Where to Shop in Barcelona

Barcelona is a shopper's paradise. From large department stores to designer fashion houses to artisan boutiques specializing in one item, such as candles, gourmet foods or espadrille shoes - Barcelona has it all. To help you figure out where to start your shopping spree, we've listed the major areas below:

Mix of Old and New - Try Barri Gothic

Some of Barcelona's best shopping can be found in Barri Gothic, the medieval maze of streets surrounding the Barcelona Cathedral. You'll find a mix of the old and the new. Wander between Avenue Portal de l'Angle and Carrer Portaferrisa for big, brand stores. For antiques and textiles, try Carrer Banys Nous.Then, window shop back in time around Placa St. Jaume for artisan specialty shops focusing on toys, housewares, candles and stationary that look the same as they have for the last 50 years.

One Stop Shopping - Placa de Catalunya - Central Barcelona around Placa de Catalunya is home to Barcelona's flagship department store, El Corte Ingles. Virtually, anything you can desire is found here. Gourmet grocery items, dazzling jewelry, clothing from Europe's most famous designers, electronics, furniture and a special section of tourist gifts. Remember to stop at the Tourist Information booth on the main floor to sign-up for your 10% discount card, good for most items. After you shop til you drop, take the escalator to the top floor for a quick bite in the rooftop cafe with a bird's eye view over the plaza and Las Ramblas.

You'll also find on Placa de Catalunya, a multi-story Zara store - Spain's answer to chic, reasonably-prices, cutting-edge fashion for women, men and kids. And, an FNAC - a superstore selling books, music, electronics and tickets to major events.

Hip and Stylish Fashion - El Born and Sant Pere - The area around the Picasso Museum is home to the hippest, and most expensive, up-and-coming designer fashions in Barcelona.

High-End Designers and Upscale Boutiques - The Passage de Gracia is home to high-end design, like Chanel and Gucci, as well as upscale boutiques.