The city expanded following the annexing of the old municipalities surrounding Barcelona. Urban sprawl and uncontrolled development during the Francisco Franco era added to the congestion. The 1992 Olympic Games allowed for some renovation of deteriorated and poorly planned areas.
In these Barcelona shops you won't find toilet roll or hand cream, but they will deliver the best raw materials in town so you can cook, eat and drink like royalty right at home. Great fresh produce at its best, all seasonal and local. And you can feel good about contributing to local businesses without getting up from the sofa.
All You Knit is Love, Barcelona, SpainJust up the alley from the Picasso museum is the first yarn shop we visited in Barcelona. All You Knit is Love is owned by American Jennifer Callahan, and her Spanish husband, Miguel. Yarn at Llanas SixtoThe staff people at Lanas Sixto didn’t seem especially friendly – they didn’t want us to touch the yarn. We found out later that this type of store is considered the “traditional” style. The latest UK and international property market news and opinions, plus helpful guides and top tips from our renowned industry experts.
The Spanish classic cold tomato soup is a staple of many restaurants, but you might be surprised to see it on the menu at this popular fast-food chain. So, when you’re out shopping, make sure you sample some gazpacho alongside your Big Mac. You can even enjoy a beer – the Spanish McDonald’s sell cerveza, unlike those in many other countries. Orujo (nicknamed “firewater” by locals), a brandy from northern Spain made from the solid remains of the grapes used in winemaking, has at least 50 percent alcohol content. As the nickname suggests, it’s one of the most hard-hitting products you can buy. It’s particularly popular in Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia, where local families have been making orujo for generations.
I would strongly recommend booking a ticket in advance to save time and money and to ensure you are able to visit. Tickets are sometimes all booked in advance, especially in the summer and busy times in Barcelona. There is little information within the park, but if you are interested in learning more you might consider a guided tour of the park which also includes your entrance fee. Most of the park is free to visit and provides some nice views over the city; however, the section of most interest to Gaudí fans has a fee. Park Güell is a very popular place to visit and access to the Monumental Zone (which includes most of the popular Gaudí attractions) is regulated and ticketed to help protect the structures.
If sangria and porróns aren’t for you, Catalonia also has a lot of local liqueurs to try and bring back. It’s similar to limoncello from Italy, except there are 10 other flavours to choose from. Sangria’s from the South of Spain which means it’s not a traditional Catalan drink. You can of course still find Sangria around Barcelona but if you want a local option, look for Lolea Sangria.
It houses over 1,000 years worth of Catalan art, from medieval to modern art. If you are interested in visiting the towers, note that these require a special ticket as tower access is not included in the main tickets. You can book a tower entrance ticket along with your main ticket on the Sagrada Familia website, or you can book a guided tour that includes entrance to the church as well as access to one of the towers. The main structural elements of the church are expected to be completed by 2026 (centenary of Gaudi’s death) and then the decorative elements within the following decade. Interestingly, the church was not Gaudí’s idea nor did he start the building.
Almost 15 years old, the brand has expanded to two shops in the city and reaches a fashionable market, recognised by international publications. The small boutique exhibits geometric necklaces, stone-set rings and bold earrings, alongside the brand’s range of bags. These handcrafted accessories are truly worth the prices and are a fashionable embellishment to outfits both day and night. Whether you’re looking for your high-street favorites or something a little different, Barcelona has a number of fantastic shopping malls to choose from.
And keep track of your travels every day with my digital and printable travel journal. You can most likely find these all year round in different tourist shops. You can find art, paperweights, magnets, even jewellery! We opted for the old coffee table bookThis is Gaudí ...! But we loved how it showcased his work and gave us his biography. It would be a shame to not bring back at least one Gaudí Barcelona souvenir.
Additionally, Christian Dior purses are available along with premium brands. A few centuries ago this building was a horse stable nowadays, it plays host to one the most visually striking vintage boutiques in Barcelona. The ancient stone walls and high wooden beams create an enchanting setting in which one can spend hours getting lost amongst the treasures. The app Wallapop is popular and widely used in Barcelona.
Other architects, such as Luis Doménechi Montaner, produced remarkable structures in the modernist style, such as the Music Palace, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. I have provided a selection of some of the supermarkets in Barcelona that I have found to be the best stocked, convenient or specialist. Please send us your suggestions if there are any that you feel have been left off the list. De Tot al Born - El BornThis small supermarket in the centre of the El Born area is one of those rare beasts in Barcelona - a well-stocked shop that is open seven days a week. It contains an off licence, a bakery, a fridge section and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Gaudí worked on building the Bellesguard house from 1900 to 1909, taking inspiration from a 15th century medieval castle of King Martin I which once stood on the site. Torre Bellesguard, also known as Casa Figueres, is remarkable in its mosaic detailing and also that it includes elements such as the use of rectilinear forms which are unusual in Gaudí’s works. But you can also see elements that he would later use in some of his future projects such as the Sagrada Família, especially in the Hall of Bricks.
Sometimes it’s easier to find everything you need at one stop – a shopping mall! Barcelona has fantastic shopping centers located in the city. They are constantly being renovated and upgraded, and all shopping centers in Barcelona have ready-to-wear fashion stores like Zara and H&M. For cheap shopping in Barcelona, try stores like Primarkor Lefties, the latter being the super-cheap fashion chain of the Inditex / Zara empire. A major avenue in Spain, Passeig de Gracia is the most well-known upscale Barcelona shopping street. It has several behemoth fashion brands like Chanel, Cartier, Kenzo, Gucci,Burberry, Dior, and Hermes.
Childrens clothing and toy store, with a selection of environmentally friendly products from different cultures and countries. This store in the Gotico offers a range of organic food products, Ferretería cerca de mí as well as specialising in women, mums and babies. Antoni Gaudí, whose huge and elaborate Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family (Sagrada Família) has become a symbol of the city itself.