City breaks: a shopping trip to Barcelona
Barcelona has plenty to see and do all year round, and winter is no exception. The city is filled with a cosmopolitan buzz, and shoppers can enjoy browsing the markets and high streets looking for New Year bargains. You’ll also find plenty of delicious treats can always be found in the bars and restaurants for whenever you need a break. If youre thinking of a city break to start the New Year, Barcelona might just be the perfect destination.
This stylish and cosmopolitan city has it all, from the most popular brand stores in shopping areas such as Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla Catalunya, to delightful little boutiques in Barcelona’s old town. The Born district, home to the magnificent Gothic church of Santa Maria del Mar is full of shops that offer Mediterranean inspired fashion by local designers.
Take a wander down streets such as Carrer dels Flassanders and Carrer del Rec you’ll find them back to back with interesting shops piled high with ladies fashion, artisan jewellery and trendy menswear. Mercat Princesa on Carrer Flassanders is a lovely place to stop for lunch or a coffee, if you’re in the Born.
Other good neighbourhoods for boutique shopping are the Gothic district and Gracia. High street chic can be found in Carrer Portaferrissa, just off La Rambla, whilst on LaRambla itself you’ll find Catalan designs at Desigual, Spanish boots of Spanish leather at Corbetto’s boots, and the department store El Corte Ingles.
If you prefer to concentrate all of your shopping in one small area then the convenience of a shopping centre will certainly appeal. This is city known for its architecture and elegance, and its shopping centres are no exception. Some of the most popular spots include Maremagnum, at the bottom of La Rambla, Glòries, which is next to the iconic multicoloured gherkin building, and Las Arenas.
Las Arenas was previously a bullring and its new incarnation as a modern shopping and entertainment complex has preserved the architecture of the bullring. The top floor has several lovely restaurants and cafes where you can relax and enjoy great views over Plaza Espanya and Montjuic.
Youll find huge discounts after the 6th January, with many shops offering up to 70% off or more. The sales generally continue until the end of February, or until stocks run out. Yes, Barcelona is a wonderful city to visit any time of year. But it does have a special charm about it during the winter holidays.
Sandra Roig is Marketing Director at Apartment Barcelona.
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I was actually positively surprised by the restaurants on the top floor of Las Arenas, good food and killer views!