Barcelona: Where to Shop

Shopping in a major city like Barcelona can be overwhelming- particularly on main avenues like La Rambla, where stores are packed in one after the other like sardines. But what is true of shopping anywhere is also true in Barcelona; it's all in where you look. Check out the stores on this list for what I can guarantee will be a positive shopping experience.

When in Barcelona, contemplate spending your hard-earned money at...

Accessorize           Three locations in Barcelona

This British chain specialising in- you guessed it!- well-priced accessories was all over Europe just a few short years ago, but has recently scaled back their retail presence on the continent. Luckily, there are still three locations in Barcelona, including a very convenient one in Terminal 1 at the Barcelona Airport. If you're looking for fine jewelry, you'll want to go somewhere else. But you can't beat Accessorize for their inexpensive, trendy earrings, necklaces scarves and purses. Some of my favourite pieces over the years have come from this shop.

BCN Books           Roger de Lluria 118           (M) Diagonal

If you need some reading material for your plane ride home from Barcelona, but don't read Spanish, look no further than BCN books. This large local shop stocks a big selection of English books alongside Spanish and Catalan titles.

Custo Barcelona             Six locations in Barcelona

After working with Meyba for eleven years, brothers Custo and David Delmau left the company to form Custo Barcelona... and they took their already famous t-shirts with them. A trained architect, Custo and his ubiquitous clothing line are known for brightly coloured graphic prints. The line has expanded enormously since the late 1990s to include complete wardrobing for men and women. If you want a true souvenir of Barcelona that isn't a tacky key chain, this is the store where you'll find it.

Desigual            15 locations in Barcelona

Founded in 1984 by Swiss national Tomas Meyer, this Barcelona-based shop now has locations worldwide. While it is primarily a clothing store, Desigual is relatively philosophical, striving to promote sustainability, tolerance, positivism, commitment and fun within its business activities as well as in its wide customer base. The clothes are cut in unusual shapes, and dyed unusual colours... this isn't a shop for the classic girl, but it's fun to explore nonetheless.

El Corte Inglés           Avinguda Portal de l'Angel 19-21           (M) Catalunya

The Barcelona outlet of Spain's largest department store is hard to miss from the outside; the white tile monument nearly leans into the street at the corner of Avinguda Portal de l'Angel, just off Plaça Catalunya. The store is almost always crowded, but don't let the crush of bodies at the entrance put you off. There are crowds because this store is incredible, particularly its groceteria, which is filled to bursting with all kinds of essential Spanish treats, including one my personal favourites: Schweppes strawberry lemon tonic water.

Joaquin Berao            Rambla de Catalunya 74           (M) Diagonal

Joaquin Berao is one of Barcelona's native sons. His fine jewelry, mainly gold and silver pieces done in a slightly architectural style, reflect the iconic city that he calls home. This is a fun place to browse- or to find a truly unforgettable holiday souvenir.

Mango            13 locations in Barcelona

Mango has already come up on my list of places to shop in Paris, but is worth mentioning a second time. The chain originated in Barcelona, and although it now owns 1200 stores in 92 countries around the world, the best merchandise by far is still found in its hometown. Mango stores in Barcelona are larger than they are elsewhere. If you're on the hunt for a particular piece that you've seen online or in a magazine, your chances of finding it are higher here than anywhere else. Specialty lines also arrive here first. And, best of all, prices are slightly lower than in other countries. This is a must-not-miss.

Origen 99.9%             Rossello 16            (M) Entenda

After you've eaten a delicious meal at the Origen 99.9% restaurant, make sure to take a peek in the adjoining shop. If you have any interest in food as something other than a source of nourishment, this store is heaven. Their products are so local as to be utter rarities outside of Spain. In other words, take some of that cheese home with you- or you may never have the chance to eat it again.

Topshop             Bergara 1           (M) Catalunya

This much-coveted British chain doesn't open shops just anywhere. (Although I must admit there doesn't seem to be a great deal of rhyme or reason to their choices; they have outlets in Russia and Malaysia, but none in France.) Pop into the Barcelona location to find a sprawling array of the relatively low-priced, highly-trendy items that the store is so well-known for. When Zara and Mango are right down the street (with much lower prices), Topshop can't really compete... but if you're into fashion, you'll want to stop in, just to say you've been there.

Zara            12 locations in Barcelona

Take everything I said about Mango. Replace the store name Mango with Zara. That should give you more than enough reason to visit this well-known chain while you're in Barcelona.

Our time in Barcelona is nearly at an end... check back within the next week to find out where One Suitcase, Seven Shopping Bags is going next!