Barcelona Shopping

Shopping in Barcelona offers lots of interesting browsing. Unusual shops can be found in most parts of the city, but those who want to be efficient should focus on Placa Catalunya and Barri Gotic. The amusing, and gigantic, department store El Corte Ingles is by Placa Catalunya. Come here for the wares, but also for the people. Across the street is El Triangle, a grotesquely large shopping palace with a good perfumery and a Camper shoe store. Calle Avinyó in Barrí Gotic is possibly Barcelona's most interesting shopping street. This is where Z is located, the crazy interiors store selling both kitsch and comical trinkets.

Other fun stores include street fashion store Soda, Angel Gimeno specialising in trendy shirts for men, and Loft Avignon, which caters to the more sophisticated set. Close by is Zsu Zsa, where two Argentinean sisters and their mother design their own line of discreet women's wear. Herborista del Rei, on Calle del Vidre 1 in Barrí Gotic, is the best choice for herbs and spices. The store has been here since 1823, and provides a somewhat odd experience. Visiting the La Boquería, half way down La Rambla, is something of a must. The fishmongers deserve most attention - their selection of mussels, seafood, and shellfish is overwhelming. Stop by Petràs Fruits del Bosc for the best mushrooms in town. Then sample the fresh baby octopus with garlic and parsley with a glass of cava at the El Quim or Pinotxo bars.

The El Born district is also a good place to shop for food. Casa Gispert, C/Sombrerers 23, on one of the long sides of the Santa Maria del Mar church, has devoted itself to roasting coffee since 1851. Dried nuts and fruit, cocoa, spices and mushrooms are also sold here. Tot Formatge, Passeig del Born 13, is one of Barcelona's best-stocked cheese shops with both Spanish and foreign varieties. For serious fashion shopping, make your way to Passeig de Gràcia, the parallel street, Rambla de Catalunya, and the surrounding district. You will find all the big international fashion names here, including Spanish greats such as Adolfo Domínguez, Armand Basi, Groc and the leather specialist Loewe.

More economic alternatives such as Zara, Mango and Massimo Dutti are also represented. You can find a good selection of trend-conscious designer fashions at Noténom, C/Pau Claris 159. Gonzalo Comella, Passeig de Gràcia 6, is a Barcelona institution in the world of fashion - the chain has been in existence for more than a century - with a wide selection of designer fashions. Vinçon, the home furnishings department store with cult status is also at Passeig de Gràcia (no. 96). Colmada Quilez on the parallel street, Rambla de Catalunya 63, also has cult status. This is Barcelona's most famous food shop with thousands of tinned products, dried goods and bottles on shelves that run from floor to ceiling all the way round the shop walls. There is an enormous range of wines and spirits. There is also cheese and a delicatessen, and you are served at the counter by male assistants in striped overalls.