The top 3 premium shopping streets in Barcelona

Barcelona may not be as well known as other European cities for its shopping hotspots, but if you’re looking for some retail therapy in a beautiful setting, then the Catalan capital will definitely have something for you. From unique boutiques to big brands, including some of the best designers around, here we give you the best places for premium shopping in Barcelona. Passeig de Gràcia Paris has Les Champs Elyseés, Rome has Via Condotti, and Barcelona has Passeig de Gràcia. This magnificent boulevard is graced by two of Gaudí’s most important masterpieces, the Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, as well as many more magnificent buildings dating back from Barcelona’s architectural golden age of Modernism. The city’s only Perfume Museum can be found inside Perfumeria Regia, where you can discover the history of fragrance and its exquisite bottles. A privilege card is available for Passeig de Gràcia, which can be used in over 80 of its premium establishments, including restaurants, stores and cultural venues. Special gifts, offers and discounts are available to card-holders, and it can be obtained through travel agencies. Many of the most prestigious fashion shops and brands in Barcelona are located here, including Bvlgari, Gucci, Hermès, Prada, Emporio Armani, Jimmy Choo, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Illustrious Spanish and Catalan brands mix amongst the international names. Collectable ceramics by Lladró make original and exquisite gifts. The teddy bear that conquered the world can be seen adorning the stylish jewellery and accessories of Tous. Loewe’s range of luxury leather bags is second to none, and their flagship store is located in the magnificent Casa Lleo i Morera, a masterpiece of Modernism by the architect Domènech i Montaner and top craftsmanship of mosaics, ceramics, sculptures and glass. Barcelona fashion emporium Desigual combine Mediterranean vibrancy with innovative modern style. Bags by Lupo whisper class and style. Fashionable brand Lacoste offers chic seasonal outfits and elegant casual wear. The luxurious multibrand store Santa Eulàlia stocks elite brands such as Stella McCartney, Christian Louboutin, Balenciaga and Céline. Rabat jewellers is synonymous with innovation and the avant garde, their fine jewellery sparkles at the most prestigious occasions. Carrera i Carrera display intricate jewellery collections; Tiffany’s exclusive store below the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is the only one in Spain. You can also find great gifts and accessories at Swarovski. Rambla Catalunya This boulevard crosses the Modernist Eixample district and leads from Plaça Catalunya to Diagonal. One of the trendiest shopping streets in Barcelona, international brands and exquisite local designers present their latest offerings in its small boutiques and larger stores. Tapas bars and restaurants have their terraces on the rambla, a large central pedestrian walkway. This is an ideal place to stop for a rest in between shopping. The famous Pastisseries Mauri specialises in fine cakes, chocolate and teas; its elegant décor attracts a privileged public who appreciate its quality. Lacoste is an important international brand with several stores in Barcelona, and their distinctive cuts and accessories can also be found in Rambla Catalunya. You’ll find top craftsmanship at Mayol Sabateria, artisan shoemakers since 1890 who opened their first shop in Paris in 2003. Nino Alvarez sells premium clothing and accessories brands for men, such as Herno, Boglioli, Lardini, Incotex and Hogan, reputed for their quality textiles and materials. Creative jewellery adorns Uno de Cinquenta a Spanish artisan concept which is now present in 40 countries worldwide. Another renowned store is the Catalan Aramis boutique, founded in 1969 and offering a classy range of clothing for ladies and gentlemen. Erre de Raso welcome each new season with style and simplicity. If you’re looking for luxurious lingerie, a visit to La Perla is a must. Diagonal This wide avenue has been recently renovated, and its tree-lined pedestrian promenade touches the doorstep of many elegant shops and boutiques. The shopping area of Avinguda Diagonal stretches from the top of Passeig de Gràcia to Plaça Francesc Macià and continues towards Maria Cristina, in Les Corts. Magnificent buildings and offices are located here, such as the Palau Robert, which has cultural exhibitions and a tourist office inside, and the offices of the Planeta publishing group with their cascades of greenery on the walls. There are plenty of quality restaurants and excellent bars in this chic part of town. You’ll find a large Corte Inglés department store in the neighbourhood of Les Corts which has carefully selected collections from the best national and international brands in fashion, accessories, perfume, and more. L’Illa has more than 170 establishments spread over three floors; top brands, great gifts, and luxury to suit every taste. Its avant-garde design won the FAD prize in 1994. The Pedralbes Centre brings together fashion, ecodesign and gourmet foods in its stylish complex. Many shops specialising in interior design and home decoration can be found here, such as Pilma Rimowa which also includes the Rimowa luxury suitcase and travel accessories range. Jewellery stores include the Unión Suiza, founded in 1840 and still one of the most prestigious jewellers in the city. You’ll also find Art Jeweller Boutique with a range of exclusive collections for men and women , and Puig Doria, pioneers in Spain with their first line of silver jewellery. Sandra Roig is Marketing Director at Apartment Barcelona. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.