SHOPPING
 
Over two miles of shops bustling with glamour, antiques and designer treats
 
Photo © scalleja (CC)
 
Commentary
 
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Highlights
 
Avinguda Diagonal
Passeig De Gracia
Placa De Catalunya
Avinguda Delportal De L'Angel
Carrer De Portaferrissa
Boqueria Market
Maremagnum
 
Visitor Information
 
 
Barcelona's shops open mid morning and typically close 2pm to 4pm and open again until around 8pm. Closed Sundays.
 
Introduction
 
If you love shopping, then Barcelona is the place for you. The main avenues are bustling with European glamour, and the cobblestone streets and winding alleyways are waiting with undiscovered antiques and designer treats.
 
For sheer volume of choice Barcelona is a world-contender! There is an almost unbroken line of shops stretching over 2 miles from the Old Port, through the Barri Gotic, Ramblas, through Placa de Catalunya, along Passeig de Gràcia and up Avenue Diagonal. Much of the shopping line is pedestrianised, making it a pleasant experience to stroll from shop to shop. Along this shopping line you'll find many of the big names, but also find many high quality Spanish designer shops supplying a glittering array of clothes, shoes, jewellery and accessories with chic European style.
 
The Place de Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia, and Avenue Diagonal comprise the largest of Barcelona’s shopping districts. Located centrally, these three main avenues provide such a number of mainstream clothing, shoe, and accessory stores – that even the most dedicated of shoppers may drop! Avenue Diagonal, in particular, houses many of the designer name boutiques, such as Calvin Klein, Versace, and Armani. Barcelona also has many large department stores; 2 of the largest are in the Place de Catalunya . They are El Corte Ingles and Fnac. Here you'll find just about anything you want under one roof – perfect for the woman that wants everything!
 
El Corte Ingles in Placa De Catalunya
Photo © gorgeoux (CC)
 
Armani store along the Passeig de Gracia
Photo © scalleja (CC)
 
If you continue along the shopping avenues, you will arrive in the Barri Gotic and its main shopping thoroughfare, Portal de l’Angel, which was once a Roman street leading into Barcino. The Barri Gotic’s historic, winding streets branch off into a maze of smaller lanes lined with clothing boutiques, accessory and jewellery shops, as well as various antique stores. Along the Carrer Portaferissa you find an array of popular clothing stores, such as Zara, Mango, and United Colors of Benneton.
 
Browsing a gift shop in the Barri Gotic
 
Antique shop in the Barri Gotic
 
Tempting pastries for sale in the Barri Gotic
 
A little way down the Ramblas from the end of Carrer Portaferissa you will find Barcelona’s best-known market, the Mercat de Boqueria. The market is an assault on the senses with bright colours and strong aromas of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables. The bright sweet stalls act as a magnet for children (and some adults!).
 
The Boqueria Market
 
The latest addition to the Ramblas is the Rambla de Mar; a wavy bridge taking you over to the Maremagnum, a modern shopping mall also containing restaurants and bars. As well as the big names such as H&M, Quiksilver, and Calvin Klein, the Maremagnum also aims to showcase emerging designers – meaning you could come out wearing the next big thing before anyone else!
 
The Maremagnum over the Rambla de Mar
Photo © jas gd (CC)
 
The great thing about Barcelona is that whichever shopping street you choose, there branches of most stores everywhere, so you don’t have to tire out your feet traipsing all over the city to find one! Whether you are a dedicated shopper, or you’re simply hoping to stroll around and find some presents with a European difference, Barcelona is shopping heaven.
 
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