Barcelona Souvenir Shopping: 17 Uniquely Spanish Things to Buy
Spain, in general, and Barcelona, in particular, are a treasure trove of all things exciting. Set your foot in Barcelona and you'll be spoiled for the choice of things worth trying and taking home. Before your head starts spinning, check this guide out to put yourself in the right direction.
(To visit the venues mentioned in this article, check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Barcelona)
Image Courtesy of: Justin Fincher
1. Cava
Cava got its name back in 1970 with the idea of distinguishing it from French champagne, the word meaning ‘Cave’ or ‘cellar’. Cava is rapidly gaining prominence in the world and rivaling champagne, 95% of all Catalan cava is made in Penedès in the vineyards surrounding the village of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, close to Barcelona. Cava is made up of three types of grape: Maccabee, which provides sweetness and fragrance; Parellada, which gives finesse, freshness and aroma; and Xarello, which gives the body and structure.
Two well known producers of cava in the region are Freixient and Cordorniu. Both of these Bodegas offer a wide range of cavas, with the most distinct and best-known being Anna de Cordorniu and Cordὸn Negro Reserva by Freixient. The Bodegueta on Rambla Catalunya serves a vast array of local cavas, all of which can be tried before purchase.
Two well known producers of cava in the region are Freixient and Cordorniu. Both of these Bodegas offer a wide range of cavas, with the most distinct and best-known being Anna de Cordorniu and Cordὸn Negro Reserva by Freixient. The Bodegueta on Rambla Catalunya serves a vast array of local cavas, all of which can be tried before purchase.
Where to find it:
Rambla de Cataluña 63 Mas in L’Illa gourmet court on Avinguda Diagonal 557
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2. Modernist Inspired Ceramics
Ceramics from Barcelona are well-known across the world. Brightly colored, hand-painted and inspired by the modernist movement led by famous architect Antonio Gaudi. The Gothic district is a maze of small streets which houses many small workshops and showrooms with ceramic plates, bowels and the famous Gaudi Lizard. All these shops, situated in the city’s old town within a walking distance of each other, are selling items inspired by such famous Catalan artists as Dali and Picasso. Molsa—Nou i Vell on Plaça Sant Josep Oriol 1 is a tradition in Barcelona known for quality ceramics at affordable prices; Itaca on Calle Ferran 26. There is even a pottery school – Eltorn on Carrer de Zamora 46 - which holds classes for aspiring ceramic makers on a once a week intensive basis and on week-ends as part of a team-building exercise for groups. They have ceramics on offer for every pocket, from €5 to €10 for individual plates, bowls and figures, such as mugs and plates, up to hundreds of euros for specialist items.
Where to find it:
Molsa—Nou i Vell on Plaça Sant Josep Oriol 1Itaca on Calle Ferran 26
Eltorn on Carrer de Zamora 46
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With GPSmyCity App you can read this article offline on your mobile device, use the embedded offline city map and GPS navigation, as well as create a self-guided walk to visit the venues featured in the article.
3. Cheese
The Pyranees mountains are just a short drive north of Barcelona and are famous for their cheese making, producing soft, flavorsome and creamy cheeses. The most typical of all the cheeses from Catalonia Pyranees region is ´Tupi,´ a fermented goat cheese with strong flavors which is designed for after dinner cheese and biscuits. Alt Urgell from the Cerdanya valley is also a very well known Catalan cheese; its soft creamy texture and fruity flavors make it the perfect cheese to drink with Penèdes white or rose wine. Val d’Aran is a mature cheese made of cow milk and semi cured to give it a strong rich taste, perfect with a glass of Penèdes reserve red wine.
All these cheeses can be purchased in Barcelona’s famous market, La Boquiera. Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8:30pm. The gourmet food hall in L’illa also has all of these cheeses and more traditional dairy products from Catalonia. The best place to get advice and a selected range is La fuente Colmado Quilez on Carrer Cerdanya 10; opening times 10am - 8:30pm. Prices range from €3 upwards, depending on your choice of cheese and quantity.
All these cheeses can be purchased in Barcelona’s famous market, La Boquiera. Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8:30pm. The gourmet food hall in L’illa also has all of these cheeses and more traditional dairy products from Catalonia. The best place to get advice and a selected range is La fuente Colmado Quilez on Carrer Cerdanya 10; opening times 10am - 8:30pm. Prices range from €3 upwards, depending on your choice of cheese and quantity.
Where to find it:
La Boquiera on La Rambla 91L’illa Avinguda on Avinguda Diagonal 557
La fuente Colmado Quilez on Carrer Cerdanya 10
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4. Catalan Sauces
The Mediterranean culture of quality food and fresh ingredients is abundant in Barcelona. Catalonia produces many sauces designed to be eaten with fresh vegetables, fish and meats. Romesco is one of Catalonia’s best known gourmet products, made from roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, almonds and garlic. Delicatessens all over Barcelona sell this sauce and its variations which are produced for eating Calçots, the Catalan variety of Green Onion grilled over coal or wood and then served with the sauce. Xato, a close variant, is designed to be eaten with an anchovy and cod salad or even the famous Catalan dish Xatonada, a typical dish of the Costa de Garraf, close to Barcelona.
Prices vary, depending on the make and origin, but usually range from €3 to €8. La fuente Colmado Quilez on Carrer Cerdanya 10, opening times 10am - 8:30pm, sell Romesco and all its variations precooked in jars. Barcelona’s gourmet hub and chef hangout, La Boquiera market on La Rambla 91 - opening times 8am to 8:30pm - sells and gives advice on the best way to cook with these incredible sauces. The gourmet section of El Corte Ingles Plaça Catalunya 14 is a great place to peruse the wonders of Catalan food and purchase a jar or two of Catalonia’s famous sauce.
Prices vary, depending on the make and origin, but usually range from €3 to €8. La fuente Colmado Quilez on Carrer Cerdanya 10, opening times 10am - 8:30pm, sell Romesco and all its variations precooked in jars. Barcelona’s gourmet hub and chef hangout, La Boquiera market on La Rambla 91 - opening times 8am to 8:30pm - sells and gives advice on the best way to cook with these incredible sauces. The gourmet section of El Corte Ingles Plaça Catalunya 14 is a great place to peruse the wonders of Catalan food and purchase a jar or two of Catalonia’s famous sauce.
Where to find it:
La fuente Colmado Quilez on Carrer Cerdanya 10 La Boquiera on La Rambla
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5. Jewellry
Contemporary and art nouveau jewelry making in Barcelona dates back to 1839, when the city had its own silversmith and goldsmith neighborhoods where several well-known local names specialized in precious metals and painting.
One famous name that still exists today is Bagues, located in emblematic Casa Ametller on Passeig de Gracia 41, using styles influenced by Mediterranean culture and traditional Catalan jewelry making. Another traditional jewelers, Tomas Colomer, has existed in Barcelona since 1870, located in the central shopping street Portal del Angel 7, opening times 10am-8pm. The shop sells a range of rings, and necklaces produced in their own workshop. Tous is a worldwide known chain of jewelers originated in Catalonia back in 1920. Using contemporary styles in jewelry designing that is perfectly suited to current fashions, the iconic teddy bear of Tous has become its mascot with many pendants and necklaces featuring the “bear” designs. The new collection entitled ‘dance’, features a necklace with the iconic bear in a sterling silver and blue agate finish at around €169 and bear earrings with pearl in sterling silver at around €48. Tous has various locations around the city and can be found at Passeig de Gracia 99, Rambla Catalunya 66, opening times 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and L’illa shopping center Avenguda Diagonal 557 (9:30am to 9pm).
One famous name that still exists today is Bagues, located in emblematic Casa Ametller on Passeig de Gracia 41, using styles influenced by Mediterranean culture and traditional Catalan jewelry making. Another traditional jewelers, Tomas Colomer, has existed in Barcelona since 1870, located in the central shopping street Portal del Angel 7, opening times 10am-8pm. The shop sells a range of rings, and necklaces produced in their own workshop. Tous is a worldwide known chain of jewelers originated in Catalonia back in 1920. Using contemporary styles in jewelry designing that is perfectly suited to current fashions, the iconic teddy bear of Tous has become its mascot with many pendants and necklaces featuring the “bear” designs. The new collection entitled ‘dance’, features a necklace with the iconic bear in a sterling silver and blue agate finish at around €169 and bear earrings with pearl in sterling silver at around €48. Tous has various locations around the city and can be found at Passeig de Gracia 99, Rambla Catalunya 66, opening times 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and L’illa shopping center Avenguda Diagonal 557 (9:30am to 9pm).
Where to find it:
Casa Ametller on Passeig de Gracia Tous on Passeig de Gracia 99
Tous on Rambla Catalunya 66
L’illa Shopping Center on Avenguda Diagonal 557
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6. Barcelona Fashion
Fast becoming one of the world´s leading fashion producers, Barcelona is at the cutting edge of modernist inspired fashions. Desigual is one of the city’s most famous designers with tremendous success emulating on the world fashion stage. Desigual is big on alternating patchwork patterns.
Desigual have just released a line of clothes and accessories inspired by Cirque de Soleil, featuring colorful patterns and circus style designs and imagery; for example, the expression t-shirt with clown face (€49) and Silluette circus style bag with blue and red covering (€69). Desigual can be found on Plaça de Catalunya, (10am to 9pm) and Carrer de la Diputació 323.
Desigual have just released a line of clothes and accessories inspired by Cirque de Soleil, featuring colorful patterns and circus style designs and imagery; for example, the expression t-shirt with clown face (€49) and Silluette circus style bag with blue and red covering (€69). Desigual can be found on Plaça de Catalunya, (10am to 9pm) and Carrer de la Diputació 323.
Where to find it:
L´ílla on Avinguda Diagonal Desigual on Passeig de Gracia
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7. Porcelain Figures
The story of Porcelain figures in Spain has a long history dating all the way back to the time of Arabic occupation in the 14th Century. This fine art is a closely guarded secret passed down through family generations that have grown with their industry and workshops. The figures are made from a hard-paste Porcelain and the glaze finish they use is a trade secret. There are two main family businesses that dominate the world of Porcelain figures in Spain; Nadal and Lladro. Nadal specializes in figures of children undertaking activities such as fishing, playing football, etc. Their most famous line is the Egyptian collection titled “Offering to Osiris" with prices starting around €300. Lladro is more internationally known of the two and exports all over the world. The range of porcelain figurines it produces is immense, from small animals figures at around €30 to large limited edition pieces at €3000 to €4000 to one-off sculptures costing up to €10,000. There is literally something for everyone and is a must for the avid porcelain collector.
There are several places in Barcelona where it can be purchased: Lladro Porcelain Pacheco is probably the most famous outlet in Barcelona, situated on the Passeig de Gràcia. The Boutique Lladro on Passeig de Gracia 101 sells many fine items and is open 11am to 8pm. Both Nadal and Lladro can be bought in El Corte Ingles on the Placa Catalunya, open 9am to 9pm.
There are several places in Barcelona where it can be purchased: Lladro Porcelain Pacheco is probably the most famous outlet in Barcelona, situated on the Passeig de Gràcia. The Boutique Lladro on Passeig de Gracia 101 sells many fine items and is open 11am to 8pm. Both Nadal and Lladro can be bought in El Corte Ingles on the Placa Catalunya, open 9am to 9pm.
Where to find it:
Lladro Porcelain Pacheco on Las Ramblas 115 The Boutique Lladro on Passeig de Gracia 101
El Corte Ingles on Plaça Catalunya 14
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8. Biscuits
Catalonia has a biscuit tradition, born back in the 18th century, to celebrate holy and festive days. Now the biscuits of Catalonia are commonplace, known as Panellets which means "little bread". There are many variations of these biscuits, some are made with chestnuts and sweet potatoes and enjoyed as an early evening snack usually accompanied with sweet wine. The biscuits come in a variety of shapes and colors and are often made of marzipan and pine nuts and varnished in egg white. Birba is a family company from Girona, which has been in business since 1910, using 100% natural ingredients. They make artisanal biscuits with a wide selection of assorted gift boxes, of 150g and more, costing from €7 apiece. Unlike other brands, in Birba, each type of biscuit has its own particular composition which is totally different from the rest. This gives it a characteristic taste that is enhanced by the name of each particular individual biscuit: Cubano, Nuria, Costa Bona, Fruit d'Or, Crema del Canigó, Bescuit, Brisalet de Chocolate, Boer de Coco, Pirinaic de Chocolate, Ametllat, Croqueta.
Birba biscuits can be found at El Corte Ingles, Plaça Catalunya 14 which stocks the full assortment of biscuits in its gourmet section, and at La Fuente Colmado Quilez at Carrer Cerdanya 10, (opening times 10am - 8:30pm) who pride themselves on acknowledging all the Catalan biscuits and stocking a complete assortment. Mauri on Rambla Catalunya 102 also stock a wide range of biscuits and sweet wine muscatel to accompany them.
Birba biscuits can be found at El Corte Ingles, Plaça Catalunya 14 which stocks the full assortment of biscuits in its gourmet section, and at La Fuente Colmado Quilez at Carrer Cerdanya 10, (opening times 10am - 8:30pm) who pride themselves on acknowledging all the Catalan biscuits and stocking a complete assortment. Mauri on Rambla Catalunya 102 also stock a wide range of biscuits and sweet wine muscatel to accompany them.
Where to find it:
El Corte Ingles on Plaça Catalunya 14La Fuente Colmado Quilez on Carrer Cerdanya 10
Mauri on Rambla Catalunya 102
9. Modernist Books
The ever changing face of Barcelona is a modernist architectural dream full of creations by such pioneers of the modernist movement as Antoni Gaudi and Lluís Domenech i Montaner who led it from 1888 to 1911 and made Barcelona the amusement park of modernism it is today, the city of wonders. The culture of Catalonia wanted to be known and recognized at the same level as other major European cities which gave rise to the modernist movement set to project Barcelona into the 20th Century.
There are many well-known books on modernist movement, including "The Palimpsest of Barcelona" by Joan Barril and Pere Vivas covering the history of the city, from its Roman beginnings right up to the modern day, and its place as a wonder of modern Europe. "A stroll through modernist Barcelona" by Lluís Permanyer covers 46 of the city’s most interesting buildings, describing the history of buildings in relation to Barcelona. "Gaudi, The Complete Buildings" by Rainer Zerbst is a biography and history of the man who spearheaded the modernist art nouveau revolution and one of the best-known geniuses of architecture. All these books are in English and can be purchased at Casa del libre, Passeig de Gracia 62 (opening hours 9am to 9pm) and El Corte Ingles in Placa Catalunya 14 (opening hours 9am to 9pm) and Fnac in Placa Catalunya 4, opening hours 9:30am to 9pm.
There are many well-known books on modernist movement, including "The Palimpsest of Barcelona" by Joan Barril and Pere Vivas covering the history of the city, from its Roman beginnings right up to the modern day, and its place as a wonder of modern Europe. "A stroll through modernist Barcelona" by Lluís Permanyer covers 46 of the city’s most interesting buildings, describing the history of buildings in relation to Barcelona. "Gaudi, The Complete Buildings" by Rainer Zerbst is a biography and history of the man who spearheaded the modernist art nouveau revolution and one of the best-known geniuses of architecture. All these books are in English and can be purchased at Casa del libre, Passeig de Gracia 62 (opening hours 9am to 9pm) and El Corte Ingles in Placa Catalunya 14 (opening hours 9am to 9pm) and Fnac in Placa Catalunya 4, opening hours 9:30am to 9pm.
Where to find it:
Casa del libre on Passeig de Gracia 62Fnac on Placa Catalunya 4
El Corte Ingles on Plaça Catalunya 14
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10. Penedès Wine
The wine region of Penedès close to Barcelona extends from the Serralada Pre-litoral mountain range to the Mediterranean Sea and has been producing wine since the 9th century. The region cultivates some of Spain's most interesting wines. The most famous and probably the largest of bodegas (wineries) in Penedès is Miguel Torres producing a wide range of wines and brandies. This bodega has enjoyed much praise from the wine world, including European Winery of the Year title awarded by Wine Enthusiast magazine in 2006. Among their most famous brands are the Atrium line featuring white Chardonnay €9, red Cabinet Sauvignon €11 and red Merlot, around €8. The crowning glory of the Torres Penedès wine selection is The Reserva Real, priced around €123, named after Juan Carlos, the king of Spain, following his visit to the winery. This wine is made from the grapes grown at high altitude and refined in new oak barrels imported from France.
Vinitus, located in the shopping center l’illa at Avinguda Diagonal 557, opening times 9:30am-9.30pm, sells all the aforementioned wines and more from the local region, each of which can also be tasted before purchasing. In the same shopping center, in the food hall, Vinis i Brindis offers a vast selection of local wines, including Mas La Plana by Torres, costing around €46. The well-known Lafuente Colmado Quilez (Carrer Cerdanya, 10; opening times 10am - 8:30pm), sells an extensive collection of wines from the Penedès region, including Santa Creu de Creixa from the Sumarroca bodega. This gourmet shop, dedicated to Barcelona´s best food and drink, offers advice to novice wine buyers.
Vinitus, located in the shopping center l’illa at Avinguda Diagonal 557, opening times 9:30am-9.30pm, sells all the aforementioned wines and more from the local region, each of which can also be tasted before purchasing. In the same shopping center, in the food hall, Vinis i Brindis offers a vast selection of local wines, including Mas La Plana by Torres, costing around €46. The well-known Lafuente Colmado Quilez (Carrer Cerdanya, 10; opening times 10am - 8:30pm), sells an extensive collection of wines from the Penedès region, including Santa Creu de Creixa from the Sumarroca bodega. This gourmet shop, dedicated to Barcelona´s best food and drink, offers advice to novice wine buyers.
Where to find it:
La fuente Colmado on Carrer Cerdanya 10
11. Artisanal Chocolates
Barcelona has a strong history of artisanal handmade chocolates. It is a home to Gremi de Pastisseria de Barcelona, the city's pastry making guild and school which strongly promotes the use of base products in the making of pastries and chocolates in an artisanal fashion. The museum next to the school, El Museu de la Xocolata, opening times 10am-7pm Monday to Saturday and Sunday 10am-3pm, features chocolate sculptures of some of Barcelona’s best-known architectural wonders, including a detailed chocolate model of Sagrada Familia. The museum also holds artisanal chocolate tastings and its shop showcases some of the school's recently made products.
Probably the most famous traditional chocolatier of Barcelona and one of the best sweet makers in Spain, Escriba, is considered to be the pillar of Barcelona's artisanal chocolate tradition. It has three shops in the city at La Rambla de les Flors 83, La Gran via 546 and Ronda litoral 42. Cacao Sampaka at Calle Consell de Cent 292 (opening hours 10am to 8:30pm Monday to Saturday) sells an incredible range of artisanal chocolates at very reasonable prices. Gift boxes featuring an assortment of various designs and flavors are available for as little as €10.
Probably the most famous traditional chocolatier of Barcelona and one of the best sweet makers in Spain, Escriba, is considered to be the pillar of Barcelona's artisanal chocolate tradition. It has three shops in the city at La Rambla de les Flors 83, La Gran via 546 and Ronda litoral 42. Cacao Sampaka at Calle Consell de Cent 292 (opening hours 10am to 8:30pm Monday to Saturday) sells an incredible range of artisanal chocolates at very reasonable prices. Gift boxes featuring an assortment of various designs and flavors are available for as little as €10.
Where to find it:
La Rambla de les Flors 83La Gran via 546
Ronda litoral 42
12. Shoes
Barcelona has a long tradition of leather shoe-making, going back two centuries. The Espadrille shoe is an ecological light shoe made of natural materials: vegetable fiber, hemp, jute and esparto for the sole and with cotton or linen for the instep. Shoe design and overall look can vary and often has canvas used for extra protection. The Espadrille footwear is a current fashion in the city. Located in the Gothic district at Calle Avinyó 7, is the well-known La Manual Alpargatera, opening times 10am-8pm. The shoes in this store are made in a traditional artisan way to ensure comfort during the long hot summer months. Camper, located at L’illa Avinguda Diagonal 557, is big on strong colorful designs. It has a collection that reflects the sponsorship of the current world Ocean race. The Beetle boot, inspired by the Ocean race, is available in mid-cut boot version with a side zipper, and is made of black leather with a nubuck finish, costing around €145.
Where to find it:
La Manual Alpargatera on Calle Avinyó 7Camper located in L’illa on Avinguda Diagonal 557
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13. Wine Porron
A symbol of traditional Catalonia, wine Porron is a drinking vessel from the days gone by, designed to minimize contact of wine with air. It was also used as a measurement vessel before the liter was introduced. The design of Porron is a funnel with a spout where the liquid is poured from. It was mentioned by Ernest Hemingway in his book, Homage to Catalonia. Porron also serves as a social drinking device. The vessel can be passed around the table and drunk without anyone's lips touching the glass. Porron is still used in some select restaurants to serve after dinner cognacs and wine to the more intrepid drinkers. Wine Porron can also be used to store olive oil and, today, finds itself widely adapted for that purpose. Prices start from €35 and depend on the make and whether the vessel has been hand-blown by artisan glass makers. El Corte Ingles in central Plaça Catalunya 14 sells decorative Porrones featuring motifs and coats of arms from Catalonia.
Where to find it:
El Corte Ingles on Plaça Catalunya 14
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14. La Barretina
Barretina, simply meaning “a cap”, is a bag-like woolen hat that usually comes in red or purple. Its history goes back to 1789. After the French revolution, it was worn as a symbol of the Republic, but later it was revitalized by Salvador Dali who wore it on his travels around the world. Today, it is not rare to see people wearing this hat on the national holidays of Catalonia. Prices begin from €30 depending on the make and the quality. The emblematic hat shop: Sombrerería Obach Carrer del Call, 2 in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, opened in 1924. It works Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm and from 3:30pm-7pm, and Saturday from 10am-2pm and 3:30pm-7pm, and sells the traditional version of the hat which can also be fitted to size. Sombrerería mil Barcelona at Calle Fontanella, 20 (opening times 10am to 8pm) takes the idea one step further with a variation of styles and colors, including a tartan Scottish style and modernist floral designs. El Corte Ingles in Plaça Catalunya has a section dedicated to national Catalan clothing and accessories where you can purchase La Barretina, clothing and the national flag.
Where to find it:
Sombrerería Obach on Carrer del Call 2Sombrerería mil Barcelona on Calle Fontanella
15. Barcelona Football Club Merchandise
Currently one of the best and most successful football clubs in the world, Barcelona has won 4 UEFA Champions Leagues and a record 4 UEFA cups. The face-off with rivals Madrid is known as ‘El Classico’ and stirs Catalan passion; on a match day expect to see a sea of Barça flags flying on balconies and bars and cafés full to bursting. Considered to be one of the world’s best players and a successor to the mythical Diego Maradona is Lionel Messi. Averaging 40 goals in a season, however, he is not the only football ‘superstar’ playing for Barcelona.
Andres Iniesta, Xavi, and Cesc Fabregas, as well as the coach Pep Guardiola, are some of the other well-known names in the world of soccer. There are various outlets throughout the city where you can buy Barcelona football club merchandise. There is a FC Botiga Megastore at Barcelona’s Central Plaza Catalunya 23 and Sants Railway station. Of course, you can buy the club items almost anywhere in Barcelona at varying prices, however, a great many of these are not officially recognized by the club.
Andres Iniesta, Xavi, and Cesc Fabregas, as well as the coach Pep Guardiola, are some of the other well-known names in the world of soccer. There are various outlets throughout the city where you can buy Barcelona football club merchandise. There is a FC Botiga Megastore at Barcelona’s Central Plaza Catalunya 23 and Sants Railway station. Of course, you can buy the club items almost anywhere in Barcelona at varying prices, however, a great many of these are not officially recognized by the club.
Where to find it:
F C Botiga Megastore in Estacio Central Barcelona Sants
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16. Perfumes
In 1936 the Perfume Museum opened in Barcelona, but the human sense of smell had been catered for in the city from as early as the Roman times. In fact, the film "Perfume: Story of a Murderer", released in 2006, was filmed in and around Barcelona. Along with big name fashion brands, Barcelona has its own perfumeries, small brands produced by expert perfumeros. Ramon Monegal is a small boutique perfumery located at Carrer Calvet, 3 (open Monday to Friday 9am - 2pm and 3pm to 8:30pm Saturday from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 8.30pm). Ramon Monegal´s Entre Naranjos ("between orange trees") combines freshness of the air, happy and vital dew-soaked orange blossom with freshness of the orange skin and green leaves set against the background of sap wood and amber orange (costing around €70). Luxana in Via Augusta, founded in 1941, is another boutique perfumerie that specializes in fresh floral fragrances, such as Everland, which features notes of grapefruit and green mandarin surrounded in a fine woodsy background of musk and white cedar.
An exclusive range of perfumes has been marketed by the famous Barcelona designer, Custo. They launched their Parfums range in 2008 to compliment his equally exclusive range of women's clothes. The latest perfumes are "Pure Custo Women", priced at around €34, and Eau de Toilette Woman priced at around €47 for 50ml. The brand also caters for men. Launched in 2009, "Custo Man" is priced around €32 for 50ml. Custo perfumes can be found at the shopping center l’ílla at Avinguda Diagonal 557 (opening times 9:30am-9pm) and Ramon Monegal at Carrer Calvet 3.
An exclusive range of perfumes has been marketed by the famous Barcelona designer, Custo. They launched their Parfums range in 2008 to compliment his equally exclusive range of women's clothes. The latest perfumes are "Pure Custo Women", priced at around €34, and Eau de Toilette Woman priced at around €47 for 50ml. The brand also caters for men. Launched in 2009, "Custo Man" is priced around €32 for 50ml. Custo perfumes can be found at the shopping center l’ílla at Avinguda Diagonal 557 (opening times 9:30am-9pm) and Ramon Monegal at Carrer Calvet 3.
Where to find it:
Luxana on Via Augusta L’illa on Avinguda Diagonal 557
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17. Spanish Jamon Iberico
The very pinnacle of Spanish gourmet produce is, without a doubt, Jamon Iberico, also known as Pata Negra - the cured leg of an Iberian pig. This product is highly present in the tapas lifestyle of Barcelona, where a plate of good quality ham will only set you back about €5. Buying your own leg or pata can be a little more complicated. The highest quality ham is known as Jamon Iberico de Bellota which comes from free range pigs that are left to feed on a diet of acorns. The lifestyle of the pig has a significant impact on the taste and Jamon iberico de Bellota is considered to be one of the world’s most sought after gourmet items. Jamón ibérico de Recebo is the next grade where the pig is fed on a diet of grain and acorns, the third type is Jamón ibérico de Cebo where the pig is simply fed on grain.
A leg of Bellota can set you back €185- €350, depending on origin and quality, at Mas in L’Illa gourmet court at Avinguda Diagonal 575 (Open 9:30am – 9.30pm). A separate cut of pre-sealed 100g costs around €12,50. At the well known Jamon workshop - Andreu - in the same food court you can expect to pay about €50 per kilo, again, depending on the quality. Both shops are well-known for their choice cuts and expert Jamoneros are on hand to give advice.
A leg of Bellota can set you back €185- €350, depending on origin and quality, at Mas in L’Illa gourmet court at Avinguda Diagonal 575 (Open 9:30am – 9.30pm). A separate cut of pre-sealed 100g costs around €12,50. At the well known Jamon workshop - Andreu - in the same food court you can expect to pay about €50 per kilo, again, depending on the quality. Both shops are well-known for their choice cuts and expert Jamoneros are on hand to give advice.
Where to find it:
Mas in L’Illa Gourmet Court on Avinguda Diagonal 575
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Other Interesting Souvenirs from Spain
If traveling to Spain is not on your immediate agenda, or you simply can't afford an extra space in your luggage, fortunately, these days, you can find a wide selection of authentic and truly interesting Spanish souvenirs online. Presented here are some of the Spanish products sought by foreign visitors, now available online for your convenience.
1. Flamenco Music - What appears to some like an infusion of Arab culture into a European one, Flamenco music by now has become an inseparable part of the fiery Spanish tradition, closely associated with a classical guitar. Still, guitar is just one of the three major parts of Flamenco as an art form; the other two being song and dance. Originated in the southern regions of Spain, over the years, Flamenco has been influenced by many world cultures, such as Christian, Jewish, Gypsy, and later by Latin American and Cuban.
2. Flamenco Castanets - Wherever there's Spanish Flamenco to be heard, there's an unmistakably recognized sound of Flamenco castanets. Often played by singers or dancers alike, despite a popular belief, castanets are not commonly used in the flamenco dance, except for its two specific forms: zambra and siguiriyas. The actual name (castañuelas) derives from the diminutive form of castaña, which is the Spanish for chestnut, which they resemble. In Andalusia, they are commonly referred to as palillos (little sticks), and this is the name by which they are known in flamenco.
3. Gourmet Cheeses - Just as any other Mediterranean cuisine, Spanish cannot be imagined with gourmet cheeses. Their variety is rich and comprises cheeses made from both cow's and goat's milk, boasting delightful flavors (mild, sweet, fruity, etc.), colors (from creamy white to rich purple, if cured in red wine), various degrees of saltiness, scents and texture (soft, medium, or hard). Ideal corporate or holiday gift for someone special. Best served with fresh fruits and Spanish red wine.
4. Spanish Saffron - Saffron, or azafrán in Spanish, is an essential ingredient of paella, and ultimately makes any Spanish dish taste more authentic. Spanish Saffron is also renowned for its medicinal properties, working as an antidepressant (relieving from mental stress) and helping to improve eyesight, weak memory, blood pressure and retention of power. Saffron is commonly used as an added flavor to a number of seafood dishes, such as bouillabaisses & paella, rice, as well as tea.
5. Bota (Leather Wine Bottle) -A real bota wineskin from Spain is a beautiful thing, handmade following the lessons handed down over centuries. This bota can carry wine, water or any other refreshing drink wherever you go – be it on a bike ride, a picnic, or a hike through the forest. Share a drink with your friends and add the romance of old Spain to your next gathering.
6.Traditional Turrón -Turrón (or Torrone) is a traditional Spanish sweet made of honey, sugar, egg white, and roasted almonds (around 60% of the content). This smooth nougat confection that can enjoyed at any festive occasion as a healthy snack or fine dessert. A piece of timeless Christmas tradition in Spain not to be missed!
7. Handmade Espardenyes -Inspired by the hot Mediterranean climate, classic "Espardenya" - genuine classic flat Spanish espadrille - are the lightweight shoes made of natural jute rope, premium leather.
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Walking Tours in Barcelona, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Barcelona
Creating your own self-guided walk in Barcelona is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Gothic Quarter Walking Tour
A walk through the Gothic Quarter – Barcelona’s oldest part, dating from the Roman era – is like a journey through time. The typical Roman grid plan is still visible in the quarter's layout. Only a few roads are open for car traffic, so there is little in the way of enjoying the narrow, atmospheric streets filled with high-quality architecture, numerous boutiques, and coffee shops.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Barcelona Shopping Walk
A long-time prime cultural destination, Barcelona is also en route to becoming one of Europe's top shopping spots. Each new day, fashionable designer stores, from well-known international brands to local start-ups, are filling the city streets. If you're a fan of shopping, you're in for a treat when visiting this beautiful city. Here are some of the most popular shopping locations... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
La Ribera Walking Tour
La Ribera is a culturally rich, historic area of Barcelona’s Old Town; somewhat less touristy than the Gothic Quarter (which one should really visit as well) and quite unspoiled, authentic and pretty. Centuries ago, it was a very well-to-do neighborhood inhabited by aristocrats, merchants, wealthy sailors, and Jewish money-lenders. Today, it is regarded as the Soho of Barcelona – a popular... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles