The best shopping in Barcelona can be a tough sell with all that culture around the city.
I mean, who needs Gucci when you’ve got Gaudi, am I right?
At the end of the day though, nothing quite makes a holiday like coming home with suitcase stuffed of treasures – so let’s figure out where to shop in Barcelona!
Best Shopping Areas in Barcelona: Where to Shop in One Shot
For shopping in Barcelona you have two main streets: Passeig de Gracia and Portal del Angel.
Both start at the famous Plaça de Catalunya, right dab in the centre of the city.
The metro station for either street is Catalunya (red and green lines).
Here’s a quick preview of these two main Barcelona shopping streets:
Portal del Angel
Is shopping cheap in Barcelona? Well, Portal del Angel is your best bet for all the fast fashion staples without breaking the bank.
This 250 meter long Barcelona shopping district runs downhill from Plaça de Catalunya (towards the water), and it’s one street over from Barcelona’s most famous street: La Rambla.
Lost? Look for the neon thermometer lurking above the street and the sea of shoppers and their bags.
You’ll find all the best Barcelona shopping deals at major clothing stores like Pull and Bear, Zara, Massimo Dutti, Springfield, Benetton, H&M, Bershka, Mango, and more.
This Barcelona shopping area is also a cool place to find local shoe shops, mobile phone retailers, and even the Disney Store.
Passeig de Gracia
All the luxury shopping in Barcelona goes down on Passeig de Gracia – the highest grossing shopping street in Barcelona. – it’s the city’s answer to Rodeo Drive.
You’ll find this Barcelona shopping street walking uphill (towards the mountains) from Plaça de Catalunya.
This is an amazing street for world class architecture – it’s here that you’ll find La Pedrera and Casa Batllò.
For designer shopping there’s a lot to choose from like Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Gucci, Diesel, Burberry, Jimmy Choo and many more. There are also great jewelry and accessory shops like Bvlgari, Cartier, Rolex, Chanel, and Swarovski.
You’ll also find the Apple Store for free Wi-Fi.
Barcelona Shopping Malls
Diagonal Mar
Variety: ★★★☆ Central: ★★☆☆ Atmosphere: ★★★☆
If for some reason you wanted to combine a day at Barcelona’s beaches with shopping this is it.
You’ll find this shopping mall about 300 meters from the famous Mar Bella beach.
The main draw here is that its Barcelona’s most central Primark location – a great place for insane clothing deals. It’s also a who’s-who of clothing shops and fast food restaurants.
Address: Avinguda Diagonal 3.
Hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (closed Sunday).
Website: Diagonal Mar Shopping Mall.
Centro Comercial Glories
Variety: ★★★★ Central: ★★☆☆ Atmosphere: ★★★☆
The best Barcelona shopping mall because it’s brand new and it’s got great variety.
This is without a doubt the best place for clothes shopping in Barcelona. It has over 160 shops including a cinema and a flagship Carrefour Hypermarket. There’s also a great selection of both fast food and gourmet restaurants.
To get there grab the red line of the metro and get off at Glories.
Address: Avinguda Diagonal 208.
Hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (closed Sunday).
Website: Glories Centro Comercial (Spanish only).
Las Arenas Shopping Centre
Variety: ★★★☆ Central: ★★★★ Atmosphere: ★★★★
I can safely say this is the only shopping mall in the world found in an ex-bullfighting arena.
Stepping into the multi-story area and seeing all the modern shops, sleek escalators, and glass elevator shafts is an amazing contrast. Here it’s all about mid-range fashion and some of Barcelona’s best restaurants.
If you’re looking for some great shopping and a drink with a view come here.
Go to the top of the arena via the escalators (don’t pay for the elevator) for a great view of Plaça de Espanya and Montjuic. Time your visit with a trip to the Magic Fountain Show for an added bonus.
Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 373.
Hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (closed Sunday).
Website: Las Arenas Shopping Centre.
L’Illa Diagonal
Variety: ★★☆☆ Central: ★★☆☆ Atmosphere: ★★★☆
If you’re looking for shopping near Camp Nou stadium this is the one.
This one too boasts a mass of big box stores including electronics giant FNAC and Barcelona’s second Primark location. There’s also a concentration on higher end fashion here, and it has even dubbed itself the ‘fashion shopping centre of Barcelona’.
What I like about this place is the high end food court downstairs where you can get tons of typical local food products.
170 shops in total.
El Triangle
Variety: ★☆☆☆ Central: ★★★★ Atmosphere: ★★★☆
The most central Barcelona shopping mall is unfortunately its most limited.
Right above La Rambla at Plaça de Catalunya is at aptly named El Triangle for its noticeable triangular shape – you’ll find about 20 shops to choose from here.
This is the place to go for electronics and multimedia as it’s the flagship store of Spanish gadget and entertainment retailer FNAC.
Other popular stores include Foot Locker, Urban Outfitters, Massimo Dutti, and Brazilian sandal wizards Hawaianas.
If you’re missing home badly there’s also a Starbucks.
Address: Pl. de Catalunya 1-4.
Hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (closed Sunday).
Website: El Triangle.
Maremagnum Shopping Centre
Variety: ★★☆☆ Central: ★★★★ Atmosphere: ★★☆☆
The convenience of this medium sized Barcelona mall is what brings people in. Just walk all the way down La Rambla and across the mini bridge over the water to the mirrored building that’s famous for being the only mall open on Sunday.
You’ll get all the clothes shopping classics here like H&M, Lefties, Pull and Bear, Mango etc. There are also some great gift shops and the Barcelona FC Official Store.
If you’re visiting Barcelona during Easter and other holidays, this is your only sure bet to shop.
Address: Edifici Maremàgnum, Moll d’Espanya 5.
Hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.
Barcelona Department Stores
El Corte Ingles
As far as traditional department stores in Barcelona go look no further than the legendary El Corte Ingles. It’s actually the only department store left in Spain. It’s also the largest in Europe.
The nine floor flagship location can be found in Plaça de Catalunya. Here you’ll find pretty much anything under the sun in high end shopping to basic furniture to electronics and the city’s most celebrated supermarket.
Other locations are found at Portal del Angel or at 617 Avinguda Diagonal (Maria Cristina metro, green line L3).
Hours: 9:30 am to 9:30 pm (closed Sunday)
Website: El Corte Ingles.
Outlet Shopping in Barcelona
La Roca Village
This luxury outlet shopping village with over 100 shops is found about 40 minutes northeast of Barcelona in a town called Santa Agnès de Malanyanes.
Here you’ll find premium outlets offering discounts of up to 70% off regular stores.
There’s a great atmosphere with the cool mosaics and deco tiling. They’ll also give you a tax refund if you’re a non-EU citizen. A great location to combine with a trip to the nearby beaches of the Costa Brava.
It’s great if you’ve rented a car but there’s also a Sagales bus leaving from Calle Casp 34 (near metro Urquinaona) or the Estacio del Nord.
Return tickets cost €19.00 aboard or €18.00 if bought online.
La Roca Buses run once an hour from 9 am to 8 pm. Tickets include a shopping guide, free WiFi, and discount booklet.
Address: La Roca Village, s/n.
Hours: 10 am to 10 pm daily.
Website: La Roca Village.
Boutique Shopping in Barcelona
Pinza’t
This artisan shop is famous for its hand-painted technical bags made from recycled lorry materials like seat belts and buckles.
35 different street artists decorate the unique pieces here. These double-stitched bags are great for cameras, ‘bike ready’, and practically indestructible.
There’s only one location of this sustainable and fair trade shop and it’s found in the Born district of Barcelona – the perfect place to pick up a gift for a loved one.
Address: Carrer de Grunyí 7.
Hours: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (Mon-Fri).
Website: Pinza’t.
Lydia Delgado
One of the biggest names in Spanish fashion. The slogan ‘the bohemian side of elegance‘ really applies to the chic, feminine collections and colourful accessories you’ll find at the designer’s only shop just steps away from Passeig de Gracia.
Get in touch and make yourself an appointment to find the perfect look with their style consultants.
Address: Calle Séneca 28.
Hours: 10 am to 8:30 pm (closed Sunday).
Website: Lydia Delgado.
Imanol Ossa Design Art
If you can make a lamp out of it chances are Imanol Ossa has done it. You can’t go wrong buying one of the designer lamps made here using items found in the street of Barcelona’s rough and ready Raval neighbourhood.
In using anything from drum cymbals to chemistry beakers to wood trunks the consumer is left with a truly unique gift that won’t be found anywhere else.
Also check out the jewelry and hand made furniture.
Address: Carrer Peu de la Creu 24.
Hours: n/a.
Website: Imanol Ossa Design Art.
Souvenirs
I’ve got an entire post dedicated to shopping for souvenirs in Barcelona.
In it you’ll find not only what to buy but where to buy it.
In general I would advise avoiding cheap shops which sell the traditional stereotypes: bull t-shirts (bullfighting has been banned in Catalonia), Spanish flags, Mexican sombreros, and flamenco outfits.
Here’s a few quick ideas:
Galeria Maxò
This space dedicated to art and creativity is the brainchild of owner Maxò.
Here you’ll get cute little wooden picture frames with three dimensional images inside. Typically the images feature top Barcelona attractions.
My Italian colleagues have posted a beautiful photo album of the shop so you can get a better idea. The price of each frame is around €20.00
Address: Carrer del Portal Nou 29 (El Born) or Carrer de Petritxol 18 (El Gotico)
Papabubble
This shop isn’t too Barcelona but in my opinion warrants a visit, if even just for the sensory experience.
Papabubble is an artisanal candy factory with some impossibly unique shapes and tastes which can even be customized to your liking.
Your tastebuds will thank you!
Address: Carrer dels Banys Nous 3 (Liceu metro station)
La Bufanda
It’s hot here! So this cute accessory shop is ideal for bringing home a cute little Spanish fan.
Prices range from €19.00 to €39.00 depending on the models. There is ample selection and some of them are even hand painted.
Here you’ll also find scarves and hats which make great gifts for just about anyone.
Address: Carrer del Pi 2 (Liceu metro station).
Vidrio Sanjuan
Here’s a real glass factory found in the heart of Poble Espanyol.
You’ll find a ton of items here from large sculptures to trinket souvenirs. You’ll watch the glass blowers make the products right in front of you, moulding Barcelona-themed objects with pliers and adding colourful powders.
Barcelona FC coach Pep Guardiola actually had a replica glass Champions League trophy made here. This shop has also made glass destined for mega attractions La Sagrada Familia and the Catalan Music Palace.
The ovens here reach 1400° centigrade – watch out!
Best Shopping in Barcelona Tips
- Most retailers should accept Visa credit/debit but keep a bit of cash just in case.
- Unlike Canada/USA the sales tax is included in the price – so no surprises!
- Wander around El Born for your best shot at finding stylish boutique shops.
- Go to Calle Tallers in El Raval for all your second-hand/vintage needs.
- Check out some of Barcelona’s best markets for local goods.
- There are many Oxfam charity shops with one near Sagrada Familia (Carrer de Provença, 478).
- Check out Calle Verdi in the Gracia district for independent clothing shops.
Shopping Hours in Barcelona
As a general rule shopping hours in Barcelona are between 9:30 am and 9:30 pm.
There are always exceptions. Don’t expect to shop on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. Barcelona shops are also generally closed on September 11 for the National Day of Catalonia.
Be warned that some smaller shops take a siesta between around 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
I’ve tried to include the shopping hours when possible but make sure you double check in the links provided.
Sunday Shopping in Barcelona
The unfortunate fact is most shops in Barcelona are closed on Sunday.
This includes nearly all supermarkets and most retail shopping.
If you’ve got a Sunday emergency and need something like a phone charger I suggest wandering around attraction-heavy locations like Sagrada Familia. Or anywhere in El Raval where there are a ton of mobile shops.
For supermarkets the one chain open on Sunday is OpenCor/SuperCor – but expect to pay about 10% more. They’re open late night typically until 1:00 or 2:00 am.
Need food late? Check out the OpenCor location finder for the nearest one to you.
If you’re going to go shopping in Barcelona on a Sunday your only choices are La Roca Village and Maremagnum Shopping Centre – more on them later.
Tax Refunds for Non-Eu Citizens
If you’re not living in the European Union and intend to bring your shopping back to your country of origin you are entitled to a tax refund of the 21% Value Added Tax (‘IVA’ in Spain) on products like clothing, electronics etc.
This does not apply to Barcelona’s best bars, restaurants, and accommodation.
To qualify ensure that:
- You shop at stores offering the Tax Free Shopping Service (90%+, with stickers in window).
- You spend more than €90.15.
- You present the appropriate paperwork/products from the shop at customs at the airport.
At this point you’ll be given cheques to be redeemed at the Bureau de Change in your currency.
Not leaving through the airport? You’ll need to request a VAT Reclaim envelope from the shop. You’ll be able to present this at customs, get them stamped, and mail them back to the Madrid Claim Office to be refunded.
For more tax refund info check out the info on the airport’s website.
Barcelona Shopping FAQ
What to shop in Barcelona?
Being a major European city, Barcelona is home to all the major fashion chains and big box stores you could ever imagine. You should go to the Barcelona shopping areas of Passeig de Gracia or Portal del Angel to get the highest concentration of shops. Also, boutique/souvenir shopping in areas like the Born is encouraged.
What time do shops open in Barcelona?
Expect Barcelona shops to open slightly later than in countries like the United States, Canada, or England. In general you’ll find most major chains to open at about 10:00 am or 11:00 am.
What time do shops close in Barcelona?
In Barcelona city centre the shops usually close around 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm depending on the store. It is always advised to check the hours of a shop before visiting if it is later on in the day.
Are shops open on Sunday in Barcelona?
Generally no. While you will find places like pharmacies, corner stores, and souvenir shops open, the majority of places to shop in Barcelona close on Sundays – with the exception of the Maremagnum Shopping Centre which is open on Sunday.
Where to shop in Barcelona for clothes?
The main clothing shopping area of Barcelona is on Portal del Angel, just below Plaza de Catalunya (the main square in the city centre). You may also want to go to El Corte Ingles department store situated in the same area.
What is the main shopping street in Barcelona?
The main shopping street in Barcelona is Passeig de Gracia. The highest amount of goods sold is found on this street, and it’s famous for high end luxury brands like Dolce and Gabbana and Bvlgari.
Still Wondering Where to Shop in Barcelona?
If you’re still not sure about shopping in Barcelona make sure you get in touch in the comments below.
And don’t be afraid to join the shopping discussion by first giving me a like on Facebook and then joining my group I’m Off to Barcelona – here you can ask any questions, air out grievances, and chat with thousands of Barcelona travelers.
Anything goes!
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July 8, 2022 at 4:54 pmThis is a great site! We are in the city for a few days and follow most of your suggestions. Where can we find throwback Barcelona uniforms to buy?
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July 9, 2022 at 4:09 pmHello and thanks for the kind words :) I would head to the official Barcelona shop on La Rambla 124 - they've got the greatest selection of official uniforms and you won't have to worry about shady knockoffs that get ruined after two washes :)
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February 3, 2020 at 5:04 pmI would like to put together a little welcome bag for my girls trip of 43 people. Where can I purchase some items locally that can be sent to my hotel in Barcelona?
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February 4, 2020 at 4:08 pmHi Lisa, Apologies if this isn't my field of expertise but what would you typically include in a welcome bag? If you're looking for some novelty items and perhaps even something useful I'd check out the local shop Ale Hop. As far as bags made specifically for welcome bags (is this a hen do?) I haven't come across any companies that do them. Anyway, let me know what you like to include and I can help you find some places. Cheers, Ash
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February 28, 2023 at 3:56 amglad to came across this article/hacks. I feel like its super honest review. I'm Planning to go this June and I'm super excited. Is the aquarium and the zoo worth it to visit? Aside from the cathedral. Also is the transportation fare is same in Italy? Like 1 ticket can be used to both metro,tram,and bus? . thank you.keep it up
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March 17, 2023 at 1:17 amHi Carmela, Sorry for the late response, the comment warnings ended up in my spam box so only replying now. Honestly, the aquarium and zoo are worth it if you're visiting with kids but in the greater scheme of things they aren't even close to places like the Valencia Aquarium or the Berlin Zoo. I'd give it a miss unless you're really, really into animals. As for the transportation, yes, the tickets can be used across the entire network with no need for additional tickets.
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January 6, 2020 at 3:21 pmHow do I go to primark from hotel calonia Albeniz? Is it possible to walk?
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January 7, 2020 at 10:29 amIt'll be about a 40 minute walk according to Google. If not there's always the option to take the T4 tram and then from the Ca l'Aranyó stop it's a short walk.
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January 6, 2020 at 3:20 pmHow do I go to primark from metro Clot? Is it possible to walk?
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January 7, 2020 at 10:26 amYou can walk down to the T4 tram and from there it'll bring you there in about 15 minutes. The directions on Google are here.
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December 4, 2019 at 10:53 amthis article is very helpful ..... Do you know where can I find Sports wear specially for basketball in Barcelona Like basketball shoes and clothes with reasonable prices .... remember my name is Ash Raf so we look like relative Ash
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December 4, 2019 at 11:44 amHola Ashraf, my relative! haha. For all sportswear and also basketball you'll find almost everything at Decathlon. I would go there for the good prices. There's one right in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Also, there's a Foot Locker right near Plaça Catalunya. You'll have great options :) Cheers, Ash
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December 4, 2019 at 7:36 pmthanks Ash I will be at Barcelona after 10 days and I will try your advice .... thanks my friend ... I mean my relative ... ha ha ha AshrafAh
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December 5, 2019 at 12:44 pmNo problem! Let me know if you have any more questions :)
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September 27, 2019 at 7:05 pmPerfectly listed ! Would you please give an estimate budget for shopping in local shops like inditex chain. I’m sure it’s variable but i need just an assumption
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September 28, 2019 at 12:44 pmHola Rovan, Thanks a lot for the compliments. This is a very general question that I'm not sure how to answer... what do you intend to buy? I imagine you could go on a fairly good spree for about €150-200... but again, I don't know what you're looking for so it could be anything! Ash
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September 7, 2019 at 9:26 amExcellent blog- very informative!! I plan to travel to Barcelona in September and really want to take some Avarcas shoes home. Would you know if I will still be able to find these shoes in the stores? If yes please can you recommend some shops. Grateful to you!
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September 7, 2019 at 1:13 pmThanks for the kind words Bahati! Honestly I had never heard of avarcas until this message... how embarrassing! I can only say that a Google search has turned up a few in the city centre, I would simply follow the ones with the best reviews. Apologies I couldn't give you any advice from personal experience. Ash
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September 8, 2019 at 3:06 pmThanks Ash! Will google. Cheers.
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August 7, 2019 at 3:19 amAre there street markets that set up on the weekends either a Saturday or Sunday that run a gamut of goods like in Madrid and Rome?
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August 7, 2019 at 9:59 amHola Theresa, You'll have the choice between quite a few including the Palo Alto or the Els Encants markets. I outline it all here: https://www.barcelonahacks.com/barcelona-market-guide/ :) Cheers, Ash
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July 21, 2019 at 5:20 pmAny recommendations for flamenco dress shops or thrift stores that sell flamenco-ware?
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July 22, 2019 at 10:17 amHola Bela! I can't say I've had this request before, haha... but after some searching it appears your best option may be this shop here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/lacavadetrianabarcelona/ Please let me know how you get on :) Ash
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July 5, 2019 at 2:20 pmGreat article! Thanks
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July 6, 2019 at 11:22 amNo problem Michal! Thank you :)
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