Overview

One of the pleasures of shopping in Barcelona is the aesthetic joy that comes from being on shopping sprees that involve weaving in and out and around the many historic landmarks common to the shopping areas.

In this era of identity theft, Barcelona shops often insist that you display photographic identification if you plan to use a credit card.

Shopping hours vary from shopping district to shopping district and from store to store. In general, stores that make their living from the tourist trade will be open six, sometimes seven days of the week. And they will probably stay open throughout the afternoon as opposed to smaller traditional shops which will still honor the custom of closing for a couple of hours after lunch before reopening in the late afternoon. Some of these traditional shops may also be open only briefly on the weekend-- usually, Saturday morning.

Taxes

There's double-digit sales tax on non-food items. If you are a resident of a non-European Union (EU) country, some of the tax can be recouped by shopping where you see "Tax-Free Shopping" signs. Ask for a refund check for your purchases. This will enable you to request a tax refund at the airport after clearing customs and before leaving the country. The refunded amount is the IVA (Spanish) or Value Added Tax (VAT in English). The refund checks can be converted to cash, credit on a credit card or banker's check at special airport shops. Ask store personnel, your travel advisor or airport personnel for detailed information.

Exclusive Shops

Passeig de Gràcia can trace its ancestry back to Roman times. It didn't evolve into an important thoroughfare it was born an important thoroughfare. Today this is where you will find the high-end fashion boutiques such as Chanel.

Between trips to the cashier to ring up another purchase take time to notice the expansive and expressive architecture lining the boulevard. including Antonio Gaudi's famous Casa Mila at number 92.

The Eixample and the middle of the nearby Diagonal also cater to those with deep pockets.

One of a Kind

For funkier and unique items check out the Barri Gotic, the Raval and the Born areas. These shopping areas have an abundance of owner-operated stores with a limited but faithful clientele. It also attracts a more youthful consumer or those who pride themselves on being outside the mainstream.

Antiques

The Barri Gotic and the Bulevard dels Antiquaris are your best bets with nearly 100 antique dealers between them. The Eixample also has a number of shops. Each Thursday, except during August, an antiques market is held in front of the cathedral at Placa Nova in the Barri Gotic.

Department Stores and Shopping Complexes

Barcelona has a number of huge retail outlets including the ubiquitous El Corte Ingles, Barcelona Glories, L'Illa and La Maquinista.