5 Best Shopping in Barcelona, Spain

To-die-for pastries, croissants, and chocolates have made Foix de Sarrià, founded in 1886, a Barcelona landmark. J. V. Foix, the son of the patisserie's founder, was an important Catalan poet who managed to survive the Franco regime with his art intact. He was born in the building that houses the branch of the shop at Major de Sarrià 57; one of his best-known poems is engraved in bronze on the outside wall. On Sunday, barcelonins come to Foix de Sarrià from all over town; Sunday just wouldn’t be Sunday without a cake from from arguably Barcelona's best patisserie, to take to grandma’s. 

A fine list, regularly updated, of wines from Spain's top regions, like Priorat, Penedes, Montsant, and Ribera del Duero, make Iskia the bodega (cellar) of choice in Sarrià. The English-speaking owners are happy to make recommendations and talk about latest trends and best buys. Save space in your checked luggage for a bottle of fine tinto (red) or white.

If you're not the sort to flinch at the €100 price tag on a 30 ml bottle of hand lotion, then Sarrià's JC Apotecari, premier purveyors of natural and organic cosmetics and fragrances, is for you. Look for Hierbas de Ibiza bath gel and fragrances, made in Spain exclusively for the shop, as well as global brands like May Lindstrom, Rahua, and Kypris.

The Mercado de San Vicente, a Moderniste gem built in 1911, with an ornamental brick facade, wrought-iron girders, and stained glass windows, is worth a quick visit, if only to pick up a bit of picnic fare before or after a walk to the Monestir de Pedralbes.

The small Tuesday flea market/antiques fair in Sarrià's town square is another good reason to explore this charming once-outlying village in the upper part of the city.