Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SHOPPING TIPS
1. OPENING HOURS
Moststoresareopen10amto2pmand4:30pmto8pmMondaytoSaturday.Depart-
mentstoresandotherlargeshopsdon'tcloseatlunchtime,andmoststayopenuntil
10pm.
2. SALES
Barcelona's big sales (
rebaixes
) come twice a year, from 1 July to the end of August
and from 7 January until the end of February.
3. RECLAIMING VAT
Non-EUcitizenscanclaimanIVA(VAT)refundonmostpurchasesover€90.15when
they leave Spain. Shops displaying the tax-free logo will provide a tax-refundable re-
ceipt, which you present before checking-in on departure. IVA (VAT) of 21 per cent
(10percentonfood)isincluded.IVAforhotelsis10percent,whichisnotalwaysin-
cluded in the price.
4. LEATHER
Leather items are a good buy in Spain and are of high quality. There are good shoe
stores on C/ Portal de l'Àngel, C/Pelai, Rambla de Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia.
Loewe is famous for its quality leather goods.
Loewe • Pg de Gràcia 35
Google Map
5. ANTIQUES
Antiques aficionados will be richly rewarded with a stroll along Carrer Banys Nous
andCarrerdelaPallaintheBarriGòtic.Formoreantiquefinds,headtotheBulevard
dels Antiquaris on Passeig de Gràcia, home to over 60 antiques and arts shops. The
antiquemarkets,includingthe
MercatdelsAntiquaris
andthePortVellantiquemar-
ket, at weekends (10am-8pm), are also worth a browse.
