Shopping in Barcelona is not only fun. It’s scenic, diverse, and can be surprisingly affordable if you know where to go!
In this article, we’ll show you the best shopping streets and areas in Barcelona so you can plan your itinerary to suit your taste.
We’ll cover famous shopping streets, local favorites, markets, and luxury options.
Read on to learn all about it!
Best Shopping Streets in Barcelona
Barcelona’s shopping scene is vibrant and buzzing, but especially on its famous streets. These shopping streets in Barcelona are the ones to add to your itinerary if you want an outdoor shopping experience in this beautiful city.
Passeig de Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia is the main shopping street in Barcelona and one of the most elegant in Europe. To add to that elegance, it’s lined with designer boutiques like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. The charming avenue with lush trees is also home to Gaudí’s masterpieces, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, so you can admire world-famous Barcelona architecture between stops at luxury stores. Culture and couture.
Portal de l’Àngel
A short walk from Plaça de Catalunya, Portal de l’Àngel is a bustling pedestrian street filled with popular high-street brands such as Zara, Mango, and Bershka. It’s one of the best shopping streets in Barcelona for everyday fashion, and is a favorite shopping area in Barcelona for both locals and tourists.
Rambla de Catalunya
Rambla de Catalunya is parallel to Passeig de Gràcia but offers a more relaxed shopping experience, away from the crowds. Here you’ll find stylish boutiques, homeware stores, and cozy cafés. It’s ideal for those who prefer shopping at a slower pace and want to enjoy the city’s coffee culture while they shop.
Best Shopping Areas in Barcelona
When it comes to shopping in Barcelona, Spain, each neighborhood offers a distinct personality. Whether you’re after sleek designer stores, handmade crafts, or one-of-a-kind items, these shopping districts in Barcelona promise something special:
Eixample
Eixample is home to some of the best shopping areas in Barcelona. Here, you’ll find high-end fashion houses on Passeig de Gràcia alongside concept stores, art galleries, and elegant cafés. The mix of modern architecture and designer style makes it a must for fashion lovers visiting Barcelona.
El Born
El Born is the hipster area of Barcelona—a place for indie boutiques and artisan workshops. Its streets are filled with local artisans, handmade jewelry, and eco-conscious brands. It’s perfect for shoppers who want to take home something authentically Catalan as a souvenir or gift while also supporting local small business owners.
Barri Gòtic
The Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) offers a completely different experience to the other areas we’ve mentioned. Think medieval streets lined with vintage stores, fashion boutiques, and local ateliers. The area’s historic charm adds to its appeal, so even if you don’t want to spend, it’s worth visiting!
Barcelona Shopping Malls
Barcelona’s shopping centers have a little bit of everything: fashion, entertainment, food, and shelter. It’s even better when you visit during sales season when many of the shopping malls stores slash prices. Here are our recommendations:
El Corte Inglés
Located in Plaça de Catalunya, El Corte Inglés is Spain’s most iconic department store and a must-visit for anyone serious about luxury shopping. It’s best described as a luxury department store, with multiple floors, covering fashion, cosmetics, gourmet food, and even a rooftop café with panoramic city views. It’s one of the most recognizable names in shopping in Barcelona.
L’Illa Diagonal
L’Illa Diagonal houses more than 170 stores, including Spanish and international brands, plus designer shops and stylish restaurants. Though it’s one of the older shopping malls in Barcelona, as it was established in 1993, it is one of the best for those who enjoy a calm, polished atmosphere away from the tourist crowds.
Maremagnum
Shopping by the sea, anyone? Maremagnum is located on Barcelona’s shoreline with beautiful sea views on clear days. The open-air design and nearby aquarium make it a favorite for families and travelers looking to mix shopping with sightseeing.
Diagonal Mar
Diagonal Mar is another beachfront shopping center, and is one of the city’s largest shopping malls in Barcelona. It houses global retailers, a cinema, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment. It’s a great choice if you’re shopping with your family.
El Corte Inglés: the famous department store carries its flagship at Plaça de Catalunya.
Barcelona Markets & Vintage Shopping
If you love bargain hunting and finding unique treasures, Barcelona’s markets are where the city’s creativity truly shines. They’re also ideal for cheap shopping in Barcelona. Here’s what we recommend:
La Boqueria Market
La Boqueria Market is the city’s most famous food market and is an experience in itself. Fresh produce, Iberian ham, handmade chocolates, and Catalan delicacies are abundant here, with local producers filling the stalls. It’s the perfect spot for edible souvenirs or a quick bite between shopping sprees. Highly recommend stopping for some jámon and wine midday.
Mercat del Encants
For vintage lovers, Mercat del Encants is a must. It’s one of Europe’s oldest flea markets, and a pure treasure trove of antiques, records, furniture, and retro collectibles. The modern design contrasts beautifully with its old-school vibe, making it a unique tourist attraction too.
Mercat de Sant Antoni
A local favorite, Mercat de Sant Antoni mixes daily food stalls with weekend markets selling vintage books, clothes, and collectibles. It’s in Barcelona’s Eixample district and is a great place for affordable shopping in Barcelona that supports small local sellers.
Palo Market Fest
Palo Market Fest is more of a creative hub and shopping experience than a traditional market. Here you’ll find a vibrant scene that the local young people love with street food, and live music. It’s open every weekend and you’ll need a ticket to enter, which you can purchase online. But it’s totally worth the small fee for access to the independent brands, handmade crafts, and incredible gastronomy.
Cheap shopping in Barcelona
You don’t need a big budget to enjoy shopping in Barcelona, Spain. The city is full of outlets, thrift stores, and small local shops. Here are the spots we recommend if you don’t want to splurge.
La Roca Village Outlet
Just 40 minutes outside the city, La Roca Village Outlet is a favorite for cheap shopping in Barcelona without compromising on luxury. You’ll find discounted designer brands like Prada, Loewe, and Burberry, all in a charming open-air setting that feels like a Mediterranean village. Obviously, the downside is that it’s not in the city center, but if you book a Barcelona taxi in advance, that’ll make your trip easier.
El Raval & Gràcia
If you want more centrally located options, neighborhoods like El Raval and Gràcia are packed with secondhand boutiques and vintage stores. Shops such as Holala! and Le Swing Vintage are perfect for affordable, one-of-a-kind finds.
Luxury Shopping in Barcelona
What if you do want to splurge during your trip to Barcelona?
Well, luxury shopping in Barcelona is centered around Passeig de Gràcia and Avinguda Diagonal. These boulevards are lined with flagship stores from most international designer names.
We’re talking Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. But you’ll also find homegrown Spanish icons like Loewe. Even if you’re just window-shopping, the elegant storefronts and incredible architecture in this area make this one of the best shopping experiences in Barcelona.
Practical Tips for Shoppers in Barcelona
Now you know the best places to go shopping in Barcelona, let’s wrap up with some practical tips to make your retail therapy a little more relaxing:
- Pack a reusable bag: You’ll be charged for carrier bags, so we recommend bringing your own. This is also better for the environment!
- Take advantage of rebejas (sales): Major discounts run twice a year, between January–February and between July–August. This is a good time to visit if you intend to shop!
- Don’t forget your tax refund: If you’re a non-EU visitor, you can claim a VAT (IVA) refund on your purchases, but you’ll need to ask for a tax-free form at checkout and keep your receipts.
- Book your Barcelona transfer in advance: If you’re intending to do a big shop, make your life easier by booking a taxi back to your hotel in advance. That way, you won’t have to walk for miles with your new items.
FAQs
Where to go shopping in Barcelona?
For the best variety, head to Passeig de Gràcia, Portal de l’Àngel, and the El Born district. You’ll find everything from designer fashion and local boutiques to markets and modern shopping malls in Barcelona.
What is the famous shopping street in Barcelona?
Passeig de Gràcia is the most famous shopping street in Barcelona. It’s known for its luxury stores, architecture, and Gaudí landmarks like Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.
Is Barcelona good for shopping?
Absolutely. Barcelona shopping has something for everyone, including markets, shopping centers, and luxury boutiques.
What is special to buy in Barcelona?
Local leather goods, Catalan ceramics, handmade jewelry, and Spanish fashion labels like Loewe and Custo Barcelona are great to buy in Barcelona.
Which brands to shop in Barcelona?
You’ll find global names such as Zara, Mango, Gucci, and Chanel, and Spanish favorites like Bimba y Lola and Massimo Dutti. Plus, many of which are cheaper than elsewhere in Europe.
Is Barcelona expensive for shopping?
It depends on where you shop. Luxury shopping in Barcelona can be pricey, but the city also offers affordable options like outlet malls, thrift stores, and local markets for every budget.