A shopper’s guide to Barcelona
Move over, Paris. Barcelona is taking over that coveted space in shopaholics’ hearts. With a heady mixture of unique boutiques, second-hand shops, flea markets, luxury shopping, malls and outlets, Barcelona has something for every kind of shopper.
Most shopping malls, outlets and large stores are open from 10am to 9pm or later, Monday through Saturday. Smaller neighbourhood shops typically open from 10am to 2pm, close for lunch for a few hours, and re-open after 4pm for four more hours Monday through Friday, and are open reduced hours Saturdays. Stores accept cash, and credit or debit cards with proper I.D. for payment. Personal and business cheques, American Express and Discover credit cards are not widely accepted.
Looking to score a steal of a deal? In Barcelona, winter sales are from the second week of January till the end of February while summer sales begin on 1 July and last until the end of August.
Barcelona-area malls and outlets
Mall shoppers, rejoice. Barcelona is crammed with the things, called centres comercials in Catalan. There’s even a large outlet mall less than an hour from the city for visitors who want a deal on brand-name merchandise.
La Roca Village
A short trip from Barcelona city centre, La Roca features over 100 outlets where both Spanish and international brand-name items can be bought for up to 60% off the normal retail price all year round. It’s a veritable retail village, with individual storefronts and restaurants linked by wide boulevards, so try to choose a nice day – you’ll be spending some time outside.
Address: La Roca Village, 08430, Santa Agnès de Malanyanes
Telephone: 34 9384239 39
Website:www.larocavillage.com
Getting there
By car: Take autopista AP7, exit 12 en Cardedeu, and follow the signs that say centre-comercial.
By bus: Get a Shopping Express™ bus from Carrer Casp, 34 direct to La Roca (50 minutes’ journey, bus leaves at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 16:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Saturday).
Las Arenas
There’s nothing like strolling among the storefronts in a former bullfighting arena with views of Plaça Espanya for an authentic Barcelona shopping experience. Las Arenas has everything from large chains like Mango, Miss Sixty and Desigual to cinemas, the Museum of Rock, and a Mercadona supermarket, plus rooftop eateries and a viewing area with panoramic views of the entire city. This venue conveniently combines sightseeing and shopping for busy tourists.
Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 373-385
Telephone: 93 289 02 44
Website: www.arenasdebarcelona.com
Getting there
By bus: 
9, 13
By metro: 
& 
Espanya
Other well-known Barcelona shopping centres include Maremagnum (down at the harbour), Bulevard Rosa, Diagonal Mar, Gran Via 2, La Maquinista, L’Illa and El Triangle.
Quirky neighbourhood boutiques in Barcelona
On the lookout for stuff specific to Barcelona’s unique sense of style? Head to trendy, artsy areas like Gràcia and El Born where local hipsters, artists and artisans live, work and play.
El Born
Keep an eye out for unusual jewellery, shoes, clothing and art in the boutiques on Carrer de Argenteria in Barcelona’s trendy El Born neighbourhood. Afterwards, hit the bars and restaurants on Passeig de Born for drinks and eats to recharge after an afternoon or morning of shopping.
Getting there
By bus: 45, 17
By metro: 
Jaume I
Gràcia
Search out creative and original wares for mind, body and home in charming shops on Carrer d’Asturies and Carrer Verdi in the Gràcia neighbourhood, a former village that was incorporated into Barcelona proper in the late 19th century.
Getting there
By metro: Fontana, Joanic
FGC from Plaça Catalunya: L6, L7, S1 Gràcia
By bus: 39 and 55
Barcelona flea markets and second-hand shops
Are you into everything vintage and pre-loved? From books to trinkets and funky clothing, Barcelona is a second-hand shopper’s paradise.
El Raval
Wander along Carrer de la Riera Baixa, perusing vintage shops for clothing and accessories. Mandatory stops for vintage fashion fanatics are Lailo on Riera Baixa, and Holalá! When you’ve exhausted your funds, and built up an appetite, stop off for authentic Pakistani food or a Turkish kebab at bargain basement prices along Carrer Joaquín Costa.
Getting there
By bus: 41, 64, and 37
By metro: Universitat, Liceu, 
San Antoni
Els Encants Vells (Mercat Fira de Bellcaire)
Flea market fans will love Els Encants, Barcelona’s largest open-air market. Peruse everything from books and records to vintage jewellery and antique furniture in Carrer Dos de Maig. The market is held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 6pm.
Getting there
By bus: 56, 43, and 44
By metro: Glories, Encants
Luxury shopping in Barcelona
If high-end is your middle name when it comes to purchases, Barcelona has a whole street dedicated to you. Within easy walking distance of Barcelona sights like Plaça Catalunya and La Rambla, Passeig de Gràcia is the best place in town to find luxury brands like Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vutton.
Passeig de Gràcia
Have your platinum plastic at hand, ready to charge to the limit on this famous Barcelona street. Scattered among luxury stores like Gucci and Manolo Blahnik, check out modernist buildings like Gaudí’s La Pedrera and Casa Batlló. Post-shopping, eat at upscale bars and restaurants. Don’t forget to check out clothes and accessories from Spanish designers like Adolfo Dominguez and Roberto Verino while you’re there.
Getting there
By metro: , Diagonal, Catalunya, and , , Passeig de Gràcia
By bus: 41, 9, 27, 15, and 20
About the author Chris Ciolli
A writer and translator by trade, Chris Ciolli spends her spare minutes reading, traveling and playing with art supplies. Okay, so sometimes she sleeps, eats and slurps coffee, too. She blogs about Barcelona at BarcelonaforIdiots.com and her travels at MidwesternerAbroad.com. Follow her on twitter @ChrisCiolli.
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8 Comments
Hi there,
I’m sure that you are the right person to ask about shopping in Barcelona !
I would like to know,where to shop for jewellery not the fancy brands,but where the local people buy gold jewellery.??
Hi Eman,
Yes, we can certainly offer you a couple of suggestions.
You’ll find most of the fancy brands you mention on Passeig de Gràcia, so any place not on that street sounds like what you are looking for.
We’d suggest taking a look at L’Hora Exacta on Carrer Gran de Gràcia, 42. And also Oriol Agorreta on Carrer de Casanova, 260.
Happy shopping!
Hey!
Are there any shops selling Pakistani clothes? I’m from Pakistan and am interested to market my hand embroidered clothes.
Hi Momina,
Thanks for your comment!
One place that will certainly sell Pakistani clothes would be a shop called Alternativa 3.
You should get in touch with them to see if they would be interested.
Good luck!
hey, do you by any chance know about the barcelona pass?
unlimited ride on the public transport for cheap.
is it worth buying?
Hi Deedee
Yes, the unlimited travel pass is a very good idea if you are coming to the city for a few days and want to make the most of your time here. Another of our articles may be helpful with any questions you have about this type of ticket:http://www.oh-barcelona.com/en/blog/2010/tourist-guide/transport/barcelona-metro-map-10568
I hope this helps and that you have a great stay!
Lucie
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…
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