Shopping in Barcelona

Shopping, Things to do on December 20, 2011 9:50 am
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No matter what your style and budget, Barcelona has the shopping district for you. Wide boulevards splashed with the most luxurious labels are minutes away from quaint, winding streets with quirky, one-off boutiques. If you are only in the city for a few days, don’t waste your time in areas that aren’t to your taste. Read on for your quintessential guide to the best places to shop throughout Barcelona, a suggested shopping route and practical information and tips.

District: Sants (Montjuic) [New]

image The shopping area of ​​Las Arenas de Barcelona

Las Arenas de Barcelona has just recently opened its doors to visitors. It’s not an ordinary shopping centre, but something very special, since it’s where the former Bullring is located. At six levels, you can find shops, supermarket, cinemas, restaurants, a large car park and even a fitness area. Furthermore, you can also find a new Rock Museum that guides you through a unique and impressive collection of objects, memories and records through all eras of rock history. It is housed on the 4th Floor of the shopping centre. Besides the shopping and entertainment venues, the stunning architecture of this mall is something to be admired. The highlight of centre has to be the 360° panoramic roof terrace where you can enjoy incredible views of Barcelona. More information can be found on the official site Las Arenas de Barcelona (in Spanish).

Metro: Plaza Espanya image

 

District: Eixample

Eixample-by-Fwwidall.jpg Passeig de Gràcia (or Paseo de Gràcia)

Passeig de Gràcia street is the place to head for pure indulgence. The Bond Street of Barcelona, Passeig de Gracia hosts the most luxurious, international brands, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Cartier. However, if you head down the impressive, tree-lined street towards Plaza Catalunya, the shops become more affordable, with brands such as Zara, Massimo Dutti and the large department store, El Corte Inglés. Chic market stalls sometimes pop up for a week or so along the stretch, perfect for picking up some one-off trinkets. Need a refreshment? The cafes and restaurants on this street have fabulous terraces. Try Divinus café, with its views of Gaudi’s Casa Batlló and a majestic fountain.

Carrer de Pelai and Carrer de Bergara

These two streets, although relatively short, host many of the most popular British and American brands, including Topshop, Sephora and Accessorize. If you’re coming to the continent in search of those illustrious, ‘perfect’ Spanish leather boots, this is the ideal place to start your search. Try Noel Barcelona on Carrer de Pelai for a sumptuous selection of shoes. Fancy a taste of home? Grab a frappuccino at the Starbucks located between these two streets.

  • Metro: Passeig de Gracia image , image , image  is located in the middle of Passeig de Gràcia. Cataluyna image , image  is located at the southern end of Passeig de Gràcia
  • Diagonal image , image  is located at the northern end of Passeig de Gràcia
  • Carrer de Pelai and Carrer de Bergara
  • Metro: Cataluyna image , image  or Universitat image

 

District: Gotico

Avinguda-del-portal-by Luana Bandeira Avinguda del Portal de L’Angel

The busiest street in Spain, Portal de L’Angel’s wide walkway boasts the majority of well-known high-street stores, including two H&M and Zara stores. There is also another branch of El Corte Inglés department store dedicated to women’s clothing. Get your fashion-fix with a walk from Plaza Catalunya towards Jaume I, ending up at the foot of Barcelona’s stunning Cathedral. Give your feet a well-earned rest with an Italian ice-cream at Giovanni, an authentic gelateria located between Portal de L’Angel and Carrer de la Portaferissa a smaller street, but jam-packed with great brands, Portaferrissa connects the Ramblas with Portal de L’Angel. Try Kiko for great priced, high-quality make-up or Spanish label Mango for its flattering dress collections.

  • Portal de L’Angel
  • Metro: Catalunya image , image  is located at the northern end of Portal de L’Angel
  • Carrer de la Portaferissa
  • Metro: Catalunya image or Liceu image

 

District: El Raval

El-Raval-by-Andred.jpg Calle dels Tallers

This narrow street, located just off the Ramblas, has an entirely different feel to the other shopping areas. It is edgier and grittier than other parts of the city– the Camden of Barcelona. It is perfect for picking up some new music or browsing more unique clothing collections. Try Revolver or Castelló for the most incredible music collections, including vintage disks and cassettes.

 

  • Metro: Catalunya image , image

 

District: Port Vell

Maremagnum-in-Barcelona-by-Carlos-Lorenzo.jpg Maremagnum Shopping Centre

This shopping centre can be accessed by an impressive wooden walkway across the Port. With shops such as Bershka and Lacoste, an IMAX theatre, an aquarium and countless restaurants with views out to sea, Maremagnum has it all. For more details about brands, photos and timetables, see the Maremagnum website.

Metro: Drassanes image

 

District: El Born

El-Born-by-GothPhil.jpg Carrer de la Princessa and Carrer de l’Argenteria

Full of boutiques and unique shops, El Born is the district for picking up gifts and one-off pieces. The main streets for shopping include Carrer de la Princessa and Carrer de l’Argenteria, but the surrounding roads are full of vintage stores. If you’re a seafood lover, grab your lunch at La Paradeta which serves fresh fish at its very best. For further details about shopping in this quarter, take a look at our comprehensive guide to shopping in El Born .

 

 

  • Metro: Arc de Triomf  image , Jaume I image

 

 

District: Outlets Outside of Barcelona

Miss-Sixty-by-ParkerYoung.jpg La Roca Village If you enjoy outlet shopping, then La Roca Village, a 40 minute drive outside of Barcelona, is a great place to pick up a bargain. Designer brands such a Levi’s, La Perla, Pepe Jeans and Miss Sixty can be found with up to 60% discounts. If you need to refuel there is something for all tastes at La Roca Village. Try Café & Té for a more authentic Spanish atmosphere. For full information on opening hours and brands to be found at La Roca Village, consult the official website.

 

 

Zara-by-Jokasim.jpg Starbucks-by-Marc-van-der-Chijs.jpg Sephora-by-RobertStockdill.jpg
The Perfect Shopping Route

We hope this walk gives you some guidelines as to where to head out for a day of shopping. Pick and choose the streets as you wish, don’t forget your credit card!


View Shopping Route in a larger map

Directions

Jump off the Metro at Diagonal stop and wander down Passeig de Gràcia (or Paseo de Gràcia). Here you will stumble upon the most luxurious shops around and some beautiful architecture . Keep an eye out for Gaudi’s Casa Batalló and Casa Milà. Once you have walked the length of this majestic street you will find yourself in Plaza Catalunya. Don’t miss El Corte Ingles department store on your left as you approach the square. Cross the plaza, make your way onto the pedestrianised Avinguda del Portal de L’Angel. By the time you get to the end of this busy street you’re bound to feel like a rest, so grab a coffee in front of Barcelona’s cathedral. After you’ve recharged, head towards Carrer de la Portaferrissa. This street will then lead you onto the busy Ramblas, great for picking up some fantastically souvenirs! Finally, once you reach the top, move onto Carrer de Pelai. Be sure not to miss Topshop half way up the street. Your walk should end up at the striking Placa de la Universitat.

Most shops in Spain remain close on Sundays.

Smaller shops generally close between 14.00 und 17.00 from Monday to Saturday.

 

What do you think of shopping in Barcelona? Where is your favourite area? Please leave us any questions or comments – we’d love to hear from you!

Lucie

About the author

We are a leading holiday accommodation provider, with a fantastic choice of affordable rental apartments, hotels and hostels in the Catalan capital.
Oh-Barcelona.com

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4 Comments

  1. deedee says:

    hey, do you by any chance know about the barcelona pass?
    unlimited ride on the public transport for cheap.
    is it worth buying?

  2. PromptGuides says:

    This is a great collection of information on shopping in Barcelona. Well done.

    I have one thought to share.

    I often find that many people go to La Roca Village with high expectations to find unbelievable bargains. La Roca is not a place of miracles. It is like other outlets in the world. You can buy things at a certain discount. If you are lucky, you are able to buy one or two things at a very low price.

    Just don’t go with the expectation that you will go home with a big smile on your face carrying dozens of bags packed full of the trendiest clothes with more money than you had…

    • Oh-Barcelona says:

      Hi there

      Thanks for the comment. Glad you like the post.

      Regarding La Roca Village, it’s a good point that sometimes people can have very high expectations when going to an outlet anywhere. Hopefully La Roca Village can offer a good day out, even if it’s just to browse and to grab a bite to eat.

      Thanks

      Lucie

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