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With its treasure trove of finds, Barcelona is the one place you’ll be happy to leave with a lighter wallet and slightly heavier luggage.
Shops & Stalls for Every Style
Barcelona, Spain’s vibrant seaside city, is a gem for those bitten by the shopping bug. From high-end boutiques to bustling open-air markets to specialty stores, there’s a retail spot to match every style and need. Not to mention, shopping sprees here are always accompanied by unlimited sightseeing and gastronomic opportunities!
Of course, navigating the shopping scene requires a grasp of Barcelona’s shop timings and customs. Most stores typically open between 9 am and 10 am and temporarily close for a midday siesta for about 2 hours. This is a charming local custom that embraces rest and leisure in the heat of the day, so while in Barcelona, do as the Barcelonians do.
As we delve into the heart of Barcelona’s shopping scene, prepare to be tantalized by a whirlwind of colors, textures, and tastes. Just a word of advice, check with your bank about foreign transaction fees so that nothing dampens your retail joy!
10 Best Shopping Areas in Barcelona
Barcelona hosts a blend of traditional and modern shopping options, waiting for you to explore. Here are the 10 best shopping areas in Barcelona that will satiate your retail cravings:
1. LA NOSTRA CIUTAT
La Nostra Ciutat, translating to “our city,” is a unique standalone store that houses creations from local artists and businesses. From playful, colorful illustrations of Barcelona to slogan tote bags and tech accessories, you can find a slice of Catalan culture here. Most strikingly, the store offers stunning art prints depicting the region’s architectural charm, making it a must-visit spot when souvenir shopping in Barcelona.
2. LA ROCA VILLAGE
At La Roca Village, you can shop for high-end brands while strolling streets that resemble a quaint Spanish town center, complete with GaudĂ-inspired mosaics and hot-pink bougainvillea. This outlet is known for its generous discounts, often offering between 30% and 70% off on Spanish brands like Bimba y Lola, Loewe, and international names like Burberry, Prada, and Gucci.
3. COLMADO MĂšRRIA
Step into the past with Colmado MĂşrria, an Art Nouveau grocery store offering a range of quality products in a uniquely quaint setting. The shop’s old-school liquor ads, untouched since its 1898 inauguration, lend an authentic touch. Even the deli counters, jars, boxes, and bottled goodies make for a delightful culinary experience.
4. EL INGENIO
El Ingenio specializes in life-sized papier mâché creations. This historic Barcelona store has been crafting enormous faces and leggy paper giants since the 1830s, making it a historic addition to your shopping itinerary. Besides giants, the store sells puppets, juggling balls, masks, and more, making for an amusing shopping experience. It should go without saying, but we definitely recommend this when you’re visiting with kids!
5. CHOCOLATES LACASA – LA BOUTIQUE
Barcelona’s first Lacasa boutique, situated near the city’s chocolate museum, offers a delightful journey into the world of premium chocolates. The store’s ambiance radiates vintage charm, with old maps covering the walls and pastel-striped tins of chocolates catching the eye from every corner. This spot is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth or those who just want to munch on something while shopping in Barcelona.
6. GREY STREET
A delightful gift shop owned by Australian Amy Cocker, Grey Street, offers an eclectic selection of homeware, jewelry, and gorgeous miscellanea. Tradition meets trendy with items like vegan skincare, macramé plant hangers, lapel pins, tarot cards, and art prints. This shop is the place to be if you like traditional aesthetics but have a soft spot for local preservation.
7. SANTA EULALIA
Score luxury brands that can’t be found anywhere else in the city at Santa Eulalia. This family-owned boutique has been a fashion pioneer in Catalunya since 1843. The airy interiors, designed by New York’s William Sofield, complement the well-curated collections of designer names. This spot provides a premium shopping experience with impeccable service, ideal for a leisurely browse.
8. EL CORTE INGLÉS
El Corte Inglés is a top-of-the-line department store, boasting top-brand fashion, a vast cosmetics section, and multilingual staff. As the largest department store chain in Europe and the third-largest worldwide, it offers an all-encompassing shopping experience. Its flagship store on Plaça de Catalunya serves as a navigational compass in Barcelona, resplendent in lights at Christmas and towering with 1960s concrete architecture throughout the rest of the year.
9. FANTASTIK
Journey into a kaleidoscope of kitsch at Fantastik Bazar. The store is a riot of color and eclectic items sourced from Mexico, India, Japan, and Senegal. From wind-up robotic pigs to tabletop ice hockey sets, Fantastik offers a whirlwind of unexpected finds that you never knew you wanted. Each item is labeled with its country of origin, making shopping here not just a Barcelona adventure but a truly global experience.
10. LA MANUAL ALPARGATERA
When it comes to a truly traditional shopping experience, La Manual Alpargatera takes the cake. This bustling espadrille workshop is nestled between the Barcelona Cathedral and Las Ramblas. It offers a unique, custom-fitting experience for espadrille lovers, making it a must-visit for those who enjoy unique fashion and hyper-comfy footwear. Though it’s the last on our list, you may want to visit this first to properly “gear up” for a full day of shopping!
Where to Book Your Stay Near Barcelona’s Shopping Hotspots
Immerse yourself in the heart of Barcelona’s retail hubs by choosing accommodations near the city’s shopping hotspots. Here are five districts that offer a unique blend of shopping, leisure, and cultural experiences.
- EIXAMPLE: Situated near Passeig de GrĂ cia, Eixample is a top pick for shoppers. This district is known for its grid-like layout, modernist buildings, and a bustling nightlife scene. Home to a number of trendy cafes and eateries like El Nacional, Eixample allows travelers to enjoy the best of shopping in Barcelona without straying far from their comfort zone.
- CIUTAT VELLA: Adjacent to El Raval, Ciutat Vella or the ‘Old City’ is a charming district teeming with history. Iconic landmarks like the Barcelona Cathedral and the Picasso Museum are found here. A number of boutique hotels and quaint cafes line its narrow, winding streets, making it an ideal base for your retail expedition.
- LES CORTS: Close to the L’Illa Diagonal shopping complex, Les Corts is an upscale residential district with a relaxed vibe. Aside from the shopping center, it also houses the famous Camp Nou stadium, a must-visit for football fans. Stay in this district for easy access to both shopping and entertainment.
- SANT MARTĂŤ: Located near Diagonal Mar, Sant Marti is a dynamic district that has undergone significant modernization. Within it, you’ll find a beautiful beach, Parc de Diagonal Mar, and a plethora of dining options. Staying here means having a diverse Barcelona experience right at your doorstep.
- EL GOTICO: Neighboring La Rambla and El Born, El Gotico provides a rich blend of history, shopping, and dining. Famous landmarks like the Roman Wall and the Barcelona Cathedral, along with a multitude of restaurants and shops, make this district perfect for a fulfilling Barcelona shopping journey.
Bag the Best of Barcelona With Rent by Owner
As we bring our retail journey to a close, it’s evident that shopping in Barcelona offers more than a simple exchange of goods. It’s an immersive cultural experience, a sensory feast, and a delightful exploration of the city’s vibrant character. From luxurious high-end boutiques to eclectic flea markets, the city’s shopping scene is as diverse as it is captivating.
To make the most of your shopping getaway, find your perfect home away from home with Rent by Owner. We not only list thousands of vacation rentals in close proximity to Barcelona’s shopping hotspots but also provide in-depth travel guides, inspiration, and tips to enhance your journey. Start planning your Barcelona shopping adventure with Rent by Owner today, and experience the best of this vibrant city firsthand.
TLDR
Barcelona’s vibrant shopping scene is an unmissable experience for any visitor. From art-infused La Nostra Ciutat to historic El Ingenio, outlet shopping at La Roca Village, premium brands at Santa Eulalia, and traditional espadrilles at La Manual Alpargatera, there’s something to suit every shopper’s fancy. Make your shopping journey comfortable by choosing accommodations near shopping hotspots in districts like Eixample, Ciutat Vella, Les Corts, Sant MartĂ, or El Gotico. Embark on a delightful, sensory retail adventure that transcends the usual, and book your ideal home away from home with Rent by Owner. We list numerous vacation rentals near Barcelona’s shopping areas and provide in-depth travel guides and tips to ensure a memorable experience in this lively city.
Feature Image Photo Credit: shattha pilabut
