If the glistening pastries and towering chocolate creations aren’t enough of a lure, then the Modernista store-front certainly is. Buy goodies to go, or enjoy them on the spot in the small café.
La Rambla 83
Como Agua de Mayo
Try
this tiny boutique for original fashion and footwear by Spanish
designers. The style is feminine and glamorous and the prices are
surprisingly affordable.
C/Argenteria
Cocotte
Divine
women’s fashions, accessories and toiletries are found in this
loft-style store. Among the labels are top Spanish and French names,
such as Hoss, Intropia and See by Chloé.
C/Rec 65
Atalanta Manufactura
This
shop’s delicate, hand-painted silks are created in an onsite workshop.
Unusual designs include a Klimt-inspired, gilded silk.
Pg del Born 10
La Manual Alpargatera
What do the Pope, Jack Nicholson and legions of Barcelonins have in common? They buy their espadrilles (alpargatas) here.
C/Avinyó 7
Casa Colomina
Sink your teeth into torró, the Spanish nougat-and-almond speciality. Casa Colomina, established in 1908, offers a tantalizing array.
C/Portaferrissa 8
Cereria Subirà
Founded in 1761, this is Barcelona’s oldest shop. Today you’ll find it crammed with every kind of candle imaginable.
Baixada Llibreteria 7
L’Arca de l’Àvia
Amazing
antique clothing from flapper dresses to boned corsets, silk shawls,
puff sleeved shirts and pin-tucked shirt fronts. There’s also a
selection of antique dolls and fans.
C/Banys Nous 20
Guantería Alonso
This
long-established shop is still the place to visit if you are looking
for colourful hand-painted fans, handmade gloves, delicately embroidered
shawls, ornamental combs and other traditional Spanish accessories.
C/Santa Anna 27
Bubó
This
ultra-modern patisserie displays its sweet treats like miniature works
of art. There is an adjoining café where the products can be tasted.
C/Caputxes 10
Cocktail & Conversation Spots
Schilling
Fronted
by large windows overlooking the throngs on Carrer Ferran, this
spacious bar draws a sociable mix of both visitors and locals.
C/Ferran 23
Schilling
Bar L’Ascensor
An old-fashioned, dark-wood ascensor (elevator) serves as the entrance to this dimly-lit, convivial bar frequented by a cocktail-swilling crowd.
C/Bellafila 3
Espai Barroc
Filling
the gorgeous courtyard of the 17th-century Palau Dalmases is this
sumptuously decorated “Baroque Space”. Live opera and classical music
are often featured on Thursday evenings, but drinks are pricey.
C/Montcada 20
Closed Mon
Ginger
An elegant bar that serves fine wines, champagne, cava, cocktails and a variety of original tapas to a glamorous crowd.
Palma de Sant Just 1
Closed Mon, Sun
Glaciar
Occupying
a prime corner of Plaça Reial, this atmospheric café-bar brings in all
types. Grab a spot on the terrace with a front-row view of the plaça
activities.
Pl Reial 3
María Mulata
Intimate
and inviting, this bar serves good mojitos and caipirinhas. Cinema
night is on a Monday, on the weekend DJ sessions take over and Sundays
are for chilling out.
C/Ample 27
La Vinya del Senyor
A
classy, yet cosy, bar attracting wine lovers from all over the city,
who come to sample a rich array of Spanish and international varieties
in the company of other wine aficionados.
Pl Santa Maria 5
La Vinya del Senyor
Cactus Bar
The
main draw of this little bar is the terrace with a couple of tables
underneath an elegant stone arcade, which have a perfect view of Passeig
del Born.
Passeig del Born 30
Gimlet
The original cocktail bar in El Born, the intimate, 1950s-style Gimlet pours nice (read: potent) cocktails to a local clientele.
C/Rec 24
Mudanzas
This
long-time favourite hang-out has circular marble tables,
black-and-white tiled floors and an informal, “everybody’s welcome”
vibe.
