The Catalonian city is known for many things, and one of them is definitely fashion. Being the home of several world renown brands, like Zara, Mango, and Desigual, Barcelona can seriously compete with the likes of Paris and Milano. Thanks to its multicultural background, and diversity in all spheres, the people are not afraid to experiment, proudly wear their outfits, and set a few trends along the way.
Just like any place in the world, there are a few shopping areas accumulating the best shops in town, offering an utterly fashionable experience. Here, every type of shopper can find something for themselves, from low-cost to high-end. Moreover, two times per year, there are sales that last for a month or two. Without a doubt, Barcelona should be on every fashionista’s bucket list.
So, without further ado, here are the top shopping areas where your wallet could get some exercise.
Diagonal Mar
Situated in the fantastic area of the Diagonal Avenue, which clashes with the Mediterranean Sea, the Diagonal Mar area is newly constructed, and has somehow managed to grasp all the high-ranking brands within arm’s reach.
The Diagonal Avenue – a skyscraper-surrounded street – boasts extravagant shops all along its length. Versace, Gucci, or Armani – they are all here, waiting in their large, stylish stores. If you are looking for something cheaper, head on over to the Diagonal Mar shopping mall. Here, you can find many of the local brands like Zara, as well as international ones, like H&M.
Passeig de Gràcia
This street mostly resembles Champs-Élysées Avenue in Paris. Of course, it has its own charm and personality, especially because Casa Millà is located here. Passeig de Gràcia is probably the most popular place for shopping in Barcelona; therefore, expect a street packed with hundreds of people, at all times.
Passeig is lined with the likes of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and many more. There are additional stores that sell more affordable clothes, shoes and jewellery, too. Clearly, it is a place where anyone can indulge in a little bit of shopping. Once you finish the shopping spree, grab a bite in one of the restaurants found here.
La Rambla
Take a stroll down the La Rambla (or Las Ramblas, as it’s locally known), and enjoy the vast number of stores this street has to offer. Mostly a pedestrian area – since the traffic is limited to a minimum – it is loved among the tourists, especially during the peak of the season, as many of them flock here for a satisfying shopping tour. Clothes, jewellery, technology – all of them have a representative on La Rambla. There are also souvenir shops, a food market and an inviting nightlife. Even book lovers will find that the bookstores have amazingly rewarding offers.
La Roca Village
Technically, La Roca Village is not inside the borders of the city of Barcelona, but actually around 40 km away from it. Nevertheless, there are busses that go there, or you can take a taxi. Moreover, the shopping experience you would get would be amazing, to say the least. La Roca is a shopping village created with the intention of having hundreds of stores, which sell items for lesser prices than those found in La Rambla or Diagonal Mar, for example. In a way, there is always a discount here, and it seems like you are in a duty free zone.
At La Roca Village, you will find brands such as Nike, Calvin Klein, Armani, Levi’s and many, many more. Additionally, there are good quality restaurants and cafes, offering great meals, as well as drinks. And that is not all, as there are personal shoppers available to help you with your shopping. Also, you do not have to carry all your bags with you at all times. With their helpful services, your bags will wait for you at the Tourist Information Centre to be picked up at the end of the day, for a price, of course.
All of this seems like a shopping resort. You get to have everything in one place, as well as great customer service. After all, it takes a village.
El Raval
For the more artistic and quirky people, El Raval represents a sweet spot. Once upon a time, this part of Barcelona was greatly avoided because of the lack of safety. Nowadays, the story is completely different, with more and more artists, bohemians and such coming here and opening a shop of their own. The El Raval boutiques offer more vintage style stuff. Moreover, you can find authentic, unique pieces of clothing and jewellery. And, if you like art, pay a visit to the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art, since that is the actual reason why people finally started populating this area.
After you finish the architecture tour of Barcelona, open your wallets and start your shopping adventure. These five areas are only one more level of what the city has to offer, regarding fashion and style. There is much more waiting for you, so without delaying any longer – enjoy your shopping!