You may spend your complete journey buying in Barcelona, given there’s so many fascinating outlets and stalls to browse. However in case you’re on the lookout for one thing iconic and emblematic of town, take your decide from this record of high souvenirs from Barcelona to take house.
Barcelona is an unforgettable metropolis, stuffed with artwork, historical past, gothic structure and meals. Just about everybody that’s ever visited Barcelona has fallen in love with it, whether or not it’s been for hen or stag dos, a romantic or group journey or visiting buddies (there’s an enormous expat group right here). However as quite a lot of journeys listed below are both quick or already full of issues to do (you possibly can really match quite a bit in in simply three days), it may be useful to know what souvenirs to purchase from Barcelona upfront.
From foods and drinks, to native crafts, to iconic and amusing figures, there are a lot of nice souvenirs from Barcelona to select from. You can even discover plenty of concepts for items, whether or not it’s for your self, your companion, buddies, household, or children.
What to purchase from Barcelona
Listed below are a number of the greatest souvenirs that really seize the spirit of the Catalan capital.
1. Park Güell lizards
In fact – I’m not suggesting you pocket one of many many precise lizards roaming round to take again house. Moderately, there are a lot of lizard-themed souvenirs in Barcelona which are nice keepsakes and even items which are rather more appropriate. These are sometimes key chains, coasters, magnets and so on, that are vibrant and vibrant and boast mosaic designs to echo the big ceramic Park Güell lizard designed by Gaudi in 1914.
2. Native olive oil
Catalonia is among the main oil-producing areas in Spain, joint with Andalucia. Which means yow will discover high-quality olive oil simply in Barcelona, the area’s capital metropolis. It’s nice for dipping bread into, pouring over salads and – in case you’re into it – moisturising your pores and skin! You may simply decide up a bottle at Santa Catarina Market, or any boutique stalls across the metropolis (there are a lot of!).
3. Cava
For those who’d somewhat take house an alcoholic memento from Barcelona, you could possibly deal with your self to the native wine of town: cava. It’s a glowing white wine, just like Prosecco, however barely heavier with stronger citrus notes than the Italian drink.
You may often order cava from just about any bar in Barcelona, and you may even go to one of many many cava-making cities close by (extremely beneficial). However in case you don’t have time to get a bottle from a producer, you possibly can all the time nip to Carrefour or any mini grocery store that usually inventory Cava.
4. Espadrilles
The espadrille is a rope-soled shoe that comes from the Catalan phrase ‘espardenya’, which refers back to the esparto grass endemic to Spain (and Portugal and Africa). They’re so versatile and light-weight that espadrilles are recognized for being a snug summer season shoe. They had been even worn by the likes of Salvador Dali, Picasso and even Yves Sant Laurent (so don’t let anybody let you know they aren’t trendy!).
For those who wander round El Born and El Gotico, you’ll probably stumble throughout espadrille boutique shops. Among the finest locations to select up an espadrille is at La Guide Alpargatera, arguably probably the most well-known espadrille-manufacturing firm, situated proper by the Museu Picasso de Barcelona in El Born.
5. Turrón
If you would like a candy memento from Barcelona, Turrón is straightforward to seek out and a preferred snack within the metropolis. It’s additionally referred to as torró in Catalan, which denotes the nougat Turrón is produced from. It tastes like a biscuit, usually made with almonds, honey, egg, and sugar, however yow will discover many various flavours too.
One of the particular issues about turrón is that it’s typically given as a present when the Spanish and Catalan go to family and friends. So in case you’re on the lookout for Barcelona memento items for family members again house, that is the Catalan manner!
6. A caganer figurine
For those who’re round throughout Christmas time, you’ll little question come throughout a caganer figurine. These are basically figures of squatting individuals defecating. They’re often made to appear like well-known individuals akin to Donald Trump, Messi or Ronaldo, and even the Pope. It’s positively one of many stranger concepts for a memento from Barcelona that most likely wants explaining again house. Sadly, there’s no actual clarification given as to why they’re so celebrated, though some assume it was linked to success for fertility?
7. Caga Tió souvenirs
One other faeces-related Christmas memento thought; Barcelona’s Christmas markets are stuffed with logs with faces on them and crimson hats. This log is definitely often known as Tió de Nadal (Uncle Christmas), or extra generally Caga Tio ‘Poo Log’. The explanation behind the nickname Poo Log is that it supposedly excretes Christmas presents to the youngsters who take excellent care of him. Admittedly, it’s an odd various to Santa Claus, however it is not uncommon in Catalan tradition.
8. A caricature of your self from La Rambla
La Rambla is thought for being probably the most touristic road in Barcelona, but it surely has a number of the greatest souvenirs and items to snap up. If you would like one thing extra enjoyable, why not get a caricature finished by one of many road artists whereas taking within the bohemian, vigorous vibes of the central metropolis hotspot?
There are often fairly a couple of artists to select from, who concentrate on creating humorous and exaggerated portraits. When it’s finished, you’ll have a singular memento that gives greater than only a reminiscence – it’s an inventive interpretation of your persona as seen by way of the lens of a Barcelona caricaturist. Let’s hope it’s a pleasant one!
9. Barcelona FC soccer shirt
Barcelona is house to one of the well-known soccer golf equipment and stadiums on this planet, so a soccer shirt or equipment purchased within the metropolis itself is a good memento to take again. Messi may not be there anymore, however you possibly can nonetheless have fun its present famend gamers like Jordi Alba, Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie De Jong.
You might head to Camp Nou stadium for official merchandise, or if you’d like an affordable, budget-friendly memento from Barcelona, browse the various outlets round La Rambla and Gotico for a reproduction.
10. Catalan ceramic pottery
Barcelona is thought for its vibrant and complex ceramic pottery, which stands out in bars, eating places and store home windows. It may be present in a wide range of colors and designs, good for an ornamental piece or use within the kitchen. The town’s ceramic craftsmanship specialises in intricate detailing, complicated geometrical shapes or depictions of nature and cultural symbols. You would possibly even be capable to discover some from an area artist’s studio, making it much more distinctive.
11. Native Barcelona hand-crafted jewelry souvenirs
Small, lightweight and many to select from to match your fashion; jewelry is usually a go-to memento. Barcelona has many markets the place you decide earrings, bracelets, necklaces and extra from native crafters. They are often produced from completely different supplies, like silver, gold, leather-based, crochet. Barcelona is massive on sustainability too, so many artists use recycled or ethically-sourced supplies.
For those who don’t discover any at native markets, there’s additionally well-known manufacturers like Klimbim or Martelié to strive, or head to El Corte Ingles. So whether or not you need easy and stylish, or to channel Barcelona’s boho spirit, yow will discover an announcement memento to take house.
12. Romesco sauce
For those who didn’t have the possibility to do this whilst you had been there, purchase some to take house anyway. It’s a scrumptious tomato-based sauce that goes nicely with just about something. It’s a mix of crimson peppers, tomatoes, almonds, garlic and olive oil, which supplies a nutty-esque flavour. It’s used alongside fish and meat, however notably with calçots.
You may see from the image that these are onion/leek-like greens which are celebrated in Catalonia, with annual barbecues within the countryside often known as calçotadas. However even in case you don’t make it to a calçotada, yow will discover Romesco sauce to dip into at house just about anyplace within the metropolis.
13. Modernist artwork print from native Barcelona artists
For those who’ve come to Barcelona for the artwork, then ensure you take a chunk of it again with you as a memento. If I’ve not emphasised it sufficient on this article, town is actually brimming with artists and creatives. Each road nook, each stall and each barrio has some genius promoting work, music, sculptures, poetry…you get the image. It’s arguably town of Modernist Artwork although, so discovering a print on this fashion shall be an incredible memento of Barcelona.
Finest souvenirs from Barcelona
Whether or not or not you’re planning to buy in Barcelona, you’ll little question discover so many belongings you need to take house. The town is known for plenty of locally-produced items, together with artwork, foods and drinks, and extra. These all make for excellent souvenirs from Barcelona, so you possibly can relive a number of the culinary, trend or enjoyable experiences out of your journey once more.
Earlier than you go, ensure you learn these fascinating information about Barcelona to take pleasure in whilst you’re nonetheless there.
What is known to buy in Barcelona?
Other than conventional souvenirs like keyrings and jewelry, there’s plenty of issues which are well-known to buy in Barcelona. It’s recognized for trend, artwork, meals and wine, and extra, so that you’re form of spoiled for alternative.
What’s the most cost-effective space to purchase in Barcelona?
El Raval is an effective place to begin, which is often cheaper than El Gotico and El Born. It’s on the opposite aspect of La Rambla, so nonetheless a vacationer sizzling spot, which could impression costs.
In any other case, you could possibly select to go additional away from the preferred areas to locations like Gracia and Poblenou. They’ve nice outlets with many native designers, artists and store house owners you could assist too.
Is stuff cheaper in Barcelona?
This actually relies on what you’re shopping for. Gadgets like cava, wine and low are usually cheaper. Nonetheless, different gadgets like jewelry, artwork and garments will rely on the place and who you purchase them from. Designer manufacturers are roughly the identical worth, nonetheless you’ll probably be capable to discover distinctive items from native artists as you store round.
Quicklist of souvenirs to purchase from Barcelona
- Park Güell lizards
- Native olive oil
- Cava
- Espadrilles
- Turrón
- A caganer figurine
- Caga Tió
- A caricature of your self from La Rambla
- Barcelona FC soccer shirt
- Catalan ceramic pottery
- Hand-crafted jewelry
- Romesco sauce
- Modernist artwork print from an area Barcelona artist