Everyone enjoys shopping – it’s one of our favorite pastimes. However, in Barcelona, returning home after walking through the Gothic Quarter in search of deals, with bags dangling even from your ears and perspiring profusely as though you’ve had had a three-hour workout at the gym, isn’t quite how it works.
So this is why we did some research and have compiled a list of the biggest and best shopping centers in the city so you don’t have to waste time looking for them. Happy shopping!
Maremagnum
One of the most interesting facts about this shopping center is that it is located by the sea. Maremagnum’s charm is indisputable in this regard. The structure, as well as the entire Maremagnum region in general including the aquarium and 3D Imax theater, was constructed for the 1992 Olympic Games. The shopping center used to house nightlife, but it has now evolved to include a vast array of family-friendly activities, dining options and retail spaces.
The shopping center has about 30 stores, more than 15 restaurants and multiple services that will make your day out an experience. What you will enjoy the most is the fact that it is located in the port making it an essential place to visit on a good route through the city. It is open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. It’s also currently being extended and a Timeout Food Market will open on the top floor in early 2024.
Moll d’Espanya, 5
Diagonal Mar
Diagonal Mar is one of the list’s most complete shopping centers. Some claim that it is also the largest building in the city. This mall is recognized in the city for its wide range of shops and it has everything from a bowling alley, seventeen movie theaters, more than 200 clothing stores, 4,800 free parking spaces for 3 hours and a huge restaurant area. You can even start to lose calories by going up and down the stairs of its three floors. Few things escape this immense shopping center.
Apart from the shops, one of the best things that Diagonal has is without a doubt the commitment to promoting values such as environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Their opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Leisure from 09:00 a.m. to 01:00 a.m.
Avinguda Diagonal, 3
La Maquinista
This shopping center is the biggest on the list and most likely in all of Catalonia. It’s crucial to note that its 250,000 m2 offers a lot, including entertainment, catering, upscale services, and an enormous number of parking spots. The unique aspect here is that it is an open shopping center but, don’t panic, if the day is rainy, you can go from store to store in La Maquinista without a raincoat, since its streets are entirely covered.
Surely the experience that this place gives you is the most similar to a day of wandering around looking for various bargains. So, if you’re going to get tired, you won’t mind doing so here, because you know you can find everything you want for sure. If you go on a Wednesday you can conclude your shopping day with a cheap movie session for €6.50, a real bargain! Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and closed Sundays. The leisure area is open from Sunday to Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Carrer de Potosí, 2
L’Illa Diagonal
L’Illa Diagonal may not be the most accessible shopping center on this list, since the metro does not go there and you will have to take a bus or car to make your shopping day. But, once there, you will forget whether it took you a long time to get there or not, until it is time to leave, especially if your purchases are going to be brand name items.
This is one of its highlights, for those who can afford it, the center has more luxury brands than budget ones, although you will always have Primark or Decathlon to shop guilt free without going over the budget. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and closed Sunday.
Avinguda Diagonal, 557
Arenas de Barcelona
Las Arenas is a commercial complex built around a former bullring that has been renovated and converted into a mall. But the thrill doesn’t stop there because you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city from its patio on the fourth floor due to its circular form.
Although bulls no longer enter this plaza, some adrenaline can be felt on its 5th floor and more specifically on a jogging track located 25 meters high that goes all the way around the façade. Warming up here before entering the gym is the best. Las Arenas has an excellent location in front of the Plaza de España and at the foot of Montjuic, making it unbeatable experience! Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes
Here we leave you our favorite shopping centers in Barcelona. If you want to complement your shopping plan with some older sites, we recommend our Historical eBike Tour!
