Top 15 Things to Buy in Barcelona
- Mosaic Lizard
- Anything Sagrada Familia
- Turrón
- Porcelain Figures
- Espardenyes
- Avarca Sandals
- Ceramics
- Try a Famous Sauce
- Wine
- Artisanal Chocolates
- El Porron
- Perfume
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Anything Soccer-Related
- Pimentón
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most distinctive and sophisticated cities. This hilly and colorful locale is famed for its eccentric architecture, remarkable cuisine and vivacious culture. It is a popular destination for foodies who savor Spanish and Catalan cuisine. Carnival offers a number of European cruises that depart from Barcelona. Between tapas and art pieces, look for these 15 unique things to buy in Barcelona.
1. Mosaic Lizard
If you’re looking to bring home a piece of Barcelona’s creativity, look no further than mosaic lizards. These memorable pieces pay homage to Antoni Gaudí’s famed, full-size mosaic “El Drac,” or dragon, that he built inside the city’s Parc Güell. Take one of these items back home to remind you of the beautiful art that surrounds the streets of Barcelona.
2. Anything Sagrada Familia
One of the most essential things to do in Barcelona is to visit La Sagrada Familia. If you have the chance to tour Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, there are plenty of souvenirs from the experience to bring home. Even if you prefer non-touristy souvenirs, it can be tough to resist choosing an awe-inspiring, commemorative item, whether it’s a 3-D puzzle, snow globe or miniature replica.
3. Turrón
As a Spanish delicacy, the turrón is a sweet confectionery that resembles nougat. It is made from almonds and honey and is sure to leave you wanting more. Turrón is traditionally served in Spain during the Christmas holidays, but you will be able to find this tasty treat year round.
For a twist, try the Turrón de Crema Catalana and experience the rich flavors of this well-known dessert. If you plan to bring treats back home, make sure they’re pre-packaged and unopened.
4. Porcelain Figures
In addition to ceramic wares, you’ll find plenty of porcelain figurines throughout the city. The fine art of crafting porcelain figurines has a long history in Spain. Today, these items are made by companies all over Spain that have closely guarded their trade secret recipes of hard-paste porcelain and glazed finish.
5. Espardenyes
Also called espadrilles, these casual canvas or cotton shoes with hand-woven soles are very popular across Spain. They originated in Catalonia’s Pyrenees area and are easy to find in the local artisan shops as well as high-end stores in Barcelona.
The name of these comfortable shoes comes from the word “esparto,” which is the resilient Mediterranean grass used to make their soles. Shop for traditional espadrilles, which are flats with a closed toe, or go for the more modern open-toed or wedge variants.
6. Avarca Sandals
Speaking of traditional Spanish footwear, avarcas are leather sandals that originated on the island of Menorca, Spain.
You’ll see them on the feet of adults and children alike in Barcelona, especially in the warm summer months.
Avarcas cover the tops of the feet with a solid piece of leather and have a single strap that goes around the heel to keep the sandals snug to your feet. You can find avarcas in just about any color of the rainbow as well as sparkly or patterned styles, flat or heeled, so there’s bound to be a pair or two that will suit you perfectly.
7. Ceramics
You’ll find plenty of ceramics in Barcelona that are hand-painted in bright colors. Beautiful Catalan pottery dates back to prehistoric times, thanks to the wealth of high-quality clay found in the area.
Today, find ceramics throughout Barcelona, including its Gothic District, where you’ll find small ceramic workshops across the narrow, winding streets. Look for colorfully glazed decorative tiles, two-handled jugs and platters. You’ll also find terra-cotta flower pots and planters that show off the natural earthen color of Catalan clay.
8. Try a Famous Sauce
Take home one of the region’s famous sauces. Sauces from Barcelona are distinctive in their list of ingredients, including peppers and almonds. Try the aioli sauce, a kind of garlicky mayonnaise that may include egg yolk. This sauce is meant to be eaten on everything from fresh vegetables, fish and meats. Find precooked, unopened jars to bring back on board.
9. Wine
If you’re a fan of Spanish wine, or want to try one, choose from a number of well-known vintages. Barcelona is stocked with wine from the nearby region of Penedés, which creates some of Spain’s most unique wines.
Try cava, a sparkling wine famous in the region or find your favorite flavor during your trip. If you choose to bring a bottle back home, keep in mind that Carnival allows you to bring one 750-ml bottle per adult back onto the cruise ship, if you’re over 21 years of age.
10. Artisanal Chocolates
For a delectable food gift to bring home from your time in Spain, consider some handmade chocolate sculptures of Barcelona’s landmarks or gift boxes filled with beautiful artisanal chocolates.
11. El Porron
If you’re looking for an unusual item to buy in Barcelona, consider the porron. A porron is a drinking vessel from old-world Catalonia. It’s essentially an odd-shaped glass pitcher with a funnel and spout, to drink from.
Sometimes it is used to serve wine in Spanish restaurants and it is also used to and can also be used to store olive oil. Hand-blown versions by artisan glassmakers are easy to find in Barcelona.
12. Perfume
Looking for a new and exotic fragrance to wear? You’ve come to the right place. Barcelona has its own league of small boutique perfumeries with lovely scents. You’ll find fresh floral and fruity fragrances that’ll have everyone back home asking you what you’re wearing.
13. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Spain is the largest producer of extra virgin olive oil in the world and serves as the perfect gift for you or a fellow foodie. Choose from a wide variety of olive oils and add it to your delicious cooking back home.
Just make sure it’s well-packaged, unopened, so that it passes easily through customs and security.
14. Anything Soccer-Related
If you’re a soccer fan, then you know how important the sport is in Barcelona. Barcelona is home to one of the most famous soccer teams in the world and Barcelona natives are historically devoted to the game of soccer, which they refer to as Fútbol in Spain.
Barcelona, and Spain, in general, are historically devoted to the game of soccer. If you take a tour of the team’s stadium, you’ll likely find all kinds of soccer gear, such as jerseys, scarves, and autographed memorabilia in just about any souvenir shop in town.
15. Pimentón
Pimentón is a spice that you’ll be hard-pressed to find in the United States, yet it’s readily available in Barcelona. Pimentón is smoked paprika with a deep smoky flavor. It comes either sweet and mild or spicy.
Taking a Carnival European cruise from Barcelona allows you to see more of Europe than you perhaps thought possible.
You can choose from multiple cruise itineraries that take you from Barcelona to points in Italy, Barcelona to New York or round trip to and from Barcelona with points in between that range from Marseilles to Dubrovnik.
Enjoy cruising to or from Spain’s famed city on either luxurious Carnival Legend® or Carnival Radiance™ ships. We will handle all of the details for you, so you can relax and simply enjoy the sightseeing, shopping and stunning experiences Europe has to offer.
13 Barcelona Souvenirs That Are Practical & Unique |
Wondering what to buy in Barcelona? Barcelona has some GREAT local shopping and unique things to bring back home. With so many options though, it can also be kind of overwhelming.
Souvenir shopping in Barcelona is all about finding affordable, locally sourced, and good quality products. You’ll want to bring back a few products that Barcelona is known for, like you can’t leave without Gaudí Barcelona souvenirs.
But you’ll also want to shop for Catalan souvenirs, like a traditional porrón,caganer, or Tìo.
To make sure you bring back the best souvenir from Barcelona, these are my tips for where to shop and what to look for while you’re visiting.
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Where To Shop For Barcelona Souvenirs?
Two neighbourhoods stand out to me for buying Barcelona souvenirs: Gràcia and El Born.
Both neighbourhoods are filled with local and affordable boutique stores that you can only find in Spain or even Barcelona.
Gràcia is a bit further out of the way from the Barcelona city centre (all the way at the end of Passeig de Gràcia) but it’s worth making your way there. Because it’s a bit further, you’re leaving all the other tourists behind! You’ll definitely find that truly one of a kind souvenir from Barcelona here.
You don’t just have to go to Gràcia for souvenir shopping either, there are delicious restaurants to try as well, markets to enjoy, and so much more. We even stayed in Gràcia when we visited Barcelona and would highly recommend it.
I loved this pop-up shop in Gràcia. It had everything from jewellery and clothing, to kitchenware and art!
If Gràcia is a bit too far for souvenir shopping, El born is another great option. El born is a lot closer, it’s basically an extension of the Gothic Quarter on the other side of Via Laietana.
There are a lot more art stores in El Born but I noticed that the clothing stores were also on the pricier side compared to those in Gràcia.
Stores that stand out to me are d*Lilrio for beautiful Spanish jewellery and fashion items (both in El born and Gràcia), VAV in El Born for ceramic tile art, and OMG BCN in El Born for everything made in Barcelona.
Barcelona also hosts some local markets over the weekend which is a good spot to pick up some of those one of a kind Barcelona souvenirs as well. One to look out for is the Palo Alto Market, see if it’s on when you’re visiting.
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I stayed at an Airbnb in Gràcia for a more home away experience. I highly recommend booking a stay in Gràcia to experience more of the local Barcelona life. Book a room at Casa Gràcia – See room rates & availability here.
If you’re looking to stay closer to the city centre, a great neighbourhood is El Born. Stay in a local apartment El Patrón with friends or family.
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Or why not stay like royalty at Hotel Royal Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona. This is the nicest street in Barcelona! See room rates & availability here.
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The Best Souvenirs To Bring From Barcelona
1. Buy (or Make) Your Own Espadrilles In Barcelona
Locals have been wearing Espadrilles in Spain for centuries. These days, you can most likely find Espadrilles outside of Spain, but there’s something about buying a pair from where they originally came from.
The defining characteristic of the Espadrille is the esparto rope sole. The original style sells for €10- €20 (depending on where you find them), and these are meant to be worn as beach shoes. They’re flat so they don’t offer much support.
If you don’t live next to the beach, there are nicer styles that you can buy that you can actually walk in. These will cost you more, closer to €50- €70, but you’re investing in a good sole.
Barcelona Souvenir Travel Tip
If you don’t have space to bring back an extra pair of shoes, most local Espadrille stores also have an online shop. Try them on in the store to know your size and style, then order this Barcelona souvenir online!
I bought espadrilles as my Barcelona souvenir at Handmade Barcelona in the Gothic Quarter (but they have a few locations around the city).
I bought them at Handmade because they’re ethically made in Spain. Plus, the staff is incredibly friendly, showing me all the traditional ways to tie my espadrilles!
An even more unique souvenir from Barcelona is to make the Espadrilles yourself! Most Espadrille shops in Barcelona also offer workshops to make your own shoes (I know Handmade Barcelona does).
Imagine, you can bring home a pair that you made yourself!
Make Your Own Espadrilles
For more activities and tours in Barcelona, click here.
Handmade had the friendliest staff! They taught me all the authentic ways to tie my espadrilles!
2. Local Spanish Fashion & Jewellery
In most other European cities, I wouldn’t dare walk into a boutique shop. They’re always so intimidating because no one else is inside and it’s usually way out of my price range for souvenirs.
But this was not the case in Barcelona. The local boutique shopping is for the people, and it’s all very reasonably priced. Plus, everything is either made in Spain or you can even find things specifically made in Barcelona.
There are some local chains that you can shop in, like D*lirio (and by chain I’m talking 3 stores around the city). But others will be a one of a kind!
For clothing and jewellery I prefer Gràcia over El Born, it seemed like there were a bit more options, and it was even a bit cheaper.
3. FCB Merch (Barcelona Football/ Soccer Team)
Like most of Europe, Barcelona’s obsessed with football (for my North American friends, I’m talking about soccer). They have one of the biggest stadiums in the world, holding over 100 000 raging fans!
So, if you’re a sports fan, or know someone who is, then souvenirs to bring back from Barcelona is FCB (Football Club Barcelona) merch. You can find specific FCB stores to shop in, or you can find FCB merch at the Spanish department store, El Corte Ingles.
One of the best players in the league is on their team, Messi, so you can buy his jersey if you want a player to support.
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4. Lolea Sangria From Barcelona
Sangria’s from the South of Spain which means it’s not a traditional Catalan drink.
You can of course still find Sangria around Barcelona but if you want a local option, look for Lolea Sangria.
Lolea is a Barcelona company with two restaurants in the city, and even more delicious Sangria. You can buy a bottle at select stores around the city, or even go to one of the restaurants to buy a bottle. In fact, we enjoyed a bottle at the restaurant and you’re allowed to take the bottle home with you as a nice souvenir from your night.
We wanted to take the bottle home because a) it’s adorable, and b) it’s reusable! We fill it up with water to keep in the fridge at home. But you can also use at as a vase!
You don’t have to even buy it in the city, they also sell it in the duty-free so you don’t have to worry about it breaking in your luggage. This also makes it a great gift from Barcelona to bring back for family or friends to try!
5. What To Buy In Barcelona: A Traditional Catalan Porrón
Ah, a porróns – you’ve probably never heard of these before which makes it a truly unique Barcelona souvenir! So what is a porrón? Well it’s kind of like a wine decanter that you actually drink from.
Porróns were supposedly invented to share sangria at parties instead of giving everyone their separate glass (because then there’s less to clean?). So it’s the Catalan way to share sangria around the table!
For some reason though I find this tale hard to believe…. I don’t think cleaning glassware was a big concern back in the day…
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So although I’m not sure how traditional porróns are, they sure are a lot of fun to try and make an even better souvenir from Barcelona to bring back for friends and family to try (and hopefully make a fool out of themselves!).
I’d recommend using white wine or even water until you’re confident in your porrón skills. Using a porrón takes some practice, and some need more than others. I got water in my eye instead of my mouth the first time.
We had some trouble finding a porrón to bring back because you won’t find them in most tourist shops.
They have them at El Corte Ingles but without a cork (which isn’t the biggest deal if it’s the only one you can find). We ended up finding them at a random store in El Born close to the Picasso Museum.
It’s harder than it looks! I needed a bib just incase I missed! I was not into staining my new white shirt!
6. Best Barcelona Souvenirs For Gifts: Catalan Liqueurs
If sangria and porróns aren’t for you, Catalonia also has a lot of local liqueurs to try and bring back. It’s similar to limoncello from Italy, except there are 10 other flavours to choose from.
The most famous one is ratafia, a walnut herb liqueur, but my favourite is crema Catalana liqueur. It’s like their famous crema Catalana but in liquid form (with alcohol).
In case you didn’t know, creme Catalana is Catalonia’s own version of Creme Brulée, no one really knows which one came first.
7. Tea Blends Souvenirs To Bring From Barcelona
Spain isn’t exactly known for tea but to fuel my tea obsession, I always like to pick up a local blend to try.
Plus it’s always an easy souvenir to find and bring back.
The Tea Shop in Barcelona is the perfect place to do that. They have 5 different Gràcia blends to choose from: Black, Green, White, Red, and Roobois.
You can either buy a package of your favourite one, or buy a taster set with all of them included.
8. Handmade Grated Plate For Pan Con Tomate
If you know anything about local Catalan cuisine, it’s pa amb tomàquet or pan con tomate. Essentially, it’s Catalonia’s version of bruschetta, and it literally translates to tomato bread!
It’s very simple to make; rub tomato and garlic on a toasted piece of bread, pour some olive oil on top, and sprinkle some salt. Voilà, pan con tomate!
You don’t need any fancy appliance to make this, but if you wanted, you could buy a handmade painted grated plate. Instead of rubbing the tomato and garlic directly on the bread, you make your spread in the plate first.
I like this souvenir from Barcelona because you can use it to make pan con tomate at home, but it isn’t just limited to that.
You can use it any time you need minced garlic or even ginger. Now it becomes a multi-use, local Barcelona souvenir! Plus, find a design you like then you can even leave it on display!
This also makes a wonderful gift from Barcelona because it’s handmade, and something they can use!
9. Tapas Recipe Book (Barcelona Souvenirs Online Idea)
Now that you already know how to make the most important Catalan tapas, pan con tomate, you have to learn how to make others.
If you’re looking for what to buy in Barcelona, why not bring back a beautiful tapas recipe book. This way you can bring home the taste of delicious Spanish home cooking with you!
Don’t want to carry a heavy recipe book back home with you? You can most likely find these Barcelona souvenirs online, order them to have them waiting on your doorstep when you get back!
I bought Tapas and other Spanish Plates to Share (shop in Canada) online and had it waiting for me when I got back.
I also loved The Book of Tapas (in Canada), but that one is just WAY to big to bring back!
Order This Barcelona Souvenir Online And Ship It Directly To Your Home
ShopSpanish Recipe Books At Barnes & Nobles
Shop Spanish Recipe Books At Chapters Indigo
ShopSpanish Recipe Books On Amazon
So many good options to choose from!
10. Must Buy In Barcelona: Amatller Chocolate
If you look past Gaudi’s Casa Batllò, you might notice the house next door. This is Casa Amatller, home to the famous chocolatier, Antoni Amatller. They’ve been making world famous chocolate for 300 years!
You can’t leave Barcelona without trying some of his chocolate. It might not compare to Belgian or even Swiss chocolate, but it’s delicious chocolate nonetheless.
I won’t lie though, I’m swayed to Amatller chocolate for the beautiful tin design, I just love them!
It also gives a second life to this Barcelona souvenir. First you get to enjoy the chocolates, and then you get to repurpose the tin!
11.
Spanish Art! (Upcoming or Picasso)
A timeless souvenir from Barcelona is some art.
Art and Barcelona seem to go hand in hand. From the old to the new, it’s all equally as breathtaking and you’re bound to find a something that you love.
An interesting Barcelona fact that you may not have known is that Picasso lived and studied art there since he was 6 years old. So a good piece of artwork to bring back is some Picasso. You can go to the Picasso museum and buy your favourite print.
Or you can dabble in some new art that you fall in love with. You’ll want to head to El Born for this, there are tons of new artists waiting to be discovered!
12. Gaudí Barcelona Souvenirs To Take Home
Barcelona lives and breathes architect Antoni Gaudí (don’t believe me? See everything he designed in the city).
It would be a shame to not bring back at least one Gaudí Barcelona souvenir. And, lucky for you there’s no shortage of Gaudí Barcelona souvenirs to choose from.
.. I’m not kidding.
You can find art, paperweights, magnets, even jewellery! We opted for the old coffee table book This is Gaudí (order it online)…! But we loved how it showcased his work and gave us his biography.
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13. Catalan Souvenirs For A Fun Christmas Tradition
You can buy these traditional Christmas Catalan souvenirs items regardless of the holidays you celebrate. We visited Barcelona around Christmas time and every market was filled with caganers and Tìo.
Umm… what??
Let’s start with caganers. They’re pretty hard to miss when you walk by them because they’re someone pooping. Yep, you read that right. They’ve been placed in Catalan nativity scenes for centuries to make sure everyone is represented.
Although today, this tradition has been slightly blown out of proportion to have anyone you can possibly think of pooping.
You can find politicians, celebrities, movie characters, and cartoons! It’s a fun gag souvenir from Barcelona to bring back for someone, or even for yourself. Our Airbnb had them in the bathroom, I’ll admit, it was quite funny to see every day.
Now let’s discuss Tìo. It might not surprise you, but the translation of his name is: The Pooping log.
Every day leading up to Christmas the kids feed him candy, on Christmas, they wack him until he breaks, revealing presents. You can find Tìos of all different sizes, so you can bring a small one back home.
You can most likely find these all year round in different tourist shops.
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Bonus: Free Business Postcards
If you want a free Barcelona souvenirs hack, keep your eyes peeled for local business cards every time you walk into a store.
In Barcelona, I noticed quite a few shops had postcards sized business cards. They put a lot of effort into the designs as well. I took a few home with me to frame because they were art pieces (the ones in the bottom frame)!
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More Barcelona Guides
- 6 Hacks to Saving Money in the Barcelona
- How To Spend A Day At Montjuïc
- Where To Stay In Barcelona: A Guide To The Gràcia Neighbourhood
- What To Do In Barcelona Aside From The Main Gaudí Attractions
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10 ideas to bring back from Barcelona – Barcelona10
What is Barcelona famous for? Local delicacies, quality shoes and… football! And what can you take as a souvenir from this? We present to your attention a selection of ideas on what to bring from Barcelona as a gift to relatives, friends or colleagues.
Before we get started, we would like to remind you that the Barcelona10 team has developed its own mobile application with which you can easily and quickly find all the necessary shops, markets, souvenir shops, as well as cafes, hotels and attractions. Now let’s move on to our list of ideas!
Turrón
turrón (Spanish), torró (Cat.)
Everyone loves edible gifts from different countries. So we offer you the traditional sweetness of turron: this is what you can bring from food without worrying that the souvenir will not reach you. The sweetness is made from honey, protein and toasted nuts (primarily almonds). There are several varieties of turron: hard (very hard), soft and with different types of nuts. All of them are well kept.
Jamon (
jamón )
Jamon is always the first nominee for what can be brought from Barcelona. Delicious salted jerky made according to ancient recipes. Jamon is sold in any supermarkets in sealed packages, as well as in special butcher shops (they taste better, but are more expensive).
Tourists often get discounts when buying several packages.
» READ ALSO — Where and what kind of jamon is better to buy in Barcelona
Cheese
In Catalonia, this product corresponds to its traditions and is especially tasty. The most famous varieties worth paying attention to:
- Alt Urgell i la Cerdanya (creamy and soft),
- Mató de Montserrat (fresh dessert cheese),
- Tou del Tillers (a very famous French Brie-like cheese),
- Costa Negra (black crusted, white and uniform inside),
- Drap (sweet taste),
- Tupi (dessert cheese),
- Serrat (yellow hard cheese, sometimes made from sheep’s milk),
- Garrotxa (soft goat cheese, aged 2 weeks, covered in ash),
- Montsec (made from goat’s milk, aged 60 to 90 days, covered with a layer of ash).
Of course, in order to bring cheese in integrity and safety, it is better to take hard varieties.
Footwear
Barcelona shoes are considered to be among the best in the world, both in leather quality and workmanship.
Most shopping centers in Barcelona have shoe departments where the prices and quality of shoes are a pleasant surprise. But we also recommend visiting local brand stores: for example, we already wrote about the Kokau brand, which specializes in ballet flats. Read more in this article.
Walking along the streets, pay attention to small shops and workshops where you can pick up or even order unusual shoes.
Souvenirs
Of course, rare tourists leave Barcelona without traditional magnets and key rings. They can be bought both in official souvenir shops and illegal street vendors. There are especially many of them in the area of fountains near Montjuic and in Park Güell. As a rule, magnets cost from 1-2 euros on the street. The truth and quality leaves much to be desired. Something interesting can always be found at flea markets.
Original souvenirs
We also recommend souvenirs from Poble Espanyol. In the Spanish Village, which is located on the mountain of Montjuic, there is a chic selection of handmade souvenirs.
In the workshops of Poble Espanyol, famous craftsmen produce glassware, leather and handmade jewelry right before the eyes of the public. Here you can find something truly unique.
» SEE ALSO – Unusual souvenirs from Barcelona
Sangria
Of course, don’t forget about alcohol gifts. After tasting plenty of Spanish sangria during your vacation, grab a 1.5 liter bottle for friends. Sangria can be bought at any grocery store, in principle, it is equally good almost everywhere.
» READ ALSO – Where to try sangria in Barcelona
Olive oil
Catalan olive oil is very high quality, so tourists often take it as a gift. There are even stylized bottles and jars with Gaudi painting, for example. Well, or you can not overpay for packaging and buy oil in regular bottles at any grocery store.
Art Books (Gaudí)
The architect Gaudí is an icon of Barcelona. It was thanks to Gaudí that the city became so magnificent.
A book about the art of Barcelona, and especially about the art of Gaudi, will be an unforgettable reminder of the capital of Catalonia. In addition, in such souvenir shops there are also various “creation of art” items: paints, pencils, albums, etc., which may be of interest to children.
Football merchandise
It seems that you can see the jersey of the famous scorer of Barcelona Lionel Messi at every turn in this city. Not a single souvenir shop can do without football paraphernalia. But the real football paradise is, of course, the official boutiques of FC Barcelona. They are all over the city, in all shopping centers. Their prices are, of course, higher, but the quality of the products is much higher. And if you want to get to the match, then take care of the tickets in advance – you can buy them online here.
Happy shopping!
» READ ALSO — 10 useful tips on how to save money in Barcelona
Souvenirs and gifts from Barcelona for adults and children: a detailed list and recommendations
Barcelona is a city that you want to take with you.
Bright, festive, unusual: this one does not even need packaging. But if the capital of Catalonia has to be left in place, then you can buy souvenirs here as much as you like.
Our review will help you plan a successful shopping and bring home nice and useful gifts. Find out what to bring from Barcelona for children, where to buy branded items at a good price and what souvenirs will remind you of a trip to the holiday city.
Contents
- Iconic gifts from Barcelona
- Gastronomic souvenirs
- Gifts for the sweet tooth
- Clothing and footwear
- Children’s gifts
- Where to buy souvenirs
- What can not be taken out of Barcelona
Iconic gifts from Barcelona
It’s safe to say that ideas of what to bring from Barcelona as a gift will overshadow you at every turn. At the same time, you will be able to do without trivial magnets with the image of sights. Here are some typical Barcelona souvenirs that convey the special atmosphere of the city.
1. Mosaic salamander
A small replica of the salamander that flaunts in Parc Güell, an iconic souvenir from Barcelona. Many other souvenirs are made using the mosaic technique that Antonio Gaudí used to decorate the park.
2. Donkey figurine
The Catalan donkey is the unofficial symbol of the autonomous community, and its image is emblazoned on many products. Souvenir figurines are often decorated with yellow and red stripes, which symbolize the flag of Catalonia.
3. Caganer
Holidaying in Barcelona for Christmas, you will be tempted to bring a caganer figurine as a gift to your friends. It is believed that a little man, who sat down to relieve a great need, symbolizes prosperity. This is a purely Catalan belief, so the caganer figurine can only be bought in Barcelona.
4. Goods with the logo of FC Barcelona
Baseball caps, T-shirts, scarves and other attributes with the logo of Barcelona are brought from Barcelona not only as a gift to football fans.
But if you need to pick up something for a young footballer, pay attention to a T-shirt with the number of your favorite player or quality soccer balls.
5. Christmas log kagatio
A slightly larger Christmas present – kagatio, a log with a smiling face. His task is to bring gifts to children on a festive night.
The log is installed at home in early December, until the holiday they are treated with goodies, and before the onset of the festive night … they beat – only then will the kagatio share gifts.
Gastronomic souvenirs
The list of what you can buy in Barcelona as a gift most often begins with goodies. Spanish products are known and loved in many countries, so why not please your family and friends with real ham, delicious cheese and good wine?
6. Jamon
Jamon is not produced in Catalonia, but it is often brought from Barcelona. Expensive jamon with a black or red label is better to buy in specialized stores, a ham with a green or white label can be bought in a supermarket, charcuterie or on the market.
7. Fuet sausage
This is a typical Catalan delicacy, and in the Boquería market you will immediately find this cured sausage with a noble white bloom. Fuet smells in a special way – in addition to garlic and black pepper, anise is added to the minced meat.
8. Cheese
Outstanding among Catalan cheeses is Tupi, a soft, spicy cheese flavored with anise liqueur during maturation. Tupi is sold in clay pots, and in addition to it, you can bring a jar of Spanish olives – these products complement each other well.
9. Wine
The most popular wine made in Catalonia is Cava. To drink this sparkling drink in Spanish style, we suggest serving pa amb tomaquet with toasted bread slices smeared with fresh tomato puree, garlic and olive oil.
We recommend paying attention to wines from Priorat, Monsant, Penedès, Aleia and other wine regions of Catalonia.
10. Porron jug
In addition to wine, you can buy this Catalan vessel that looks like a transparent teapot with a narrow spout.
Through this spout they drink wine – only the jug must be held high above the head, so that a trickle of the drink falls directly into the mouth. It takes skill, but the first setbacks usually add to the excitement.
11. Catalan sauce
Not everyone gets to taste Salsa Romesco the first time – the combination of tomato and almonds seems too unusual. Meanwhile, in Catalonia, fish and white meat are eaten with this sauce.
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Gifts for the sweet tooth
Sitting in a cafe where crispy churros are served with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate is one of the warmest memories of Barcelona. Is there a way to convey these feelings? Traditional Barcelona sweets will serve you well here.
12. Carquiñoles (or carquinyolis in Catalan)
Almond biscuits are a nice gift for those who love bitter coffee with a delicate dessert.
Carquinholes keep well and will not lose their taste even if you hand them over a few months after purchase.
13. Turron
Several regions of Spain claim the right to be called the birthplace of turron. In Catalonia, since the 18th century, they have been making their own version of the turron – torró d’Agramunt. Round or rectangular plates made of egg white, honey and nuts can be bought all year round, and Torrons Vicens has been considered one of the best producers for the third hundred years.
14. Amatller chocolate
An exquisite gift that will please a person of any age – chocolate produced in Barcelona since the beginning of the 20th century. Tiles, truffles, figured sweets are packed into boxes with reproductions of famous paintings. Let’s say without exaggeration that this delicacy is a work of art in itself.
15. Vioko chocolate
Other tidbits can be bought in the branded cafe of this brand: from cookies to colored sugar.
16. Catanies
They look like truffles, but are actually marzipan balls covered in chocolate powder with whole almonds inside. Instead of marzipan, white chocolate can be used. In Barcelona, these sweets are served with coffee.
Clothing and footwear
Barcelona’s seasonal sales are always an excuse to go shopping. But even if you don’t catch the time of discounts, in the Catalan capital you can find practical, fashionable and at the same time inexpensive things.
What gifts to bring from Barcelona to convey the flavor of this city? We share the best options.
17. Desigual
The high quality and colorful clothing brand was born in Ibiza but is now headquartered in Barcelona. Desigual clothing can be bought in many other countries, but in Spain it is often cheaper.
18. Custo
A Catalan brand that also has multicolor prints on its clothes. In addition to the main assortment, Custo produces bags, wallets, scarves.
19. Sports shoes Munich
The “German” name should not be confusing – this is a Spanish brand. The recognizable “X” in the logo is a sign of quality football boots, sneakers for various sports and urban shoes. The brand has a cute kids collection as well as bags and backpacks.
20. Kokua ballerinas
In a store that sells only ballerinas, any young lady would stay for a long time. Maybe you will be able to choose a good gift for your daughter? True, more than 100 color and decor options will have to be reviewed.
21. Camper shoes
An extremely popular shoe brand in Catalonia, originally from the Balearic Islands. Its feature is bold designs, rich colors and deliberate unpacking: the left and right sandals, sneakers or boots can have a different design.
22. Espardenyes
The unfamiliar name is the Catalan version of the word “espadrilles”. It is believed that shoes with a textile upper and a rope sole were invented many centuries ago in Catalonia.
Now espadrilles are worn all over the world, but it’s interesting to buy a pair of light Catalan slippers – these shoes are suitable for the beach and for summer walks.
What to buy in Barcelona for children
Even if you buy children’s clothes and shoes, you still want to find a surprise gift to please your child. Here are some fresh ideas for what to bring your child from Barcelona.
23. Ceramic kit Aedes Ars
You can build anything from tiny clay bricks – a fortress, a country house, a bridge, a lighthouse. The constructor is intended for teenagers, but if you are ready to help your child in construction, then you can buy a set even for a preschooler.
The best choice of ceramic construction sets is at Barruguet (Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 620). You’ll also find everything there, from bath toys to bicycles, from a dollhouse to a children’s wigwam, from large stuffed animals to tiny models to build.
24. Puzzles
Puzzlemania (Carrer de la Diputació, 225), as its name suggests, sells a variety of puzzles – large, small, luminous, three-dimensional, made of wood and metal.
In the store you can order a personal puzzle, which will have a photo of the recipient.
25. Spanish dolls
Charming baby dolls and dolls from Spanish brands Muñecas Manolo, Vidal Rojas, Vestida de Azul and others are very popular with children. Toddlers who watch the Pocoyo animated series will enjoy toy characters – Pato, Ellie, Lula and others. You should definitely not worry about the quality of toys and the safety of materials.
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Where to buy souvenirs
It is impossible not to notice souvenir layouts in Barcelona – they are found at every step. True, it is not always possible to immediately find something original, and magnets often become the first purchases.
This is a good souvenir: you can find a nice copy with a three-dimensional image of the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and other places of interest.
It is convenient to buy souvenirs on La Rambla, in the shops of the Gothic Quarter and in the Spanish Village on Montjuic. It is interesting that in Poble Espanyol you can first watch the work of the master and only then buy a figurine forged, molded from clay or cast from glass.
Many works are very attractive: a minute ago you did not know what to bring from Barcelona as a gift, and now you are holding a ceramic donkey or a pretty brooch in your hands.
Here are some more interesting and unusual souvenir shops where you are sure to get something memorable: Wawas (Bourne district, Carders street, near the Picasso Museum). Barceloning (Mallorca Street, 332, next to the Sagrada Familia), Fantastik (Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 62), OMG Barcelona (Plaça de la Llana, 7).
Postcards with reproductions of Picasso’s paintings will also be a nice inexpensive gift – they are sold in the artist’s museum.
And if you visit the Joan Miró Museum, pay attention to the range of souvenir shop: it has children’s books about art and educational games that introduce the work of Miró and other Spanish painters.
Well, if you know exactly what souvenirs are brought from Barcelona, but you can’t find time to go around a dozen shops, head to the large shopping center El Corte Ingles. Something original there is unlikely to be found, but high-quality and practical – for sure.
Goods that may not be exported from Barcelona
Overloading luggage due to the huge amount of souvenirs is not the biggest problem that tourists may encounter when leaving Barcelona. It is much more important that the number of souvenirs does not include things that are forbidden to be taken out of the Catalan capital and in general from Spain.
The list of such things consists of only one item – these are items of historical or cultural value.
Antiques or jewelry can theoretically fit the definition, so when buying gifts, ask the store for a receipt and a certificate. With these documents, the customs officers will let you through without any problems.
To bring cheese and jamon, it is enough to meet one condition – the products must be in their original packaging.