Over the last 10 years, Barcelona has witnessed the vertiginous rise of the coworking space and is now home to over 100 such spaces. When the first of these opened in 2007, they were widely seen as a logical response to the economic crisis, creating a way for freelancers to have a place to work from without the fixed costs of renting their own office. Now, as more jobs become location-independent and Barcelona enjoys its coveted status as a magnet for digital entrepreneurs and freelancers, the coworking culture has become an integral part of the city’s digital ecosystem. For the people who use them, they provide more than a desk and the use of a meeting room. They also offer the chance to work in a fun and stimulating environment and meet like-minded people. According to research by the Harvard Business Review, people thrive in coworking spaces for many reasons. In particular, they pinpointed the feeling of belonging and the mix of people with different skill sets, which is both intellectually stimulating and likely to lead to interesting collaborations.
Social events and communal kitchens allow members to get to know their fellow coworkers, and creative collaborations are actively encouraged. The bigger places offer more variety in terms of space, including chill-out rooms, games rooms and even panoramic terraces. But all of the city’s most popular coworkings understand that an attractive environment fuels creativity, and great design is a feature common to all. You can pick the place that inspires you most, from a cozy renovation in the Born to a funky converted warehouse in Poblenou.
Costs vary according to the services you contract. Prices start at around €200 for full access, although there are some cheaper options. Many spaces also offer flexible and short-term packages, from day passes to night-time only.
FOR DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURS
Talent Garden. Muntaner 239.
Talent Garden targets digital and creative entrepreneurs and has locations around the world. The space is light and modern with plenty of meeting rooms as well as a games area and a busy agenda of activities to take part in.
Price: €250 per month Neighborhood: Eixample
FOR THE ECO-FRIENDLY
Apocapoc BCN. Passatge Hort dels Velluters 5.
This bright, airy space is housed in an old grain factory in the Born and was created by three French entrepreneurs. Most of the furniture was handcrafted by the owners themselves from recycled materials. When you need a breather, step onto the lovely terrace and admire the impressive plants and fruit trees.
Price: €200 per month Neighborhood: Born
FOR ART LOVERS
Nidok. Carrer d’en Grassot 97.
Alongside Nidok’s coworking area, there is also a gallery space and a 50m2 photographic studio that can be rented by the hour. The coworking space is small but bright with good lighting.
Price: €240 per month. Rental of photographic studio from €15 for two hours Neighborhood: Gràcia
COR23. Cortines 23.
This beautifully remodeled space, with exposed brick walls, pretty terrace and a warm vibe combines a coworking space with an art gallery that showcases up-and-coming artists.
Price: €240 per month Neighborhood: La Ribera
TALENT&CO. Llibertat 13.
Talent&Co encourages creativity and collaboration among its members, and provides inspiration with its small gallery space. Original features such as the brick walls give the place a warm touch.
Price: €250 per month Neighborhood: Gràcia
FOR A COSY ATMOSPHERE
Espai Born. Vigatans 11.
Housed in a converted bakery, this is a welcoming space that accommodates just 20 people. Most of Espai Born’s members work in the creative industries, and it encourages the sharing of ideas and projects between co-workers.
Price: €199 per month Neighborhood: Born
Felisa CoWork. Rosselló 295 Bajos.
This cheerful space offers program to help members thrive in their professional lives. Services include personal coaching, skills training and breakfast brainstorming sessions.
Price: €230 per month Neighborhood: Eixample
RavalCo. Sant Vicenç 21.
This is a quiet, low-key space in the heart of the Raval. Although less equipped than larger spaces, RavalCo is great value for money and newcomers quickly feel at home here.
Price: €135 per month Neighborhood: Raval
Zamness. Zamora 46.
Founded by Nook Architects, this converted warehouse has a designer touch to it. Bright and contemporary, it houses 26 workstations and has meeting rooms, showers and a funky bar area.
Price: €200 per month Neighborhood: Poblenou
FOR THE BUZZ
Betahaus Barcelona. Vilafranca 7.
Located in a six-story converted warehouse, this place is all about community. There are two workshops for creators, comfy sofas, a photography studio, silent zones, two terraces, a panoramic rooftop view of Barcelona and an in-house cafe.
Price: €179 per month Neighborhood: Gràcia
Crec. Blesa 27.
This light and spacious converted warehouse in Poble-sec is home to 200 coworkers who have the use of meeting rooms, chill-out areas and a photographic studio. There’s lots going on here, with regular courses and events. Pets are welcome.
Price: €230 per month Neighborhood: Poble-sec
Valkiria Hub Space. Pujades 126.
This spacious coworking with a bar-restaurant on the side has a coworking area plus rooms for small businesses to work in and an impressive event space. It hosts conferences and activities for members and non-members.
Price: €200 per month Neighborhood: Poblenou
FOR SOCIAL PIONEERS
transforma bcn. Consell de Cent 394.
Transforma bcn is for people who want to be part of a dynamic community. With 70 coworking spaces, it promotes social transformation through collaboration. When you’re tired of your desk, play some table tennis, relax in a hammock or head for a snack at the bar-restaurant Vivant. The space runs activities every week for its members.
Price: €185 per month Neighborhood: Eixample
FOR PARENTS
Happy Milk. Casp 46.
For parents who need to get back to work but want their young ones nearby, Happy Milk offers the best of both worlds. Mums and dads can work in a happy space, while their children have fun in the multilingual Play School, just a lift ride away.
Price: €250 per month (the Play School is an additional €250 for five mornings) Neighborhood: Eixample
FOR MAKERS
MOB // Makers of Barcelona. Bailen 11.
Makers of Barcelona (MOB) is housed in a former textile factory. Its philosophy of creative collaboration runs through the space, which brings people of many disciplines together. There’s 3D printing available at the Fab Cafe in the entrance and a coffee shop that’s open to the public.
Price: €130 per month Neighborhood: Eixample
FOR CAFE LOVERS
Coco COFFICE. Manso 17.
Coco COFFICE is Barcelona’s first "coffice," a cross between cafe and coworking space. Although there is a monthly price, Coco Coffice is designed to be used by the hour. For just €4 (€3 for subsequent hours) you can settle in and help yourself to the buffet of coffee, tea, cookies, fruits and snacks.
Price: €210 per month Neighborhood: Sant Antoni