If you’ve been dreaming of strolling down cobblestone streets lined with interesting shops, sipping on sangria between window shopping sessions, and discovering unique treasures lovingly crafted by local artisans, a shopping trip to Spain needs to be on your to-do list. From busy markets and chic boutiques to designer outlets, Spain offers a shopping experience like no other.
But with so much to offer, you don’t want to waste any time trying to work out where to go shopping. That’s why the team at Crown Currency Exchange have put together this ultimate guide to shopping in Spain. Here, you’ll find our top recommendations on shopping destinations, as well as a guide to some unmissable items you should pick up while in this beautiful country.
What to Buy When Shopping in Spain
Before we look at the best places to go shopping in Spain, let’s explore some items that Spain is famous for and that you should definitely consider buying as you make your way around markets and stores. From clothing to food and everything in between, there’s something for everyone!
Spanish Leather
Spain is well-known for its high-quality leather products, and you’ll find multiple products on sale made with this world-famous material. Look out for shoes, handbags, belts, and jackets sold in markets, or if you’re looking for something a little more high-end, visit boutiques run by famous brands like Camper and Loewe.
Prices vary on Spanish leather depending on what you’re buying, but since it’s such a sought-after material, these products can be a little pricey. For instance, you can expect to pay around €58 Euros ($96 AUD) for a simple Spanish leather belt from a market stall or boutique.
Traditional Ceramics
Another product synonymous with Spain, these beautiful ceramics are vibrantly coloured and feature intricate designs that are perfect for gifting as souvenirs or for displaying in your own home. There’s a huge range of Spanish ceramics to choose from, too, including pottery, tiles, and ornaments.
Despite being so famous, Spanish ceramics are relatively affordable, and you can pick up a gorgeous ceramic vase from an artisan market for an average of €20 EUR ($33 AUD).
Wine and Olive Oil
No trip to Spain is complete without treating yourself to a couple of bottles of delicious wine or premium olive oil. You’ll find food stores selling these, but if you’re visiting a well-known wine region such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero, or Priorat, head to local markets for some truly amazing wines created by local producers.
You can pick up a lovely bottle of wine from a market stall or supermarket for around €10 EUR ($16.50), while a bottle of authentic Spanish olive oil will set you back around €9 EUR ($15 AUD).
Iberian Ham
An absolute must for any foodie, Iberian ham is one of Spain’s best-loved ingredients, and you’ll find food markets and deli counters offering samples throughout the country. Look for Jamon Iberico de Bellota, which is made from acorn-fed pigs, for a real gastronomic experience.
You can expect to pay around €6 EUR ($10 EUR) for 80g of Iberian ham in Spain.
It is also sold in kilograms, but prices vary quite dramatically between €60 - €500 EUR ($99 AUD - $820 AUD), depending on the curation process, length, and origin.
Flamenco Clothing and Accessories
Get the real, authentic Spanish experience by treating yourself to a flamenco dress (known as trajes de flamenco) or a shawl (mantones). These are available in many beautiful colours and patterns, and not only are they fun to wear, but they also make excellent mementos for your Spanish adventure.
You’ll have to think of a flamenco dress as an investment piece, though, as the average price comes in at €600 EUR ($990 AUD) for an authentic piece. Shawls, on the other hand, are much more affordable in comparison and will cost you around €175 EUR ($290 AUD).
Abanicos
If flamenco dresses and shawls are a bit outside of your budget, you can still get a beautiful accessory by purchasing abanicos, which are handmade fans. You’ll find a huge variety of designs available, from traditional wooden fans to intricately decorated lace fans. Either way, you’ll be able to stay cool with a touch of elegance and grab an excellent souvenir at the same time.
Prices range depending on style and size, but most abanicos are priced at a maximum of €10 EUR ($16.50 AUD), making them an affordable choice for accessory lovers looking for a piece of authentic Spanish fashion.
Souvenirs
Don’t forget to pick up a few small souvenirs and keepsakes to remember your trip to Spain or to give as gifts to your friends and family. You’ll find lots of choices here, with items including keychains, refrigerator magnets, postcards, and more, all featuring local iconic landmarks.
Souvenirs are pretty inexpensive in Spain as some stallholders rely on these tourist-focused sales to boost their profits. Of course, the total price will depend on what you’re buying, but most items won’t cost you more than a few Euros each.
Best Markets in Spain
Whether you’re a foodie or a fashionista, there are lots of markets you can explore throughout Spain where you won’t only be able to immerse yourself in Spanish culture but also pick up some real one-of-a-kind items. Here are the markets we recommend visiting on a trip to Spain.
La Boqueria
Located off La Rambla in Barcelone, La Boqueria is one of the most famous markets in Spain. Here, you’ll find loads of stalls brimming with fresh produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, and local delicacies, including some traditional Catalan dishes. This is a must-visit for anyone who loves food and discovering new ingredients to use at home.
Mercado de San Miguel
Situated near Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel is a historic market with a lively atmosphere, and it really comes to life in the evenings. Another excellent market for food lovers, you’ll find various stalls here selling gourmet snacks, wine, olive oil, and more!
El Rastro
Spain’s largest open-air flea market, El Rastro takes place every Sunday in Madrid’s La Latina neighbourhood. There are so many treasures to uncover here, with stalls selling everything from antiques and vintage clothing to artwork, crafts, and souvenirs. Things here are usually quite reasonably priced, too, so it’s a good choice if you’re trying to stick to a lower shopping budget.
Mercado de la Ribera
You’ll find Mercado de la Ribera along the banks of the Nervion River, and it is one of Spain's oldest and largest covered markets. Set across three floors, you’ll find a plethora of things to buy here including food, artwork, clothing, and souvenirs, and there is often live music and dancing to enjoy as you make your way around the stalls.
Best Department Stores in Spain
Spain’s markets have plenty to offer, but if you’re looking for something familiar or you have a certain brand in mind, it’s worth visiting a department store. Below, you’ll find details of some of the best department stores in Spain, selling everything from fashion and beauty to home decor and electronics.
El Corte Ingles
As Spain’s largest department store chain, El Corte Ingles can be found in major cities throughout the country, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Bilbao. You’ll find a huge range of stores and products here across multiple floors, with clothing, beauty products, home goods, gourmet foods, and more on offer, making it a one-stop destination for all of your shopping needs.
La Roca Village
Located near Barcelona, La Roca Village is a luxury outlet shopping centre with over 130 boutiques selling leading fashion and lifestyle brands. One of the best things about this department store is that everything is heavily discounted, so it’s ideal if you’re a bargain hunter looking for something new for your wardrobe or home.
Maremagnum
Maremagum is a large shopping centre situated on the waterfront at Port Vell and it features a mix of department stores, fashion boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a great place to spend the whole day with your family. You’ll also be treated to stunning sea views as you shop and dine here, and it’s popular with locals and tourists alike.
L’Illa Diagonal
You’ll find L’Illa Diagonal in the upscale Barcelona neighbourhood of Les Corts, and this modern shopping centre offers a sophisticated shopping experience with a focus on high-end brands and luxury goods. You’ll also find some fine dining restaurants here, which are perfect for refuelling after a day of retail therapy.
Best Speciality Stores in Spain
As you’d expect from a country known for creating some of the world’s finest produce and products, there are some incredible specialty shops in Spain that focus on quality and reflect the country’s rich heritage and artisan traditions. Here are some of our favourites, each of which has something for everyone.
Casa Gonzalez
This iconic gourmet store in the lively Chueca neighbourhood has been open since 1931, and at Casa Gonzalez, you’ll find shelves packed with a curated selection of Spanish cheeses, charcuterie, wines, and olive oil. Iberica ham is also on sale here, so it’s a must-visit store for anyone looking for some delicious food and ingredients.
La Manual Alpargatera
For authentic Spanish espadrilles, head to La Manual Alpargatera in Barcelona’s El Born neighbourhood. Here, you’ll find a wide range of colourful espadrilles handmade in Spain that are perfect for strolling along the Mediterranean coast, exploring the charming streets, or simply as a souvenir of your holiday.
Vicens
Located in the Gracia neighbourhood (Barcelona), Vicens is one of the older nougat producers in Spain. This is the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth in a selection of artisan nougat (“turron, in Spanish) made with traditional recipes and the finest ingredients, including Spanish almonds and honey.
Cereria Subira
This is an enchanting candle shop in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, where you’ll find a treasure trove of handmade candles in all shapes, sizes, and scents. From traditional church candles to decorated candles inspired by Catalan folklore, Cereria Subira has something for every candle lover.
Best Places for Clothes Shopping in Spain
When it comes to clothes shopping in Spain, you’ll find several great options ranging from high-end boutiques to trendy streetwear stores. So, no matter your style, you’ll be able to find something you love. Here are our top recommendations for clothes stores in Spain:
Passeig de Gracia
Commonly referred to as Barcelona’s most upscale shopping street, Passeig de Gracia is home to flagship stores of international luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, as well as famous Spanish designers such as Mango and Zara. This is the place to visit if you’re a label lover with an eye for fashion.
Salamanca District
Another area renowned for its upscale boutiques and designer stores, the Salamanca District is one of Madrid’s best-loved shopping destinations. Calle Serrano and Calle Jose Ortega y Casset, in particular, are lined with fashion houses, including Hermes, Prada, and Carolina Herrera, making this the perfect place for indulging in high-end shopping.
Porta de l’Angel
Located in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Porta de l’Angel boasts a mix of high-end and affordable fashion stores, with offerings from Zara, H&M, Mango, and Spanish brands like Desigual and Stradivarius. Ideal if you're looking for budget-friendly and on-trend clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Fuencarral Street
Fuencarral Street and its surrounding area in the Malasana neighbourhood of Madrid is a hub for alternative fashion and streetwear. Here, you can explore eclectic stores like Sivasdescalzo, who specialise in sneakers and streetwear and discover edgy fashion brands, independent designers, and quirky boutiques that cater to Madrid’s hip and creative crowd.
Top Tip: No matter what you’re planning to buy or where you want to shop, the best way of paying for goods and services in Spain is by cash, as this will help you avoid expensive International Transaction Fees. You can find the best rates on AUD to EUR here.
Tips for Shopping in Spain
With so many wonderful things to explore and amazing places to go shopping, it can be tempting to head straight out and hit the shops as soon as you land in Spain. But, to make the most of your experience, it’s important to do a little research and planning beforehand. Below, we’ll look at some top tips for shopping in Spain.
Shopping Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity
Whichever store or market you choose to visit, you should start your interaction with a polite greeting. Doing this will show your appreciation and respect for the storeowner as well as Spanish culture and will go a long way in helping you build a friendly rapport moving forward. Some useful phrases include:
- “Hola” - Hello
- “Buenos Dias” - Good Morning
- “Buenos Tardes” - Good Afternoon
- “Buenos Noches” - Good Night
- “Senor” - Sir
- “Senora” - Madam
- “Gracias” - Thank You
- “Por Favor” - Please
You can use these when greeting a shopkeeper and making requests, but just be mindful of the time of day and the sex of the person you’re speaking to.
It’s also important to note that, in Spain, traditional shopping hours often include a midday siesta break, typically from around 2 pm to 5 pm, and you’ll find that many shops are closed during this time. As such, you should plan your shopping trip accordingly so you aren’t left with nowhere to go, keeping in mind that most shops are closed on Sundays.
You should also avoid handling merchandise without the help of a shop assistant in Spain, especially when shopping at markets. Ask for assistance when you need it or if you want to inspect an item more closely, and be sure to handle merchandise with care. Shopkeepers will also happily answer any questions you have about their products, so don’t be scared that asking will cause offence.
Practical Advice for Shopping in Spain
There are also a few practical things you need to keep in mind, the most important of which is to make sure you have cash for your shopping trip. While credit cards and debit cards are accepted in most Spanish stores and restaurants, using them to pay for goods or to withdraw cash will result in expensive fees. Having cash also means that you aren’t limited to where you can shop, especially in rural areas or markets where card payments are unlikely to be accepted.
You should also be mindful of your belongings while shopping in Spain, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots where pickpocketing is more common. Use a secure bag with zippers and compartments to keep your wallet, phone, and other valuables secure and don’t leave any shopping bags unattended.
Spain is a hot country, too, particularly during the summer months, so make sure you remain hydrated while you shop and take regular breaks. Carrying a reusable bottle of water with you is a good idea, and you can also use this as the perfect opportunity to sample some fresh-squeezed Spanish orange juice!
Budget Your Money for Shopping in Spain
One of the best things you can do ahead of your trip to Spain is create a travel budget, with a portion allocated to shopping. Once you know how much you can afford to spend on shopping, divide that into categories based on your shopping priorities. For example, if you know you want to explore clothing and accessory stores, put that at the top of your list, followed by other things, such as souvenirs.
We also recommend setting a daily spending limit for your shopping activities, as this will help you avoid overspending. Think about how much you are comfortable spending each day and stick to this, making sure you keep track of your spending as you go.
You should also be prepared to adjust your budget as needed for unexpected expenses or changes in priorities. So, stay flexible, and just because you have allocated a set amount to your shopping budget, it doesn’t mean you have to use all of it.
Get the Best Rates on Euros at Crown Currency
It doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie, fashion lover, or art enthusiast, Spain has something for every taste and budget. However, to enjoy the Spanish shopping experience to the fullest, you’ll need to keep as much money in your pocket as possible and avoid expensive fees, which is why it’s best to use cash wherever possible.
At Crown Currency Exchange, you’ll find the best rates on AUD to EUR with no commission fees or hidden costs. Pop along to one of our many locations today, where our friendly, expert team will help you with your money exchange and prepare you for your Spanish adventure.
