May 21, 2024 6 min read Nomadism

Barcelona - My Favorite Spots To Work From

Every road leads to Barcelona. Eventually. Save this for your future visit, could come in handy.

One of the reasons I love the digital nomad lifestyle for is the ability to work from anywhere. Not working from home or working from the office. Anywhere. Outdoor space, train, hammock or a cruise ship. Different people prefer different environments. Some like to cave in at their apartments, others prefer busy coffee shops. I was writing my first few blog posts in Barcelona. One of the top nomad cities has a fantastic infrastructure for remote workers. So I came up with an idea to work every day from a different place to find my favorite working spot in Barcelona.

Pretending I can see anything on my dark screen against the sun.

I do prefer to switch my working space now and then. Depending on what type of task I focus on. I love writing in surroundings that enhance my creativity. I like doing deep work tasks in a coworking space and feeling the group's motivation. I often compare it to studying in a library. Setting your Pomodoro timer on and chipping away. Then have a chat or a coffee with your coworkers now and then. When in the Azores, I often work out on a patio and listen to the waves of the ocean. It's just nice to have an option to switch things up.

So, here's my purely subjective list of the spots that I found extremely pleasant to work from in Barcelona, Spain.

1. Journaling & Writing - Myra Cafe

When writing a blog post, newsletter or LinkedIn post, I like surroundings that spark my ideas. This tiny, rustic café in a Barceloneta neighbourhood feels just like that. It does not feel like you're in the year 2024. To sit down and read a book, or write an article seems to be the only option on how to spend your time here. Time goes by very slowly. I had some of the most creative afternoons in there. Powered by their excellent espresso-tonic. Across the street is a great Italian sandwich shop - Campa, run by lovely Siciliano. So you get your lunch sorted, too. You will write your most poetic piece of content in this place.

2.Community & Creativity - La Vaca

La Vaca is one of the coolest co-working spaces I've visited in my time as a nomad. The place is run by 2 Italian owners and has been operating for almost 7 years. I was given a tour by Xenia, an operating manager. The name itself grabs your attention "La Vaca" Spanish for "cow" comes from the fact that the space used to be a dairy. I love it when businesses carry something from previous establishments to their brand. It feels respectful towards the place/building.

The kitchen and a common area are located right after entry. Everyone walks through it and it enhances the interaction between members. The space itself breathes creativity. La Vaca has a 'basement" floor too. Despite the lack of natural light - you never feel dark and that immediately amazed me. The basement has a deck often used for live music, yoga practises, concerts or ceramics workshops. There is a bar, too. Meeting rooms or phone boots. Most of the guests are long-term members. They also have lots of repetitive customers. Some of the nomads come to Barcelona for a couple of months every year. Overall, a great place for nomads who are trying to look for a community feeling. Or for those who wish to work in a lively & creativity-sparking environment.

3.Views & Proximity - VIU Sagrada Familia Coliving

I stayed and lived here for the time of my latest visit to Barcelona. And I would likely do it again. For those familiar with the concept of co-livings around nomad-hot destinations, this may be different to what you're used to. VIU is more of a residential coliving space. Residents are staying for months, some of them up to one year. Lots of them have their work based in Barcelona and moved to VIU for its convenience. The community is not everpresent like in other colivings I visited. Despite that, I ended up having a good group of residents and we had great fun. Nuria, the owner and manager is helpful and will always go the extra mile for any of your requests. The proximity of this place is fantastic. You have Sagrada Familia just a block away, and the local neighbourhood Clot in the opposite direction. Metro, buses, everything is right there. You can run to the beach in 15 minutes or hike up Tibidabo in less than 2 hours after stepping foot out of the building.

They also have the best Neapolitan pizza in town right next door. The co-working itself can be pretty dark but I've had lots of productive days over there. The rooftop terraces are true to the name VIU and offer stunning views towards Sagrada & Tibidabo. The sunsets up there are breathtaking. And you get to pet the neighbour's cat, Carmela.

4.Outdoor & Quiet - Norai Raval

A place my good friend sent me via Instagram reels and it looked majestic. When I came to it I was slightly surprised, because instead of tons of people, I was almost alone. Beautiful building and a small cafe located in the museum with a large window providing plenty of natural light. If you've got many calls - I don't recommend going here. However, if you feel like getting some deep work done - this is your place. Sit outside in the shade of the trees & stare at the birds swimming in a fountain. Use it as an inspiration. Or just read a book and don't work. You get it.

5.(not so) Corporate Feel - WeWork Glories

We don't have to go deep and touch on the infamous story of WeWork. The fact is, it is still present in most of the big cities around the world. Often the most convenient option to work from. Important to note - this WeWork unit is pet-friendly! From what I've heard, one of the very few coworking spaces in the entire city. So if you wish to bring your doggo to work, this would be your spot. Expect the usual WeWork set-up across the space. What certainly helps is Sangria & beers on tap after 6 PM! I have also visited the branch at Passeig de Grácia. Revolut Metal or Ultra plan provides you with a couple of free WeWork passes every month. If you spend time in BCN, consider giving it a try, they have numerous branches around the town.

6.Tasty Coffee - Itnig

A bustling coffee shop that got super popular amongst expats. They serve Syra coffee, Barcelona's coffee hipsters' dream. Right next door is a coworking of the same brand, providing for great efficiency. I have only used the coffee shop as I was around and needed to get some work done. To be honest, the place was a bit too busy for my liking, but I can understand why so many people enjoy working from there. The coffee is fantastic. Not quite for calls, but fortune favours the bold.