Shopping in Barcelona
Shopping is one of Barcelona's greatest attractions, with a bountiful 5km (3 miles) shopping strip, stretching all the way from the water's edge at Port Vell to Diagonal.
Key areas
La Rambla has the usual selection of souvenir stalls while Barri Gòtic offer a quirkier, if more expensive, shops. For local style, try Barcelona's designer boutiques along Avinguda Diagonal.
Markets
Barcelona’s main food market, La Boqueria, off Rambla Sant Josep, is one of the most visited sites in Barcelona thanks to its colourful myriad of fresh produce and local fare. Other food markets include Concepció along Carrer Aragó and the Gastronomic Fair at Plaça del Pi.
For antiques and curios, visit the flea market called Els Encants market on Plaça de les Glories Catalanes, the largest of its kind in Europe (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 0700-1800). The Mercat Gòtic de Antiguitats (Thursday 0900-2000 except August) outside La Seu in the Plaça Nova sells antiques and collectible objects.
Shopping centres
International chains, designer shops and modern department stores can be found in the area around Plaça de Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia and along Avinguda Diagonal. The most famous shop in the city is El Corte Inglés on Plaça de Catalunya - part of a national chain, considered to be Spain's leading department stores.
Opening hours
Standard shopping hours in Barcelona are Monday to Saturday 0900-2030, with many of them closed for lunch 1330-1700. Large department stores do not generally close for lunch. Shopping malls also stay open throughout the day and the Mare Magnum is also open on Sundays.
Souvenirs
Barcelona has football related souvenirs available from the Nou Camp Stadium shop, while Gaudí-inspired gifts can be bought from the Association Gaudí showroom, Vilassar de Mar. Poble Espanyol, Montjuïc sells ceramics and craft gifts from around Spain including Catalunya.
Tax information
IVA (value added tax) of 21% is charged on most goods and services in Spain. Upon departure, visitors from outside the EU, who have been in the EU for less than 180 days, can get a VAT refund from the airport, on goods worth €90 or more.
