Best Things to Buy in Barcelona – 22 Unique Gift Ideas

If you want to buy authentic souvenirs from Barcelona and are looking for unique ideas then you have come to the right place! There are many places to buy beautiful and one of a kind souvenirs in Barcelona.

There is no shortage of shops selling inexpensive keepsakes that all look the same such as t-shirts, fridge magnets, and other trinkets throughout the city. But taking something special home from Barcelona that you will always treasure, requires knowing where to look and what to keep an eye out for.

Unless you’re looking for a generic token, it is wise to stay away from the cheap souvenir shops that are on every corner. Instead we have put together a list of souvenirs that you can buy in Barcelona that are one of a kind and unique and that you will always treasure!

These products come from independent shops that specialize in items you will not find anywhere else and will allow you to return home with a little piece of your time in Barcelona. These items also support local artisans and business people.

So let’s take a look!

Top 22 Things to Buy From Barcelona

1. Spanish Jewelry 

Buying one a kind, elegant and beautiful jewelry in Barcelona is a must. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to buy a unique piece of jewelry from one of the local jewelers you will see throughout the city. I highly encourage you to stop in one of the many stores you will see while walking through the city.

Contemporary jewelry has a long history in Barcelona that dates back to the 1800´s and silversmith and goldsmith neighborhoods can be found throughout the city. Bagues, a jewelry maker, still makes jewelry with influences from Mediterranean and Catalan culture out of Casa Ametller.  

Rings and necklaces at Koetania are one of a kind items that they will make based on your specifications. They a renowned jeweler with modern designs and with a unique Barcelona style.

Gold jewelry is a must when shopping in Barcelona and you won´t have to spend a lot of money for a beautiful and unique treasure.

2. Modernist Ceramics

Barcelona’s renowned ceramics reflect Gaudi´s modernist influence, known for bright colors and patterns. In the Gothic district, tiny streets house workshops with Gaudi-inspired pieces and other beautiful Spanish inspired ceramics. Shops like Terra I Pell offer quality ceramics at fair prices with unique pieces.

I have given these ceramic pieces as gifts to dozens of friends and family and they LOVE them! Years later they are still using them in their kitchen or bathroom.

Another great gift idea with a unique piece of Barcelona’s artistic heritage to take home are the mosaic lizards. These eye-catching items are Gaudí’s iconic full-sized mosaic creation known as “El Drac” or the dragon. Bringing one of these mosaic lizards back with you will be a reminder of the city’s rich artistic tradition.

These colorful and intricate pieces capture the essence of the city’s artistic spirit and make for memorable souvenirs that will transport you back to the enchanting streets of Barcelona every time you look at them.

We also LOVE this Artisan Ceramic Making Workshop in Barcelona where you work one on one with some local and very talented Ceramic artists. You can also leave with your one of a kind handmade ceramics as well as great memories!

3. Cava

Cava, a delightful and delicious sparkling wine produced in Catalunya’s Penedes region, is a wonderful (Spanish!) alternative to champagne. Whether for personal enjoyment or as a gift, consider buying a bottle or two to take home. You can also purchase cava directly from wineries on wine tours in Barcelona or find it in local supermarkets.

Most Catalan cava is produced near Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, close to Barcelona. It combines Maccabee for sweetness, Parellada for finesse, and Xarello for body. Vinacoteca on Calle Valencia 595 is a cava warehouse with options from local vineyards.

We also HIGHLY recommend this Penedés Vineyards 4 Wheel Drive Tour with Wine & Cava. You learn so much about the region and what goes into making Cava. And you can leave with a local bottle or TWO for the perfect gift.

4. Cheese 

The Pyrenees mountains, a short drive north of Barcelona, are renowned for their soft, flavorful cheeses. Notable options include ‘Tupi,’ a bold fermented goat cheese, Alt Urgell, known for its creamy texture and fruity notes, and Val d’Aran, a mature cow’s milk cheese. Pair them with Penèdes wines for a one of a kind gift from Barcelona.

You’ll find these cheeses at Barcelona’s La Boqueria market (Mon-Sat, 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and L’illa’s gourmet food hall. For expert guidance and a range of options, visit La Fuente Colmado Quilez on Rambla Catalunya 63 (open 10 am – 8 pm). Prices start at €3.

5. Catalan Sauces

In Barcelona, Mediterranean cuisine thrives with a variety of sauces for fresh dishes. Romesco, a well-known gourmet delight, is crafted from roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, and garlic…and it is delicious!

You can find pre-cooked Romesco and more at La Fuente Colmado Quilez on Rambla Catalunya. For expert guidance and a selection of these incredible sauces, explore La Boqueria market on La Rambla 91. 

6. Porcelain Figures 

Porcelain figure-making in Spain dates back to the 14th Century during Arabic occupation. Nadal and Lladro are prominent family businesses known for their porcelain figures. Nadal specializes in figures of children engaged in various activities and they are very beautiful.

Lladro is a very famous porcelain artist that offers a wide range of figures and a large range in price. You can find these in Lladro Porcelain Pacheco and Boutique Lladro on Passeig de Gracia 101. 

7. Bakery and Biscuits 

Catalunya has a long tradition of making biscuits. Panellets are a common type, known for their various shapes and colors. Made from marzipan and pine nuts, they’re often coated with egg whites. 

Some variations include chestnuts and sweet potatoes, enjoyed as an early evening snack with sweet wine. Birba, a family company from Girona since 1910, makes artisanal biscuits with unique ingredients and names like Cubano and Nuria.

8. Barcelona Fridge Magnet

A Barcelona fridge magnet is a delightful and inexpensive souvenir. You can easily find these colorful mementos in various city shops, often featuring iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia or charming bridges. They’re not only affordable, typically costing just a few euros, but they’ll also serve as a lasting reminder of your trip.

9. Keychains 

You can grab a keychain for a simple and practical souvenir of your Barcelona journey! These serve as delightful accessories for your keys. These are found in shops and markets across the city. You can take a walk down tourist areas like La Sagrada Familia and inside Park Güell where you’ll find many of these street vendors.

10. Clothes 

If you’re a fashion enthusiast Rebel Root is one of a kind brand founded in Barcelona. Founded by a group of designer they are committed to ethical fashion and ensure their production and design chain respects and defends human rights and protects the environment. 

They ensure that everything they make is fair trade and I love it because no other brand looks like what they create. They are truly one of a kind pieces from Barcelona.

11. Penedès Wine

Penedès, near Barcelona, has a winemaking history dating back to the 9th century. Miguel Torres Winery offers various wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot in their Atrium line. Their premium wine, The Reserva Real, is named after King Juan Carlos of Spain and made from high-altitude grapes aged in French oak barrels.

One of our favorite tours in Barcelona is this fantastic Wine Tour with a local where you taste some amazing Catalan and Spanish wines. You learn so much about Spanish wines and it is a great way to purchase local Spanish wines that make for fantastic gifts.

12. Chocolates

Barcelona is known for its artisanal handmade chocolates. The Gremi de Pastisseria de Barcelona promotes quality ingredients in pastry and chocolate making. You can find these Artisan chocolates at El Museu de la Xocolata. They feature chocolate sculptures of Barcelona’s landmarks. Escriba, another famous chocolatier, has three city shops that you must check out.

13. Shoes

Barcelona has a 200-year-old tradition of crafting shoes, particularly espadrilles. These lightweight shoes are made from natural materials like vegetable fiber, hemp, jute, and esparto for the sole. The insteps are finished with cotton or linen and they are absolutely my favorite shoes to buy in Barcelona.

You will get endless compliments on these shoes and one of my favorite stores is La Manual Alpargatera which has a wide selection and has been doing it for almost 100 years.

14. Local Olive Oil

Spain is the world’s largest olive oil exporter, and you can find superb locally crafted olive oil in Barcelona. Visit a local market to discover bottles of extra virgin olive oil, both delicious and affordable. 

A top choice is Oli Sal on Travessera de Gràcia, offering various Spanish oils from Cataluña. It’s a tasty, healthy, and authentic gift supporting local producers. Don’t miss bringing home some of this Barcelona treasure!

15. Wine Porron

The Wine Porron is a symbol of traditional Catalunya, serving as a unique drinking vessel designed to minimize wine’s contact with air. Historically, it was used as a measuring tool. 

The Porron features a funnel-like design with a spout for pouring. It also doubles as a social drinking device, as it can be passed around a table, allowing people to drink without their lips touching the glass.

16. Ratafia Liqueur

Ratafia is a traditional Spanish liqueur crafted in Catalunya’s rustic countryside. It features a blend of green walnuts, nutmeg, and an array of aromatic plants and herbs, often locally sourced. This liqueur serves as a beloved after-dinner drink, known for its intense and flavorful profile. 

Apart from being a delightful digestif, it can also be employed in culinary creations, functioning as a marinade or sauce. What makes Ratafia even more special is the fact that many families have their unique recipes, often passed down through generations. It reflects the rich tradition and local character of this liqueur. 

17. Caricature From La Rambla 

La Rambla is a unique place to visit when in Barcelona. Not only is it famous for its touristy charm but you’ll find some fantastic souvenirs here. For a fun and unique keepsake, why not have a caricature done by one of the street artists? 

These talented artists create exaggerated and humorous portraits that capture your essence in a Barcelona-inspired way. It’s more than a memory; it’s a piece of art to cherish!

18. Local Saffron Spice

For the culinary connoisseurs and cooking enthusiasts, saffron from Spain makes for a meaningful and thoughtful gift.  While Iran claims the title of the world’s largest saffron producer, Spain, particularly the La Mancha region has provinces like Albacete, Toledo, Cuenca, and Ciudad Real, taking the lead as one of the top secondary producers. 

Saffron cultivation thrives in these regions’ dry climates. It’s often produced by small family-owned farms where the saffron crocus flowers are harvested by hand. Spanish saffron is renowned for its intense flavor and aromatic qualities. It’s an integral ingredient in Spanish cuisine, notably enriching dishes like paella and arroz con pollo.

19. La Barretina

La Barretina, meaning “a cap,” is a bag-like woolen hat in red or purple, with a history dating back to 1789. It gained significance as a symbol of the Republic after the French Revolution and was later popularized by Salvador Dali during his global travels. Today, it’s commonly worn on Catalunya’s national holidays.

20. FC Barcelona Merchandise

FC Barcelona is a top football team with a passionate Catalan following. Notable players like Johan Cruyff, Ronald Koeman, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, Theirry Henry Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas, and coach Josep Guardiola have contributed to their success.

You can buy official Barcelona Football Club merchandise at various locations across the city, including the Nou Camp Stadium shop. They offer a range of items, from replica T-shirts to boots and scarves. You can even personalize football shirts, and there’s a ‘Showtime’ section for photos with Barça players. 

21. Perfumes

Barcelona has a rich fragrance history, with the Perfume Museum established in 1936. Local perfumeries, like Ramon Monegal at Carrer Calvet, 3, offer scents like Entre Naranjos and Luxana on Via Augusta and specialize in fresh floral fragrances, including Everland.

Custo, the famous designer, launched their Parfums range in 2008 with options like “Pure Custo Women” and “Eau de Toilette Woman” for ladies, along with “Custo Man” for men.

Various locations, including PasseigDe Gracia 6, l’ílla shopping center in the Gothic district, and Ramon Monegal at Carrer Calvet 3, feature these fragrances.

Having a custom fragrance made for yourself or someone you love is a one of a kind gift to bring back from Barcelona.

22. Bota

No visit to Spain is complete without a Bota! This classic leather drinking vessel is a must-have souvenir. Resembling a sack-like hip flask carried across your shoulder, it’s unique and a really fun gift to give. I always get a good laugh from people when I bring them a Bota back from Barcelona.

Locals use the Bota to drink and carry wine, but it can be used for any liquids and even good for kids. This distinctive drinking vessel is exclusive to Catalunya, making it a top choice in Barcelona and it is easy to pack and not expensive.

Conclusion

Barcelona has a wonderful selection of gifts and mementos that perfectly capture the spirit of this energetic city. There is something for every traveler, from vintage finds like mosaic lizards to modern clothing, cheese and incredible Spanish wines!

Souvenirs from Barcelona will always serve as a reminder of the one of a kind energy and culture this city has to offer. Whether you choose to take a piece of Gaudi’s artwork home with you, or a taste of Spanish culture with some saffron or Ratafia you will always be glad you have a small reminder of your time in the one and only Barcelona.

We highly recommend exploring the markets, boutique stores, and bustling streets to find the ideal souvenir to remember your unforgettable trip to Barcelona.

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