Working from cafes and libraries in Spain

Key rules

• Cafes: Tolerance varies by venue, so look for signs or ask before you settle in.
• Libraries: Quiet is required and calls are not allowed.
• Public wifi: Keep banking and other sensitive tasks off public wifi; use mobile data instead.
• Wifi and plugs: Neither is guaranteed in a cafe, so charge your devices beforehand.

Cafes and libraries work well for the odd day

Both can be a good place to work now and then. Neither is a replacement for a desk or a coworking space. Know what each venue tolerates, follow the library's rules and treat public wifi with care.

Cafes: short sessions are usually fine

Cafes in larger cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Málaga are often used to laptops. Many traditional bars suit it less, because they are built for quick coffees and meals.

Wifi is common but not guaranteed, and plugs are often scarce. Some cafes restrict laptops at weekends or busy times. Policies differ from place to place, so look for a sign or ask the staff.

Good manners keep you welcome:

• Buy a drink or some food regularly.
• Don't take a large table at peak lunch times.
• Wear headphones.
• Keep calls short, or take them outside.

Libraries: quiet, free and structured

Public libraries, such as municipal and regional networks, generally allow laptops. They usually offer free wifi and study rooms, often in a reading-room format.

Opening hours are typically weekday mornings and afternoons or evenings. Many university libraries and some municipal ones stay open longer in exam periods. Weekend opening is limited.

Quiet is required, and calls are not allowed. Some libraries ask for a library card to use the wifi or the study rooms. Group rooms usually need booking in advance. Hours and rules vary by library and season, so check the one you plan to use.

Public wifi: what can go wrong

On public wifi, other people can intercept your traffic. Fake hotspots can copy a real network's name to steal passwords and data. Malware can also spread across a shared network.

Protect yourself:

• Don't do banking or other sensitive tasks on public wifi. Use mobile data or a personal hotspot instead.
• Ask staff for the exact network name before you connect.
• Use a VPN, and only visit sites that use HTTPS.
• Turn off automatic connection and file sharing.
• Keep your system and antivirus updated.
• Use two-factor authentication on your accounts.
• Log out and forget the network when you finish.

The checklist, warnings and FAQ below cover the practical details.

Checklist

• Look for signs or ask staff whether laptops are welcome, especially at weekends or busy times.

• Check that the cafe has wifi and a free plug before you order, as neither is guaranteed.

• Buy a drink or food regularly while you stay.

• Avoid taking a large table at peak lunch times.

• Check the library's opening hours and whether it needs a library card for wifi or study rooms.

• Book a group room in advance if you need to talk with others.

• Confirm the exact wifi network name with staff before you connect.

• Turn off automatic wifi connection and file sharing, and keep your system and antivirus updated.

What to watch out for

• Fake or intercepted wifi: Public wifi can be intercepted, or a fake hotspot can copy a real network name to steal your passwords and data. Malware can also spread across the same network. Confirm the exact network name with staff, use a VPN, and visit only HTTPS sites.

• Banking and sensitive tasks on public wifi: Unencrypted connections can expose your passwords and financial data.

• Overstaying your welcome: Many traditional bars are not suited to laptop work, and some cafes restrict laptops at weekends or busy times. You may be asked to leave. Keep sessions short, buy regularly, avoid large tables at peak lunch times, and take calls outside.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take calls in a Spanish public library?

No, calls are not allowed in Spanish public libraries, because quiet is required throughout. Take calls outside, or book a group room, which usually needs advance booking.

Are libraries open late enough for a full working day?

Usually only on weekdays, with morning and afternoon or evening hours and limited weekend opening.