1. Summary
In our 5 Shops series, we will direct you to our preferred independent retailers across some of the most remarkable cities globally. From food markets to bookstores, vintage finds, and local design, we have identified an exciting variety of local vendors where you can discover unique items.
In Catalonia’s vibrant capital, a rich artisanal legacy that spans centuries converges with contemporary design trends, alongside some of Spain’s finest markets. Here are five of our preferred independent shops in Barcelona, each providing a glimpse into the city’s dynamic narrative.
Best for Vintage: Holala! Plaza
Barcelona boasts a robust vintage design scene, particularly concentrated in El Raval. For the Ibiza-originated Holala! Plaza, garments are sourced from flea markets, textile factories, and shops worldwide, displayed in this enchanting vintage wonderland overlooking Plaça de Castella. The interior exudes a lively atmosphere, adorned with posters and decorative surfboards.
I consistently gravitate toward the racks of pre-owned denim jackets, frequently featuring items from Levi’s. The continuously refreshed inventory might also encompass Burberry trench coats, Hawaiian shirts, sequin-adorned party dresses, Converse sneakers, and floppy beach hats. El Raval is home to several popular secondhand markets, including El Flea.
Best for Food: Mercat de Sant Antoni
The 2018 revitalization of the 1882 Modernista market in Sant Antoni ignited a surge of local creativity, elevating this previously tranquil neighborhood’s profile with the emergence of new dining establishments and shops. The meticulous restoration of the structure, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Rovira i Trias, took nine years due to the discovery of archaeological remnants; visitors can still observe 17th-century defensive walls and a segment of the Roman-era Via Augusta.
Many patrons flock here for the exceptionally fresh local produce—Catalan cheeses, freshly sliced pernil (jamón in Spanish), and fish sourced from Vilanova’s docks. Moreover, a visit to one of the laid-back café-restaurants, such as Casa Blanca, is highly recommended. It is challenging to resist the stalls offering homemade meals to go (I frequently grab a slice of tortilla for lunch). Do not overlook the Mercat Dominical, a secondhand book market established in 1936 that operates outdoors every Sunday.
Best for Souvenirs: Grey Street
A tastefully transformed perfume shop located within the multicultural precinct of El Raval showcases a meticulously curated selection of items from small, local brands, with an emphasis on vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainability-oriented products. Australian proprietor Amy Cocker, a long-time Barcelona resident, named Grey Street after her grandparents’ residence in Canberra.
I invariably select one of the exquisite home items to take home. The Annick Galimont whale mugs are hand-crafted in the renowned ceramics town of La Bisbal d’Empordà, while whimsical one-of-a-kind ceramic mugs are available from M.A.E.V.O. Additionally, you can discover tarot decks, fragrant incense, essential oils, colorful earrings, and some international goods such as Rains backpacks. The adjacent leafy street is lined with numerous other boutiques and craft shops, inviting you to explore at your leisure.
Best for Local Design: La Manual Alpargatera
Situated in the heart of the historic Barri Gòtic, La Manual Alpargatera specializes in beautifully crafted espardenyes (espadrilles), traditional footwear from rural Catalonia. Established in 1940, this shoemaker significantly contributed to elevating this rope-soled shoe within the fashion industry, with celebrity endorsements from individuals such as Penélope Cruz, Ralph Lauren, and Salvador Dalí. Each pair is meticulously handmade employing time-honored techniques that date back millennia, whether you prefer classic rustic-style Pinxo designs or elegant lace-up wedges.
Participants can also take part in an espadrille-making workshop to create their own footwear. This establishment is recognized as one of Barcelona’s historic comerços emblemàtics (emblematic businesses), enjoying protection from development since 2014, and operates a second location in El Born.
Best for Books: Llibreria Finestres
Exceptional bookstores represent a distinct feature of Barcelona’s cultural landscape. I always find myself drawn to the creatively designed interiors and diverse book collections (available in various languages) at Llibreria Finestres, located in Esquerra de L’Eixample. Local designers Quintana Partners have revitalized this landmark early-20th-century structure, designed by the noted architect Enric Sagnier, creating an inviting environment enriched with comfortable seating, a lush garden, and an engaging program of events that explores topics from botanical plants to the Spanish Civil War. Finestres also has an additional space dedicated to comics and art just across the street.
A brief 10-minute walk to the east leads to Laie, another notable location, with bookshelves bursting with titles nestled beneath traditionally whitewashed arches in an Eixample building. This publisher-focused brand has multiple establishments throughout the city, yet the branch on Carrer de Pau Claris stands out as its flagship location. Predominantly, the selections are in Catalan or Spanish, covering local cinema, Catalonia’s history, and the Spanish arts, along with a charming café to enjoy upstairs.
This article was initially published on March 23, 2023, and subsequently updated on October 6, 2024.
