Anyone would admit that, along with some amazing memories, you want to take back a suitcase full of treasures when you go back home at the end of a great trip in Barcelona. So, we've set Gaudí aside for a minute to talk Gucci - just don't blame us when the bank statements roll in next month.
For shopping within the city of Barcelona, there are two main streets to consider - Passeig de Gràcia and Portal de l'Ángel, and they both start at the famous Plaça de Catalunya.
Shopping on Portal de l'Ángel in Barcelona
Portal de l'Ángel heads downtown from Plaça Catalunya and is the spot for shopping on a budget. The neon thermometer looming above the street above a sea of shoppers with their shopping bags makes it easy to spot. Grab your wallet and get ready to snag the best deals of the season at Pull and Bear, Zara, Massimo Dutti, Benetton, H&M, Bershka, Mango, and other popular shopping chains all located here on one convenient street. Keep an eye out for local shoe shops and the Disney Store.
Shopping on Passeig de Gracia in Barcelona
Passeig de Gracia heads in the opposite direction through the Eixample neighborhood. Head here if you're a big spender seeking some high-end shopping. From Dolce & Gabbana, Armani and Gucci to Diesel, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Bvlgari, Cartier, Rolex, Chanel, Swarovski and many more, Passeig de Gracia has it all. You'll also get to see Gaudí's Casa Milà and Casa Batlló as you make your way up this beautiful, iconic street.
Shopping Malls in Barcelona
That's not all - Barcelona has some great shopping malls! Diagonal Mar is a great place for some insane clothing deals and is located just about 300 meters from the famous Mar Bella beach. Home to over 160 shops including a cinema and a flagship Carrefour Hypermarket, Centro Comercial Glories is without a doubt the best place for a clothing haul in Barcelona. If you wanted something with more of a history, we suggest Las Arenas Shopping Centre, the only shopping mall in the world located inside an ex-bullfighting arena. Make sure to indulge in a drink with a view if you go there!
We do recommend stopping by some of the boutique shops all over Barcelona for some locally made Spanish clothing and accessories. The Catalan capital has some stunning choices all over the Gothic Quarter as well as the Gracia neighborhood.
Barcelona's Shopping Village
Then comes Barcelona's outlet shopping village - yes you read that right, there's a whole shopping village just outside the city! La Roca village is located about 40 minutes northeast of Barcelona in the small town of Santa Agnès de Malanyanes. Over 100 shops are housed here with premium outlets offering discounts of up to 70% off regular prices and a great atmosphere. Make sure to bring your passport to receive a tax refund if you're not from the European Union. An added bonus - a shopping trip to this outlet village is a perfect combination with an afternoon on the beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava!
So, go ahead and pamper yourself with some retail therapy while you're in Barcelona and head home with a shopping bag full of memories!