Shopping in El Born is a unique Barcelona experience. Forget London and New York, Barcelona is fast becoming every fashionista’s fantasy shopping destination. Brimming with independent boutiques, local designers, and unique accessories, the city offers a completely original shopping experience.
There are many different shopping areas all distinct in their character. From Passeig de Gracia, which boasts designer brands from Chanel to Cartier, all the way through to shopping malls offering the best the high street has to offer.
However, it’s the alternatives to the big brands and international stores that we’re interested in exploring today. In this post, we take a look at the hidden gems tucked away in the beautiful artesian area of El Born.
Gamaya Boutique
Address: C/Dels Flassaders 36, 08003
Starting with one of our personal favourites, the Gamaya Boutique, is all about femininity and the best of summer style. Located on C/Dels Flassaders this clothing line merges Caribbean styles with an Ibicenco twist and are all hand made by designer Luna May. Their limited edition, handmade clothes, and accessories are pulled together in a range of dresses, tops, skirts, trousers, bags, belts, and jewellery that are comfortable and practical whilst being beautifully feminine and wonderfully sexy.
The atmosphere is cosy and personal, and the ranges offer classic lines with modern elements, fashionable new cuts in plain to bold colours through to prints, and their breezy feminine summer dresses will have you stocking up in every colour. We can’t recommend this beautiful boutique highly enough.
Natalie Capell
Address: Carrer de la Carassa 2, 08003 Barcelona
This wonderfully charming shop/workshop is a magical and theatrical place for people looking for something special. Natalie’s handmade creations are made to order and her specialty is creating romantic, vintage-inspired dresses using silk, tulle and lace, and each piece is a one-off. Many brides-to-be travel from all over to have Natalie realise their dream dress. Others travel from afar to have one of the most stylish and elegant new designers create a truly unique masterpiece, showing her infamous attention to vintage detail.
La Comercial
Address: Carrer del Rec, 52, 08003 Barcelona
La Comercial is more well known and easier to find but is such a fantastic store we had to include it in our rundown of the area’s best shopping finds. La Comercial is an exclusive and innovative shopping experience speckled out within its six different boutiques (which are all within metres of each other). Their tagline is ‘For him, for her and for your home. For your desires, for gifts, for you’, which pretty much sums up the fact that there is something here for everyone, everything, and every occasion. The selection of gifts, clothes, perfumes, and furniture items has been hand-picked to provide the best in contemporary design and luxury shopping.
These shops, which are separated by a pedestrianised street, have been the pioneers of unique products in the area for the last 11 years. Find out more information about the store’s location and products on their website.
Uno de 50
Address: C/Vidrieria 5, 08003
Just around the corner from the main pedestrian street of Passeig del Born, is this little jewel that is not to be missed. This Spanish brand of handcrafted jewellery founded in the late 90s, is completely distinctive in its design. The pieces show such flair and innovation that you’ll be pushed to find a range like it anywhere else. The brand is bold and creative and its success stems from its unique philosophy that only 50 of each design are ever made. This promises an exclusivity that is affordable as their prices remain very reasonable.
Le Swing
Address: C/Rec 16, 08003
For all of you vintage lovers, don’t miss the mind-blowing ‘Le Swing’. The two owners travel extensively throughout Europe to find the best Vintage gems on the market. Dig deep in the wonderfully eccentric ensemble that spans throughout the decades to find a Chanel dress here, a YSL bag there, a Hermes purse, a pair of Gucci glasses, or killer heels. So take a deep breath, crack those knuckles, and limber up, for this shop means business. Given a little time and determination you never know what you’ll goodies you’ll be going home with.
Although this shop is on a busier, more accessible street, there is just no way of knowing the treats and vintage bargains that lie within so make sure you don’t miss this ode to all things kooky and interesting with a story to tell.
Dr. Bloom
Address: C/Rec 20, 08003
Dr. Bloom used to be just an online shop but due to its huge success, it has recently opened a shop right in the heart of the Born. The outside of the shop is so cute and attractive it can’t fail but entice you inside. One of the few shops in Barcelona to be open on a Sunday, their colourful and charming collections are a feast for the eyes and promise to add a splash of colour to your summer wardrobe.
The Barcelona-based designer not only designs beautiful clothes but is also a dab hand at creating fantastic jewellery, bags, accessories, and even a small selection of home decorations. As the ranges are constantly being refreshed there is always something unique to tempt you.
Whatever your motivations for visiting this great city, we are happy to set up a private tour of Barcelona for you. Get in touch today at info@barcelonatours.net or call us +34 935 008 226.