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Articles > Europe > Spain > Barcelona > Barcelona is Shopping Heaven!
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Barcelona is Shopping Heaven!
Barcelona and fashion go hand in hand. The streets of Barcelona have some of Europe's beautiful people, dressed to kill at all hours of the day. There are many famous Spanish brands, including Custo (worn by the cast of "Friends" and the only Spanish designer with a shop on 5th Avenue in New York), Zara, Massimo Dutti, Agatha Ruiz and Tous. The city also plays host to various fashion shows during the year, such as 080 Fashion, showcasing all local designers and their creations. So it's no surprise that Barcelona is a great city to shop in, but you need to know where.
At the bottom of Las Ramblas, crossing over Rambla del Mar Bridge is a shopping Mall called "Maremagnum" – this is a great place to pick up some Barcelona souvenirs from the Official FC Barcelona store, or pick up a bargain at "Lefties" – the Zara outlet store. There are some modern Spanish designer shops such as Desigual, alongside the classics like H & M, and some smaller boutique shops, with Parisian shoes and belts, or sexy lingerie. And don't worry if you tire easily, there's a café in the middle, not to mention Haagen Daas, Ben & Jerry's, Starbucks and a Mcdonalds!
Outlet. This is word that every woman loves to hear. Just outside Barcelona, at around 40 minutes, is "La Roca Village" – a purpose built outlet area, designed as if it was a small village with streets and similar sized shops. This seems to grow every time I return, but you can get some really good bargains there, as there are now over a hundred brands and companies dishing out their goods. Levi's, Versace, Ralph Lauren, Nike and Diesel are just a few.
There's no need to go all the way to the Roca for the big names, though. The main boulevard of Paseo de Gracia leading from the city's main square – Plaça Catalunya – all the way up to Diagonal Avenue houses many of the best shops and boutiques in Barcelona. Head here to max out the credit card on brands such as Gucci, Fendi, Prada, etc. The parallel street, Rambla de Catalunya is also a good shopping street, and its easy access from Paseo de Gracia earns it status too, as one of the main shopping streets.
The Gothic Quarter and Raval also have many great shops and local designers competing for space with the usual high street suspects.
Another big investment by the local council saw the birth of Diagonal Mar shopping Mall. This is a very large complex at the end of Diagonal Avenue, in the rather underdeveloped area of high rise apartment buildings, hotels and the Forum Conference area. At the opposite end of Diagonal, there is also "la Illa" – with a sister at the top of Las Ramblas on Plaça Catalunya. This is a great stop for music and video with the French chain FNAC having 2 big stores, and this is complemented by smaller fashion shops, cafes and often gallery space for local artists and sculptors.
There are obviously many markets in Barcelona, and second hand clothes stores dotted around the city, too - but that's another article altogether. Rest assured that if you over pack on the way to Barcelona, you'll be kicking yourself when you try and pack to go back home again with all the great shopping you'll have done!!
At the bottom of Las Ramblas, crossing over Rambla del Mar Bridge is a shopping Mall called "Maremagnum" – this is a great place to pick up some Barcelona souvenirs from the Official FC Barcelona store, or pick up a bargain at "Lefties" – the Zara outlet store. There are some modern Spanish designer shops such as Desigual, alongside the classics like H & M, and some smaller boutique shops, with Parisian shoes and belts, or sexy lingerie. And don't worry if you tire easily, there's a café in the middle, not to mention Haagen Daas, Ben & Jerry's, Starbucks and a Mcdonalds!
Outlet. This is word that every woman loves to hear. Just outside Barcelona, at around 40 minutes, is "La Roca Village" – a purpose built outlet area, designed as if it was a small village with streets and similar sized shops. This seems to grow every time I return, but you can get some really good bargains there, as there are now over a hundred brands and companies dishing out their goods. Levi's, Versace, Ralph Lauren, Nike and Diesel are just a few.
There's no need to go all the way to the Roca for the big names, though. The main boulevard of Paseo de Gracia leading from the city's main square – Plaça Catalunya – all the way up to Diagonal Avenue houses many of the best shops and boutiques in Barcelona. Head here to max out the credit card on brands such as Gucci, Fendi, Prada, etc. The parallel street, Rambla de Catalunya is also a good shopping street, and its easy access from Paseo de Gracia earns it status too, as one of the main shopping streets.
The Gothic Quarter and Raval also have many great shops and local designers competing for space with the usual high street suspects.
Another big investment by the local council saw the birth of Diagonal Mar shopping Mall. This is a very large complex at the end of Diagonal Avenue, in the rather underdeveloped area of high rise apartment buildings, hotels and the Forum Conference area. At the opposite end of Diagonal, there is also "la Illa" – with a sister at the top of Las Ramblas on Plaça Catalunya. This is a great stop for music and video with the French chain FNAC having 2 big stores, and this is complemented by smaller fashion shops, cafes and often gallery space for local artists and sculptors.
There are obviously many markets in Barcelona, and second hand clothes stores dotted around the city, too - but that's another article altogether. Rest assured that if you over pack on the way to Barcelona, you'll be kicking yourself when you try and pack to go back home again with all the great shopping you'll have done!!
About the Author
David Brydon is an Englishman living in Barcelona, Spain. He is married and has 2 children. He has been working in the vacation apartment rentals business for 7 years. David writes about Cheap Barcelona apartments.
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