By Virginia Villari
How do you manage business and leisure? If you are a freelancer or a working traveler you know what I’m talking about. These 2 universes tend to mix up and that’s often because the space where you work and the space where you live and play are, in fact, the same. Probably you’ve already asked yourself whether simply going to work from a café with good wifi or paying a monthly fee for a desk in a coworking space. In a city like Barcelona this is a no-brainer. Rates are indeed very cheap compared to other business and creative capitals, also considering the amazing perks and amenities that come with most of those spaces. Especially when traveling is your lifestyle, coworking is a great solution to be able to focus on your project elsewhere than your friend’s couch. And in Barcelona you’ll find many monthly and even daily options. Here’s our coworking spaces top 5, selected according to style, vibe, amenities, offer and location.
1) MOB
Keywords: affordable, collaboration, community, creativity.
Neighborhood: Eixample and Sant Antoni.
What’s good: MOB (Makers Of Barcelona) offers great options for both individuals and companies for very affordable prices: half or full day flexible and dedicated desking, private work spaces, meeting room, event space with equipment for presentations, rooftop and outdoor areas to work and socialize, and cool after-hour events such as yoga, creative workshops, talks and communal meals. There are two beautiful spaces, both in great, central locations, designed in a minimal, airy and atelier-like style. The atmosphere is super friendly and casual; it’s a place where you can meet many creative freelancers and entrepreneurs from all over the world and share your projects and ideas. MOB is home to Fabcafe, an international venture (including Tokyo, Taipei, Bangkok) that provides access to a variety of digital manufacturing tools, such as laser cutters and 3D printers, in the cozy setting of a modern, urban café. MOB is an amazing platform to connect with fellow creatives in a relaxed environment that truly makes you love your work.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 8pm.
2) COR23
Keywords: affordable, art, community.
Neighborhood: El Born
What’s good: Cor23 is half coworking space, half art gallery. Nestled in a quiet street in the heart of El Born district, this space mirrors the neighborhood’s trendy and artsy vibe. With its 70m2 art gallery, this is the perfect space for artists and creative industries workers. Cor23 offers several affordable solutions, from day passes and half-month membership (perfect for travelers) to half or full day flexible and dedicated desk, with access to all the common office amenities. Paid services include: meeting room, “attic” living room and art gallery/event space, with a capacity of 100 people and provided with projector, direct access to the patio, printing and catering services. Perfect for art exhibitions (with opportunity for opening receptions), conferences and workshops. The atmosphere is sophisticated and community-oriented, with an emphasis put on ideas sharing and creative entrepreneurship. You’ll work surrounded by elegant and rustic exposed brick walls, an element of the unique gothic style that informs the center of Barcelona.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 7pm.
3) Betahaus
Keywords: productivity, events, community, international.
Neighborhood: Gracia.
What’s good: Betahaus is huge! It’s one of the largest coworking spaces in Barcelona and there are also other European locations, like Berlin and Copenhagen. So if you work between Barcelona and Berlin, that’s the place to be! It takes an entire 6-story building and the over 230 members have access to a long list of amenities and perks. First of all the space itself, arranged in multiple areas: 3 whole floors of work space provided with open spaces, skype booths, “brain rooms”, meeting rooms and team rooms; the café’, a large, industrial-style common area to take a break; five terraces; the living room, a cozy area where you can chill while thinking of your next project; the workshop room, a atelier-looking space for lessons, meetings and even yoga classes; the boardroom, for private business meetings, conferences and brainstorming; the conference room, located on the street level, equipped to host all kinds of events, from workshops to receptions and presentations, which also has a bar, direct access to the patio and offers catering services. Indeed, what makes this space a step ahead compared to the others is the possibility to organize state-of-the-art events to promote your project or business before a hip and international community of creative entrepreneurs. And Betahaus’ staff and project managers are available to work with members to help them curate relevant, kick-ass events. There are many membership options, great for individuals as well as for small and large companies: flex and fix desks, day pass (perfect for travelers), open space team tables and private spaces for up to 16 people teams. When available, it’s even possible to rent an entire floor, which can host up to 40 people. Their motto: get work done!
Hours: 24/7.
4) Zamness
Keywords: modern, laid-back, innovation.
Neighborhood: Poblenou/22@ District
What’s good: Zamness is located in the heart of the 22@ district, aka the “innovation district” – an ambitious urban project that saw the transformation of the rundown industrial area of Poblenou into a technology and startup-driven economic and cultural center – at 5 minutes walking distance from the beach. This 300m2 space embodies the vibe of this eclectic area: urban, innovative, vibrant. This coworking space has a lofty layout: a bight and big open space surrounded by large windows, where long tables, lounge areas and private rooms alternate. A modern, Scandinavian design informs the place, creating a relaxing and pleasant work environment. Facilities include: meeting rooms (complimentary, no limited time), bar/kitchen, warehouse storage, bike storage, chill out area, lockers, showers (just what you need after sneaking to the beach on lunch break!). The space is also available to rent for workshops, art/photo exhibitions and other cultural events.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 8pm.
5) Aticco
Keywords: corporate, rooftop, services.
Neighborhood: Eixample
What’s good: Aticco is a beautiful and bright open space, a 1000m2 penthouse with a rooftop terrace with a stunning 360° view on the city. Like in many other coworking spaces, it provides printing/scanning services, meeting rooms, skype booths, bathrooms with showers, kitchen, living areas, event space and even an urban garden. The atmosphere is sophisticated but friendly, definitely more corporate than the other spaces listed above. This is the place to be if you want to be part of Barcelona’s entrepreneurial community. In terms of plans Aticco offers flex and half flex desks, fix desks and coworking private office (up to 10 people). This place’s best perk is members’ exclusive discounted access to a variety of extra services such as: web design, accounting, financial consulting, online marketing and gyms. Different kinds of events are possible at Aticco, from receptions to presentations and workshops. The event space, which includes the amazing rooftop terrace, is available to members and for rent for outside clients.
Hours: 24/7.
Additional suggestions on coworking spaces in Barcelona are welcome in the comment section!
