Cropped image of two women wearing bright Desigual clothes against blue background

Shopping in Barcelona

By Jo Cooke

 

Sights, sunshine... whilst there’s no shortage of reasons to visit the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, shopping in Barcelona is pretty high on the list. As well as being home to some of the best markets in Europe, the city boasts one of the biggest open-air shopping routes. The Barcelona Shopping Line covers five whole kilometers of retail paradise, winding from Port Vell to uptown Diagonal, along La Rambla, through the historic centre and into the Eixample district. So whether you’re a determined shopaholic, a savvy souvenir hunter or simply browsing in between gazing at Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces, you might want to save some room in your suitcase. From bijou boutiques to big name brands, discount designer-wear to the locals’ favourite deli, let us help you pack your bags...with bargains!

Best markets in Barcelona

Barcelona’s markets are famous the world over with food, fruit and vegetables, art, books and bric-a-brac piled high for your delight. Why not join the Ancient Markets Walking Tour to drop in on a few of them, whilst exploring the ancient streets of the Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter)?

 

Mercat de la Boqueria

Barcelona’s famous market, La Boqueria, is a must-do destination for visitors. Enter through its distinctive Art Deco arch from La Rambla and your senses go into overdrive. Crowds of locals and tourists jostle amid rainbow fruit and vegetable displays, brightly coloured smoothies, open-mouthed fish, zingy spices and mountains of meat, cheese, chocolate and much more. Once you’ve selected your savoury souvenirs - or picked up perfect picnic ingredients - perhaps you’ll pause at one of the food trucks for a churro dipped in hot chocolate or a chilled glass of Cava?

 

Mercat de Sant Antoni

Over in the Eixample District, outside stalls sell clothes and homewares whilst, housed in an impressive steel structure that spans an entire block, you’ll find more tempting displays of fresh fruit, veg, meat and seafood. On Sundays the market transforms into a magnet for memorabilia collectors - second-hand books, stamps, coins, comics and magazines are all on offer, alongside vintage clothing, handmade homewares and hand-crafted jewellery.

 

Mercat dels Encants

Meanwhile, at Barcelona’s famous flea market, remember that one person’s trash is another’s treasure! Amid the random rubbish keep your eyes peeled for gems amongst the second hand clothes, books and especially furniture. This chaotic temple of sustainability is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Get there early for the best bargains at the 8am auctions, then pop back at midday when unsold items are reduced!

Mercadillo de la Plaça de Sant Josep

If you’re in the market (see what we did there) for some art to remind you of the beauty of Barcelona, this small but perfectly formed market is made up of Catalan artists, their easels nestled in the shadow of the church. From watercolours to oils, their work covers every style and medium - and sometimes they are joined by musicians or fortune-tellers to add to the boho vibe. Go see.

 

Best shopping streets in Barcelona

Of course, if sifting through stalls is not your scene there are many, many stupendous stores! But where to start? Here’s a retail rundown of some of Barcelona’s best shopping areas for high street names, designer boutiques and more besides.

Plaza de Catalunya is not only the city’s main square and meeting point but a buzzy retail hub. Just off the square, Calle Pelai is packed with fashion stores, whilst a giant neon thermometer hanging over Portal del Angel shows you it’s a shopping hot-spot for European fashion chains including Zara, Pull & Bear, Benetton, H&M and Berska. Look out for quirky independent stores too - and delicious snacks including turrón (a kind of nougat) and artisan ice-cream.

 

Paseo de Gràcia (Passeig de Gràcia in Catalan) is one of Barcelona’s most elegant promenades, home to both designer stores and high street names, as well as distinctive Art Nouveau buildings including Antoni Gaudi’s visionary Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.

Running parallel, the equally lively Rambla de Catalunya is also packed with high end stores - not only clothes but beauty products, electronics and unique furniture. Both streets run into Avenida Diagonal, the place to be for international luxury brands including Calvin Klein, Armani, Versace and Gucci.

 

To the south of La Rambla, the Raval district is popular with those seeking alternative shops. Vintage lovers should head to Calle Riera Baixia and look out for ethnic, Goth and handmade clothes on Calle Tallers. Nearby Sant Antoni sees less tourists but boasts some of the best book shops in Barcelona.

For the best boho vibe however, head to the oldest parts of the city. The narrow winding streets of El Born and the Barrio Gòtic are packed with not only upmarket stores but independent shops selling antiques, books, handmade clothes, hats, cutlery and gifts galore.

 

Best for designer bargains

Barcelona is full of big name brands but to bag some at a fraction of the usual price you’ll need to hop on the bus to La Roca Village, part of the same outlet group as London’s famous Bicester Village. This fantastic designer mall, just 30 minutes from the centre, is designed to look like a Spanish town centre, with Gaudi-style mosaics and colourful plants but savvy shoppers come for the discounts not the decor, enjoying savings of up 60% off usual retail prices. Grab your credit card and run amok in almost one thousand boutique stores featuring Spanish fashion and luxury brands like Desigual, Loewe and Balenciaga - and international names including Prada, Burberry, Gucci and Jimmy Choo.

 

Best shops for souvenirs

FC Botiga

Since FC Barcelona is one of the world’s biggest football teams, fans won’t want to miss their chance to pick up memorabilia featuring the famous red and blue colours.

Take the tour at Camp Nou, Europe’s largest football stadium, then visit the FC Botiga Megastore to pick up and personalize some team kit. You’ll find three whole floors crammed with Barcelona football shirts, scarves, hats, balls, boots and signed team photos. There are several more official FC Barcelona stores around the city, including in Barri Gòtic and Eixample. See what you can score.

La Capell

Part of the Collegi de Arquitectes in the Gothic Quarter and originally opened as a bookstore dedicated to architecture and art, this is now a fabulous three-storey gift store of uniquely designed souvenirs from Barcelona. The mural outside was designed by Picasso and the gadgets, toys, jewellery, stationery, furniture, homeware and gourmet gifts inside are equally original.

 

Best for chocolate lovers

From handcrafted bon bons to hot chocolate to churros and even a chocolate museum, Barcelona is heaven for chocolate lovers. Pasteleria Escriba is one of the most famous chocolate shops in Barcelona. Its flagship store in the Antigua Casa Figueras has been open on La Rambla since 1906 and its edible murals, chocolate sculptures and spectacular displays are as intricate and popular as the building’s unique facade.

Xocoa

For a more contemporary take on chocolate follow your nose to over 15 Xocoa boutiques around the city. At Petritxol Xocoa, the original store in the old city, you’ll find a cafe, bakery and endless irresistible creations presented in super chic packaging. Look out for chocolate beauty products, exotically flavoured chocolate bars including orange, rosemary, Jamaican pepper and green tea and, even better, chocolate beer!

 

Best department store

If you still don’t know where to find what you’re looking for, make tracks for El Cortes Inglés; after all it’s hard to miss the huge brutalist concrete building looming over the Plaça de Catalunya. It’s much prettier inside though, with 9 endless floors of...well everything you can think of... from fashion to furniture, kitchenware to a cosmetics floor to die for. You’ll either find just what you need or, should you be overwhelmed by the sheer scale of availability, maybe just take the lift to the top floor, enjoy the view of the square and plan where you’ll go next - with Go City.

Continue reading

Guell
Blog

Top 10 things to do in Barcelona: our must-see sights

Barcelona is a city blessed with having it all. From blissed-out beaches and otherworldly architecture to great food and a pumping cultural scene overflowing with parties, festivals and events. If you need a city break that will impress on every level, you have just found the ultimate destination. But with so much to keep you occupied in this world-class city, it helps to have a few insider tips to help you pin down the absolute essentials – places you simply cannot miss from your Barcelona bucket list. Which is why we’ve knocked up our ultimate list of things to do in Barcelona. Use it wisely, and you’ll be on the road to a perfect adventure in the stunning Catalan capital. Make sure you don’t miss... La Sagrada Familia – Antoni Gaudi’s iconic basilica La Pedrera – a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture Casa Vicens – a psychedelic mansion Park Güell – Gaudi’s serene public park The Old Town and Gothic Quarter – the city’s historic cultural heart Museum of Contemporary Art – home to world-renowned contemporary artworks Barceloneta Beach – a fine slice of city sun, sea and sand Parc de la Ciutadella – park perfection Aire de Barcelona Ancient Baths – a hidden refuge Castle Montjuïc – breathtaking skyline views Antoni Gaudi’s Architecture Barcelona owes a lot of its good looks to Antoni Gaudi, the famed Catalan architect who designed some of its most spectacular and stylish landmarks. Perhaps the most famous of these is La Sagrada Familia, a towering unfinished basilica that must be seen to be believed. View the building’s elaborate neo-Gothic towers before stepping inside to view the gob-smacking geometric ceiling, which feels like you’re looking into a colorful kaleidoscope. La Pedrera Next up on your Gaudi architecture to-do list is the lavish La Pedrera, a striking UNESCO World Heritage Site built between 1906 and 1912. As another fine example of Gaudi’s unique Modernisme style, you’ll experience a fascinating façade that twists and turns its way upwards towards a fine roof-top terrace featuring striking city-wide views. You won’t forget the roof’s 28 radically designed chimneys that look more like chess pieces than air vents. Casa Vicens This magical multicolored mansion is one of Gaudi’s more overlooked creations, but certainly shouldn’t be missed thanks to its ornate orientalist designs. One of the first-ever houses that Gaudi designed, you’ll be overwhelmed when you see how vibrant it is. The outside looks like a fortress from some sci-fi fantasy film, whilst inside, you’ll be faced with palm-tree painted walls and ceilings that could have easily been transplanted straight from a Marrakech riad. Getting in: tickets for La Pedrera and Casa Vicens are included on a Go Barcelona pass. Park Güell Round off your Gaudi galavant with a walk in his picturesque park, created in 1900 and filled with his typically extravagant designs. First, take a well-earned breather in the landscaped gardens, before weaving your way through a maze of mesmerizing buildings, decorated in colorful mosaics and fine tilework. Don’t miss the cheeky dragon sculpture at the park’s entrance. City Living Hitting the Old Town and Gothic Quarter Take a break from Gaudi’s gorgeous designs by delving into the old town and checking out some local haunts. Head to the city’s history-drenched Gothic Quarter, where you could easily get lost down one of the quaint alleyways, filled with Medieval architecture. A great way to prevent this from happening is opting for a fascinating walking tour, where a knowledgeable guide can help explain the importance of some of the area’s notable attractions, like the ruins of the Roman Forum in Plaza de Sant Jaume, or the saintly Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar. A Go Barcelona pass gives you access to a great one that covers all of the area’s major attractions. Museum of Contemporary Art Next up, get your creative fix at Barcelona’s massive Museum of Contemporary Art, a futuristic artistic haven in the heart of the city’s ancient Chinatown district. See a vast collection of over 5,000 artworks from heavyweights like Jean-Michel Basquait, Alexander Calder and Juan Muñoz. It’s the perfect place for some peaceful reflection, and if you head outside afterward, you can take a coffee in one of the cute cafés along the side streets while dodging the skateboarders who love hanging out in the area. All in all, it’s a pretty cool place to chill. Getting in: tickets to the museum are included on a Go Barcelona pass. Barceloneta Beach Spain wouldn’t be Spain without its sensational coastline, and Barcelona offers a surprisingly slick patch of it at Barceloneta Beach, a beautiful 4.5km stretch of sweeping sands backed by busy restaurants, sunbathers, roller-blading locals and palm trees. The huge sail-shaped W Hotel stands proudly at the end of the beach and sparkles like magic when the sun is shining on it. Don’t miss a cocktail at its slick rooftop sun-terrace. Alternative Barcelona Once you’ve covered all of Barcelona’s big hitters, from beaches and bars to the Gaudi buildings, why not uncover some of the city’s hidden gems and adventurous activities? A great starting point is a visit to the Ciutadella Park, with its grand fountains, tropical palm trees and fanciful follies. A great way to explore this 19th-century jewel is by hopping on a snappy Segway scooter, where you can scoot around the park’s scenic sites in speed and style. A Go Barcelona pass gives you free access to a one-hour Segway tour, where a guide will show you everything you need to see, including the Barcelona Zoo and the striking red-colored Arc de Triomf, which was designed for the Barcelona World Fair in 1888. Aire de Barcelona After whizzing around the park, you might need a lie-down, or perhaps even a relaxing massage, so head straight across the road from the park into the tranquil refuge of Aire de Barcelona and forget that you’re in one of Europe’s most action-packed cities. These ancient thermal baths will transport you to a world of total relaxation as you dip yourself in the spa’s warming pools. The atmosphere is truly dreamy and will remind you of being in a traditional Turkish bath – think flickering candles, aromatic scents and endless helpings of mint tea. Book a botanical oil massage and you’ll be good to go for another round of city sightseeing. Montjuïc Castle Top off your Barcelona top ten with some wonderful panoramic views of the city from the hilltop military fortress of Montjuïc Castle. This imposing building offers the perfect vantage point to enjoy spectacular views out to the sea and across the city’s rooftops as you stand on the castle’s rustic ramparts. Don’t miss the manicured gardens around the fortress, which only add to its charm. Save on admission to top Barcelona attractions Explore the best things to do in Barcelona with the Go Barcelona pass. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to must-see museums, exciting river cruises, fun tours and much more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers and events to help you make the most from your travels.
Lee Dales
barcelona winter
Blog

Things to do in Barcelona in Winter

Winter can leave many of us feeling lost, alone, and pondering existential questions. Where did the sun really go? Should I throw out my summer wardrobe and replace it before spring? Is there any point in going on vacation in winter? You're on your own with the first two, but we can help answer the third. Because yes, of course there's a point to winter vacations! Minimal crowds, cheaper flights, and the ability to focus on indoor fun. In summer, spending your vacation indoors might induce serious FOMO, but not when the temperature drops. But what about a famously summertime city like Barcelona? What then, we hear you scream into the night sky. What about it? There are plenty of things to do in Barcelona in winter. Quit your wailing. Here, we'll prove it by creating the greatest list of the best things to do in Barcelona in winter just for you. Hold on to your phones, laptops, or desktops, because it's about to get crazy. Including: Art Museums Brewery tour Escape rooms Science museums Gaudí the great and more!   Image courtesy of Giorgiolo/Shutterstock Get Artsy Let's kick things off with some indoor culture. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't warm your insides with knowledge, inspiration, and learning. Feel the sacred light of art fill your withered body! We're talking modern art here, so strap in. First on the list is Barcelona's own Moco Museum. With plenty of mind-opening installations from the likes of Banksy and David LaChapelle, as well as surrealists like Dali, it's the most colorful, mind-bending place in town. Or, if you want a little less flash and a little more space to ponder, check out Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (or MACBA for short). More of a traditional gallery, you'll find multiple periods of modern art represented in its many galleries. Another modern art museum with an appropriate acronym is the Museu Europeu d'Art Modern or MEAM. This one has a slew of alternative forms of art inside, from concerts to live art theater, as well as other experimental works. Nice.   Estrella exploration Do you like beer? Ever wondered where it all comes from? Why not head down to Barcelona's famous Estrella Brewery, take a look around, and discover for yourself? Spain's biggest amber export, Estrella is enjoyed the world over. Step inside and learn about the history of the brand, the brewery, and its rise to worldwide acclaim. Then, when you've seen enough giant metal beer barrels to fill a lifetime, sample four refreshing Estrella beers for yourself in the tasting room. Delightful.   Escape for your life If things are getting cold outside, heat up proceedings with a race against time! That's exactly what you'll get at Escape Hunt Barcelona, the city's premier escape room experience. Pick from three spooky mysteries, partner up with a few buddies, and lock yourself away. Then, as time ticks away, find the clues, decode the riddles, and solve the game before your time runs out. If you fail, you're stuck there forever to wallow in your mistakes. Not really, but imagine if that really happened? Terrifying. If you're with a large group, you can even pair off, take on a different room each, and see who escapes first. If you're looking to beat the cold weather, Escape Hunt Barcelona is easily one of the best things to do in winter in Barcelona!   CosmoCaixa Do you like science? Do the universe's many mysterious leave you wide awake at night? Well, put those sleepless nights to rest thanks to Barcelona's amazing science museum CosmoCaixa. Go on a journey through the earth's ecosystems. Travel through space and time. Explore hundreds of interactive exhibits about all facets of our world and the stars above. Enter the Room of Matter, and explore the evolution of life and matter on our planet. Trapse through the Flooded Forest and its incredible recreation of the Amazon. Learn stuff and things about science while staying warm in the comfort of the indoors. Perfect!   Gaudí, but not as you know it Everywhere you go in Barcelona, you see his face. Well, not his face, but the faces of the buildings tell his story. Gaudí left his stamp on the city and then some, with his inspired buildings standing all over the place. So, if seeing them in person is out of the question, what with it being winter, why not enter the fourth dimension and see another side of the master architect? Because that's exactly what you'll get at The Gaudí Experience, the world's first interactive exhibition space to explore the life and works of the world-famous artist. Enter his world, uncover his creative universe, and experience it all through state-of-the-art exhibitions and installations. This culminates in a 4D cinema experience that has to be seen to be believed. Feel the wind in your face as your soar high above the trees, before they stretch and evolve into soldiers. Learn how nature and the world helped Gaudí realize his vision. Hold onto your seat as you move in time with the visuals. Easily one of the best things to do in Barcelona in winter!   Ice, ice, skating And finally, we end the list on a tricky one. Winter in Barcelona can mean highs of 57°F, so you may be wondering how in the wintery hell you'll be able to go ice skating. Well, don't worry, because no matter the weather, you'll still get your icy grind on. Just head to the L'illa Diagonal, a massive shopping center in the heart of the city. There, you'll find an indoor rink. And there, you can get your skate on like nobody's business. And there concludes our list of the best things to do in Barcelona in winter! Looking for more fun ideas for your Catalan adventure? If the weather's heating up, check out our top picks for outdoor entertainment. Like things out of leftfield? Our list of quirky activities has got you covered. And be sure to check out our guide to Barcelona's market scene if you like to eat fresh!
Dom Bewley
A Barcelona street on a wet day, with puddle in foreground and single palm tree silhouetted at the end
Blog

Things to do in Barcelona when it rains

According to the song, ‘the rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain’...but let’s not be silly enough to believe everything we hear in a musical! In fact, the rain in Spain falls mainly in the winter, with rain in Barcelona only on around 90 days a year. On average the temperature in Barcelona is a balmy 61oF (16oC), with the sun shining pretty much year round. But, if you’re unlucky enough to be caught without your poncho de lluvia (that’s rain poncho to you!), don’t despair - a puddleful of fun still awaits you. From fascinating museums to fun family activities, Gaudi architecture to the city aquarium, put your umbrellas up for our low down on what to do on a rainy day in Barcelona, including: • Sagrada Familia • Gaudi buildings • Shops and markets in Barcelona • Art Museums in Barcelona • A few of the 80 Museums in Barcelona • Family fun including the Big Fun Museum and Barcelona Aquarium We hope that’s brought a ray of sunshine to your day. And remember, you can not only stay dry but stay flexible when you pick up an All Inclusive or Explorer Pass - the easy way to sightsee and save - come rain or shine. So grab a Barcelona attraction pass and save while you sightsee!
Jo Cooke

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon