Forbes Traveler
HOME > DESTINATIONS
Barcelona

HOTELS DINING ATTRACTIONS NIGHTLIFE Shopping

© istock

Page 3 of 4 : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

L' Arca de l'Aviva
Barcelona
This gorgeous shop sells lace and linen bedspreads and curtains, petticoats and handkerchiefs, and other assorted textiles from the 18th to early 20th centuries. Some of the sequined numbers worn by Kate Winslet in the film Titanic were snapped up here from their exquisite collection of period clothing. Prices aren't cheap but the quality of their collection is unsurpassable.This gorgeous shop sells lace and linen bedspreads and curtains,

L'Illa Diagonal
Barcelona
Located in an expensive part of town, shopping here is mainly high-end. Thus, this two-story mall has stores primarily devoted to fashion and luxury products: Benetton, Mandarina Duck, Zara, Diesel, Miss Sixty, as well as a scattering of home, gift, and toy boutiques. The first level has a huge supermarket and food hall selling everything from handmade chocolates to dried cod. Open Monday through Saturday 10am to 9:30pm.Located in an expensive part of town, shopping here is

La Botifarreria de Santa María
Barcelona
If you haven't already noticed that when offered a rib-eye filet and a botifarra (sausage), Catalans will opt for the latter, then visit the shop opposite the Gothic Santa María del Mar church. As well as making their own botifarras (reputed to be the finest in the land) on the premises, they sell the richest jamón Jabugo (acorn-fed ham), rare cheeses, sweet fuet (a thin salami) from central Catalonia, and other meaty delicacies. They will vacuum pack your edibles for traveling (check if you can bring it back to your home country), or take some of their produce to the nearby Parc de Ciutadella for a picnic.If you haven't already noticed that when offered a rib-eye

La Boutique del Hotel
Barcelona
In the lobby of Hotel Axel, Barcelona's "Gay Hotel", the Boutique stocks (as one would perhaps expect) the best and brightest names in menswear: John Richmond, Helmut Lang, and Rykiel Homme to name just a few. In a city that is somewhat lacking in cutting-edge menswear stores, this one is frequented by homo-, hetero- and metrosexuals alike.In the lobby of Hotel Axel, Barcelona's "Gay Hotel", the

La Galería de Santa María Novella
Barcelona
This is the Barcelona outlet of the famed Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella in Florence, the oldest and possibly most luxurious apothecary in the world. The perfumes and colognes are unadulterated scents of flowers, spices, and fruits; the soaps handmade; and the packaging seemingly unchanged since the 18th century. Prices are high.This is the Barcelona outlet of the famed Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica

La Manual Alpargatera
Barcelona
The good people at this Old Town shop have been making espadrilles on the premises for nearly a century. As well as the classic, slip-on variety, you will find the Catalan espadenya, which has ribbon ankle-ties, wedge-heeled versions in fashion colors, toasty lambs-wool slippers, and other "natural" footwear. Clients have included Michael Douglas and the pope.The good people at this Old Town shop have been

La Roca Village
Barcelona
Only true bargain hunters will be bothered to make the trip to this outer Barcelona "outlet village." But those who do will be rewarded with up to 60% off over 50 brands, from high-fashion labels such as Roberto Verino, Versace, and Carolina Herrera; shoes from Camper; luxury leatherware from Loewe and Mandarina Duck; and even sportswear from the likes of Billabong and Timberland. The setting is actually quite pleasant with a playground for the kids, cafes, and the like, and the savings here are legendary. Open daily from 11am to 9pm.Only true bargain hunters will be bothered to make the

LAIE
Barcelona
A good selection of English-language books, including contemporary literature, travel maps, and guides, is at LAIE. The bookshop has an upstairs cafe with international newspapers and a terrace. It serves breakfast, lunch (salad bar), and dinner. The cafe is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 1am. The shop also schedules cultural events, including art exhibits and literary presentations.A good selection of English-language books, including contemporary literature, travel

Lavinia
Barcelona
Sort of like a wine megastore, Lavinia makes selection easy because all their products are displayed according to country of origin: from Germany to Uruguay, Australia to California. As expected, the Spanish section is the most extensive, bulging with Riojas, Priorats, cavas, albariños, and sherries. There is a pack-and-send service, which is handy as most bottles come cheaper by the dozen (check your country's laws about what/how much you can send back).Sort of like a wine megastore, Lavinia makes selection easy

Le Boudoir
Barcelona
This may look like an upmarket sex shop (and in many ways it is), but in reality the scarlet red walls house a gorgeous collection of silk and lace lingerie and racy bedroom accessories: from furry handcuffs to music CDs designed to "get you in the mood" and other objects for intimate moments. In summer, they bring in an exclusive range of swimwear.This may look like an upmarket sex shop (and in

Llibreria Quera
Barcelona
This establishment was started in 1916 by the legendary adventurer Josep Quera, who pretty much covered every square inch of Catalonia and Andorra in his lifetime. Whether you are going hiking in the Pyrénées, motoring along the coast, or rock-climbing in the interior, you can plan your trip here with their selection of specialized books and maps.This establishment was started in 1916 by the legendary adventurer

Loewe
Barcelona
Barcelona's biggest branch of this prestigious Spanish leather-goods chain is in one of the best-known modernista buildings in the city. Everything is top-notch, from the elegant showroom to the expensive merchandise to the helpful salespeople. The company exports its goods to branches throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. With designer José Enrique Ona Selfa now at the helm, their clothing line is looking better than ever.Barcelona's biggest branch of this prestigious Spanish leather-goods chain is

Loft Avignon
Barcelona
This emporium was largely responsible for converting this shabby Barri Gòtic street into the fashion hub that it is today. The clothes for men and women feature labels such as Vivienne Westwood, Gaultier, and Bikkembergs. Be warned, however, that the staff members are merciless, and you may find yourself handing over your credit card for a micromini you never intended to purchase.This emporium was largely responsible for converting this shabby Barri

Lotusse
Barcelona
These Majorcan cobblers are revered for extraordinary quality of their work. The brogues, loafers, T-bars, and other classic styles for men and women actually look and feel handmade. They won't make you stand out in a crowd, but are liable to last you a lifetime. Lotusse also sells bags, wallets, and belts.These Majorcan cobblers are revered for extraordinary quality of their

Lupo
Barcelona
The current name in luxe leather goods is Lupo. Trading from a minimalist silver-and-white shop in L'Eixample, their bags and belts stretch the limits of the craft by molding and folding leather into incredible shapes and using new dyeing techniques to create the most vivid colors. The world has taken notice, and the company now exports to the U.S., the rest of Europe, and Japan.The current name in luxe leather goods is Lupo. Trading

Mango
Barcelona
Apart from Zara , Spain's other main fashion export is Mango, which in foreign countries often goes under the name MNG. Young, trendy, and mid-priced is the deal here, and although the range isn't quite as extensive as their main competitor's (nor do they do men's or children's wear), it's a sad day in Retailand when you can't find something here to pop on for that special evening out. If your visit coincides with the winter season, their suede and leather coats and jackets are definitely worth considering.Apart from Zara , Spain's other main fashion export is

Mantantial de Salud
Barcelona
This period shop sells dried medicinal herbs, aromatic pills and potions, and its own range of natural beauty products all displayed in pretty pale and green glass cabinets or large ceramic urns. Many locals pop in here for a natural cure to what ails them. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and used to dealing with foreigners, although you should look up a few key words in your dictionary beforehand.This period shop sells dried medicinal herbs, aromatic pills and

MNG Outlet
Barcelona
MNG is Mango, one of the biggest chains in Spain for young fashion. Their outlet store has items with taras (faults -- of varying dimensions) and last season's stock at the silliest of prices. It's not unusual to pick up a pair of jeans here for 10€ ($13) or a T-shirt for as low as 5€ ($6.25). There is also a good selection of shoes and bags at rock-bottom prices. It gets frustratingly busy on Saturdays. A few other outlet stores are located in the immediate vicinity.MNG is Mango, one of the biggest chains in Spain

Muxart
Barcelona
Hermenegildo Muxart knows how to make heels that appeal, offering sexy, cutting-edge shoes and handbags from his L'Eixample shop. A pair of black stilettos may feature a red disc on the toe, for example, or metallic sliver and electric blue leather plaited together with straw to form an intricate tapestry. While this may sound a bit faddy, Muxart knows when to draw in the reins, making a pair of his shoes an investment buy rather than an expensive whim.Hermenegildo Muxart knows how to make heels that appeal, offering

On Land
Barcelona
Although On Land is surrounded by hyper-trendy boutiques, the men's and women's clothing here is highly wearable; it's cross-generational without forfeiting a cutting edge. Their own label produces some well-cut trousers and jackets, and when complemented by one of Monte Ibáñez's hand-painted T-shirts you have a distinctive outfit.Although On Land is surrounded by hyper-trendy boutiques, the men's

Origins 99.9%
Barcelona
Purveyors of fine, exclusively Catalan foodstuffs (.1% being the margin of error, presumably), this shop sells olive oils from Lleida, mató (a fresh, ricotta-like cheese) from the mountains, and wines from the Penedès and Priorat regions. There is a cafe next door where you can try before you buy. This a good place to pick up presents for foodies back home. (Check regulations on what you can legally bring back to your country!)Purveyors of fine, exclusively Catalan foodstuffs (.1% being the margin

Pedralbes Centre
Barcelona
This two-story arcade focuses mainly on fashion. Check out the street and club wear from E4G and ZasTwo, froufrou party frocks by Puente Aereo, and the brightly colored quirky cloths of Agata Ruiz de la Prada.This two-story arcade focuses mainly on fashion. Check out the

Platamundi
Barcelona
The string of Platamundi stores offers highly affordable, high-quality pieces of silver, both imported and by local designers such as Ricardo Domingo, head of the jewelry wing of FAD, the city's design council. Seek out the pieces that combine silver with enamel work in Mediterranean shades.The string of Platamundi stores offers highly affordable, high-quality pieces

Ràfols
Barcelona
This store has beautiful made to order and hand-embroidered bed linen, towels, tablecloths, and other items for your trousseau. The nimble-fingered staff will whip up any design you like, and the pure cottons and linens used are pure heaven.This store has beautiful made to order and hand-embroidered bed

Rafa Teja Atelier
Barcelona
This shop has a sublime collection of wool, cotton, and silk scarves and shawls from India, Asia, and Spain, all neatly hung on wooden rails or folded into glorious, multicolored stacks. Whether it's a pashmina wrap, a mohair collar, or an extravagant shawl to match an evening dress, you are bound to unearth it here. They also do their own limited range of clothing, such as evening coats in Chinese brocades or sarong-style skirts in Indonesian batiks.This shop has a sublime collection of wool, cotton, and

Page 3 of 4 : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4






BOOK STORE
Frommer's Barcelona, 3rd Edition