Some of the best shopping in Spain can be experienced in the open-air flea markets of Barcelona and Madrid.

For some great Spain shopping tips check out our Spain Shopping Guide below. Alternatively, you could take a look at our Malaga Shopping Guide which provides some great local Malaga shopping tips. Complement a great day shopping in Spain with some tasty Spanish cuisine at one of the fantastic Spanish restaurants.

Food & Cuisine in Spain

It has been a long tradition in Spain to manufacture leather goods, gold and silver jewellery, clothing with embroidery and lace and ivory objects. In addition there are antiques, pottery, blown glass objects, and also artefacts made from ivory. Some of the best antique galleries in Europe are found in Spain in cities of Seville, Barcelona, and Madrid. The beautiful Lladro porcelains, silver and metal objects such as trays, bowls, candelabra and iron grille designs are perfect objects to decorate interiors. The Spanish guitar is also one of the most interesting musical instruments in the world.

Designer shops

Although there are popular brands such as Zara, Camper, Bershka and Mango which are available in Spain, in addition there are other designer labels which are found exclusively in Spain. For instance, Custo Barcelona which has its headquarters in Barcelona has stores all over Spain. Their brand can be found in Ibiza, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Marbella, Salamanca, La Coruna, Tenerife and Palma de Malloraca.

Department stores

One of the most popular store chains in Spain, the El Corte Ingles, can be found in most cities. This national chain is strategically located in central areas of any city, but is unfortunately the settings are substandard. This chain of stores has a department for every kind of utility item but does not have a good range of products. However, you can buy gourmet or local food at these stores in Spain. This is quite popular with uneducated shoppers.

Souvenirs

If you go souvenir shopping, Spain has the typical things visitors like to take back home. But there are some unique items too. The T-shirts, for instance, are popular items. The Kukuxumusu T-shirts have creative patterns on them and usually have something humorous printed on them - especially about how a tourist perceives Spain.

Shopping in Madrid

On Sunday mornings, the Calle de Ribera de Curtidores does not allow traffic and becomes an open air flea market known as El Rastro de Madrid or simply El Rastro. This is a crowded shopping area in Spain and also the most diverse. Here you can buy anything from gypsy antiques, to pirated CDs of the latest Hollywood films, to live chickens! Since it is a crowded area it is advisable to take utmost care of your wallet and camera.

You can find the best brands such as Armani, Luis Vuitton, and Prada in the eastern Salamanca district. Along with these international brands you can also find leading brands of Spanish designers such as Amaya Arzuaga, Sybilla, and Victorio and Lucchino.

Other than branded products you can also find Spanish handicrafts such as rugs, ceramic ware, tapestries, shoes, bags, luggage, porcelain, cast iron wooden statues, fans, dresses, and coats in Madrid.

Shops in Barcelona

There are several open air flea markets in Barcelona. Here you will find a variety of things ranging from jewellery, curios, books, crafts and other bric-a-brac. There are three flea markets which are popular, namely, Mercat at Plaza Villa de Madrid, the Mercat de San Antoni and Mercat de las Encants in the Plaza de las Glories Catalanes. If you are looking for traditional clothes then the best place to visit in Spain is the Circuit del Born, which is tucked away in the Ciutat Vella's Ribera district.

Leather

Spain has a surfeit of high quality leather. Spanish leather goods range from a small purse to huge leather furniture. It will be worth your while to keep an eye out for factory outlets, where you find a larger variety of leather goods, but the prices are steeper than what you may find in smaller stores. The Sol and Andalusian areas of Madrid also have good leather products.

Lace

Spain is well known for its intricate and beautiful lace and linen. The quality varies from shop to shop, so make sure you examine them before you decide to buy. That's why it is better not to buy lace which is sold in sealed packaging. The Catalonian region is the best place to purchase lace and linen.

Art and Craft

The Alicante and the Balearics range of footwear are quite famous in Spain. At Alicante you can also shop for toys. If you are looking for carpets and rugs then the places you must visit are Murcia, Granada, and Caceres. Fajalauza located in Granada has some of the most beautiful and aesthetic pottery in Spain. Primitive techniques are used to make the products and the green, blue and purple glazes that are used are Moorish in origin. At Triana, Seville, you can find unique tiles made by the local gypsy community. Cordoba is the right place to go if you are looking for handmade jewellery and at Valencia you can shop for furniture.

Drinks

If you are looking for some local drinks then try the sherry, a fortified wine that is made in the town of Jerez. The Spanish Brandy or brandy espanol is available all over the country. The Havana Club Rum or Ron de Havana Club is a popular alcoholic beverage and can be found all over the country. The wine from Rioja is quite exceptional.

Business Hours:

- Most shops open at 10:00 am.
- Public Offices and most shops close from 1:30pm to 4:30pm/5pm.
- After reopening at 5:00 pm, shops remain open till 8.30 or 9:00 pm.
- Large malls and big stores are open through out the day.
- On Saturdays most shops open at 10:00 am and close at 2:00 pm.
- Shops in Spain are usually closed on Sundays. However, shops located near coastal holiday resorts remain open even on Sundays.