Shopping
Best shopping in Barcelona: Passeig de Gràcia, El Born and the markets
Barcelona is one of southern Europe’s best cities for shopping, with modernist façades, small design studios and colourful markets. Here is our guide area by area, with hotels right in the middle of it all.
The sun warms the façades of Passeig de Gràcia, and the rippling balconies of Casa Batlló almost seem alive. Below them people stroll with bags from Spanish labels, and a few blocks away in El Born a young designer is opening the door to her studio. Barcelona is a city where shopping and architecture go hand in hand, and you are never more than a short walk from a tapas bar.
The big fashion names line Passeig de Gràcia, the chains fill Portal de l’Àngel, and the most personal shops are tucked into the old quarters. Here are the areas and hotels we recommend.
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How to choose the right shopping area in Barcelona
Luxury and Spanish labels: Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya.
Chains and department stores: Portal de l’Àngel and El Corte Inglés on Plaça de Catalunya.
Designers and concept stores: El Born.
Crafts and old shops: the Gothic Quarter.
Small independent shops: Gràcia.
Markets: La Boqueria, Sant Antoni and the Els Encants flea market.
Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya
Passeig de Gràcia is Barcelona’s grand boulevard, with luxury brands, Spanish fashion houses and some of Gaudí’s most famous buildings, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. Rambla de Catalunya runs parallel, lined with trees, cafés and more relaxed shops.
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
On Passeig de Gràcia
Mandarin Oriental: right on Passeig de Gràcia
The Mandarin Oriental is on Passeig de Gràcia, in a former bank building. You step straight out into the shops, with Casa Batlló close by.
The rooftop terrace and pool are a lovely place to rest your feet between rounds.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
Majestic Hotel & Spa
A rooftop terrace with city views
Majestic Hotel & Spa: the classic on Passeig de Gràcia
The Majestic is one of Barcelona’s classic hotels, also on Passeig de Gràcia, with La Pedrera a few minutes away. Its rooftop terrace looks out towards the Sagrada Família.
An elegant, central choice for anyone who wants shopping and architecture right outside.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Majestic Hotel & Spa
Cotton House Hotel
In the old cotton guild building
Cotton House: the old cotton guild
Cotton House occupies the former headquarters of the cotton guild on Gran Via, just off Passeig de Gràcia. The interior is full of original details, a library and a beautiful spiral staircase.
For anyone who wants to stay in a building with history and have the shopping streets a few minutes away.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Cotton House Hotel
El Born and the Gothic Quarter
In El Born you will find small design shops, jewellers, vintage and concept stores in medieval streets around Santa Maria del Mar. The Gothic Quarter next door has craftspeople, espadrille makers, old hat shops and small galleries. Portal de l’Àngel is the pedestrian street between the old town and Plaça de Catalunya, home to the big chains.
Kimpton Vividora
A rooftop pool in the Gothic Quarter
Kimpton Vividora: a rooftop pool in the old town
Kimpton Vividora is in the Gothic Quarter, a few minutes from the cathedral and Portal de l’Àngel. Its rooftop terrace and pool look out over the old town’s rooftops.
A playful, colourful hotel for anyone who wants to stay in the narrow streets.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Kimpton Vividora
Gràcia: the small shops
Gràcia feels like a village within the city, with little squares, independent shops, ceramics, vintage and local designers. It begins where Passeig de Gràcia ends and is perfect for a slow afternoon.
Hotel Casa Fuster
Modernism at the top of Passeig de Gràcia
Hotel Casa Fuster: modernism by Gràcia
Casa Fuster is in a modernist building at the top of Passeig de Gràcia, exactly where Gràcia begins. The luxury boulevard is in one direction and the small shops in the other.
A hotel for staying inside the architecture you came to see.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Hotel Casa Fuster
The markets: La Boqueria, Sant Antoni and Els Encants
La Boqueria off La Rambla is Barcelona’s best known food market, with ham, fruit and tapas bars. Mercat de Sant Antoni holds a large book and collectors’ market on Sundays. Els Encants, by Plaça de les Glòries, is the city’s big flea market under a mirrored roof.
Hotel Arts Barcelona
By the beach at Port Olímpic
Hotel Arts: shopping and the beach
Hotel Arts stands by the beach at Port Olímpic, a good choice if you want to combine shopping days with sun and sea. Els Encants and El Born are a short trip away.
The view of the Mediterranean from the upper floors is hard to beat.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Hotel Arts Barcelona
Tax free, sales and outlets in Barcelona
Visitors who live outside the EU, including UK residents, can reclaim VAT when they spend over a minimum amount in the same shop. Ask for a tax free form and validate it at the airport before check-in. The sales, rebajas, start in January and July. Many shops close on Sundays.
For outlet shopping, La Roca Village is outside the city and can be reached by coach from the centre.
When should you book your hotel?
Spring and autumn: pleasant weather for long days on foot, and popular.
Big trade fairs and congresses: prices rise, so book early.
Flexible rates: choose a cancellable room if you are planning far ahead.
Frequently asked questions about shopping in Barcelona
Where is the best shopping in Barcelona?
Passeig de Gràcia is best for luxury and Spanish labels, Portal de l’Àngel for chains, El Born for young designers and concept stores, and Gràcia for independent shops. The La Boqueria and Els Encants markets are well worth a visit.
Are shops in Barcelona open on Sundays?
Most shops in Barcelona close on Sundays, apart from some tourist areas and certain periods around Christmas and summer. Plan your big shopping days for weekdays and Saturday.
Can UK visitors shop tax free in Barcelona?
Yes. UK residents live outside the EU and can reclaim VAT when they spend over a minimum amount in the same shop. Ask for the form and validate it at the airport before check-in.
What is Els Encants?
Els Encants is Barcelona’s big flea market by Plaça de les Glòries. It sells second-hand furniture, clothes, curiosities and vintage under a large mirrored roof.
Where should I stay for shopping in Barcelona?
The Mandarin Oriental and the Majestic are on Passeig de Gràcia, Cotton House is just off it, Casa Fuster is at the top towards Gràcia and Kimpton Vividora is in the old town. Choose the area that suits what you want to buy.