Take care of your money - the temptation to spend it in Barcelona is extremely high!
Barcelona has become one of the shopping capitals in Europe. In contrast to London, Paris or Berlin Barcelona is not only fashionable and setting new trends, but is also still relatively cheap.

The best places to shop

In Barcelona, there are many shopping areas all very different from each other. The famous Las Ramblas catch on Plaça Catalunya and tighten up down to the port. Here we experienced a very special lively atmosphere, the number of street artists, painters and bird-shaped sellers. Although Las Ramblas as a shopping area is known there is here mainly souvenirs and overcharging shops.

Well-known international and national brands such as Chanel, Armani, Cartier, Miró, Mont Blanc or Zara can be found at the Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia or diagonal.

Alternatives to the big brands and stores can be found in the narrow alleys of the Old Town. There are countless small shops, new labels and designers.
In Barrí Gotic (the Gothic Quarter), you can experience ideal shopping and culture unite. In the Roman centre of Barcelona will find many antique shops, small business books and young fashion designers.
The city of El Raval is known for music shops, second-hand clothes shops, small boutiques or shops with alternative clothes. The international population of this district will contribute to an interesting mix of foreign supermarkets and shops and gives the district a multicultural atmosphere.

Ramblas and Old Town

In the alleys of the old town of Barcelona you can find more small shops. Here shops have survived, still committed to tradition. Sometimes the small shops effect something antiquated but loveable, they offer the products of goods for everyday or you can find fine food shops. Their own sweets are regarded as a souvenir, perhaps an olive oil, a good wine or Turron (nougat). In addition to the traditional shops a lot of new trendy fashion boutiques have found their place in the Old City. It's worth it, just to stroll along the small streets and see.

At the Plaça Catalunya at the upper end of the Ramblas of Barcelona you find one with largest department store, El Corte Inglés, a huge shopping temple, in which almost anything is to buy. From the cafe on the top floor you have a magnificent view of the square.

We must look at the La Boqueria market somewhere in the middle of the Ramblas. This market is famous modernist, but it is nevertheless quite typical for the markets, as in any district can be found. There is everything fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, etc..

Not worth a visit are the market stands at the bottom of the Ramblas. This is partly junk offered, they target group are all too clearly the tourists.

Very nice is also the Maremàgnum. Here you can find everything - be they shops, supermarkets, restaurants, a cinema complex or a disco.

Passeig de Gracia

Rather consumer goods can be found in the often referred as "Golden Quadrilateral" area located between the Passeig de Gracia and Rambla de Catalunya (not to be confused with THE Ramblas), which is above the Plaça Catalunya.

You'll find luxurious clothes, furniture and design.

Tip: The so-called TombBus (T1) facilitates shopping in this area. The shopping bus drives on the main shopping axis with a length of 5km. The journey of TombBus begins at the Plaça Catalunya, leads on the Rambles and the Passeig de Gracia and ends at the Plaza Pius XII. Passengers can participate in more than 25 stops on and off. The bus is open Monday to Friday from 07:00- 21.30 (all seven minutes), Saturday from 09.10 -21.20 (every 15 minutes), on the road.

With the Barcelona Card you get 25% discount on the fare and discount in some shops.

Opening times

Shops in Barcelona have opened normally Monday to Saturday from 10:00-23:00. Smaller shops still hold a siesta in the afternoon and close approximately 14:00 -16:30. All shops are allowed to have open at 11 Sundays per year. Most shops on Las Ramblas, however, have daily (also on Sundays) open.

Sales and taxes

In Barcelona, there are two sales. The winter sale begins in mid-January and lasts until the end of February. The summer sale starts in mid-July and lasts until the end of August. Discounts of 20% to 50% are the rule, at the end of the final sales even up to 70%.

In Spain there are different rates of tax. For transactions are usually 16%, on selected pieces from four to seven percent. For restaurants and hotels is the set seven percent.

Souvenirs

Many museums have a souvenir shop where you can buy gifts. Information on our side, allows us to offer ideas for souvenirs.

On the Barcelona.de souvenir shop to find high-quality Souvenirs: shirts for warm days, sweaters for cooler days or evenings, jackets, bags and umbrellas.

Or an art print by a famous artist of Barcelona or a poster of the sights of Barcelona.