Barcelona is one of Europe’s top cities for shopping, and the Christmas shopping possibilities in Barcelona are limitless! Plus, Barcelona’s festive atmosphere is sure to launch you into the seasonal spirit. Here’s a short route to help you find all your seasonal gifts.
Christmas at Portal de l’Àngel
1 Start with the centre
A logical place to start is at the top of La Rambla in Plaça Catalunya. You can see all the Christmas lights shining all the way down to the port and in every direction. You’ll also find the large department store El Corte Inglés, which has gifts that are ideal for friends and relatives with more expensive tastes. If it’s luxury labels you’re after, check out the stores of designer brands such as Burberry, Prada, Dior and Gucci on Passeig de Gràcia.
2 High street heaven
Walk down the bustling pedestrianised Portal de l’Àngel and you’ll find all the high street classics like H&M, Zara and Bershka. There is also a great little cluster of shoe shops at the bottom, to the right of La Caixa. When you reach this point you will notice that the street forks off in two directions, both of which will lead to some marvellous Christmas shopping adventures!
Another great place to visit is the L’Illa shopping centre on Av. Diagonal. Here you can pick up all your high-street prezzies, as well as some more expensive jewellery and shoes from stores like Tous and El Ganso. The Christmas lights are pretty cool here, too – you’re bound to get a shiver of festive excitement when you see the massive icicles both inside and outside the centre.
Fira de Santa Llúcia
3 Christmas cheer
If you are looking for something thoroughly festive and traditional, be sure to take a left towards Avinguda de la Catedral which is located in the Gothic district in front of the Cathedral. Here you will find Barcelona’s famous Christmas Market, la Fira de Santa Llúcia, packed full of quirky Catalan figurines, handmade trinkets and traditional pieces for nativity displays. Aside from the market itself, the Gothic Quarter consists of a maze of great places to buy clothes and accessories. We especially recommend C/ d’Avinyo for its many quirky, unique and colourful independent establishments.
4 Something different
Next stop is the Born, which is arguably the best location for Christmas shopping if it’s cute little boutiques and endless handmade arts and crafts that you’re after. This is a magical district all year round, and a true pleasure to wander around. At Christmas time this feeling only increases as the shops are decked out with a festive makeover for the holiday season. Shop assistants don’t shy away from dressing up, and you may even be lucky enough to spot a Santa or two in the street!
Christmas Shopping in Barcelona
5 Vintage style
The popularity of vintage items continues to grow all over the world, and Barcelona is no exception. There are plenty of sensational vintage clothing outlets in Barcelona that are just jam-packed with, pretty 50’s polka dots, hippy-dippy florals from the 60’s, comfy 70’s thick-knit jumpers, fabulous 80’s sequins and old school 90’s MC Hammer jackets. If this rings your bell then we can recommend you take a stroll down C/ Tallers which leads directly off from the top of La Rambla right into the Raval district. Check out the nearby Carrer Riera Baixa which is a haven of vintage shops.
Up in the north of the city you’ll find the district of Gràcia, another good area for vintage and second hand bargains. Set aside enough time to weave in and out of the streets and squares to make sure you don’t miss out on any hidden gems! Gràcia is often referred to a separate ‘village’ in Barcelona and at Christmastime this definitely applies. You are bound to find things that you would never encounter elsewhere, so if it’s one of a kind specials you’re looking for, then Gràcia would be a great place to start hunting.
6 L’Illa Diagonal Shopping Centre
If you’d like to find all the best high street brands in one place, you need look no further than L’Illa Diagonal Shopping Centre. Discounts of up to 20% are currently available with the VIS (Very Important Shopper) card, which offers discounts and advantages in over 80 shops. Request your VIS card at the customer service desk. With shops like Camper, Custo Barcelona, Diesel. Nike, Tous Pepe Jeans and 160 more there is plenty to choose from! There is also a good range of restaurants and cafés. www.lilla.com
Why not treat yourself? It is Christmas, after all!
by Kelly Page
