Shopping in Barcelona















Shopping in Barcelona is one of the most popular things to do in Barcelona as it is one of the top ten most visited cities in the world. It is the cosmopolitan capital of Spains, autonomous community of Catalonia which is based on the northeastern coast of Spain, where its urban area extends to the numerous neighbouring municipalities within the province of Barcelona and it is home to around 4.8 million people.
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The first time I went shopping in Barcelona, was over twenty years ago when I fell in love with the fantastical architecture, modernist landmarks and the unique, independent local shops. Renowned for the architectural works of Antoni Gaudi, Llouis Domenech I Montaner, Joesp Puig I Cadafach and world-famous for art, shopping, Spanish and Catalan culture, fashion and Barcelona football club.
there is so much to see and do in Barcelona, so make sure you book tickets in advance and pencil a travel schedule of sorts to avoid missing out, because getting lost down one of Barcelona's many rabbit holes is fun and it will enrich your travel experience, but make sure you are aware of what to book in advance as it's super disappointing when there is no room at the inn, until following week when you won't even be in Barcelona!

ARRIVING IN BARCELONA
When you arrive in Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat airport you can reach the city via Renfe (overground train), Aerobus, taxi or a previously booked chauffeur. You can also opt for two other airports Girona and Rues, both of which are 120km from Barcelona.
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Renfe costs 5.95 euros, duration 45 minutes (from the airport)
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Aerobus costs 2.15 euros, duration 35 mins (from the airport)
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Taxi costs 22-25 euros, duration 35 minutes (from the airport).
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If you opt for the Renfe or Aerobus buy a T-10 travel card for 11.00 euros at the airport. A T-10 has ten single journeys on it so you can use it on the Metro (under-ground train) and while you are out and about sight-seeing and shopping in Barcelona.
You can also use the T-10 on the buses and trams. You can buy a T-10 when you arrive at the airport at the ticket machine by the train platform.
What time does Metro Barcelona close?
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Barcelona city often feels like it does not sleep. It reverberates 24/7.
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The metro in Barcelona operates from 5AM to midnight from Sunday until Thursday. On Friday the metro is open until 2AM and on Saturday and other public holidays, the metro is open 24-hours a day.

HOW TO GET AROUND BARCELONA
If you are wondering how to get around Barcelona don't worry as it's easily accessible, affordable and you have plenty of travel options if you are shopping in Barcelona.
You can travel and shop in Barcelona by foot, by hire bike, by motorbike, by the metro or on an electrical scooter, all of which are popular ways to travel.
The metro (under-ground train) is roughly 2-minutes per train stop so it's an extremely safe and popular way to shop around the city. Alternatively, you can jump in a black and yellow taxi from each shopping district.
If a taxi is available you will see the word 'Liberate' (free) lite up in green on the taxi roof. Just give the taxi a wave or whistle.
Due to a number of taxi wars, Barcelona suspended Uber's taxi service in the city, so don't waste your time trying to use the Uber app, as there are loads of other travel options if you are shopping in Barcelona city.

CARBON NETURAL LIMOUSINES
When you arrive into the airport (or train station), calm tends to wash over you and even more so, if you have pre-booked chauffeur (taxi) waiting for you.
If you have a travel schedule and you need a business-class carbon-neutral driver Blacklane are highly-recommended. You can book a series of scheduled journeys or an hourly service, so whether you are shopping in Barcelona or here on Business this is a nice carbon-neutral way to travel.
Blacklane only use top-tier electric business-class vehicles, which are 100% carbon neutral and the service is said to be seamless, so if you are tired they do the thinking for you and if you are boutique shopping in Barcelona on a schedule, they can wait outside the shop for you.

BIKE RENTAL IN BARCELONA
Getting around Barcelona on a hire bike is too much fun, you get to see more of the city in a short space of time and it's good exercise before a traditional three-course Spanish lunch.
Cycle paths are marked up clearly and they route through the centre of the city and across the city via each shopping district.
If you are shopping in Barcelona, sight-seeing, eating out or bar hopping a hire bike is a great way to get around Barcelona.
Bike tours - cruising Barcelona is one of many bike hire companies in Barcelona, their bikes are super comfortable and they offer bike tours as well as rentals.
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Contact information
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Location: Enric Granados 5 · 08007 Barcelona
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Phone: (+34) 935 187 533
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SMS / WhatsApp (+34) 671 548 124
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Open daily from 9:30am to 8:00pm
Check out other bike rental in Barcelona here.

RENT ELECTRIC SCOOTERS IN BARCELONA
I get around Barcelona using different methods of transportation. With my Partner, I have tested different eco-friendly electrical scooters comparing the following factors;
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Availability
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Safety
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Comfort
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Customer service
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Speed
My favourite electrical scooter is Yego, because it feels safer than its competitors and if something goes wrong the customer service is excellent and Yego makes shopping in Barcelona easy. All you have to do is;
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Download the app
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Register an account
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Find the nearest Yego scooter on the app map, or use your eyes as you can usually see one in front of you!
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Book it and walk across to it.
They all have names so if you have six in a row on the high-street, you can identify the one you booked with ease.
Traffic in Barcelona is hectic and if you are crossing a pedestrian crossing, approach with caution as drivers will often whizz across if you hesitate.
Take it easy and don't take chances on the road download the Yego app here.

VISITORS CANNOT USE BICING
I always see tourists trying to figure out how to use Bicing, so I wanted to make sure, that if you are shopping in Barcelona and you want to part shop on a hire bike, or some form of transport to get you around Barcelona, then red Bicing hire bikes are NOT for visitors.
If you are shopping in Barcelona and hoping to explore different shopping districts using a Bicing, think again as these are ONLY for residents, as you CANNOT use Bicing.

RENT ELECTRIC STAND-UP SCOOTERS IN BARCELONA
Stand up scooters go faster than you think, so if you want to rent electric scooters in Barcelona keep in mind, that stand up scooters can reach 30MPH, so if you hire one, plan your route, wear a helmet and be street savvy, AKA be careful peeps!
If you drive too fast, or disrespect the locals by driving on the pavement you will receive a fine of 50.00 euros.
Remember, to respect people walking or cycling beside you and take it easy and slow right-down if you see older local citizens.
If you are using a Lynx stand up scooter to go shopping in Barcelona make sure you lock it up safely, ideally in your eye-line.
Rent electric scooters in Barcelona as LYNX are a decent option.
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Telephone +34 722 875 848 O +34 622 590 080
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Whatsapp +34 722 875 848 O +34 622 590 080

What time do shops close in Barcelona
for Siesta?
Whether your'e leisurely shopping in Barcelona or you are shopping with intention.
In Barcelona, some businesses and small retail shops close at 14.00 and reopen at 16.00 for siesta, except for bars, restaurants and well-established department stores.
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Discover more about different shopping centres in Barcelona and read more about what time do shops close in Barcelona for siesta here and shopping centre opening hours.

Wedding hats & special occasion hats Barcelona
It's sunny, and even during the winter it's super sunny in Barcelona, so, if you are here sight-seeing and shopping in Barcelona, there are a few good quality hat shops to visit.
Hats and special occasion hats
OK, so, if you are looking for an elegant hat, or indeed, a small eccentric special occasion hat, or a hat in a particular colour, or style, check out the hat collection at Outside a Circus hat shop
It's easy. Just browse the hat shop and submit a hat order form.
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Customer notice
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Due to Covid restrictions, these beautiful special occasion hats are NOT available to try on in listed Barcelona boutiques.
When this situation changes, this notice will be updated for you. Until then, browse the hat shop gallery.

SHOPPING IN BARCELONA FOR ESPADRILLES
Shopping in Barcelona and across Spain for espadrille shoes is a breeze, because authentic espadrille shoes are traditionally made in Catalonia and the Basque Country (and France) dating back 4,000 years!
Although, it wasn't until the 20th century when cultural figures such as, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Yves Saint Laurent and John F. Kennedy popularised espadrille shoes.
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Discover the most authentic espadrille shoe brands and shops when shopping in Barcelona for espadrilles.

WHY TO SHOP LOCAL
Local shopping on high-streets during the pandemic has been quiet, until more recently. Over the past year or so and currently, shopping in Barcelona on the high-street is really well-organised, with a collective sense of solidarity amongst shoppers and people visiting the city.
Most shoppers and people visiting cities understand why to shop local and in-turn we have endorsed local shopping constraints such as, capacity limitations, a two-metre distance queue to enter, wearing a face mask and using a rudimental drop of hand sanitiser. All of which are commonplace in Barcelona now.
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Discover more about why to shop local at home and on holiday and start planning your next shopping trip in safety.

BEST VINTAGE & ANTIQUE SHOPS IN BARCELONA
Authentic antique and vintage furniture has a story behind it and history within it, thus, when we change the energy in a room by bringing a piece of new or old furniture into a room we bind the universe, earth and humanity.
Placing an antique or vintage piece of furniture or rare artefact in a contemporary room celebrates yin and yang by creating an exertion and receiving the exertion. Second-hand, antique furniture tells a story which is why I love shopping for vintage furniture in Barcelona.

DESIGNER OUTLET SHOPPING NEAR BARCELONA
If you are planning a shopping trip somewhere in Europe and you know that you can travel safely from your country of residence, into Barcelona Spain, then there are 10 shopping districts in Barcelona, Catalonia to explore.
For Boutique shops in Barcelona, your first point of call should be Passeig de Gracia and for boutique designer outlet shopping near Barcelona, head outside of the city to La Roca Village for luxurious, discounted designer outlet shopping near Barcelona.
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Discover more, about boutique designer outlet shopping near Barcelona and start planning your next shopping trip in safety today.
CRIME IN BARCELONA
Crime in Barcelona, is like all busy cities, there are cops, robbers, pirates and superheroes everywhere! Remember, while you are shopping in Barcelona, scum-bags make a living from robbing people so keep your wallet, mobile and money close to your body (so you can feel it) or buy an across-body-bag.
Vermin often operate in packs, someone will talk to you, while someone else pick-pockets. It is worse than the Piccadilly line on the tube in London, so keep your head up, shoulders back and look anyone shifty in the eye.
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There is always a police presence in busy shopping districts of Barcelona so you should be safe and feel safe.
How to report a crime in Barcelona?
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If you experience a crime while you are shopping in Barcelona you will need to report the crime at a police station and you will need to take your ID with you. Read more about reporting a crime in Barcelona here.

BARCELONA ART AND CULTURE
Shopping in Barcelona is alluring and fantastical, but make time for the fifteen impressive museums in Barcelona. There are also roughly 25 independent art galleries, not to mention the many art studios you will find as you are shopping in Barcelona.
In fact, if you love art and collect art from around the world, going shopping in Barcelona for art is overwhelming, as you are completely spoilt for choice in Barcelona city.
Aside, from independent galleries, here is a list of popular galleries, that you must explore during your visit;
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Fundació Joan Miró
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Museu Picasso
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Fundació Antoni Tàpies
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Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
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CCCB
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CosmoCaixa
In the same breath, there are loads of art galleries and collectable options so check out this list and make a frugal choice.

BEST SHOPPING DISTRICTS BARCELONA
Whether you are last of the big spenders, a shopaholic, a fashion junkie, a window shopper or a socially conscious consumer the best shopping districts in Barcelona are in abundance for every type of shopper.
Best shopping districts Barcelona
There are a number of shopping districts in Barcelona so finding the best shopping district in Barcelona will depend upon your style, budget, lifestyle, hobby and your time-frame.
If you want to book a shopping tour guide, shopping with a personal shopper is a fun way to go shopping in Barcelona.
Alternatively, decide upon the following shopping locations and go shopping in and around Barcelona;
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Arenas de Barcelona
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Centre Comercial Triangle
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La Maquinista
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L'illa Diagonal
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Diagonal Mar
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Villa Shopping Centre
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Barcelona Placa Catalunya (to include, El Corte Ingles)
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La Maquinista
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Gran Via 2
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Goofreti Glories
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Mercat de la Boqueria
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Mercat de Sant Antoni
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Markets of Barcelona
There are also hundreds of amazing Catalan markets (mercats) in every district and shopping district of Barcelona so you won't be able to get round them all. Here I have listed just two shopping district markets in Barcelona (item 11 and 12), of which these some of the best shopping districts in the beating heart of Catalonia.

CATALAN CULTURE IN BARCELONA
The culture of Spain is based on a variety of historical influences, primarily pre-roman Celtic and Iberian culture. The ancient romans left a lasting legacy in the Spanish culture because Rome created Hispania as a political and legal unit.
Spanish folkloristic traditions, certainly flamenco, bullfights, street parades and festivals play a central role in the way Spanish and Catalan people cohabit.
Spanish and Catalan citizen's have been decorating streets, setting off fireworks and holding crazy parties in honour of their local saints in churches, cities, towns and villages for centuries. Spanish and Catalan citizen's know how to party.
Even the dawn of Summer Solstice, the shortest night of the year, named the Festival of Sant Joan is celebrated with a big bang here on the 23rd until 24th June.
Castellers, a Catalan tradition dating back to 1712 in Tarragona is a human tower. The towers represent solidarity and community spirit. The Castellers are scheduled once a month, so hopefully, you will get to experience a human-tower on your visit. It is a beautiful yet emotional experience so review the annual schedule here and remember to bring a hanky in your shopping bag.

TRADITIONAL CATALAN FOOD IN BARCELONA
There is a wide selection of traditional Catalan food in Barcelona, but keep in mind, that many of the traditional Catalan food in Barcelona is usually served with a generous pinch of mediterranean salt.
Despite the serving of sea salt, the mediterranean diet appears to be the reason why Spanish and Catalan people live long healthy lives. Moreover, the small plates of local tapas, which is the traditional Catalan food in Barcelona and a lifestyle 100% worth adopting when you visit.
Be sure to check out this list of traditional Catalan food in Barcelona;
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Pardons (small spicy green peppers)
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Plato de mahon (Catalan cheese)
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Escalivada (smoked grilled veggies)
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Esqueixada (salt cod salad)
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Tortilla - thick potato & egg omelette
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Paella (a traditional paella of the Valencia region, containing; grain rice, bajoqueta and tavella (varieties of green beans), rabbit, chicken, sometimes duck, garrofó (a variety of lima or butter bean), and optionally snails.
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Fideau (Catalan pasta noodles)
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Pinchos (Tapas on bread)
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Anchovies (usually pickled anchovies)
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Patates bravas (potatoes)
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Pan de Tomate (tomate bread)
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Iberia Jamon (corn fed ham)
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Curado atún y almendras - cured tuna & almonds
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Pulpo - octopus & sweet potato puree
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Creme Catalan - custard tart Catalan style
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Turron - sweet Spanish treat containing honey, eggs, nuts (originally almonds) and sugar.

CATALAN ART NOUVEAU
Barcelona is world-renowned for its Catalan art nouveau or modernism designed by Antoni Gaudi, Josep Puig I Cadafalch and Lluis Domenech i Montaner, just to name a few of the more popular Spanish architects.
After reading the 'Complete Works of Antoni Gaudi', I made a concerted effort to visit each Catalan art nouveau masterpiece, but if your time is limited in Barcelona I would visit attractions in close proximity. The four attractions below are in 'good' walking distance from each other;
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El Basilica de la Sagrada Familia
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La Pedrera
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Park Guell
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Casa Batllo
You can see these art nouveau attractions externally for free, however, the internal bookable tours are too good to miss, particularly if you want to experience an authentic art nouveau travel and architecture experience in Barcelona.
El Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is a large, unfinished UNESCO world heritage site, in the Eixample district of Barcelona. If you wish to go inside, definitely buy tickets before you arrive, as it is difficult to do so on the day, almost impossible tbh!
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Tickets are roughly 26-27.00 euros per head and you should expect a queue as it is one of the most popular.

THE BEST CAVA VINEYARDS IN AND AROUND BARCELONA
The best Cava vineyards in and around Barcelona are located in Penedes, Catalonia and depending upon what interests you, you can opt for a Cava vineyard tasting group tour alongside a cookery class, a golf lesson, a fishing trip or while shopping in Barcelona.
For generations, grand families have been producing Cava worldwide, so as you can imagine, you can choose from the best Cava vineyards in and around Barcelona, from Monserrat, Girona, Costa Brava and the oldest winery and producer of Cava worldwide in Sant Sadurni d'Anonia, Catalunya, where you will find a number of 16th century, modernism national heritage buildings, with family run caves in the surrounding location, of which are accessible by train or tour bus.
Discover more about the best wine vineyards in and around Barcelona here.

BEST SHOPS IN BARCELONA
Shopping in Barcelona is too much. There are lots of independent Spanish and Catalan brands to discover in Barcelona, so where do you begin and what are the best shops in Barcelona?
Whether you are visiting Barcelona for two or three days, or you have the pleasure of exploring Barcelona city for a couple of weeks, keep in mind, that Barcelona is the mecca of art, fashion, design and architecture, so make sure you allocate at least one or two days to explore the city with intention.
There are different shopping districts in to explore in Barcelona, so pack a couple of tote bags, wear a pair of flat comfortable shoes and prepare to be shop and be inspired.
If you are planning a special group weekend away or you would like to book a private personal shopping experience book a Barcelona shopping tour;
If you book a Barcelona shopping tour we will meet at 11.00AM in Gracia and visit local independent Spanish and Catalan shops where you will discover new Spanish brands and we will have a little pit stop along the way.
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This tour with introduce you to new brands, it does NOT include popular Spanish fast-fashion brands. Do not worry, there are loads of famous fast-fashion brands so I can point you in the right direction so you can mix and match, designer, fast-fashion, vintage and second-hand as you wish.
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You will receive an exclusive Outside a Circus shopping discount in each shop, when you book a small group shopping tour or personal shopping experience here Barcelona shopping tours.

BOUTIQUE SHOPS IN BARCELONA
Without any hesitation, Passeig de Gracia is the most popular boutique shops in Barcelona, so if you are shopping for luxury designer apparel brands and popular household names, then Passeig de Gracia is your first point of call.
Although, not all of the boutique shopping in Barcelona is located on this particular shopping boulevard, as there is luxurious, high-end, boutique designer outlet shops near Barcelona, which is 40-minutes outside of the city.
LIST OF SPANISH WORDS AND PHRASES
Spain focuses on languages and learning English from an early age, however, not everyone speak the international language.
The waiters and waitresses get paid well Barcelona and across Spain and they manage the sitting so, never just rock up and sit down at a table. Always wait to be seated, remember someone else could be waiting patiently inside for a table, so, always wait to be addressed by the waiter or waitress first.
Customer service is sufficient, but it is busy and hot Barcelona be patience as you may not always be offered drinks within five minutes of being seated!
List of Spanish words and phrases
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Uno, dos, tres, cuatro = 1,2,3,4
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Hola (o-la) = Hello
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Buenas Dias = Good day
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Gracias = Thank you
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Por favor = Please
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Adiós = Goodbye
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Una mesa para dos = A table for two
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Cafe con leche = coffee with milk
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Americano = Black coffee
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Cafe solo = Expresso
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Te verdi = green tea
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Aqua con gas = sparkling water
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Hielo y limon = Ice and lemon
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Una /dos cerveza = a beer /2 beers
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Vino blanco seco = Dry white vine
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Vino tinto = Red wine
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Cava = sparking wine
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If you make a mistake, so what, you tried so just go for it!

BEST BEACH IN BARCELONA
There are a small handful of beach-lined cities in the world, with Barcelona being one of them;
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Barcelona
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Cape Town South Africa
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Honolulu, Hawaii
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Nice, France
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Miami beach Florida
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Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
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Santa Monica, Florida
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Sydney, Australia
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Tel Aviv, Israel
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Vancouver, British Columbia
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Best beach in Barcelona
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Barcelona city is surrounded by mountains, pine forests and a coastline stretching up to the Costa Brava.
There are fifteen beaches in Barcelona, so finding the best beach is really a matter of individual taste. With wanderlust you can stroll along 1-7 beaches in one hit. If you want to stroll along 1-7 beaches, start at Bogatell beach (Bogatell metro stop) or Barceloneta beach (Barceloneta metro stop) and stroll along with the sea breeze in your hair.
Barcelona beach bars and clubs
If you want to sunbath near a Chringuito, it is easy enough to rock up, bath and buy drinks and food at the beach bar. But, if you want a sit-down meal, some of the Chiringuitos (beach bars) get booked up quickly, so if you have your heart set on a particular Chiringuito make a reservation.
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Discover more about Barcelona beach bars and clubs.

RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ORGANIC FOOD
Barcelona is famous for Michelin star restaurants and a scattering of El Bulli chefs across the city. If you would like to experience something other than fine dining and typical cuisine, definitely consider Tickets restaurant by chef Albert Adria and failing availability, choose from El Barri collective. If you aren't planning to visit Barcelona at the moment, check out Alberts Cakes & Bubbles in London.
OK, so back to restaurants that serve organic food in Barcelona. Whether you are health conscious, a flexitarian, a vegan or a vegetarian you will be pleased to know that despite the heavy Iberian meat focus here in Barcelona there are loads of vegetarian, vegan and organic options.
If you are shopping for the best organic restaurants in Barcelona browse and make a booking directly on the restaurant website.

HANDBAG ESSENTIALS
When travelling abroad and shopping in Barcelona it is inevitable that you will be out all day long. Therefore, it is important to carry handbag essentials.
Busy cities are full of people sharing public spaces, touching the same doorknobs and sharing the same washroom so make sure you are prepared for Barcelona city by wearing comfortable shoes for shopping with intention and ensure you are carrying useful handbag essentials.
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Handbag essentials
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Mobile phone
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Portable mobile charger
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Hand sanitiser
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A pack of tissues
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A spare tote bag
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Shades
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SPF
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Thermal flask (refill at water fountains).
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Plasters
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Small change for a small tourist tip (10% is usually included in the bill, so, check the bill first).
Barcelona is one of the top ten tourist destinations in the world, therefore you will 100% encounter a queue of people at some stage during your trip, which is even more reason to pack handbag essentials when shopping in Barcelona.
It is also hot during May until September, so throw a linen or silk scarf in your handbag, just in case you are stood in the direct sunlight, or if you are dinning on a terrace and you are not a sun seeker! ​

LOCAL BEER IN SPAIN
Depending upon what bar or restaurant you are at, will depend the local beers in Spain will be offered. You will have no doubt already sampled some of them. so dig deeper and sample other varieties of the same brand.
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Moritz (most popular Pilsner here)
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San Miguel
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Estrella Damm
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Mahou
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La Virgin
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Ambar
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Alhambra
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Alcohol free beer
Most of brewers offer an alcohol free beer. I have tried most alcohol free options and in my opinion, Alhambra is the best tasting, refreshing sin alcohol beer, with Free-Damm and coming in close second.​
Ordering a beer in Spain
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There are seven ways to order a local beer in Barcelona, Spain so it is easy to make a drastic mistake when you are ordering a beer in Barcelona
The waiter or waitress will ask a group of people what drink they want? They will reply 'beer' and everyone ends up with a tankard, when the intention was simply to wet their whistle!
The most common beer to wet your whistle is a Caña which is a small glass of beer, that is just smaller than a half-pint in the UK.
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If you are really into beer tasting most of the small independent breweries and established breweries offer beer tasting tours in Barcelona. Take it easy though!

BOOKS TO READ THAT ARE BASED IN BARCELONA
There is something curiously exhilarating about reading a book that tells a story about a city you are familiar with or one that you are going to visit. Having a bit of insight into the history of a place prior to visiting makes the trip more meaningful.
Before you explore and go shopping in Barcelona, discover a couple of books from this compressed list, which features Barcelona.
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The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Safon
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1964 by George Orwell
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Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell
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Homage to Barcelona by Colm Toibin
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Slow travels in unsung Spain by Brett Hetherington
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Marks of Identity by Juan Goytisolo
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How to kill your friends by Phil Kurthausen
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Violence: A New History of Spain by Jason Webster.

OLDEST MARKET IN BARCELONA
The oldest market in Barcelona is La Boqueria Market, of which is located next to La Rambla in the Gothic Quarter.
La Boqueria market is not only the oldest market in Barcelona, it is the most famous market in Barcelona and the most popular social and gastronomical market to visit in Barcelona.
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The history of the oldest market in Barcelona
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La Boqueria market is the first known market stall in Barcelona city dated 1217, when meat stalls and dinning tables were set up near the old door to the city.
In December 1470, La Boqueria market began specialising in the sale of pigs and residents started shopping in the marketplace operated under the names of El Mercat Bornet and El Mercat de la Palla (Straw market), these names were common place until 1794 when La Boqueria started to become a more popular reference with local shoppers, shopping in Barcelona.
In 1826, La Boqueria market became legally registered and on March 19, 1840 the market stall construction began under the direction of Architect Mas Vilà.
La Boqueria market opened in the same year, but it was not officially inaugurated until 1854.
In 1911, the new fish market stall opened and in 1914, the metal roof was erected, of which is the same roof that covers the oldest market in Barcelona today.
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Address: La Rambla 91, 08001 Barcelona
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Opening hours: 08:00-20:30

BARCELONA MARATHON
If you enjoy running remember to pack your running gear so you can go for a run around Barcelona city.
A 20-minute blast along the city coastline will energise you and if you forget your running gear there are loads of sports shops in Barcelona, so you have no excuse!
If you fancy it, head out for a morning run, or you could sign up for a Barcelona 5K or 10K Barcelona run or the Barcelona half marathon or the big one, the Barcelona Marathon.
I have raced in a handful of marathons, including the London and New York Marathon and I can honestly say that the Barcelona marathon is one of my top three marathons in the world.
The Barcelona marathon and Barcelona half marathon start early, so if you are travel savvy you could schedule a 5K, 10K, Barcelona Marathon or the Barcelona half marathon into your morning travel schedule and be set for a tapas lunch in the late afternoon to celebrate.
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There was 13,437 runners participating in the Barcelona Marathon, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Barcelona Marathon was cancelled. However, the Barcelona marathon 2021 is scheduled for this November 7th 2021, so let's go start planning a run in Barcelona.

CAN WE DRINK TAP WATER IN BARCELONA?
There is nothing worse then arriving into a hot city and checking into a hotel room to discover there is no fridge or water in the hotel room. Some hoteliers hand you a bottle of water upon arrival, but many do not!
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Can we drink tap water in Barcelona?
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When I relocated to Barcelona a couple of years ago, I noticed that I was producing more singular-use plastic water waste, more so than when I lived in the UK. This is because the tap water in Barcelona tastes a little bit salty.
The tap water in Barcelona is clean and safe to drink, but depending upon whether you are used to slightly salty water that is often cloudy in appearance then you may want to order a few bottles of water to your room.
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Drinking fountains in Barcelona
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If you are shopping in Barcelona and out and about, there are many drinking fountains, like the one in Park Guell below, so refill as you go like the people in the photograph below.
Discover more about, drinking tap water in Barcelona?

BARGAIN SHOPS IN BARCELONA
There are hundreds of bargain shops in Barcelona, including
Ale-hop, Tiger, Aldi, Primark, Muy Mucho and many Oriental Bazars on different street corners, the list of bargain shops in Barcelona goes on!
So, let's make your shopping trip more unique and bring your intention to specialist bargain shops in Barcelona.

IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 112
If you are shopping in Barcelona and you find yourself in a touch of strife, call the police on 112.
