An experiential route through Barcelona's 'retail'

Barcelona is a city that is in constant change and renovation. In recent years, it has experienced a process of rediscovery that has led it to re-emerge with great strength, thanks to the revitalization projects that have been carried out in different neighborhoods, such as Poblenou or Ciutat Vella, which have become reference areas for leisure, culture… and shopping.

The offer in the most relevant commercial areas of the city, such as Avenida Diagonal and Paseo de Gràcia, has not stopped growing in recent months, despite the fact that these have not been easy years for commerce due to restrictions derived from the coronavirus pandemic. For a time, activity was slowed down not only by the lack of people traffic: commercial directors of firms, designers or architects could not travel to the premises where works had to be carried out, so some projects had been put on hold until further notice.

However, recently, a new maison Hermès has opened on Paseo de Gràcia, a 370-meter store located in a stately home from the late 19th century, a few steps from its previous location. Other openings have been added, such as that of Ralph Lauren, in front of the iconic La Pedrera-Casa Milà and next to high-end firms such as Prada or Rabat, demonstrating that interest in this avenue of shops remains intact.

Beyond this golden mile, el Born has become the most bohemian neighborhood in Barcelona, where retailers can find inspiration by walking its streets, discovering its small shops, where we will find handmade clothes, original accessories and decorative objects that are authentic jewels.   

In contrast, el Raval has positioned itself as the territory of curious and alternative shops. On Tallers street, for example, there are several vintage clothing and vinyl record stores, such as Holala! Plaza, one of the oldest. Or Flamingo Vintage Kilo, where they sell all kinds of vintage clothing imported from the United States by weight. 

The offer in the most relevant commercial areas of the city, such as Avenida Diagonal and Paseo de Gràcia, has not stopped growing in recent months, despite the fact that these have not been easy years for commerce

In fact, now, on the Rambla de Poblenou, there are several fashion and design stores, as well as bars and restaurants with terraces, where we can have a drink to enjoy the atmosphere. An important office area has also been developed, the 22@, which has become the city's technological district and has a large number of startups and technology companies. 

Barcelona is a city with a great tourist and hotel offer. Many of the hotels are located in historic buildings or have an avant-garde architectural design that makes them unique, as is the case of the Hotel Casa Fuster, located in a modernist building from 1908. Several hotels also offer luxury services and haute cuisine restaurants, such as the Hotel Arts Barcelona, the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona and the W Barcelona. 

Gastronomy is one of Barcelona's strong points, as is the large number of relevant museums, both nationally and internationally. Among them, the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, the Picasso Museum, the CaixaForum, or the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona, which we know, rather, as the MACBA.

Gastronomy is one of Barcelona's strong points, as is the large number of relevant museums, both nationally and internationally

The Port Vell reform project will bring many novelties. In January, it was announced that Marina Port Vell has reached an agreement with the America's Cup to be the preferred space for superyacht and large vessel mooring during the 2024 event. 

In addition, Time Out announced the same month that it will open a gastronomic market in Port Vell. It will be located on the Maremagnum's terrace-viewpoint and will be enormous: it will have more than 5,200 square meters and will host a careful selection of 14 chefs, a full-service restaurant, and four bars, two of them outdoors with views. It will be the second establishment of this firm in Europe and the first in Spain. Undoubtedly, this area of the city promises.