part of the expansive Barcelona Tech City, in the former fishing village of Barceloneta.
When all you need is a coffee with Wi-Fi
If you need to recharge your batteries with a strong coffee or fancy a drink after finishing work, try some of our favorite spots below.
Laie – A peaceful retreat from the hustle-bustle of the city
Laie is situated on a quiet street a mere five-minute walk north-east of Plaza Catalunya and a few blocks north of the Palau de la Musica. An independent bookstore and a favorite of local authors, politicians, and culture-vultures, there’s a breezy terrace at the rear and a bar in the center of the space to order tea, coffee, or a glass of wine.
There are quiet tables nestled on the first floor to work at if you need to focus. Plugin points are scarce, but the cozy surroundings and tranquil atmosphere make up for the minimal amenities.
ImaginCafe – A bright and spacious cafe in the city center
ImaginCafe is just 50 meters west of Placa Catalunya. There are plenty of tables and window nooks to work at in the cafeteria and upstairs on the first floor, and workrooms for hire for groups of up to 12 people. Several plugin points are handy, Wi-Fi is free, and discounts are available for members at the cafe.
The cafe also has a multimedia laboratory, exhibition space, concept store, and gaming room available on-site. It’s free and quick to sign-up to become a guest member.
Libertine at Casa Bonay – An elegant, tranquil space to work during the day
Casa Bonay is a 67-room boutique hotel recreated from a house that dates back to 1869. Centrally located on the main thoroughfare Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, just east of Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Bonay’s concept is reminiscent of West Coast design with a contemporary Catalan twist.
An event space in the evenings, during the day you can work in Casa Bonay’s quiet, comfortable yet decadent Libertine bar area. The bold jade-green of Libertine’s walls and low lighting of Santa and Cole’s pipe organ-like feature piece steals the show from the mahogany-hued bar.
Connect to the free Wi-Fi and take your pick of the shared tables at the rear, the horseshoe of sofas in the center, or one of the smaller tables. The crowds start to grow from 5 p.m. so consider joining them for a quick after-work aperitif or head to the rooftop bar Chiringuito.
Rachel Shue
Rachel is a freelance writer based in Barcelona, Spain and originally from Melbourne, Australia.
