Barcelona may not be as well known for shopping as Paris or Milan, but being the eclectic city that it is, there are still many options for those who are itching to pick up something new. From high street brands to tiny boutiques to top-end luxury shops, there is something for everyone in the city.
Shopping Streets in Barcelona
Passeig de Gràcia
The best way to take in art nouveau and Catalan modernist architecture while getting your shopping done is to take a stroll along this grand avenue. With top luxury brands like Chanel, Gucci, Tiffany & Co, you also have strewn in here your Zaras and H&Ms. Passeig de Gràcia also has the first and only UNIQLO in the city.
Portal de l’Àngel and Plaça Catalunya
This is Barcelona’s busiest street. Leading away from Plaça Catalunya and towards the sea, you’ll find the biggest and most common brands- H&M, Zara, Bershka, Pull & Bear etc. You can also find two El Corte Inglés – one on the Portal and one on the Plaça. You’ll also find the one Urban Outfitters shop on the main Plaça.
Carrer de Pelai
This street is one of the busy ones that connects off of Plaça Catalunya and it’s a good place if you’re looking specifically for shoes. You can also visit the flagship Sephora store and a sizeable FNAC.
Shopping malls in Barcelona
There are plenty of shopping malls to choose from in Barcelona. They each have the same high street shops and some have smaller boutiques as well. Be warned that shopping centres, like most other things, are closed on Sundays.
La Maquinista
Located in the Sant Andreu neighbourhood of Barcelona, La Maquinista is a beautiful open-air shopping centre. Just as in most malls, you can find the big-name brand stores. There is also a cinema, bowling alley and a nicely laid out eating space with a few fast-food and restaurant options.
Diagonal Mar
Diagonal Mar is your basic shopping mall with all the big brand shops. It has a very large Al Campo grocery store, Media Markt, as well as a Primark (one of two in the city). It’s located at the end of Diagonal and is quite easy by the L4 yellow metro line, the T4 tram or even H16 or B20 buses.
L’illa Diagonal
L’illa is Barcelona’s biggest shopping centre. As it is located in a wealthier part of the city, you can find both big names with some smaller, more expensive boutiques. This is where you can find the other Primark location.
Maremagnum
Maremagnum is special in that it is the only shopping centre that is open on Sundays in Barcelona. With its location right on the marina next to Barceloneta and Passeig de Colom, it’s easy to get to if you’re in the old centre of the city. This fair-sized shopping mall also has a rooftop bar and is right next to the aquarium- all activities that can supplement your shopping excursion.
What are the Spanish Brands?
You may not know it, but Spain is one of the leaders in fashion and design. From multinational brands to smaller boutiques, there is something for everyone to choose from among some of these Spanish brands.
System Action
Founded in Barcelona in 1986, Systemaction was started with sustainable values in mind. They produce everything nearby (they have a factory in Poblenou) by finding local suppliers and supporting their own environment. Their clothing is unique and you can see and feel the quality. At the moment, there are only 20 stores throughout Spain.
Desigual
You may have seen Desigual in your city. It was founded in Ibiza and is well known for its daring patterns, wild colours and asymmetrical designs. This shop is not for those who are afraid of colour!
Tous
Straight out of Catalonia, Tous is a world-known jewelry and accessories brand. They’ve been making jewelry since 1920.
Zara & Co.
If you don’t know Inditex, it is the mammoth mother company headquartered in Galicia, Spain that has many of the most famous high street brands. Their stores vary in style, quality and price. They include Zara, Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Bershka, Stradivarius and Uterqüe.
Mango
Mango is also from Spain and probably one of Zara’s main competitors. They have a variety of designs for men, women and children, from casual and edgy to more sophisticated but affordable.
Adolfo Domínguez
After taking over his father’s tailor shop in Spain, this Spanish fashion designer started his own company. You can find classic, minimalist designs for both men and women here.
Biba
Biba is a leather brand designed in Barcelona. Their aim is to make products from natural, eco-friendly materials. Their buttery soft bags are simple, yet practical with technical features. They also make shoes and accessories.
Bimba Y Lola
Bimba Y Lola are the nieces of Spanish designer Adolfo Domínguez, so you can see that fashion runs in the family! This is another brand that offers higher-end classic minimalist styles. They also have a large range of shoes and bags.
Scalpers
Started in Seville in 2007, Scalpers sells clothing for men only. Their attention to detail and fine materials have set it apart from other Spanish brands. They offer a refreshing take on men’s modern clothing. There are currently two locations in Barcelona – one in L’illa Diagonal and one on Carrer Provença.
Posted in The best of Barcelona, Things to do in Barcelona
Learn and improve your Spanish in Barcelona, one of the world's most vibrant and exciting cities.
Here at Speakeasy you'll find courses for all abilities and timetables, an incredible team of talented and motivated teachers and classmates to share your interests and passions. And if you need a visa for your stay, then of course we're able to help and advise.
Start your learning Spanish in Barcelona adventure
Let us know if you have any questions about our courses, our school and life at Speakeasy.