Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
While for sheer size and scope Barcelona cannot compete with Paris or other fashion
capitals,itisoneoftheworld'smoststylishcities-architecture,fashionanddecoration
arethoroughlypermeatedbyCatalan disseny (design).Allofthismakesforgreatshop-
ping, whether you're looking for unique clothing by a hot local designer or something
stylishforthehome.Traditionalartsandcraftshaveaplaceheretoo,frombasketware
to ceramics, and many artists and craftworkers have workshops that are open to the
public. Antiques and curios abound, while souvenirs range from the gloriously tacky
to the outrageously wacky - a walk down the Ramblas and through the Barri Gòtic
alone throws up anything from Picasso T-shirts to Peruvian bangles, not to mention
Barcelona football scarves, handmade soap, carnival masks, designer chocolates and
vintage dresses.
The best general shopping area for clothes, souvenirs, arts and crafts is the Barri Gòtic,
particularly between the upper part of the Ramblas and Avinguda Portal de l'Àngel. Estab-
lished designer and high-streetfashion is at home in the Eixample, along Passeig de Gràcia,
Rambla de Catalunya and c/de Pelai, as well as along Avinguda Diagonal in Les Corts. Hot
new designers and boutiques - including shoe, street- and skatewear specialists - can be
found in La Ribera, around Passeig del Born (c/dels Flassaders, c/del Rec, c/de Calders, c/de
l'Espartería, c/de la Vidrería, c/del Bonaire), but also down c/d'Avinyó in the Barri Gòtic,
between c/del Carme and MACBA in El Raval, and along c/de Verdi in Gràcia. For second-
handandvintageclothing ,storeslinethewholeofc/delaRieraBaixa(ElRaval),withoth-
ers nearby on c/del Carme and c/de l'Hospital, and on Saturdays there's a street market here.
More bargains are in the remainder stores, wholesalers and discount outlets found along
c/de Girona in the Eixample, between the Gran Via and Ronda Sant Pere.
For antiques - books, furniture, paintings and artefacts - you need to trawl c/de la Palla,
c/delsBanysNousandsurroundingstreetsintheBarriGòtic,bestcombinedwiththeantique
market on Thursdays in front of the cathedral. Delis and specialist food shops tend to be
concentrated around the Passeig del Born in La Ribera. Independent music and CD stores
are found on and around c/dels Tallers (El Raval), just off the top of the Ramblas. And don't
forget the city's museums and galleries , where you'll find reasonably priced items ranging
from postcards to wall-hangings.
ESSENTIALS
Opening hours Shop opening hours are typically Mon-Sat 10am-1.30/2pm & 4.30-7.30/
8pm, though all the bigger shops stay open over lunchtime, while smaller shops close on
Saturday afternoons and/or may vary their hours in other ways. Major department stores and
shopping malls open Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, though the cafés, restaurants and leisure outlets
inmallsareusuallyopenonSundaytoo.Barcelona'sdailyfoodmarkets,allincoveredhalls,
are generally open from Mon-Sat 8am-3pm & 5-8pm (local variations apply), though the
most famous, La Boqueria on the Ramblas, opens throughout the day.
 
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