Must-see shopping in Catalonia

  • L'Arca in Barcelona is a vintage shop that specializes in bridal and Edwardian fashions. They supplied a number of costumes for the 1997 movie, Titanic.

    L’Arca

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    Step inside this enchanting vintage boutique for beautifully crafted apparel from the past, mostly sourced from local homes: 18th-century embroidered silk…

  • Flores Navarro in Barcelona located at Carrer de València 320

    Flores Navarro

    L'Eixample

    You never know when you might need flowers, and this vast, packed-to-the-rafters florist never closes. Established in 1960, it has two spaces on Carrer de…

  • Formatgeria La Seu

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    Dedicated to artisan cheeses from across Spain, this small shop is run by the oh-so-knowledgeable Katherine McLaughlin. The antithesis of mass production,…

  • Colmillo de Morsa

    Barcelona

    Javier Blanco and Elisabet Vallecillo, who have made waves at Madrid's Cibeles Fashion Week, showcase their Barcelona-made women's designs at this…

  • Les Topettes in Barcelona is soap and perfume shop at Joaquín Costa, 33

    Les Topettes

    El Raval

    Globe-trotting products at this chic little temple to soap and perfume have been handpicked, by journalist Lucía and chef/interior designer Oriol, for…

  • Colmado Múrria is a general store that feels like a trip back in time and has restaurant-quality products and honest, genuine service.

    Joan Múrria

    L'Eixample

    Ramon Casas designed the 1898 Modernista shopfront advertisements at this culinary temple of speciality foods from around Catalonia and beyond. Artisan…

  • Grey Street

    El Raval

    Named for the Canberra home of Australian owner Amy Cocker's grandparents, this stylishly reimagined former perfume shop is decked with tempting trinkets,…

  • Stacked espadrilles; Shutterstock ID 44662042; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

    La Manual Alpargatera

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    Stars from Salvador Dalí to Penélope Cruz and Jean Paul Gaultier have ordered a pair of espardenyes (espadrilles; rope-soled canvas shoes) from this…

  • Mercantic

    Barcelona

    Antique collectors could set aside a Sunday morning for a trip to Mercantic, a collection of gaily painted wooden huts occupied by antique and bric-a-brac…

  • Escribà

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    Chocolates, dainty pastries and mouth-watering cakes can be nibbled behind the Modernista mosaic facade here or taken away for private, guilt-ridden…

  • El Corte Inglés

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    A secondary branch of Spain's only remaining department store, selling electronics, fashion, stationery and sports gear.

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    Chök

    El Raval

    Set inside an old chocolate-maker's store, with original wooden shelving and stained glass, Chök specialises in all things sweet, but especially doughnuts…

  • Mercat de la Boqueria Rambla

    Petritxol Xocoa

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    Tucked away along 'chocolate street' Carrer del Petritxol, this den of dental devilry tempts with ranks and ranks of original artisans bars in stunning…

  • La Roca Village

    Barcelona

    For the ultimate discount-designer overdose, head 35km northeast of central Barcelona for some outlet shopping at La Roca Village, a village that has been…

  • Amapola Vegan Shop

    Barcelona

    A shop with a heart of gold, Amapola proves that you need not toss your ethics aside in the quest for stylish clothing and accessories. You'll find sleek…

  • Mercat dels Encants

    Barcelona

    In a gleaming open-sided complex near Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, the ‘Market of Charms’ is Barcelona's biggest flea market, and one of Europe's…

  • Herboristeria del Rei

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    Once patronised by Queen Isabel II, this timeless corner store flogs all sorts of weird and wonderful herbs, spices and medicinal plants. It’s been doing…

  • Joan La Llar del Pernil

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    This family-owned stall hidden away in the chaotic Mercat de la Boqueria sells some of the best pernil (cured Spanish-style ham; jamón in Castilian) and…

  • Cubiñá

    L'Eixample

    Even if interior design doesn’t ring your bell, it's worth a visit to this century-old world of furniture, lamps and just about any home accessory…

  • Bagués-Masriera

    L'Eixample

    In thematic harmony with its location, inside the Modernista Casa Amatller, this is more than just any old jewellery store. The team from Bagués-Masriera…

  • Eliurpí

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    Founded by self-trained Catalan designer Elisabet Urpí and her photographer partner Nacho Umpiérrez, this whimsically stylish boutique is all about…

  • La Colmena

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    One of Barcelona's most ancient pastry shops, 1868-opened La Colmena is still run by the same family who acquired it in 1927 and produces its treats…

  • Arenas

    Barcelona

    Housed within an old 1900-built bull ring (bullfighting ceased in 1977), Las Arenas is one of the city's best malls, converted by Italian-British…

  • Fromagerie Can Luc

    Barcelona

    At any given time this inviting shop stocks 150 different varieties of European cheese. Catalan favourites are the speciality, though you'll also spot a…

  • Be

    Barcelona

    With several branches around town, Be is a fun place to browse for clothes, accessories and all kinds of trinkets. You're likely to find Fjällräven Kånken…

  • Loewe

    L'Eixample

    Loewe is one of Spain’s leading and oldest fashion stores, founded in 1846. It specialises in luxury leather (shoes, accessories and travel bags), and…

  • Bodega Bonavista

    Barcelona

    An excellent little neighbourhood bodega, Bonavista endeavours to seek out great wines at reasonable prices. The stock is mostly from Catalonia and…

  • Palo Market Fest

    Barcelona

    One of the city's most loved events, festival-vibe Palo Market takes over an old Poblenou warehouse wreathed in flowers and greenery once a month. Local…

  • Drap-Art

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    A non-profit arts organisation runs this small gallery space devoted to wild designs made from recycled and reused products. Works change regularly, but…

  • Roberto & Victoria

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    Jeweller duo Roberto Carrascosa and Victoria Aroca handcraft exquisite, unique pieces in gold, silver, brass and semiprecious stones at their intimate,…

  • Taller de Marionetas Travi

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    Going strong since 1977, this atmospheric shop revolves around beautifully handcrafted marionettes, many of them made by owner Teresa Travieso herself…

  • Cacao Sampaka

    L'Eixample

    Chocoholics will be convinced they have died and passed on to a better place. Load up on every conceivable flavour (rosemary, perhaps, or curry?) or head…

  • Adolfo Domínguez

    L'Eixample

    One of the stars of Spanish prêt-à-porter, this label produces classic men’s and women’s garments from quality materials. Encompassing anything from regal…

  • Catalina House

    Barcelona

    After its decade-long success on the Balearic island of Formentera, Catalina House now has a second branch in Barcelona's Sant Gervasi. Sustainable…

  • Holala! Plaza

    El Raval

    Backing on to Carrer de Valldonzella, this Ibiza import is inspired by the Balearic island’s long-established (and now somewhat commercialised) hippie…

  • Casa Atlântica

    Barcelona

    The delicate basketry and beautiful custom-designed bowls, mugs, plant pots, vases and other ceramics dotting this charming studio-boutique are created by…

  • Tintin Shop

    Barcelona

    Fans of the Belgian boy wonder should make a beeline to this Gràcia store, where you'll find Tintin T-shirts, posters, action figures, book bags,…

  • Torrons Vicens

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    You can find a turrón (nougat) treat year-round at Torrons Vicens, which has been selling its signature sweets since 1775. As well as classic almond…

  • System Action

    Barcelona

    Though Barcelona-founded women's label System Action has shops across northeast Spain, its design headquarters are a few blocks south of this outlet store…

  • Home on Earth

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    Launched by a well-travelled German-Danish couple, this soothing homewares haven stocks scented candles, yoga mats, woven baskets and other alluring…

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