Barcelona is convenient for shopping — stores of Spanish and world brands are right on the main tourist streets of the city. You can see the sights and immediately buy new clothes, shoes or accessories.
I visit Barcelona almost every year and I will tell you about my experience: when it is more profitable to buy, in which places it is more convenient and which local brands to pay attention to.
Sales in Barcelona
Barcelona is especially interesting for shopping during the sale period. This event traditionally takes place twice a year: in summer and winter.
The first wave of the winter sale begins after January 10, when the Spanish «Rebajas» or Catalan «Rebaixes», which means «Discounts», are placed in the store windows. During this period, prices drop by 30 to 40% and the selection of goods is huge. Around February the second wave of discounts begins (Segundas rebajas) with discounts of 50 — 70%, and in the last week of winter things are sold at a discount of up to 90%. But the bigger the discount, the smaller the selection and fewer sizes available.
Summer discounts begin in early July, the second wave starts in August, and all the residuals with the maximum discount sell out in the first days of September.
In my experience, it’s worth waiting for the second wave of sales in Barcelona, even if you want the most popular sizes. The minimum discount is 50% and there is enough to choose from during the Segundas rebajas.
What to buy in Barcelona: brands that are not available in Russia
In Barcelona, crowds of tourists can be found in the departments of Spanish brands that are famous all over the world: Mango and Zara. In the city center, the stores of these brands occupy several floors.
Zara is the most popular brand of the Spanish holding company Inditex. The same company owns the clothing brands Pull & Bear, Bershka and Stradivarius, the premium Massimo Dutti, lingerie stores Oysho, shoes and bags Uterqüe.
It is not difficult to find stores of these brands in the center of Barcelona — they are everywhere. The assortment in them is huge, and the prices, even without sales, are lower than in Russia.
I will tell you more about my list of worthy Spanish brands, which are not available in Russia, but can be easily found in Barcelona — there are more than a dozen stores.
Clothing, accessories and home goods Natura
Spanish brand Natura produces clothing, accessories and home goods, adhering to the philosophy of careful attitude to the surrounding world. Natura items are especially liked by those who love nature, tranquility and coziness. Here you can find clothes made of natural materials, inexpensive jewelry, bags with natural prints, cozy plaids and unusual lamps. The items are original, high-quality and inexpensive, and the company spends part of its profits on financing environmental projects.
More than 200 Natura stores are open only in Spain, Portugal and Andorra. The very first outlet was opened in Barcelona in 1992, and now there are 12 of them in the city.
Canada House Children’s Clothing
You wouldn’t know from the name that Canada House is a Spanish brand. It has been around since 1953, when the company started producing and selling children’s clothing. Canada House stores are located only in Spain and northern European countries, with 13 of them in Barcelona.
Here they sell quality interesting clothes for children from birth to 16 years old. You can buy a T-shirt for 8 — 10 €, and the quality is superior to the popular Zara or Mango kids.
Camila’s women’s shoes
Camila’s make women’s shoes for all occasions: casual, sporty and models for special occasions. Here you can find quality classics and trendy models. The shoes are comfortable, made of genuine leather. Summer shoes cost from 50 €, demi-seasonal models will cost twice as much, so it is better to buy during the sale period.
There is one Camila’s signature store in Barcelona, but you can always find the brand’s shoes at Casas, Barcelona’s most popular and numerous shoe boutiques.
Women’s shoes Vialis Barcelona
If you want to buy authentic Spanish shoes made of genuine leather, then look in one of the brand stores Vialis, there are eight of them in Barcelona.
The brand was founded in the capital of Catalunya in 1996. All Vialis shoes are handmade, made of high quality leather. Most of the models are of natural color, without the addition of artificial pigments. Made in Spain, so they are not cheap — at least 100 € for a pair of summer shoes.
Home textiles La Mallorquina
Stylish and high-quality home textiles are sold in La Mallorquina brand stores. The collection of this Catalan brand is updated twice a year. At Christmas, the designers develop themed home decorations, and by summer they start selling beach accessories.
La Mallorquina opened in Barcelona in 1947 and is considered the leader in Catalunya among home textile companies. Stores can only be found in Barcelona or the suburbs, there are 12 in total, including a branded outlet.
Pillows, blankets, bed linen, curtains, carpets, bathroom and kitchen textiles, home and sleepwear are all available at La Mallorquina branded departments.
Shopping centers of Barcelona
You can replenish your closet in Barcelona in the departments of shopping centers or in branded stores, where the selection is larger. And for year-round discounts, head to the outlet stores.
I will tell you about those shopping centers that are near the city’s attractions.
El Corte Inglés (El Corte Inglés)
El Corte Inglés is Barcelona’s most popular commercial center for tourists. There are five of them in the city, but the largest and most famous one is located in Plaza Catalunya. Each of the ten floors of the center has its own specialization: for example, on the first floor there are departments with perfumes and accessories, and on the second floor — women’s clothing and shoes.
Here you can buy everything from clothes and shoes to appliances and home goods. Several hundred departments of various brands, mostly not very budget-friendly, are open.
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 22:00, closed on Sundays and holidays. El Corte Inglés is also open on Sundays before Christmas and during the sales period.
- El Corte Inglés website.
Las Arenas.
In Catalonia, bullfighting was banned by law in 2010, and the bullfighting arena from the late 19th century was turned into the Las Arenas shopping and entertainment center. On 6 floors there are restaurants and cafes, stores, a movie theater and a supermarket.
In Las Arenas you can buy almost everything: appliances, clothes, shoes, cosmetics, accessories. There are more than 20 food outlets, the most expensive ones are located on the top floor, near the observation deck. On the first floor you can charge your phone for free or visit the recreation area. Parking is open 24 hours a day in the shopping center, the price is 2,5 €/hour.
A visit to the shopping center can be combined with a tour of one of Barcelona’s landmarks, Plaza de España. The Arena building is located opposite the square, near the metro stations.
- Mode of operation: Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 22:00 from June through September and from 9:00 to 21:00 from October through May. Sundays and holidays are off.
- Las Arenas commercial center website.
Maremagnum.
If you walk along Barcelona’s main tourist street, the Rambla, towards the port, you will find yourself near the Maremagnum commercial center. More than 60 stores and 19 restaurants are open here — some of them with sea views. Unlike most stores and shopping centers in Barcelona, Maremagnum is open even on Sunday.
Here you can buy things with the attributes of the most famous Spanish soccer clubs: Barcelona or Real Madrid. Visit the stores of Spanish brands: creative Desigual, budget Mango, women’s Women’s Secret and Oysho. And also check out the outlet Lefties, which sells Zara, Pull and Bear, Bershka, Mango items from last year’s collections at good discounts.
The commercial center has a free children’s playground, free Wi-Fi and a seating area. You can leave your car in the 24-hour parking lot, but it is chargeable at 0.05 €/minute or 24 €/day.
- Working hours: from 10:00 to 21:00, no weekends.
- Maremagnum commercial center website.
L’illa Diagonal (L’illa Diagonal)
L’illa Diagonal is a huge commercial center near the famous stadium of FC Barcelona. There are more than 170 stores and restaurants, most of them inexpensive and quite suitable for budget shopping. In the center you can dress the whole family, buy fashion accessories, gifts, toys, cosmetics and jewelry.
- Mode of operation: Monday — Saturday from 9:30 to 21:00, in summer — until 22:00.
- L’illa Diagonal commercial center website.
Shopping streets of Barcelona
The largest number of specialty stores are located in the center — they are here at every turn. Arrive at Plaza Catalunya and walk from there down one of the tourist streets. And first, decide on your preferences and budget to choose the right direction:
- Look for luxury stores (international and Spanish) on the most fashionable street, Passeig de Gràcia. For example, here you can buy Loewe, Chanel, Kenzo, Max Mara, Prada. Between the premium stores you can find the popular Mango and Zara.
- For budget shopping, go to Carrer de Pilai or Avinguda del Portal de l'Àngel. For example, C&A, Zara, Pull & Bear, Bershka, Stradivarius, H&M and Benetton are all open here. You won’t have to go far — the stores are located in practically every house.
Barcelona Outlets
Outlets sell items from last year’s collections at discounted prices. In Barcelona and its suburbs, there are VIP outlet stores and budget stores:
- La Roca Village is a famous premium shopping village located 30 minutes from Barcelona, accessible by special bus. With discounts of up to 60% you can buy things from Armani, Kalvin Klein, Gucci and other premium brands — there are more than 100 of them here. There is a free parking lot for 2000 cars near the outlet. Opening hours: from 12:00 to 20:00, on weekends — until 21:00.
- Mango outlet. Here you can buy discounted clothes from last year’s collections of budget Mango. There are two such stores in Barcelona. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 21:00.
Useful information:
- Barcelona stores only accept plastic cards if your purchase exceeds €5, so take some cash with you.
- Usually outlets in Barcelona open at 10:00 and close at 21:00, if the store is small, there may be a siesta break from 14:00 to 17:00.
- Spanish stores and shopping centers are closed on Sundays and holidays.
