Barcelona is not only famous for its architecture, the beaches, the nice weather, the food and its nightlife, but also a popular destination for people who love shopping. One of the reasons are the interesting prices for the spanish brands like Zara and Mango, as prices in Barcelona are about 30% cheaper than in other European countries. Especially the shops of the Inditex Group like Zara and Massimo Dutti are so popular because they copy the latest designer trends and try to release every 2 weeks a new collection. You will find the chain shops all over Barcelona, but one of the most frequented areas and streets is the “shopping triangel” in between Portal de Angel, C/Portaferrissa and the Ramblas just below Plaza Catalunya.
Some of our apartments in Barcelona are located in C/Portaferrissa, so you are located in the heart of the city centre.
If you are not into chain stores, but prefer to find something unique, the Born area with its little shops might be your choice. The little boutiques have promising names like “Born to be beautiful” , but you will have to be prepared to pay the higher prices for the brands like Chloé or Maje. The best shops are to be found around C/Rec.
To find famous brands like Chanel, Armani, Gucci, Cartier, Mont Blanc etc. just walk up the Passeig de Gràcia or enjoy its upmarket feel on one of the terraces and watch the rich and beautiful going shopping.
Visit the Raval area, to find the best selection of vintage clothing (for example en C/ Riera Baixa, which is a complete “Vintage Store street”) or if you are looking for indipendent music stores, or upcoming, trendy and affordable designer shops. The Raval area is with its multiethnical population one of the roughest, but the hottest and trendiest quarter in Barcelona at the moment, hosting also two of the most popular museums of Barcelona with contemporary art: the MACBA (also a famous and very frequented skate spot) and the CCCB.
For those loving alternative clothing, food from all over the world and a bit of a hippy and bohemian atmosphere, the Gracia area around C/Verdi would be the best area to go. Gracia used to be a small village, which has become a part of the growing Barcelona, but managed to preserve some kind of village atmosphere. Its one of the less touristy frequented areas of Barcelona. Gracia is also famous for its many sunny squares and terraces.
If you cant get enough of shopping, you might want to to head to the Maremagnum shopping centre, which is beautifully located in the old harbour, just stroll down the Ramblas and cross the wooden bridge construction to get to this new shopping centre. The shops are open from monday until sunday. After a long day shopping, just relax on one of the many terraces of the restaurants located in the centre and enjoy the view over the harbour and the sea. As the Aquarium is located also in the Maremagnum centre, its an ideal combination to spend the day there with children too.
No matter which area you prefer, we offer appartments in Barcelona in different locations.
Shops in Barcelona are usually open from 10:00 am and close around 8:30 pm from Monday to Saturday. Some of the smaller and more traditional shops still close around 2 pm until 4 pm or 5 pm for a siesta.
For those open to a completely new kind of shopping exprience the new Tomb bus is an interesting option. Its a bus that brings you directly to all interesting shopping areas. It departs every seven minutes at Plaza Catalunya in front of El Corte Ingles to the Corte Ingles Shop at the top end of the Diagonal and back. The air-conditioned bus is very equipped comfortably with armchairs, music, and magazines. Pay on board (1,50 Euro per ride, 4,65 € / day card) and jump off at any of the 28 stops!
And the ultimate tip is of course to come to Barcelona during Sales. There are two big sales in Barcelona. The winter sale starts during the second week of January and lasts until the end of February. The summer sale begins in the middle of July and lasts until the end of August. Discounts starts around 20%-50% and go up to 70% by the end of the Sales!
See appartement Barcelone to view our full selection of holiday apartments Barcelona.
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