The library is recognized as the best in the world. A city just a few points away from the most popular destination for European entrepreneurs. Unbeatable university in Spain. On any scale, whether international, European or local, Barcelona holds the reins in several areas.

Barcelona officially has something to brag about. Recently, world and country rankings continue to lead (or almost) by several points. Or in the cultural, study and business sector.

The best bookstore in the world

It is in the Santmarti district that there is a world nugget with book decorations. The García Márquez Library—a tribute to Colombia’s Nobel laureate Gabriel García—officially dethrones every other bookstore on the planet. It takes first place in the 2023 ranking of the world’s best public libraries. List of awards offered by this reading port thanks to the award given by International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA).

The García Márquez bookstore stands out. On the one hand, due to its size, it is the third largest in Barcelona. Due to his specialization in Latin American literature. But also and mainly for its architecture, mainly inspired by a huge pile of books. Its Nordic design interior combines light, wood and glass, all decorated with plants. Its interaction with the local environment and culture, the design of the facilities and services offered, commitment to learning, development and social cohesion, as well as digitization.

So many features nominated by the jury that give the structure, which brings together no less than 40,000 books and documents, a reputation that extends beyond all borders. Barcelona’s library has notably passed in front of Slovenia, Australia and Shanghai. And a double honor: Barcelona also offers Spain the very first IFLA award received in that country.

Europe’s second favorite city for startups

Without a doubt, Barcelona is Europe’s mini Silicon Valley. In the capital of Catalonia, and especially in the Poblenou district, 22 @ the world of startups is booming. In accordance with Startup Heatmap Europe, 17.1% of founders of new tech companies go to Barcelona. Therefore, the capital of Catalonia passes Amsterdam, Paris and Lisbon. On the other hand, it still does not come close to Berlin in Germany, but can be proud of the fact that it has retained this second place among 50 European cities for the sixth year in a row.

In addition, 50% of Catalan startups have been created in the last five years. On the other hand, in 2022, Catalonia reached an all-time high, with a total of 2,022 start-ups, providing 19,100 jobs.

University of Barcelona, ​​Spain Elite

It is one of the top 400 universities in the world, according to the academic ranking of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. But above all, it is ahead of all other public higher education institutions in Spain. The University of Barcelona (UB), located in the city center, beat the equally well-placed University of Granada, Complutense of Madrid, Valencia, as well as La Pompeu Fabra and the Autonomous University of Barcelona.

In UB, among all sections, medicine is the most prominent. She is among the top 50 in the world. This course is also the most sought after in all of Catalonia and produces the best doctors in the country. Prestige imposes an obligation.

Also read: Why Barcelona is so good for medical research