The best kind of shopping in Barcelona does not require hours in the malls or department stores.
Just a simple stroll along Passeig de Gràcia, it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to soon realize that Catalonia is full of gorgeous concept stores and unique local boutiques. From Europe’s largest travel bookstore to family-owned luxury brand collectors, here are some of the top boutiques and cool shops in Barcelona.
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Santa Eulalia
There’s certainly no shortage of opulent stores on Passeig de Gràcia, but Santa Eulalia truly stands out since it was founded in 1843 as an epicenter of premium brands within Catalonia’s elite community. The gorgeous family-owned store – designed by New York-based William Sofield – displays popular brands: Pucci, Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham…and more. There’s also a section dedicated to pop-ups, and a bespoke workshop for customized suits. At the end of your shopping spree, head upstairs for some sweets and bubbly.
FACEBOOK Santa EulaliaAtelier Madre – Manuel Dreesmann
If you’re seeking a truly local, meaningful shopping experience, Atelier Madre – Manuel Dreesmann is an open leather atelier where every piece is handcrafted in-store using the finest Spanish leather. Known for its personalized service and beautiful craftsmanship and designs, it’s a must-visit for for travelers looking to take home something truly special from Barcelona.
PHOTO Manuel DreesmannLa Manual Alpargatera
One can’t leave Spain without a pair of outstanding espadrilles, and in Barcelona, the place to purchase a pair is at La Manual Alpargatera. Originated from the Spanish Civil War, each pair is sturdily handmade. For less than 70 euros, shoppers can choose anything from slippers, slip-ons, wedged heels, to lace-ups. The tiny store itself is an authentic experience with floor-to-ceiling cabinets of handcrafted espadrilles.
FACEBOOK La Manual AlpargateraMORYARTY.COM – Posters & Frames
If you’re on the lookout for vintage posters and unique pieces of art for wall decorations at home, then stop by Moryarty to indulge in its universe of illustrations and paintings. Here, you can find anything from the iconic Kanazawa Oki Nami Ura by Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) a traditional Japanese Ukyio-e style illustration of extreme waves bearing down on the boats with a view of Mount Fuji, to the French-infused Cachou Lajaunie (1920) by Leonetto Cappiello. In addition to numerous prints by British designer William Morris; there’s also a large collection of vintage, film and Asian-inspired posters.
FACEBOOK Moryarty OfficialMar de Cava
Mar de Cava is a delightful concept store which features artists and designers from Barcelona. It showcases colorful furniture, household items, toys…etc. The two-story space is also used for workshops, exhibitions, showroom, various events and a restaurant.
FACEBOOK Mar de cavaLa Comercial
La Comercial is a series of six luxury boutiques, separated by: two for women, two for men, accessories, jewelries, and home. Situated in the vibrant El Born district, La Comercial is the stylish integration of art, design, and fashion. The mix of international brands include: Pinko, Iceberg, Essentiel Antwerp, Stora Skuggan…and many more. Recently, another store has been added inside the W Barcelona Hotel.
FACEBOOK La Comercial BarcelonaFusta’m Shop Barcelona
Initiated by carpenter Oriol Viñas and restorer Lídia Matos, Fusta’m is their eclectic store made up of items discovered from fairs through the U.S. and Europe. For vintage lovers; you can find anything from a traditional swallow made in Valencia by artisan ceramists typical of the Mediterranean coast of the 1960s, enameled and vitrified iron coffee maker from the 1950s and made in the Basque Country, to an original table lamp from the 1970s.
FACEBOOK Fusta’m Shop BarcelonaCHANDAL
Chandal is a quirky store known for fun assortments of polaroid cameras, records, indie magazines, and even toys. It carries brands mainly highlighting contemporary and retro designs: Hay, Baggu, Puzzle Him, Penco, Toyo Steel…etc. Chandal is the prime example of spotlighting independent brands while creating a lifestyle concept surrounding art with a hint of throwback.
FACEBOOK Chandal StoreTot-Hom
For shoppers interested in investing in pieces made by local designers, you’ll want to take note of Barcelona-based Tot-Hom – a female-driven fashion brand started in 1969 by Marta Rota and now her daughters Andrea and Alejandra Osés Rota are also involved in three atelier-made collections: Line A, prêt à porter, and haute couture. The shop is charmingly elegant, just like its clothing made for modern women either busy at work or leisurely relaxing on vacation.
FACEBOOK Tot-homLlibreria Altaïr
Llibreria Altaïr is often considered as Europe’s largest travel bookstore where travelers can discover maps, travel guides in various languages, memoirs…and more. Inside the two-floor store, there’s a plethora of books related to globetrotting, biographies, architecture, plants, photography, and nature. Want to sit down and enjoy a good read? There’s also a café where you can rest your feet while living vicariously through nomadic adventures.
FACEBOOK Altaïr