What to Buy in Barcelona – 40 Authentic Barcelona Souvenirs to Remember Your Trip

Sadly, Barcelona is full of cheap souvenir shops and tourist tat.  Everywhere you look, there are tacky “I❤️whatever” thongs, t-shirts with Pablo Escobar’s face on, and more fridge magnets that you can shake a stick at.  As much as I love a nice magnet, many of these shops have opened in place of a local business that shut down and it makes me so sad to see people buying things in these kinds of shops.  So, instead of buying something that was probably imported, dig a little deeper and choose an authentic Barcelona souvenir that will help a local business and provide you with a lasting memory of the city.  If you’re not sure what to buy in Barcelona to remember your visit, I’ve chosen the very best Barcelona souvenirs for you!  Check out these fabulous souvenirs from Barcelona – but whether you decide to keep them or give them as gifts from Barcelona is up to you!

Tips for Souvenir Shopping in Barcelona

There is no shortage of places to buy cheap gifts and souvenirs in Barcelona, but if you’re looking for authentic Barcelona souvenirs, you’ll need to be a bit more careful where you buy them.

Where to buy Authentic Souvenirs in Barcelona

Try to avoid the generic souvenir shops in Barcelona unless you’re looking for something small to take home as a token gesture.  Even if you’re on a budget, there are some horrible tacky souvenirs that really aren’t worth your money, so I’ve suggested some nice, cheap Barcelona souvenirs below that you can buy as a little something for you or for friends.

Instead, look out for independent shops and boutiques that specialise in one product, so you know it will be of high quality, and ideally hand-made in Barcelona or Catalonia.  Alternatively, some independent stores have a variety of items that are made by local artisans instead of being imported.

Gift shops in Barcelona’s top attractions, like the Gaudí buildings or museums, usually have good-quality souvenirs and gifts to choose from, although they can be expensive.

Another good place to look is the Centre d’Artesania de Catalunya on Carrer dels Banys Nous in the Gothic Quarter.  It’s an exhibition space and store dedicated to a variety of traditional Catalan crafts and artwork and you can find some lovely pieces in here.

Finally, try to find some of the Emblematic Businesses in Barcelona.  These are stores that have been open for more than 100 years, and are sadly becoming fewer as they close down over the years.

I’m working on a guide to these special businesses, but if you spot a plaque on the pavement outside the entrance of the store, then that is (or used to be) one of them.  Check the name on the plaque and the name of the current business before you go in – some have closed and reopened as other things, like a currency exchange or a bubble tea shop, in two cases I’ve seen.

Spanish vs Catalan Souvenirs from Barcelona

While Barcelona is in Spain, it is very different to the rest of the country, so some souvenirs from Spain that you find in Barcelona aren’t very authentic as they are not actually from Barcelona or Catalonia – but if it is your first visit to Spain you might want to pick up some traditional Spanish souvenirs too.

I’ve tried to cover all bases with this article, suggesting some authentic Catalan souvenirs as well as other kinds of souvenirs from Barcelona that you might come across, and this article has some ideas for where to buy Barcelona souvenirs online if you run out of space in your luggage!

If you want to have a bucket-list experience in Barcelona that you’ll remember forever, then you can also take a look at these Barcelona experience gifts, which could be great for you while you’re visiting Barcelona, or as a gift for a loved one.

No matter what you buy in Barcelona to take home, choose something that reminds you of your time here so you can look back on your trip with fond memories!

Catalan Souvenirs from Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of the region of Catalonia, and is different from the rest of Spain in many ways, with its own language and culture.  Buying a traditional Catalan souvenir from Barcelona is a great way to support local artisans and producers.

Gaudí Souvenirs

You can’t talk about souvenirs from Barcelona without mentioning Gaudí.  Antoni Gaudí’s architecture is what Barcelona is famous for, and why many visitors come here.  During your stay, you are bound to visit at least some of his works, La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell or Casa Batlló, for example.

All of these monuments have their own souvenir shop where you can buy something related to Gaudí’s designs, from scarves to tote bags, jewellery and figurines.  These are some of my favourites:

A Dragon Statue

Gaudí’s “El Drac” fountain in Park Güell is one of the most famous things to see in Barcelona, so a miniature statue of the dragon is an excellent souvenir.  You can also get dragon magnets, keyrings and jewellery, so whatever you like, you can find one with a dragon design!

La Sagrada Familia Model

Probably the most recognisable monument in Barcelona, buying a Sagrada Familia souvenir means you can admire the design of this incredible building long after you’ve returned home.  The Sagrada Familia appears on all sorts of souvenirs, from keyrings to handbags and everything in between.

Catalan Books

If you’re interested in learning Catalan, look for books and resources to help you learn, such as phrase books or simple books that have been translated into Catalan and your own language.  There are plenty of bookshops in Barcelona where you can buy these souvenirs – which are hopefully a sign you’ll come back to Barcelona and practise your new language skills!  Check out these books about Barcelona to give you some ideas.

A Porró

A Porró is a traditional Catalan glass wine pitcher with a long spout allowing you to pour wine into your mouth without your lips touching the bottle.  It is quite a skill to be able to drink wine from a porró without getting it all over yourself, but it is fun to try – and to watch others do the same!

You might come across one of these if you join a wine tour in Barcelona or go to a Catalan restaurant – you can always ask the waiter if they have one you can try.  I recommend wearing a bib, though; it is harder than it looks to master!

A Catalan Flag

The Senyera is the civil and state flag of Catalonia, with alternating horizontal red and gold stripes.  You might also see the Estelada flag, which has the same red and gold stripes with an added white star inside a blue triangle.  This flag is flown in support of the Catalan independence movement and is a striking symbol of Barcelona that is often hung from balconies around the city.

If you see any political protests while you are visiting Barcelona or come here on September 11^th for the National Day of Catalonia, you will see lots of these flags flying everywhere.

Caganer Figurine

A caganer is a traditional Catalan figurine of a man crouched down with trousers around his ankles as he poos on the ground. As bizarre as it sounds, these are typically included in Nativity scenes as they are thought to bring good luck and prosperity, as long as they are not in sight of the baby Jesus.

Caganers are now made in all kinds of designs of characters and real-life people, with caganers as varied as Yoda, Queen Elizabeth II and Lionel Messi, just to name a few.  Caganers make a humorous and memorable souvenir and also a fun Christmas gift from Barcelona!  You can find them all year round, but especially at the Christmas markets if you visit Barcelona in winter.

Caga Tio

While we’re on the subject of festive defecating, Caga Tío is another fun Catalan Christmas tradition.  Made from a chunk of a tree log decorated with a smiley face and jaunty cap, Caga Tió is filled with sweets and then beaten by children with sticks until he poops out his sweet presents.

You can buy them in all sizes, but a mini version is probably best as a full-sized log is quite heavy!

Espadrilles

These traditional Catalan shoes are made from canvas with a rope sole and are a wonderful souvenir from Barcelona.  The term espadrille comes from the Catalan word ‘espardenya’, for the kind of grass used in the making of rope and baskets, as well as the sole of the espadrilles.

Espadrilles were traditionally a peasant’s shoe as they were made from materials people could source with very little money, often using things like sackcloth to make the shoes.  They were tied with a string or cord to help them fit properly on the feet without falling off!

Salvador Dalí brought these shoes to public attention when he began wearing them, and they became even more fashionable when Coco Chanel added a heel to her espadrilles – and these days, a good pair of handmade espadrilles are not cheap!

You can buy espadrilles from various stores in Barcelona – La Manual Alpargatera on Carrer d’Avinyó has been handmaking espadrilles since 1940 – or you can do a workshop to decorate your own: check out this espadrilles workshop by Handmade where you stitch a pair of espadrilles and take them home with you as a unique Barcelona souvenir.

Traditional Catalan Musical Instruments

Musicians may be interested in taking home a Catalan instrument as a unique souvenir from Barcelona.  If you had the chance to watch a Castellers (human tower) performance, you will have heard the music played on a gralla (a type of oboe) and the timbal (a type of drum), both of which you could take home.

Music shops like Tokobongo sell a range of instruments from Catalan instruments like grallas to classical Spanish guitars.  Casa Parramon is the place to go for stringed instruments.

FC Barcelona Merchandise

Barcelona Football Club is an important part of Catalan identity, and merchandise of all kinds with the team’s colours and logo are popular souvenirs from Barcelona.  You can buy official Barça t-shirts, footballs and other gear at the FC Barcelona store at Camp Nou or in various locations around the city.

This would be a perfect souvenir from Barcelona if you were able to watch a match at Camp Nou, or took a tour of the stadium.  What better way to remember your time here than an official FC Barcelona shirt?

PLANNING TO VISIT CAMP NOU?

Camp Nou is currently undergoing construction work so the stadium tours are not running but the FC Barcelona museum is open, with an option to view the stadium from a Construction Viewpoint. Barça were playing their home games at Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium while the major work was going on, and they have now returned to Camp Nou Stadium, although with limited seating until the works are completed. Tickets for matches are available here which shows you the venue where matches are played, and you can book a museum visit here.  

BOOK A MUSEUM VISIT

Paving Stone Coasters

There are two unique paving stone designs in Barcelona, which are instantly recognisable and lend themselves really well to souvenirs.

The four-petaled flower known as El Flor de Barcelona or El Panot is a modernist design that has been one of the official paving stones of Barcelona since 1907.  Look down on many of the streets in the Eixample and you’ll see them beneath your feet.

Gaudí’s paving stone is a hexagonal design that is on Passeig de Gracia.  It is more detailed and prettier, and would also make a good coaster or a ceramic plate for flower vases or anything else to stand on.

As well as drinks coasters, you’ll find these designs on jewellery, leather purses, t-shirts, and all sorts of other souvenirs of Barcelona, too.

Handmade Jewellery

Barcelona is home to many talented jewellers who create unique and beautiful pieces that will remind you of your Barcelona vacation every time you wear them.  Ogg Design Jewelry Barcelona creates some lovely pieces, including necklaces with the classic El Panot four-petaled flower paving stone design.  They will even take an old piece of jewellery and transform it into a new design for you.

Bagués Masriera is a Barcelona jewellery maker who has been in business since 1839 and has some incredible jewellery in their Passeig de Gracia store, housed in Casa Amatller right next door to Casa Batlló – it’s worth taking a look inside even if you don’t buy anything!

Ceramics

Ceramics, in particular, colourful ceramic tiles, played an important role in the architecture and design of Barcelona during the Modernist era.  Architects like Gaudí, Puig i Cadafalch, Domènech and Montaner and more used tiles as integral parts of their designs.

Gaudí created the style of mosaic known as Trencadis using broken tiles to create beautiful patterns in his work, so choosing some ceramics as Barcelona souvenirs is a lovely way to remember your trip.

You can also find beautiful, modern and hand-painted ceramics in shops all around the city. Look for unique designs that capture the spirit of Barcelona in the form of statues, crockery or vases.  You can even do a workshop where you make your own ceramics to take home, or learn how to use Gaud’s trencadis technique to make a mosaic.

Handmade Leather Goods

There are some incredible leather workshops in Barcelona where artisans hand-make bags and accessories that make a wonderful Barcelona souvenir.  Atelier Madre in El Born is a great example of this, where you can go into their store/workshop on Carrer del Rec and watch the craftspeople at work.

They have an impressive range of handbags, totes, backpacks and more, and all sorts of accessories from belts and dog collars to bracelets.  The leather is sourced from Igualada (around an hour’s drive from the city), from a tannery which uses vegetable-tanned leather (so less chemicals) and also supplies luxury stores.

Because they don’t have to make a set amount of anything, Atelier Madre can source small amounts of each colour that could have ended up being wasted after larger designers have taken what they need.  I love their focus on sustainability and using local products, and their pieces are gorgeous.

Atelier Madre also uses offcuts from larger pieces to create smaller items such as wallets, bracelets and even earrings to make sure nothing is wasted.  When I went in to chat with the team, they kindly gifted me a set of earrings which I LOVE!  You can also see the team working in the open-plan shop and workshop.

It’s best to visit the atelier at the beginning of your trip so they have time to make your piece(s) before you leave.  There are some items available for purchase right away, but they don’t carry a large stock, as most things are made to order to reduce waste!

Clothing from Barcelona

There are hundreds of clothes shops in the streets and shopping malls in Barcelona.  Whether you’re looking for unique clothes from independent boutiques, clothing from Spanish brands like Desigual (from Ibiza), or high-end designer gear, then you’ll find plenty of options in Barcelona.

Passeig de Gracia is the high-end shopping street in Barcelona where you can find the biggest designer names, and other major shopping areas like Avinguda del Portal de l’Àngel have Spanish and International high-street brands like H&M and El Corte Ingles.

Alternatively, wander through the Gothic Quarter and El Born to find the independent boutiques where you can buy something unique you won’t find anywhere else.

Candles

Cereria Subirà has been making candles in Barcelona since 1761, and still promotes traditional methods of working with wax.  You can find a wide range of beautifully designed candles in their store near Jaume I Metro station, and you can also take part in a workshop to create your own candles too.

Artisanal Soap

There are several soap shops around Barcelona that sell handmade soaps made from natural ingredients like olive oil, lavender and orange blossom. One of my favourites is Sabater Hnos which has had a shop in Plaça de Sant Felip Neri in the Gothic Quarter since 2006.  They have a wonderful range of soaps, as well as solid shampoos and other products to choose from.

Photographs

Photos make some of the best souvenirs as they capture your own personal experience.  Of course you can take photographs yourself with your camera or smartphone, but if you’re travelling alone and want some photos of you, or if you’re with a partner or family and want photos together you can hire a photographer or join a photo tour.

Joining a photo tour in Barcelona is a wonderful way to see some of the most Instagrammable places in Barcelona and get the best vacation snaps ever!

I loved the tour I took with Pickapictour, and the photos I got back from our session were fabulous.  You can book tours of photo spots in the Gothic Quarter, at Park Guell and more of the prettiest places in Barcelona to pose in.

BOOK A PHOTO TOUR

Postcards

Postcards can be some of the best and cheapest souvenirs from Barcelona.  Mail them to your friends and family, or send them to yourself as a reminder to be waiting for you when you get back home!

Catalan Artwork

Barcelona is full of art galleries and talented artists showcasing their work at various street stalls and markets around the city.  Every Saturday you’ll find an outdoor art gallery in Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol (next to the Catedral del Pi which is a lovely place to browse original artwork.

You can also find prints of popular landmarks in Barcelona in every souvenir and gift shop, but look out for independent art galleries and unique prints to support local artists. 

Typical Spanish Souvenirs from Barcelona

While you could argue that these Barcelona souvenirs aren’t particularly authentic (as they are from Spain and not Catalonia) they can still bring back wonderful memories from your trip to Barcelona.

Flamenco Dress and Shoes

While flamenco did not originate in Catalonia, Barcelona is a melting pot of culture from all over Spain, and there is a lively flamenco scene here. If you enjoyed seeing some live flamenco in Barcelona then you can find authentic flamenco dresses, shoes, and accessories in shops around the city.  They also make very cute souvenirs for kids!

Spanish Fans

Hand-held fans are a traditional accessory all over Spain, especially during the hot summer months.  If you’re visiting Barcelona in the summer when the temperatures peak, chances are you’ll want to buy a fan to keep you cool as well as to remember your trip!

You can buy cheap fans all over the place, but choose a hand-painted one for a truly special souvenir from Barcelona, or pop into Guantería y Complementos Alonso on Carrer de Santa Anna – this is one of the Emblematic Businesses I mentioned earlier and has a wide range of fans and other accessories to suit every budget.

Food Souvenirs from Barcelona

After eating the delicious food in Barcelona you will definitely want to remember the tastes and smells of everything you ate – and drank!  These are some food souvenirs you can buy in Barcelona to enjoy at home:

Spanish & Catalan Cheese

Spain has a great tradition of cheese-making, and there are many delicious Catalan varieties to choose from as well as Spanish favourites like Manchego.  I used to love going to a little cheese shop in the Gothic Quarter called Formatgeria la Seu, which has sadly closed – but fortunately reopened as Casa Carot.

Head there and sample some cheeses before you buy something to take home.  Alternatively, La Viñateria del Call is an excellent tapas restaurant where you can try a variety of local cheeses as well as delicious tapas and wines paired with every course.  That is something you will want to remember!

Crema Catalana Dishes

If you want to recreate this delicious Catalan dessert at home, you’ll need some of the ovenproof ceramic dishes to take home as a souvenir from Barcelona.  You can find them in many cooking shops and market stalls around the city and you can even buy these Barcelona souvenirs online so you don’t have to carry them in your luggage!

Jamón ibérico

Spain is famous for its cured ham, and jamón ibérico is one of the most prized varieties. Visit a Xarcuteria or a market stall and ask their advice on what to buy.  Prices vary dramatically depending on the quality of the ham, with Pata Negra being the most expensive as it is from pure-bred Iberian pigs fed on acorns and natural herbs.

Remember to ask for your ham to be vacuum-sealed for travel.  Larger shops like Enrique Tomas will also offer international shipping so you could order a whole leg of ham and not have to carry it in your suitcase!

Torron

This traditional Spanish nougat made with egg yolk, almonds and honey is a popular sweet treat in Barcelona, especially during the Christmas season. You can find a variety of flavours like chocolate and nuts or crema catalana in shops all over the city, but my favourite is Torrons i dolços La Campana on Carrer de la Princesa – another Emblematic Business which has been serving up sweet treats since 1890.

Catalan Chocolate

Barcelona is known for its chocolate, and you can find a variety of high-quality chocolate in shops around the city. Look for chocolate bars, truffles, and other treats to take home with you.

Casa Amatller was home to the famous chocolatier, Antoni Amatller, and you can buy some delicious chocolates there and in the gift shop next to La Pedrera, in beautiful packaging if you’re looking for gifts from Barcelona. Xocolates Fargas is another good place to try.  If you had some hot chocolate with churros look out for the hot chocolate that you can make at home.

Saffron

Saffron is a prized spice that is commonly used in Spanish cuisine and a key ingredient in Paella. You can find a variety of spices, such as pimentón (smoked paprika), saffron, and cinnamon, in markets like La Boqueria.  Choose a tin that will keep your spices air-tight.

Spanish Olives

Spain is the largest producer of olives in the world with over 200 varieties of olives grown in the country.  The main types of olives grown in Catalonia are Arbequina, Morruda, Empeltre and Sevillenca, with Arbequina being the most common.  Try to choose one of those varieties for a Catalan souvenir, or taste a few and choose your favourite for a typical souvenir from Spain.

Olive Oil

Spain is also one of the largest global producers of olive oil, and Catalonia is famous for its smooth, fruity olive oils. Look for olive oil from regions like La Terra Alta (and the village of Horta de Sant Joan) or Empordà for high-quality and delicious oils.

You could even arrange to visit an olive oil producer such as L’Olivera to learn more about the production of olive oil on this beautiful farm just outside the city, or look out for a food tour in Barcelona that includes tastings of olive oil so you know which ones you like.

A Paella Pan

It’s hard not to fall in love with paella in Spain, and while this iconic Spanish dish originated in Valencia, paella is also extremely popular in Barcelona, along with other rice dishes like arros negre (black rice flavoured with squid ink) and fideua (similar to paella but made with short vermicelli-style noodles instead of rice).

If you’ve enjoyed a tasty meal of paella in Barcelona or tried your hand at making it yourself at a paella cooking class, buying a paella pan is a great way to bring back memories of your trip every time you use it at home.  You’ll find paella pans in ferreterias ironmonger and general kitchen and hardware shops (which have nothing to do with ferrets!).

Catalan Cookbooks

If you’re interested in learning how to make Catalan cuisine and recreating your favourite dishes at home, look for cookbooks that feature traditional Catalan recipes.  Try your hand at making crema catalana (with your new dishes!), escalivada and rich meat stews as well as a range of tapas and the essential pa amb tomaquet bread with tomato.

Catalan Drinks as Souvenirs from Barcelona

In the tourist souvenir shops, you’re bound to find bottles of sangria and crema catalana flavoured liqueur to buy.  While these are no doubt tasty (and will come with a heady hangover) how about choosing some of these authentic Catalan drinks as Barcelona souvenirs instead?

Cava (Sparkling Wine)

Cava is a sparkling wine that is produced in the Penedes region of Catalonia, and it’s a great alternative to champagne. Buy a bottle or two to enjoy back at home or to give as a gift.  If you take a wine tour in Barcelona you will visit some wineries where you can buy cava direct from the supplier, or you can buy cava in any supermarket.

I love the cava from La Xampanyeria, where you can order cava to drink in the bar, or bottles to take home with you.  Be careful to wrap it carefully in your luggage, or buy some at the duty-free on the way home!

Red or White Wine

If you’ve had any wine in Barcelona and enjoyed it (as if you wouldn’t!), then why not take a bottle of wine home with you to enjoy yourself or give as a gift.

There are several wine regions in Catalonia, such as the Penedès which is known for its excellent white wines and cava, Alella which is just north of Barcelona, close to the Mediterranean Sea, and Pla de Bages which has excellent whites using the Picapoll native Catalan grape, as well as reds from local and international grape varieties.

Vermut (Vermouth – Fortified Wine)

Vermouth has had a history in Barcelona and Catalonia since the early 19th Century when it was imported from Italy.  Reus in Catalonia became the top producer of Vermouth in Spain, and while it went out of fashion for a while, Vermouth has enjoyed a major comeback in Barcelona.

Most bars will serve up this fortified wine as an aperitif, often with salty snacks like olives and potato chips.  Every bar has its own recipe, blending wine with herbs, spices and spirits like brandy so every vermouth you order will be slightly different.

Often, you can buy a bottle from the bar to take home with you, or you can find bottles in the wine shops around the city and a couple of brands in the airport duty free if you run out of space in your luggage!

Barcelona Gin

If you’re looking to top up your liquor cabinet, buying a bottle of gin made in Barcelona is a great way to bring a taste of the city back home with you.  My friend Brian runs Corpen Distillery in Poble Nou where you can arrange a tour of the distillery and sample a gin and tonic before buying a bottle.  They also sell minis for your hand luggage!

Cheap Barcelona Souvenirs

Barcelona Tote Bag

Remember to only buy something you think you will actually use – you might get more use out of a Barcelona tote bag instead of a cheap t-shirt, so consider that when you’re looking for gifts and souvenirs to buy in Barcelona.  There are some really cool designs to choose from, ranging from Gaudi’s works to the Panot flower paving stone and pretty much anything you can think of!

Barcelona Fridge Magnet

I always buy a fridge magnet for my mum wherever I travel, and there are lots of different Barcelona magnets to choose from.  Popular designs usually include the Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s Dragon statue, and the FC Barcelona logo, but try to go beyond the tourist souvenir shops and find some unique designs.

Keyrings

Similarly, Barcelona keyrings come in all kinds of colours and designs – these can make great little keepsakes and gifts from Barcelona as they are actually useful too!

Barcelona Bottle Opener

A useful souvenir from Barcelona, especially if you tried some of the craft beer in Barcelona or the famous local brews like Estrella Damm and Voll Damm.  Some are a combination of bottle opener and fridge magnet so you’ll always have it in easy reach of a cool bottle of beer.

Barcelona Shot Glass

Ah yes, shot glasses.  A reminder of your time drinking in Barcelona in case you can’t remember it?  More likely is that you or someone you know collects shot glasses from everywhere they’ve been – there are lots of cute styles to choose from.  The first time I came here as a student I bought a set of mini shot glasses from Barcelona that came on their own tray, which I loved – I’m not sure where they are now, though – I will dig through my cupboards and find them!

Things Not to Buy in Barcelona

Don’t buy things with a bull on them.  A bull is one of the iconic symbols of Spain, stemming from the once-popular sport of bullfighting.  However, bullfighting has been banned in Catalonia since 2011, and Catalans have distanced themselves from this bloodthirsty activity, so skip anything bull-related here.  Instead, look out for anything featuring the Catalan Donkey, a rare breed unique to Catalonia.

I hope it goes without saying but avoid any tacky tshirt that says I❤️MILFS or any other slogan, as well as underwear that you will never wear, and no-one will ever wear – save your money for something more enjoyable here in the city!