BOOKS

“The Shadow of the Wind” (La Sombra del Viento) by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, 2001. 

A New York Times best seller, this popular mystery takes place in Franco-era Barcelona. 

“The Angel’s Game” (El Juego del Angel) by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, 2008. 

A prequel to “The Shadow of the Wind,” it takes place in Barcelona in the 20s. 

“Cathedral of the Sea” (La Cathedral del Mar) by Ildefonso Falcones, 2006. 

Fans of Pilars of the Earth will love this novel that tells the story of a man who moves to Barcelona in the 14th century. His life story is set alongside the building of the Cathedral del Mar (in the Born). A really beautiful glimpse into a very different Barcelona than that of today. 

“The City of Marvels” (La Cuidad de los Prodigios) by Eduardo Mendoza, 1988. 

Set between the World Fairs of 1888 and 1929 this is the story of a young man who moves to Barcelona to make his fortune. 

“Time of the Doves” (La Plaça del Diamant) by Mercè Rodoreda, 1962. 

Many believe that this is the best book written about the Spanish Civil War. It is a love story that follows a young woman in the neighborhood of Gracia. A statue stands in the plaça now as a tribute to the novel and film. 

“The Spanish Bow” Andromeda Romano-Lax, 2007. 

The story of the civil war and Franco-era Spain from the point of view of a poor Catalan boy whose musical ability brings him into contact with many leaders of the day. 

“From Barcelona” by Jeremy Holland, 2010. 

10 short stories about Barcelona during the time that Holland was keeping up his fantastic blog by the same name. 

“Nada”  by Carmen Laforet, 1945.

Some consider this to be Spain’s “Catcher in the Rye.” A cult classic about a young girl in Barcelona just after the Civil War. 

"Marks of Identity" (Señas de identidad) by Juan Goytisolo, 1966. 

This novel (the first in a trilogy) follows an exile who returns to Barcelona after the civil war. The book was banned in Spain until after Franco's death. 

“Southern Seas” (Los Mares del Sur) by Manuel Vasquez Montalbán, 1979. 

Montalban wrote a series of books following detective Pepe Carvalho as he solves murder mysteries in Barcleona. This is one of the most popular and a good introduction to BCN in the post-Franco era. 

“Off side” (El delantero centro fue asesinado al atardecer) by Manuel Vasquez Montalbán, 1989.

Another Pepe Carvalho story following a murder mystery within the FCB football team. 

“An Olympic Death” (El laberinto griego) Manuel Vasquez Montalbán, 1992. 

Pepe Carvalho again, this time surrounding Barcelona’s buildup to the 92 Olympics. 

“Diary of a Humiliated Man” (Diario de un hombre humillado) by Félix de Azúa, 1987. 

Reads as the diary of a man drifting through Barcelona’s underworld in a quest for meaning in life. Some say this follows a style set by Sarte and Dostoyevsky. 

"The South" by Colm Tóibín, 1990. 

The story of a young Irish woman who moves to Barcelona to become a painter. Set in the 1950s. 

"Proof I Was Here" by Becky Blake, 2019.

The story of a young Canadian woman who discovers Barcelona through her experience as a homeless woman, meeting people from all walks of life along the way. A perfect read that also provides helpful tips on how to avoid being pickpocketed. 

"Hot Milk" by Devorah Levy, 2016

It follows a mother and daughter who embark on a journey to a Spanish Clinic in search of a medical cure for the mother’s paralysis. 

"Te daré la tierra" (I'll give you the Earth) by Chufo Llorens, 2008. 

This story of a young peasant boy set within the city walls paints a picture of medieval Barcelona. Discover this story of impossible love, passion, ambition and betrayal in the 11thcentury.

"Victus, The Fall of Barcelona" by Albert Sanchez Pinol, 2014. 

It is based in the fictitious biography of the Lieutenant Colonel Marti Zuviria who, being 98, tells from Vienna his memories as an engineer serving the commander Antoni de Villaroel during the War of the Spanish Succession, especially during the Siege of Barcelona.

"Fireflies" (Luciérnagas) by Ana María Matute, 1993. 

Although set in Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War, the novel could readily take place in a bellicose situation anywhere in the world. It contains an expose of the chasm between generations, between rich and poor, between materialism and idealism. 

FILMS

"Vicky Christina Barcelona", directed by Woody Allen (2008).  

An obvious choice for any Barcelona film list. The city is almost a character of its own in this movie which counts with a stellar cast: Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johanson & Javier Bardem. 

"L'Auberge Espagnole" (The Spanish Apartment), directed by Cédric Klapisch (2002). 

A look at the life of an erasmus student studying abroad in Barcelona.

"Biutiful", directed by Alejandro Gonzálex Iñárritu (2010). 

From the director of Amores Perros, this film brings Javier Bardem back to Barcelona for this chilling drama. Bardem won Best Actor at Cannes and was nominated for an Oscar for this role.

"Rec." by Jaume Balagueró & Paco Plaza (2007). 

A real-time horror film set throughout the city as a news reporter and her camera man shadow the local fire department for a night. 

"Inconscientes" (Unconscious), Joaquín Oristrell (2004). 

Set in 1914 this is a fun period comedy showcasing lots of modernism. 

"Tapas", Jose Corbacho and Joan Cruz (2005). 

Interlocking stories of several neighbors in the suburb of l´hospatelet. 

"Little Ashes", Paul Morrison (2008). 

Robert Patterson plays Salvador Dalí, although according to most reviews, he does so quite badly. Filmed in Barcelona and Cadaqués. 

"Barcelona Summer Night (Nit d'estiu)", Dani de la Orden (2013).

Interlocked love stories set on one summer night.

"Barcelona Christmas Night (Nit d'hivern)", Dani de la Orden (2015). 

Multiple love stories taking place on Christmas eve. 

"Barcelona", directed by Whit Stillman (1994). 

While filmed in the post-olympic era, the film is set in the 1980s as an expat and his American cousin try to navigate the Barcelona dating scene.

"Salvador" (Puig Antich), Directed by Manuel Huerga (2006). 

Based on the true story of a Catalan anarchist in the 1970s executed under the Franco regime.

"Todo Sobre Mi Madre" (All About My Mother), directed by Pedro Almodóvar (1999). 

Filmed in Madrid, A Coruña, and Barcelona.

"Perfume: The story of a murderer", Tom Tykwer (2006). 

Although set in France, the movie is filmed throughout Barcelona and Girona. The labyrinth of Horta also makes an appearance.

"Pan Negro", directed by Augustí Villaronga (2010). 

Dark drama about a boy growing up post-civil war in Catalunya. 

"Wheels on Meals", Sammo Hung Kam Bo (1984).

Nothing like a Jackie Chan movie set entirely in Barcelona. There is a great little montage at the min 54 of the film. You might be able to find this one online. 

"En la Ciudad" (In the City), Directed by Cesc Gay (2003). 

A middle class group of friends gets together often to talk about life and love.

"The Machinist" (El maquinista), Brad Anderson (2004). 

Almost cheating since the film is set in the US, but it was actually all filmed in Barcelona. 

"Uncovered" (La Tabla de Flandes), Jim McBride (1994). 

Can't find a trailer, but the film stars Kate Bekinsdale as she uncovers clues to an old murder while restoring a painting. 

"Mientras Duermes", (Sleep Tight) Jaume Balaquero (2011). 

Thriller about the portero of a Barcelona apartment building. 

"The Cheetah Girls 2", Kenny Ortega (2006). 

Oh yes, the Cheetah girls take on Barcelona in this Disney film. 

"Garbo: The Spy", directed by Edmond Roch (2009). 

A documentary about Joan Pujol Garcia, a spy during World War II. 

"42 segundos" (42 seconds), directed by Alex Murull and Alex de la Orden (2022)

Set in 1991-1992 during the Olympic Games of Barcelona, this movie follows the waterpolo Spanish's team as they fight to become the best in time to beat their rivals and take home the gold medal. 

"Los últimos días" (The last days), Alex y David Pastor (2013)

An apocalyptic film set in a world where most of the population has been wiped out due to a mysterious virus (too close to home?). We'll follow a young man in search of her missing girlfriend. Be prepared to get the chills down your spine observing the empty and desolated Barcelona roads. 

"La enfermedad del domingo" (Sunday's illness), Ramón Salazar (2017)  

Filmed in the famous hotel El Palace Barcelona, in this film we follow two women with a very complicated mother-daughter relationship.

" A tres metros sobre el cielo" & "Tengo ganas de ti", Fernando González Molina (2010/2012)

Adapted from the popular novels by Federico Moccia, these two rom-coms set in Barcelona follow "H" and "Babi", two people coming from completely different worlds while they fall in love and encounter many difficulties on the way. You'll be able to spot some iconic locations like Razzmatazz and Bunkers del Carmel.

"Estiu 1993" (Summer 1993), Carla Simón (2017)

Movie filmed entirely in Catalan (you'll need to switch on the subtitles for this one) where we follow Frida, a 6 year old girl, living her first summer with her adopted family after her mum passad away from AIDS.