Barcelona

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Shopping Malls

Sections

1. La Maquinista

  • Location: Carrer de Potosí, 2, 08030 Barcelona (Sant Andreu district)
  • Overview: La Maquinista is Barcelona’s largest open-air shopping mall, offering a mix of high-end and mid-range stores, entertainment, and dining options.
  • Stores: Over 200 stores, including international brands like Zara, H&M, Nike, Apple, Primark, and Sephora, as well as Spanish brands like Mango and Desigual.
  • Entertainment: A 13-screen Cinesa movie theater, bowling alley, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
  • Dining: A wide range of restaurants and cafes, from fast food (McDonald’s, KFC) to sit-down options like La Tagliatella (Italian) and Five Guys.
  • Costs: Mid-range to high-end. Expect to spend €20–€100+ per item depending on the store.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Shops: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
    • Restaurants: Open later, typically until midnight.
  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps. Parking is free for the first three hours.
  • Local Tips:
    • Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds.
    • The open-air design makes it a pleasant place to shop, especially in good weather.

2. Diagonal Mar

  • Location: Avinguda Diagonal, 3, 08019 Barcelona (Sant Martí district, near the beach)
  • Overview: One of the largest malls in Barcelona, located near the beach, making it a great spot to combine shopping with a seaside stroll.
  • Stores: Over 200 stores, including international brands like Adidas, Bershka, and MediaMarkt (electronics), as well as a large Carrefour hypermarket.
  • Entertainment: A movie theater, children’s play areas, and seasonal events like Christmas markets.
  • Dining: A food court with diverse options, including Spanish tapas, Asian cuisine, and fast food. Outdoor terraces offer views of the surrounding area.
  • Costs: Affordable to mid-range. Carrefour is great for budget-friendly groceries and essentials.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Shops: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
    • Restaurants: Open later, typically until midnight.
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible with elevators, ramps, and ample parking. Close to the El Maresme-Fòrum metro station (L4 line).
  • Local Tips:
    • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Parc del Fòrum or the beach.
    • Look out for seasonal sales (rebajas) in January-February and July-August for great discounts.

3. L’Illa Diagonal

  • Location: Avinguda Diagonal, 557, 08029 Barcelona (Les Corts district)
  • Overview: A stylish, upscale shopping mall located in the heart of the city’s business district.
  • Stores: Around 170 stores, including high-end brands like Massimo Dutti, Calvin Klein, and Lacoste, as well as unique boutiques and a large FNAC (books, electronics, and music).
  • Entertainment: Art exhibitions and cultural events are often hosted here.
  • Dining: A mix of gourmet restaurants, casual cafes, and a food market offering fresh produce and local delicacies.
  • Costs: Mid-range to high-end. Expect to spend €50–€200+ for clothing and accessories.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Shops: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
    • Restaurants: Open later, typically until 11:00 PM.
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible with elevators and parking. Close to the Maria Cristina metro station (L3 line).
  • Local Tips:
    • Ideal for those looking for a more sophisticated shopping experience.
    • Check out the rooftop terrace for a quieter spot to relax.

4. Arenas de Barcelona

  • Location: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 373-385, 08015 Barcelona (Plaça d’Espanya)
  • Overview: A unique shopping mall housed in a former bullring, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and panoramic views of the city.
  • Stores: Around 100 stores, including Mango, Desigual, and Sephora, as well as smaller boutique shops.
  • Entertainment: A rooftop terrace with stunning views of Plaça d’Espanya and Montjuïc, a gym, and a movie theater.
  • Dining: The rooftop features a variety of restaurants offering Spanish, Italian, and international cuisine.
  • Costs: Mid-range. Dining on the rooftop can be slightly more expensive (€15–€30 per meal).
  • Opening Hours:
    • Shops: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    • Restaurants: Open later, typically until midnight.
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible with elevators and escalators. Close to the Espanya metro station (L1 and L3 lines).
  • Local Tips:
    • Visit the rooftop at sunset for breathtaking views.
    • The building itself is a cultural landmark, so take time to appreciate its architecture.

5. Glòries

  • Location: Avinguda Diagonal, 208, 08018 Barcelona (Sant Martí district)
  • Overview: A modern shopping mall with a focus on sustainability and open-air spaces.
  • Stores: Over 130 stores, including Zara, H&M, Uniqlo, and Decathlon (sportswear), as well as a large Carrefour hypermarket.
  • Entertainment: A movie theater, children’s play areas, and regular cultural events.
  • Dining: A food court with a variety of options, including Spanish, Italian, and Asian cuisine.
  • Costs: Affordable to mid-range. Carrefour is great for budget-friendly shopping.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Shops: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
    • Restaurants: Open later, typically until midnight.
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible with elevators and ramps. Close to the Glòries metro station (L1 line).
  • Local Tips:
    • The mall is located near the Torre Glòries (formerly Torre Agbar), a modern architectural landmark worth visiting.
    • Great for families due to its open spaces and kid-friendly facilities.

Cultural Considerations and Tips for Shopping in Barcelona:

  1. Siesta Hours: While malls remain open all day, smaller shops and boutiques in the city may close for a siesta between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
  2. Sales Periods (Rebajas): The best times to shop are during the winter (January-February) and summer (July-August) sales, when discounts can reach up to 70%.
  3. Tax-Free Shopping: Non-EU visitors can claim a VAT refund (21%) on purchases over €90.91. Ask for a tax-free form at the store and present it at the airport.
  4. Sundays: Most malls and shops are closed on Sundays, except for those in tourist-heavy areas like Maremagnum.
  5. Public Transport: Barcelona’s metro and bus systems are efficient and affordable (€2.40 for a single ticket or €11.35 for a 10-ride T-Casual card). Most malls are easily accessible by public transport.

Barcelona’s shopping malls offer a mix of retail, entertainment, and cultural experiences, making them ideal destinations for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, budget-friendly options, or a place to relax and enjoy a meal, there’s a mall to suit your needs.