When your trip to Barcelona is coming to an end, it means it is that time of the journey: Where to find the best souvenirs from Barcelona? If you are thinking of something original which somehow is connected to the city and its culture, we wrote this article specially for you to make the “find the best souvenir in no time” challenge easier. Also, if you live in Barcelona and have had friends visiting, you can also recommend these cool places where to get the most authentic souvenirs.
Caganer figurine
Caganer is one of the most fun, original and iconic figures in the Catalan culture. It is always the character that gets all the attention in nativity scenes (where is the caganer?) so we consider this figurine one of the most original and genuine souvenirs to bring back home.
You can buy them during Christmas at Mercat de Santa Llúcia and shops that sell Christmas decorations, but the good news is that you can also buy them anytime of year since a specialized shop in caganers has open recently near Plaça Sant Jaume (Banys Nous, 4). And there you will find hundreds of caganers figurines representing the most famous people relieving themselves :-P
Espadrilles from La Manual Alpargatera
If you have a friend or a relative that loves fashion and you want to bring them a souvenir from Barcelona, here is one of the best souvenirs from Barcelona that they probably will love: espadrilles. You can find them easily in many shoe shops in Barcelona (also they are so trendy now).
But there is a special place in Barcelona that has been making espadrilles for a century: La Manual Alpargatera. They have dressed the feet of many recognized characters in Barcelona over time, among them the painter Salvador Dalí. A really genuine place, where the dilemma will probably be what type of espadrille to choose:
Cereria Subirà
We love this place and did an interview to get to know the story behind the Cereria Subirà, the oldest shop in Barcelona. Entering this place is such an experience, it kind of feels like travelling back in time and exploring a magic candle world. You might be surprised to discover candles that you didn’t think it ever existed: candles with specific Barcelona fragrances, with the form of the Barcelona iconic tiles “panot”, also beautiful chandeliers…
So if you are looking for the best souvenir from Barcelona for someone who loves decoration or more specifically candles, you will probably find the perfect gift at Cereria Subirà.
Nougat and sweets
You will easily find them in supermarkets during Christmas (also when Christmas is approaching from November and until January). In case you are visiting during Spring or Summer but still want to bring something sweet, besides doing a souvenir expedition to the supermarket, you can also visit an iconic pastry shop in the Gothic quarter “La Colmena” where you can get sweet souvenirs.
Vermut and wine
Vermut is the name of one of the most famous drinks in Barcelona. But over time “vermut” has ended up being also the word to describe a foodie ritual before lunch that we really love: “fer el vermut”. So what about bringing back home a bottle of this genuine drink to keep savoring a culture? Also, a bottle of wine or cava will probably be welcome as well as a gift from Barcelona, or even as the best souvenir from Barcelona :-)
You can buy vermut in any wine cellar in Barcelona and also in the oldest grocery stores called “colmados”. For instance, Colmado Quílez (Rambla de Catalunya, 95) or Colmado Múrria (Roger de Llúria, 85). Also, a bottle of wine or cava will probably be welcome as well as a gift from Barcelona, or even as the best souvenir from Barcelona :-)
Header image: La Manual Alpargatera Facebook