Shopping in Barcelona: part 1 Catalonia Square
Innovation or tradition? Great European cities are important commercial centres at the forefront of change and, at the same time, keepers of tradition. They are showcases that attract interest from around the world. Barcelona today offers a wide range of commercial establishments: cutting edge, famous labels, fine craft, traditional firms with a hundred year’s experience…
Plaça Catalunya and the Rambla
In the heart of the city, this square and boulevard is famous throughout the world. Pure Mediterranean in nature, it leads visitors down to the sea through a variety of contrasts: old-style shops, ultramodern cafes, landmark buildings like the Liceu Opera House, and in the centre of the boulevard there are birds, street artists, newspaper stalls, flowers etc.
Their jewels are still made with serial numbers. In 1986 the Bagués awards for young jewellery designers were established; they have become one of the most coveted awards in this field in Europe. The establishments of this firm are outstanding both for their architecture and their elegant interior decoration: lacquer furniture, fine parquet, lovely expositions.
El Indio (The Indian)
Founded in 1870 as a fashion house, it was popular among the elite of Barcelona who often visited it along with their personal designers. It became so well known that it published its own magazine which coincided with the seasons, autumn-winter and spring-summer. It is still an enormous store with a great variety of articles from bed linen and towels, to carpets and curtains… heaped in colourful piles giving it the appearance of an old-style warehouse.
Granja Viader (Viader Milkbar)
1870. Granges, like their Australian counterpart, milkbars, were places where milk products were sold. In the old days cows were housed here as well. In this one, the owner Sr Marc travelled overseas regularly bringing back new ideas. In 1931 a milk chocolate drink was launched under the name “cacaolat”.
Founded in 1880, it was taken over in the early 1900s by a Catalan composer, Sr Jorda, who had lived much of his life in Mexico. His contacts with musical circles in America and Europe allowed him to import a wide range of books, teaching material, albums, and sheet music from around the world. Over 100 years dedicated to music.
Barcelona’s most popular and exotic market, it began in the 12th century when farmers started to sell fruit and vegetables in the Pla de L’Os. Later, in the 16th century, the first flower stalls appeared. Open from 8 to 8, the market sells quality fresh produce from around the world.
This shop, which has preserved its original Art Nouveau style, is the showcase for the creations of Cristian Escribà, son of Antoni Escribà, father and son both famous cakemakers in Barcelona. Have a look at the chocolate creations and the caramel jewels. There are tables to try the wares with a cup of coffee.
Bonet i Xancó
1890. The shirt maker Bonet is an example of tradition coupled with renovation. They achieve the difficult combination of classical elegance (visit the first floor and you will feel it) with an air of modernity.
Historical café in front of the opera house, open until the early hours of the morning, a popular place after dinner or the opera. It was renovated and restored recently, one of its main features being the mirrors engraved with female roles from operas: Aida, Butterfly, Traviata, Tosca, Isolda.
Rei i Ferran Herb Shop
On display you can see medicinal and culinary plants and spices, teas, honeys, sweets and a line of high quality natural cosmetics, in shop from the last century.
Ceramics exhibition and shop.
Enjoy with us a shopping day in Barcelona!
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