Shopping in barcelona?

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Kent L

I think you'll find prices mostly higher than in USA. At least when my friends went there they found all stuff quite cheaper.

I think we have the same prices, give it take it a little, but with euros they become more expensive in spain.

Well, as an student you can go shopping to Plaza cataluna, (metro 1, 3: Catalunya). And go for Zara, Berhska, Mango and Stradivarius. There's plenty of them.
Once you are there you should visit as well El Corte Ingles and Sfera, a big Magasines where you'll find everything.

If you can afford something more expensive, go to Paseo de Gracia (Metro Passeig de Gracia 2, 3,4,5) and you'll find plenty of shops over there, of brands such as Diesel, Replay...

watercress kebab

Shopping is one of Barcelona's greatest attractions with a bountiful five kilometre shopping strip, all the way from the water's edge at Port Vell, right up La Rambla, to Diagnol. International chains, designer shops and modern department stores can be found in the area around PlaÃ§a de Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia and along the Diagonal. The most famous shop in the city is the imposing El Corte InglÃ©s on PlaÃ§a de Catalunya - Barcelona's answer to Harrods, though without the class as it is part of a national chain. La Rambla and the Barri GÃ²tic are the places to look for souvenirs.

A visit to La Boqueria market (officially Mercat de Sant Josep) off Rambla Sant Josep is an unmissable experience. The market is open Monday to Saturday 0900-2100 for the sale of fresh fish, meat, vegetables and dairy products. Other food markets to try are ConcepciÃ³ on Carrer AragÃ³, Ninot on Carrer Mallorca and the Gastronomic Fair, which takes place in PlaÃ§a del Pi on the first and third Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the month. For antiques and curios, the El Encant market is held on PlaÃ§a de les Glories every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Another antiques market is held on PlaÃ§a Nova every Thursday (except August). Representative gifts include Catalan black pottery, handwoven baskets or Barcelona lace.

In recent years a number of urban chic orientated fashion stores have opened in the city centre. Camden Town, Calle Hospital 4, has all the latest fashion as well as some more esoteric PVC and 'erotic' creations. Jean Pierre Bua, Diagnol 469, is the more conventionally trendy home of designer names like Gaultier and Miyake. IVA (value added tax) of 7% is charged on all goods and services in Spain. Visitors from outside the EU who have been in the EU for less than 180 days can get a IVA refund on departure from the airport on goods worth Pta15 or more. Tax return forms are available from shops on request. IVA on services is not refundable.

Shops open at 0900 or 1000 and close again for an extended lunch between 1330 and 1600 or 1700. In the evening shops shut at 2000 or 2030. Large department stores do not generally close for lunch. All shops are open on Saturday afternoons but are closed all day on Sunday.

Don't spend too much; lots of good restaraunts along the harbour leading to the beach.

Joan el guiri

There is no cheap shopping in Barcelona.
Expensive shops are found up Rambla Catalunya and down Paseo de Gracia. Then down Port del Angel for shoes. Continue down through the alleyways and you may find the odd bargain.
Cheap clothes are found in the outlets and hypermarkets, but these are out of town. There is, I believe, a market on Sundays in the industrial estate near the airport. Perhaps your hotel can help, as I have never been.

If the weather is bad try the mall called 'L'illia' on Diagonal. There is also a branch of El Corte Ingles, the big Dept store chain nearby, always good for a wet day.

NB Many shops close on Sundays.

DEBORAH M

don't know. i'm going in feb to meet up with my mum[ who lives in spain]. we are having a girly week. enjoy yourself!

SUE

Spain is not quite so cheap these days, especially if you're american. Your best bet is, if you can, take a credit card, and/or ATM/debit card. check with your bank so you know what your transaction and exchange fees are. Mine charge between 1 - 3% for the transaction, and my debit card charges $3.00 (US) to use an ATM. That's the easiest route, then you only have to carry enough cash to spend, you only have to pay the transaction fee once if you don't spend your whole budget, and you don't run the risk of having everything stolen if you are pickpocketed...by the way, be EXTRA careful in Barcelona. They told us it was one of the three worst cities in the WORLD for pick pockets, but then, there's very little violent crime. You just have to be careful. Don't sling your purse/camera over your back, keep them tucked under your arm. Don't leave anything of value in your back pockets, and keep track of your front pockets. But the sagging US dollar makes everything more expensive. (Not so much a problem if you're from UK or some other country).

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