Shopping In Barcelona
Shopping
Shopping in Barcelona offers lots of interesting browsing. Unusual shops can be found in most parts of the city, but those who want to be efficient should focus on Plaça Catalunya and the Gothic Quarter. This last one offers plenty of shopping opportunities throughout its maze of medieval streets – souvenirs, clothing, shoes, quirky shops, and everything you can think of, you will find here. For those into high-end fashion, head to Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona's version of the Champs-Élysées. Shopping malls abound around Barcelona, El Triangle and Maremagnum are the most popular ones among tourists due to their central location. The gigantic department store El Corte Inglés is located at Plaça Catalunya. Come here for the wares, but also for the people-watching.
Maridav/Shutterstock.comAvinguda del Portal de l'Àngel
Avinguda del Portal de l'Àngel is a crowded, pedestrian-only avenue in the heart of Barcelona, known as one of the best addresses for shopping in the city. Throughout this long avenue, which stretches from the always busy Plaça Catalunya to the historic Gothic Quarter, you'll find plenty of global retailers such as Bershka, Pull & Bear, H&M, Desigual, another El Corte Inglés, Zara, Disney Store, Massimo Dutti, Benetton, as well as a handful of eateries.
George Bakos/UnsplashPasseig de Gràcia
If you're looking for some serious fashion shopping, then make your way to Passeig de Gràcia, the parallel street, Rambla de Catalunya, and the surrounding district. You'll find all the big international fashion names here, including Spanish greats such as Adolfo Domínguez, Armand Basi, Groc, and the leather specialist Loewe. More economic alternatives such as Zara, Mango, and Massimo Dutti are also represented here. You can also find a good selection of trend-conscious designer fashions at Noténom.
Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.comEl Corte Inglés
Spain's department store colossus is both loved and hated, but successfully performs the main task of a department store, which is to offer most things to most people. Designer fashions, their own low and medium-priced lines, enormous perfumery and make-up departments, accessories, toys, children's and baby's clothes, art materials, souvenirs, food and delicatessen, household furniture and decorations, electrical goods, books, and a range of services can be found here. The largest El Corte Inglés in Barcelona is situated in Plaça Catalunya.
Sara Kurfeß/UnsplashMercat dels Encants
Mercat dels Encants is a long-running flea market selling countless treasures under a mirrored roof location near the imposing Agbar Tower. Also known as Barcelona's Encants Vells or Mercat de Bellcaire, the Mercat dels Encants is one of the oldest markets in Europe, dating back to the fourteenth century – a great example of Barcelona's commercial dynamism. Here you will find everything from books, jewelery and clothing to furniture, art, and random knick-knacks. Come early to find the best-hidden gems and prepare your best haggling skills.
Mats Hagwall/UnsplashArenas Mall
Housed on a site of a former bullfighting ring near Montjuïc, Arenas de Barcelona is a beautiful shopping complex boasting plenty of shops, eateries, a cinema, a large supermarket, and best of all, a 360 rooftop view of the city.
freestocks/UnsplashMercado La Boquería
Visiting the La Boquería Market, halfway down La Rambla, is something of a must. The historic and colorful market is one of the city's main attractions, and it offers everything when it comes to food – from fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and sweets to meat, fish, and cheese. The place is also popular for lunch, a quick bite, or a refreshing glass of cava.
Iolanta Kli/Shutterstock.comWestfield Glòries & Diagonal Mar Centre
Not far from each other on Avinguda Diagonal, you will find two shopping malls with plenty of shopping, dining, and leisure options. Westfield Glòries is a modern shopping center, in front of the famous Agbar Tower, featuring a large selection of shops spread out on different levels, some indoors and others outdoors, plus restaurants, a large supermarket, and a movie theater. A little bit further, the Centre Comercial Diagonal Mar is another contemporary and spacious shopping mall offering a range of shops, eateries and services as well as a cinema and a supermarket.
gonghuimin468/PixabayGrey Street
Grey Street is a cute little shop offering a well-curated selection of one-of-a-kind and quirky gifts from local artists and a few international ones, right in the heart of the Raval neighborhood.
Jason Briscoe/UnsplashSanta Caterina Market
The unique mosaic-like, wavy roof structure of the Mercat de Santa Caterina illustrates the colors of the vast number of fruit and vegetable stalls represented in the halls of this bustling market. Aside from a variety of fresh food vendors, you'll also find a few eateries.
HQuality/Shutterstock.comLa Manual Alpargatera
If you are visiting Barcelona during the summer, you'll notice some locals walking around the city wearing a pair of espadrilles–sandals typical of Catalonia that are handmade in cotton canvas, with a sole of jute rope and long cotton laces. And if you're thinking about getting a pair for yourself or for someone back home, the best place to buy them is at La Manual Alpargatera, a long-running workshop selling these traditional and quite comfortable summer shoes in every colour and several styles.
Big Dodzy/UnsplashPoble Espanyol Crafts and Shopping Centre
Open to the public 365 days a year, Poble Espanyol is a singular shopping centre in Barcelona. More than 30 artisans work every day crafting unique or custom-made pieces of glass, leather, ceramics, jewelry and Spanish guitars, among others. There is also a wide range of gourmet shops offering premium food products.
Catarina Belova/Shutterstock.com