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These two neighborhoods in the old waterfront district around the Santa Maria del Mar basilica seem to continuously breed new boutiques and retail establishments of all kinds, with design shops and clothiers being the biggest draws.
Just up the street from Santa Maria del Mar, this coffee emporium is famous for its sacks of coffee beans from all over the globe and is said to serve the best cup of coffee in Barcelona, also available to go. El Magnífico's coffee is also available from Brunells bakery.
This shop is one of the most aromatic and picturesque in Barcelona, bursting with teas, coffees, spices, saffron, chocolates, and nuts. The star is an almond-roasting stove in the back of the store—purportedly the oldest in Europe, dating from 1851 like the store itself, so make sure to pick up a bag of freshly roasted nuts to take with you.
This ultrachic clothing store stocks both men's and women's clothing and accessories, all made by young Catalan designers. A labor of love that is spearheaded by local designer Carola Alexandre, who sells her own designs as well as pieces by the likes of Name BCN, Lubochka, and Mus Roew.
Viewed from the sky, the undulating roof of the Santa Caterina Market with its flamboyant hexagonal mosaic tiles reflects the treasures contained within it: fresh fruit, veg, meat, fish and other delights. The current iteration was designed in 1997 by architects Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, while the roof by artist Toni Comella was a colorful addition to what was then a run-down food market originally built in 1845 to serve the neighborhood's blue-collar workers. Unlike the fabled La Boquería in La Rambla, this is a place where locals still go for their daily produce, even though its setting in one of the most tourist-heavy parts of city means many of the stall-keepers are also accustomed to conversing in English. While you're here, stock up on extra virgin olive oil from Olisoliva or try some Iberian jamón (ham) from Xarcuteria Carles, a local favorite.
Near Santa Maria del Mar, this is perhaps the best wine treasury in Barcelona, with a truly massive catalog, tastings, courses, and events, including a hugely popular street party to welcome in new-harvest wines (usually late October or early November). Under the same ownership, the tiny grocery store next door offers exquisite artisanal cheeses ranging from French goat cheese to Extremadura's famous Torta del Casar. There are a few tables inside, and, for a corkage fee, you can enjoy a bottle of wine together with a tasting platter.
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