Ash
Written by Ash

Best Shopping in Barcelona: Where to Shop + 2023 Shop Lists

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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:

main barcelona shopping streets outlined: passeig de gracia and portal del angel

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.

tourists lining up outside casa batllo in barcelona spain tourists lining up outside casa batllo in barcelona spain
Buy your tickets in advance from home or risk long lines + bigger prices.

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.

a tourist holds 3 barcelona discount passes in front of the arc de triomf in barcelona spain a tourist holds 3 barcelona discount passes in front of the arc de triomf in barcelona spain
Get a Barcelona tourist discount pass and save money + time.

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.

a tourist makes paella at a cooking workshop in barcelona a client participates in a paella cooking class in barcelona
Reserve your apron at Barcelona’s five star paella cooking class with no money down.

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.

sagrada familia passion façade under construction sagrada familia passion façade under construction
Save up to €30 on your Barcelona holiday right from the couch.

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!

37 comments
  • June 21, 2019 at 9:53 am
    Mona
    Thank you for this great article Ash so HELPFUL
    • June 21, 2019 at 11:17 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      No problem at all! :)
  • June 20, 2019 at 2:46 pm
    MADISON
    Hi Ash, your info was soo helpful. Me and my husband are looking for a place to stay in Barcelona: any suggestions? Ta love xx
  • April 28, 2019 at 1:43 pm
    khalid Alkatheeri
    Great article thank you so much for all the information and details .. it was very helpful .
    • April 29, 2019 at 10:41 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      thank YOU Khalid! please let me know if you have any questions and I'd be glad to help :)
  • April 25, 2019 at 2:14 pm
    Carina
    Hi Ash, I'm going to Barcelona in the weekend of 18-19 May and I would like to visit a few vintage/second hand stores. Do you have any advice on that? Some stores that I really need to go, where to find the best deals? Thanks!
  • April 12, 2019 at 7:44 am
    martin rossow
    i really love this beautiful country..thanks for sharing these amazing article.
    • April 12, 2019 at 8:54 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      you're welcome Martin :)
  • February 26, 2019 at 1:58 pm
    Ann Hossack
    Hello, I am travelling from Menorca to Barcelona on a two day shopping trip with my cousin & have found all your recommendations very helpful. We would like to stay in the shopping area so that we may enjoy just walking to most streets. I wondered if you knew of one or two hotels that might fit this bill for us. Many thanks. Ann
    • February 26, 2019 at 6:11 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Ann, That sounds great! Not having stayed in any hotels in that area I wouldn't be able to say from first hand experience... however, if you stay anywhere in the Gothic Quarter or El Born (great for local shopping, crafts, boutique etc) and you'll be about a 10-20 minute walk maximum from Portal del Angel and Passeig de Gracia. I'd take a look at my article on where to stay in Barcelona and there I've got buttons that'll take you to a sorted list of top hotels in each neighbourhood, where you can plug in all your amenity desires etc. Hope this helps :) Ash
  • May 31, 2018 at 7:03 pm
    Aline Saba
    Hey Ash, This is a great site. You've been so helpful. One question I had about the VAT refund is whether is it each receipt that has to be over €90.15 or the combined amount. Thanks, Aline
    • June 1, 2018 at 11:25 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Aline, I haven't done this myself but I am fairly sure it's the combined price of your items. If I find out any differently I will let you know :) Ash
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