Best Things to Buy in Barcelona That You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

The city of Barcelona is a true treasure trove of unique things to buy. The local economy thrives on small, independent businesses that provide goods from women’s leather bags to children’s clothing and everything in between.

Con tantas opciones, he aquí algunos artículos únicos para llevar de vuelta a casa cuando visite esta encantadora ciudad.

Consejos de los barceloneses para comprar lo mejor en Barcelona

Navegar por los tesoros del FC Barcelona

• Espardenyes Spotlight: Among the best things to buy in Barcelona are the espardenyes. These aren’t just shoes; they are a testament to Barcelona’s rich history. Once worn by fishermen and peasants, they’ve transformed into a modern-day fashion statement. Their diverse colors, designs, and sizes cater to all tastes, making them a must-have for those looking to immerse themselves in Spanish culture.

• Consejo: For football enthusiasts, delve deeper into the world of FC Barcelona souvenirs. Some shops offer unique designs featuring the emblematic club’s emblem, making them both a sports memento and a fashion accessory. These are among the most authentic Barcelona souvenirs you can bring back!

“When in Barcelona, you don’t just buy things; you collect memories through the items you bring back home.”

 Tiendas de recuerdos: Más allá de lo habitual

• Le esperan diseños únicos: Push past the clichés and dive into the treasure troves of Barcelona’s souvenir shops. Alongside picture frames and shot glasses, discover hand-painted fans, flamenco-inspired items, and even artisanal leather goods.
• Gemas de la calle Grey: Nestled in the heart of Barcelona, Grey Street on Carrer del Peu de la Creu is not just a shopping destination but an experience. From handcrafted jewelry by local artisans to textile items with traditional Catalan patterns, it’s a place where every item tells a story, making it a hub for authentic Barcelona souvenirs.

Saboree la magia de los vinos blancos

• Llamada del Cava: Entre las mejores cosas que comprar en Barcelona, no puede faltar el cava. La Bodegueta de Rambla Catalunya es un santuario para los amantes del cava, ya que ofrece este icónico vino blanco burbujeante.
• Explore las mezclas locales: Broaden your wine horizons with unique blends that boast an ensemble of spices, herbs, and aromatic botanicals, offering a taste that’s distinctively Catalan.

Delicias dulces: Mucho más que azúcar

• Excelencia en clara de huevo: Barcelona’s dessert scene is a testament to culinary brilliance. From egg white-varnished marzipan biscuits to Turrón, the city’s sweets are a delightful addition to the list of best things to buy in Barcelona.

• Crónicas del chocolate: The world of chocolates in Barcelona is rich and diverse. Whether it’s artisanal chocolates or a comforting hot chocolate, each bite and sip is a journey through the city’s cocoa heritage.

Centros comerciales que explorar

• Plaça Catalunya Wonders: At the heart of Barcelona, Plaça Catalunya is more than just a square—it’s a shopping paradise. Along with big-name brands, you’ll find boutique stores offering hand-stitched leather bags, artisanal perfumes with Mediterranean scents, and handcrafted pottery, all reflecting the city’s rich heritage.
• Caprichos del vino: Vila Viniteca no es sólo una tienda de vinos, sino una experiencia sensorial. Además de una amplia colección de vinos, ofrecen sesiones de cata, cestas curadas que combinan vinos con quesos locales, e incluso talleres para aquellos que deseen profundizar en el mundo de los vinos.

Arte, artesanía y todo lo demás

• La proeza de los piñones: Panelletes, delightful pastries, aren’t just made of pine nuts. Some come adorned with candied fruits, others are drizzled with caramel, and a few even carry a hint of citrus zest. Their texture, combined with flavors, makes them unique Barcelona souvenirs.

• Maestros del chocolate: Barcelona’s chocolate scene is vast. Apart from renowned chocolatiers, there are boutique cafes offering chocolate-tasting sessions. Dive into the rich history, learn about the cacao sourcing, and discover the craftsmanship behind each bar or truffle.

Barcelona is a treasure trove of unique finds. Whether it’s fashion, food, or crafts, the city brims with items that make for the perfect souvenirs. With this guide, you’re not just shopping; you’re embarking on a journey through the heart of Barcelona, discovering the best things to buy and cherish forever. 

Lo mejor para comprar en La Rambla y El Born

Pasear por la animada La Rambla, centro neurálgico de la artesanía local y los souvenirs, es una excelente manera de empezar su búsqueda de las mejores cosas que comprar en Barcelona. Esta famosa calle, junto con Las Ramblas, es un paraíso para quienes buscan recuerdos auténticos y especiales. Asimismo, El Born, un barrio encantador e histórico, ofrece una plétora de las mejores cosas que comprar en Barcelona, desde productos artesanales hasta artículos a medida impregnados de la cultura y el diseño catalanes.

Architectural Inspirations: Shopping for Gaudí-Inspired Souvenirs

Barcelona’s identity is deeply intertwined with the awe-inspiring works of Antoni Gaudí. His masterpieces, such as Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera (Casa Mila), not only draw countless visitors but also inspire a range of souvenirs and artworks. For those looking for the best things to buy in Barcelona, especially for art aficionados, replicas, prints, and art books featuring Gaudí’s work are must-haves.

Artistic Mementos: Embracing Picasso and Miró

The best things to buy in Barcelona for art enthusiasts include exclusive items from the Picasso Museum and the Joan Miró Foundation. These cultural hubs offer a rich selection of prints, postcards, and books related to Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, making them perfect additions to any art collection.

Experiencing Barcelona’s Culture Through Shopping

En Santa Maria del Mar y Ciutat Vella, el casco antiguo de Barcelona, puede encontrar algunas de las mejores cosas que comprar en Barcelona. Estas zonas son ideales para adquirir ingredientes y utensilios de cocina auténticos de la cocina catalana, lo que te permitirá llevar los sabores de Barcelona a tu propia cocina.

“Barcelona is a treasure trove of unique and artistic finds, where every street corner offers a new discovery for shoppers.”

Local Shopping Experiences: From El Corte Inglés to Traditional Markets

El Corte Inglés, Barcelona’s renowned department store, offers a wide array of products, representing some of the best things to buy in Barcelona, from high-end fashion to local delicacies. For a traditional shopping experience, La Manual Alpargatera’s handcrafted espadrilles and the Boqueria Market’s fresh local produce are among the best things to buy in Barcelona.

Lo mejor que comprar en Barcelona

1. Espardenyes

Espardenyes, traditional Catalan flip-flops, stand out as some of the best things to buy in Barcelona. Known for their textured soles and warm lining, they’re ideal for both style and comfort.

These iconic espadrilles, a staple in locales from Martha’s Vineyard to the Maldives, have deep roots in Catalonia, dating back to the 14th century. To get an authentic pair, visit La Manual Alpargatera in the Gothic Quarter, established in 1941. Renowned for its wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, La Manual is Barcelona’s top choice for original espardenyes.

2. Vermut

Barcelona es la cuna del cava, un vino espumoso español de sabor similar al champán. España, y especialmente Cataluña, es también famosa por el vermut. El vermut es un vino fortificado con hierbas, raíces y cortezas. 

Existen varias marcas de vermut de España, y hay muchas versiones únicas para degustar. Un vaso de Vermut I Taronja (Vermut con naranja) o Vermut Rosat (Vermut con fresa) es necesario cuando se visita Barcelona.

3. Queso

Located just north of Barcelona, the Pyrenees mountains are renowned for producing some of the best cheeses in the region, a must-include on your list of the best things to buy in Barcelona. The most notable is ‘Tupi,’ a fermented goat cheese known for its strong flavor, perfect for an after-dinner cheese and biscuit course.

Another standout is Alt Urgell from the Cerdanya valley. Its creamy texture and fruity notes make it an ideal pairing with Penèdes wine or rosé, enhancing its reputation as one of the best things to buy in Barcelona for cheese lovers.

Also, don’t miss Val d’Aran, a mature, semi-cured cow milk cheese. Its robust flavor is excellently paired with a glass of Penèdes reserve red wine, making it a top choice among the best things to buy in Barcelona.

These exquisite cheeses are available at La Boqueria, Barcelona’s famous market. Additionally, for a wider range of traditional Catalan dairy products, visit the gourmet food hall in L’illa, where you’ll find a curated selection of the best things to buy in Barcelona for a true taste of local culinary delights.

4. Figuras de porcelana

Las figuritas de porcelana tienen una larga historia en España, que se remonta al siglo XIV, durante la conquista árabe. 

Este bello arte es un secreto familiar bien guardado que se ha desarrollado con empresas y talleres. Suelen fabricar las figuritas con porcelana de pasta dura con un acabado de esmalte secreto comercial.

Si viaja a Barcelona, encontrará muchas cosas tan únicas como la propia ciudad; una de ellas son las figuras de porcelana. La ciudad es conocida por fabricar figuras de porcelana de gran calidad. Están de moda en Barcelona, y la mayoría de las tiendas las venden. También suelen venderse en tiendas para turistas, donde son más baratas que en las propias tiendas, lo que convierte a este producto en una de las mejores cosas que comprar en Barcelona.

5. Penedès Wine 

The Penedès wine region has some of the country’s oldest vineyards, and they considered its wines to be some of the best produced. It has a Mediterranean climate with a lot of sunshine, little rain, and fresh air. This makes it ideal for grape cultivation.

Most vineyards are found south of Barcelona in the Penedès (region). During trips to Barcelona, do not miss the chance to visit one of these vineyards and take some bottles of Penedès wine back home with you. A bottle of Penedès is definitely one the best things to buy in Barcelona.

6. A Bota 

Were you even in Spain if you didn’t purchase a bota? A bota, or wineskin, is a classic leather drinking vessel popular in Spain. This sack-like device resembles a hip flask you carry across your shoulder like a purse.

Locals drink from the bota by angling the vessel in such a manner that the liquid shoots out into the drinker’s lips without the drinker having to contact the bota’s rim with their tongues. In this way, a group can share drinks from the same bota. This kind of drinking vessel is only found in Catalonia, which is why is on our list of the best things to buy in Barcelona.

7. Trajes de flamenca

El flamenco es una de las señas de identidad de Barcelona. Los artistas lucen siempre en los espectáculos los legendarios trajes tradicionales de flamenca, que se venden por separado. Se presentan en una amplia colección de estilos, desde los tradicionales trajes españoles hasta los llamativos trajes mexicanos.

Purchase a flamenco dress, shawl, or shoes on your Spanish holiday and bring a piece of classic Spanish culture home with you. If the outfit is a little too large for your bag, you can buy castanets. These are the spherical wooden shells held in dancers’ hands and clapped together to create a percussion rhythm.

8. Aguardiente

Los españoles se enorgullecen de su jerez y aguardiente. Elaboran esta bebida destilando el vino durante un tiempo prolongado, lo que da como resultado una bebida muy potente de hasta 50% de alcohol.

Aunque no es un vino, tiene todas las propiedades de uno; sólo tiene más color, aroma y fuerza. Pide una copa de este ardiente licor en cualquier restaurante de tapas durante tu viaje a Barcelona y disfruta de su delicioso sabor ácido.

9. Recuerdos de Barcelona

Think of Barcelona, and you’ll probably think of its amazing beaches, architecture, music, and street art. Barcelona has also been known for making its mark on foreign visitors.

Puede llevarse a casa un trozo de la ciudad en forma de recuerdos como azulejos de cerámica catalana, cajas de encuadernación artesanal, joyas de plata o réplicas de tapices. 

Relacionado: Cómo moverse por Barcelona, Joyas ocultas en Barcelona, Sitios históricos de Barcelona

Recuerdos de Barcelona que sólo se encuentran en España

1. Lagarto mosaico

If you want to take a bit of Barcelona’s inventiveness home with you, look no further than mosaic lizards. These iconic works pay homage to Antoni Gaudi’s famous full-scale mosaic “El Drac,” or dragon, which he created inside Barcelona’s Parc Güell.

Take one of these objects home as a reminder of the magnificent art surrounding Barcelona’s streets.

2. Recuerdos de Barcelona de la Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is one of those must-visit places in Barcelona. If you get the opportunity to view Gaudi’s unfinished masterwork, there are several keepsakes to take home.

Even if you prefer non-touristy gifts, it might be challenging to pass up an awe-inspiring commemorative item, whether it’s a three-dimensional puzzle, snow globe, or small model.

3. La famosa salsa de Barcelona

Take one of the region’s famed sauces home with you. Their use of peppers and almonds distinguishes Barcelona sauces. Try the aioli sauce, which is garlicky mayonnaise that contains egg yolk. This sauce is the perfect combo for fresh vegetables, seafood, and meats. You can find unopened jars and precooked food to bring back on board.

4. El Porron

If you’re searching for something different to buy in Barcelona, the porron is a good option. A porron is a drinking vessel that originated in medieval Catalonia.

It’s a strangely formed glass pitcher with a funnel and spout to drink from. They sometimes use it to serve wine and preserve olive oil in some Spanish restaurants. 

5. Recuerdos relacionados con el fútbol

If you’re a Football (or Soccer for Americans) fan, you’re well aware of the sport’s importance in Barcelona. Barcelona is home to one of the world’s most famous clubs, and Barcelona inhabitants have a long history of devotion to the game, which is referred to as Fútbol in Spain.

Barcelona and Spain as a whole have a long-standing commitment to the sport. If you take a tour of the team’s stadium, you’ll most certainly find all types of memorabilia stuff, such as jerseys, scarves, and autographed souvenirs. Also, you can find these souvenirs at just about every souvenir store in town.

6. Perfume 

¿Busca una fragancia fresca y exótica? No busque más. Barcelona alberga una próspera comunidad de pequeñas perfumerías boutique que venden deliciosos olores.

Tienen una gran variedad de aromas florales y afrutados que harán que todos en casa envidien tu fragancia de Barcelona.

7. Chocolate gourmet

En España, el chocolate forma parte esencial de la cultura y la gastronomía. Esto es especialmente cierto en Barcelona, conocida como la ciudad que primero introdujo el chocolate en el resto de Europa.

Esta es una de las razones por las que mejor chocolate de España in Barcelona’s shops and markets.

Últimos retoques a su itinerario de compras por Barcelona

Al concluir su itinerario por Barcelona, aventúrese por barrios como El Raval y Sant Antoni. Estas zonas ofrecen una ecléctica mezcla de tiendas y bares de tapas donde encontrará las mejores cosas que comprar en Barcelona, no sólo en bienes, sino en experiencias y recuerdos.

Utilizar la Barcelona Card es una forma inteligente de explorar estas atracciones, ya que puede ofrecer descuentos y hacer que su búsqueda de las mejores cosas que comprar en Barcelona sea aún más agradable.

Preguntas más frecuentes (FAQ)

Author’s Note

What will you buy when you arrive in Barcelona? Keep the city’s charm close to your heart with one of their many souvenirs. Barcelona is a true gem for finding a souvenir to take home. They have food, clothes, and gifts that make you think of Barcelona every time you use them.

En resumen, las mejores cosas que comprar en Barcelona van más allá de meros objetos; son experiencias e historias entretejidas en el tejido de esta magnífica ciudad.

 From Catalan art to culinary souvenirs and fashion items infused with local design, Barcelona’s shopping scene promises unique and unforgettable treasures.

There’s something for anybody in this vibrant city. Where will you find your favorite souvenir in Barcelona? Let us know in the comment section below!