Barcelona Shopping Tips by Belsaita Top 5 Page for this destination

Barcelona, a shoppaholic's dream :)): Shopping around Combined Suggestions Review

Some people here in VT recommend El Corte Inglés for shopping. Yes, it can be convenient as there are many around the city, and you can shop there (nearly) all you might need. But it's impersonal and more expensive than most other shopping places. The most I like of El Corte Ingles, and almost the only one reason I shop sometimes there is for its delicatessen's food section, and its especial deals, especially in household appliances (but you will probably not buy a fridge as a souvenir!! ;o))

There are many shops on the streets around Portal del Angel , and down Carrer de Pelai to Ronda de Sant Antoni. As well along Rambla de Catalunya (parallel to Passeig de Gracia, not to be confused with Las Ramblas) and all streets nearby, and the central part of Avinguda Diagonal. You'll find there all known brands as Zara, Mango, etc... However, the prices would not be so cheap unless it's sale's time. You may have a look around carrer Girona and nearby streets for some brand's outlets.

There are quite a few shopping centers scattered around the city (Glories, La Maquinista, Diagonal Mar, Gran Via 2... sure you can easily get their websites from Goggle). These may be handy if you want to "concentrate" your shopping. However, these all are characterless shopping malls like the ones you can find anywhere else.

If you're a real top-brand's fashion-victim, you can try La Roca Village (out of Barcelona but there are buses going there). Is an artificial "village" with lots of outlet shops of top brands (so, not cheap stuff even at discounted prices). It's not my thing, but I know many people who rave about this place.

I would better advise you to enjoy your stay at the city wandering around the areas of El Born / Ribera (for local designers' shops) and Gràcia (for more bohemian-style). At these neighborhoods you can combine shopping with resting in a cafe while people watching and even doing some cultural stuff.

Enjoy your trip!

Theme: Department Store

Otman: Fashion and tea

This tip could be placed as well on restaurants (you can have a good cus-cus for lunch, or for dinner during weekends here) or in "off the beaten path" as even in the very popular El Born area it's on a very quiet side-street.

But let's put it here, in shopping, as the fist impression of the place will be a fashion shop. Not mainstream fashion, as Otman Chentouf is the head of this project, a young Moroccan designer who moved to Barcelona some years ago. He exhibits his collections (clothing for men and women) in the front part of the store.

At the back of the shop you'll find a space with the typical Moroccan sofas, where you can enjoy a great Moroccan tea or eat something

Address: De la Cirera, 4 (betwee Montcada and Flassaders)

Phone: +34 93 310 22 65

Theme: Other

Combined Suggestions: Unusual/design jewelry Combined Suggestions Review

Many of us may like to buy a small piece of jewelry as souvenir when visiting new places. Or bringing something to the special ones... If you prefer wearing something "unique" yet affordable, here some suggestions:

- Elisa Brunells (stunning, unique pieces from a local designer)

(2 shops in town, in Gracia and El Born, see details at her website)

I do have a ring from her that is the center of attention every time I wear it! :-)

- Lovely pieces from a designer based in Formentera at Enric Majoral, shop at Consell de Cent, 308 (between Rambla de Cataunya - Pg. De Gràcia)

- Or, even easier to find, as there are a few shop scattered around town, with great designs (local and foreign designers, but always small editions):
Ona Joia

The most central "Ona" will be the shop in El Bulevard Rosa, shop number 20 (small shopping centre near Passeig de Gracia metro station)

Theme: Jewelry

Mercat de Santa Caterina : Santa Caterina: the second most famous food market La Boqueria / Markets Review

Mercat de Sant Josep - La Boqueria is the food market that everyone visits in Barcelona. Really a must-see, lovely, but always crowded!! However, when you walk around the Old town (Gotic-Ribera-Born), close to the Cathedral (La Seu) it's easy to find this not-so-known but interesting place: Mercat de Santa Caterina

The old market there was closed for many years, later its re-building project was commanded to the Miralles & Tagliabue architect's studio. Unfortunately Enric Miralles died before seeing it finished. The new market was opened in 2005, its most interesting feature being its wavy and colorful ceramic roof (built in clear Modernista inspiration). Inside is not disappointing, and its interesting the conjunction of the old walls with modern elements and market stalls.

What to buy: You will find there all food market usual goods. The variety is nearly the same of La Boqueria (except for some very strange items you can only find at La Boqueria or very specific shops), as well similar quality and prices. There is as well a restaurant where you can sample some local delicacies at reasonable (but not cheap) prices

Address: Avinguda de Francesc Cambo 16 (La Ribera)

Directions: Not far from Jaume I metro stop, and waking distance from the old Cathedral and other sights.
Opening Hours: Mon 8:00-14:00, Tue, Wed & Sat 8:00-15:30pm, Thu & Fri 8:00-20:30

Theme: Food and Drink

Website: http://www.mercatsantacaterina.net

Cerería Codina : Another interesting old candle shop Furniture / Art Works, Etc. Review

Between the Cathedral and Plaça de Sant Jaume, there is another testimonial of how powerful the “cereros” (candle makers) guild once was. Here you'll find another interesting candle-shop. This one dates of 1925. Different as Subirà, this one is mainly aimed to religious-related candles (even you'll find there as well the odd and funny ones... money is money) and other religious stuff. Interesting even if you're not Catholic (or maybe I should say, especially interesting in this case)

Address: Carrer Bisbe, 2 bis

Directions: Between the Cathedral and Plaça de Sant Jaume

Theme: Local Craft

Caelum : Caelum: Celestial delicatessen Speciality Shops Review

"Caelum" is the Latin word for Heaven. Very appropriate name!

This place sells crafts and foods such as pastries, cookies, wine, honey and preserves, made by monks and nuns from several monasteries around Spain. But, apart from buying some nice presents there.... you can try it, as it is as well a fine eatery (more less a "salon de the"). Recently they have added a new room at ground level with a few tables, but better go down steps... and you will spoil yourself in a unique place (there were once the old Jewish Baths, about 400 years ago)

What to buy: Everything I tried was delicious. Anyway, my favourites are pieces of sugar-preserved orange covered by dark chocolate made from nuns of Vallbona (Tarragona), as well the little fruit-shaped marzipans from Sevilla. Great gifts to take back home too.

What to pay: Top quality items are never cheap, but you can have a tea with pastries for about 4-5 euros.

Address: Carrer de la Palla 8. 08001 Barcelona

Directions: Barri Gotic, not far from the Cathedral

Phone: +34 93 302 69 93

Theme: Food and Drink

Cereria Subirà : Maybe the oldest shop in Barcelona Furniture / Art Works, Etc. Review

Sure you'll walk around this area, as it's the heart of Gotic. So, stop by and have a look at Cereria Subirà. It's said to be the oldest shop in Barcelona, as some said it dates back of the 17th Century. Maybe is not so old. It's documented in 1847 as fashion shop. In 1909 it was converted to a candle shop (cereria) by Paulí Subirà. Now the owner is his son, Jordi Subirà (president of the Honorable Colegio de Cereros de Cataluña). I never thought that nowadays a candle-makers guild does still exist! (it was one of the most powerful city guilds in the past)

What to buy: Even if you don't plan to buy candles, pay a visit. Of course, if you need candles, this is your place, you'll find there from the most basic ones, to the oddest colors, smells and shapes.

Address: Bajada de la Llibreteria, 7

Theme: Local Craft

Camper : Camper: These shoes are made for walking!!! Shoes / Clothes Review

I should admit I'm addicted to these shoes. They are not cheap, true... but they last for ages! Comfortable, excellent quality and unique design. As they motto says: "walk, don't run".

In the pic you can see my little "collection": 8 pairs that I actually wear, including summer and winter seasons. 2 of them from this season, others are pretty old but still on use. Recently I decided to trow away a few more pairs... a couple of these were more than 10 years old!

What to buy: Shoes, shoes, shoes.... I like specially the "twins" series, why your right foot should feel the same than your left one?? :-)

Address: Shops around town (and at other shops/malls)

Theme: Shoes

Website: http://www.camper.es

Papabubble : Papabubble: Sweets, sweets, sweets!!! Speciality Shops Review

A sweet finding! When accompanying a friend to the main Post office, this little shop called our attention. We entered; it was a paradise of colourful handmade sweets and lollipops. You can buy a basic bag of these, or nice gift boxes. Best thing: you can see how they make the sweets, and seemed to be having great fun doing their work!

Have a look at its website, it's great.

Address: Ample 28. 08002 Barcelona

Directions: Barri Gotic

Phone: +34 93 268 86 25

Theme: Food and Drink

Website: http://www.papabubble.com

Cuchillería Roca : need a knife? Speciality Shops Review

This shop dates from 1911, and it keeps it's old-fashioned but elegant Viennese style. Pay a visit to Cuchillería Roca, it’s worth it, even just to admire the building (listed as Barcelona’s History and Arts Patrimony)

Of course, if you need something sharp... it is your place. They say they have more than 9000 different kind of knifes, scissors and any related items.

In any case, do not miss Plaça del Pi during your visit to Barcelona. Is one of the most charming spots on the Old Town. This square and the next one (plaça de Sant Josep Oriol) are well know for the beautiful church (església del Pi and its 'Giants'), as well for its bars and terraces. As well, there you can find a small but interesting art market on weekends.

Address: plaza del Pi, 3

Theme: Other