With Sercotel, you can book hotels for World Book Day and turn 23 April into a getaway filled with books, culture and tradition.
World Book Day is celebrated every 23 April to recognise the value of books, encourage reading and pay tribute to authors. Promoted by UNESCO, this celebration turns bookshops, libraries, squares and cultural spaces into meeting points for readers, stories and new voices.
Celebrating World Book Day away from your usual routine is an invitation to experience the occasion from a different perspective. The day might begin with a leisurely walk, continue with unexpected recommendations and cultural encounters, and end with you leafing through your latest purchase in the calm of your hotel. Catalonia, Madrid and Zaragoza offer different ways to connect with reading, from celebrations rooted in tradition to city programmes spread across neighbourhoods and cultural spaces.
Discover each destination through its bookshops, conversations and everyday rhythms. Sometimes, the best memory of a getaway begins with an unexpected book.
World Book Day is celebrated every year on 23 April. The day promotes reading and recognises the cultural importance of books, authors and publishers. In Catalonia, it coincides with Sant Jordi, while in Aragon it falls on the same date as the region’s official holiday.
In Catalonia, World Book Day is celebrated as the Diada de Sant Jordi, a tradition that brings together culture and affection through books and roses. Streets, squares and boulevards fill with stalls, author events and activities that invite you to explore the cities on foot.
To enjoy Sant Jordi in Barcelona, you can stay at Sercotel Rosellón, Sercotel Caspe, Sercotel Ámister Art Hotel or Sercotel Atlantis by Atbcn.
Sercotel Rosellón is located next to the Sagrada Família. It is a convenient option for combining a day of books and roses with a visit to the basilica, followed by views over Barcelona from the hotel terrace.
Sercotel Ámister Art Hotel is located on Avinguda de Roma, between Passeig de Gràcia and the Montjuïc exhibition centre. Its location makes it easy to combine the celebrations with walks around the Eixample, cultural visits and other plans in the city.
Sercotel Caspe is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of the Eixample, making it a convenient base for enjoying the atmosphere of Sant Jordi and exploring different parts of Barcelona. From the hotel, you can walk to the Arc de Triomf, 700 metres away, and Parc de la Ciutadella, 1.1 kilometres away.
Madrid hosts literary events in libraries, museums, cultural centres, theatres and outdoor spaces. The programme usually includes readings, workshops, book presentations, talks and family activities, so it is worth checking the city’s events calendar for the year of your visit.
To experience World Book Day in Madrid itself, you can stay at Sercotel Gran Hotel Conde Duque, Sercotel Alcalá 611, Sercotel Togumar or Sercotel Madrid Aeropuerto. If you prefer another area within the Community of Madrid, you can also choose Sercotel Encín Golf, Sercotel AB Rivas, Sercotel AB Arganda, Sercotel Pozuelo or Sercotel de los Reyes.
In Zaragoza, book displays and sales are traditionally concentrated along Paseo de la Independencia and Plaza Aragón. The programme may also include author signings and other cultural activities, coinciding with Aragon Day, which is also celebrated on 23 April.
To experience World Book Day in Zaragoza, you can stay at Sercotel Plaza Feria.
Barcelona stands out for the books and roses of Sant Jordi; Madrid offers literary activities across a wide range of cultural venues; and Zaragoza combines its celebration of books with Aragon Day. The best choice depends on whether you are looking for a popular tradition, a varied city programme or a day with a distinctly Aragonese identity.
Booking in advance gives you a wider choice of accommodation during World Book Day, especially in destinations with popular celebrations such as Barcelona.
Hotel prices during World Book Day vary depending on the destination, dates, chosen category and how far in advance you book. Sercotel offers options in city centres and nearby towns, allowing you to compare locations and choose the one that best suits your trip.
Sercotel Rewards is our loyalty program, created for you to enjoy special benefits and discounts. Sign up for free and get up to 20% off your next booking.
Will you join the club?
