Vintage Shopping Guide to Barcelona

ON BEAT VINTAGE GUIDE TO BARCELONA

I’m no longer in pain because I went vintage shopping in Spain <3

It’s the truth.

Spain is known for its fabulous culture, rich in delicious wine, people and of course- clothing. The last time I was in Spain I was studying abroad in Madrid and visited Barcelona for a bebida filled Halloween weekend. This trip was very different.

My wonderful mother is moving to Spain and asked me to accompany her to scout possible towns for her to live in. I agreed with the condition that we could stop at as many vintage shops as possible on the adventure. We both held up our end of the deal and here I am on the plane with three 50lb suitcases filled with vintage to sell.

I have been going back and forth on starting a blog- not sure if it is something I really want to dig my teeth into. But as I sit here trying to keep myself awake so the jet lag doesn’t kill the rest of my week I figured I’d write about all of the amazing places I shopped in and around Barcelona.

So welcome- to my vintage shopping guide to Barcelona…

1. The Favorite Vintage 

Price: $$-$$$

Location: Carrer del Bruc, 71, Eixample, 08009 Barcelona, Spain

Vibe: Chic, Designer, Eclectic Selects

This was my first vintage shop in Spain and I just happened to walk by. Immediately I knew we had to go in when I saw the magical entrance. The owner Alissa was nestled into the corner of her jewel box shop- ready to welcome me and my mother with knowledge about all of her pieces and a passion for styling that showed in what she was wearing (I resisted the urge to ask to buy the necklace off her neck).

The Favorite Vintage is a curation of modern designer selects, Edwardian lace and embroidered beauties, 70’s & 80’s eclectic pieces & overall a space filled with really fucking cool shit. Alissa has some insane pieces from all of my favorite designers- Loewe, Jill Sander, Comm De Garcon, _____ - basically she and I have the same taste and I was so thrilled to have her shop be my first stop.

I highly recommend stopping by her shop- her pricing is incredibly fair for the quality of the items she curates, she has an eye and you are garunteed to find something that makes your jaw drop- even just for the next breath of air.

I left with…

• 1970’s Suede Buckle Bag
• 1960’s Metal Turkish Handbag
• Comm De Garcon Cobalt Scale Tank
• 1950’s Blue Embroidered Capulet

2. Mercat dels Encants de Barcelona

Price: $

Location: Carrer de los Castillejos, 158, Eixample, 08013 Barcelona, Spain

Vibe: Flea, Digging, Antique & Edwardian, Knick Knacks, Jewelry

This is the classic Barcelona Sunday market- the location and enormousity of it makes it worth the trip. I would say for vintage clothing it is not really it. For jewelry, knick knacks and home goods?? Absolutely worth it. There are tables upon tables filled with gorgeous goodies. Silver jewelry boxes, table lighters, antique figurines, inlayed jewelry, ceramic figurines, antique jewelry bottles- I mean if I lived in Barcelona my house would be stuffed.

There was lots of fabulous vintage costume jewelry that was very tempting but I tried to keep myself on task for the Edwardian vintage I was looking for. The vendors at the market were mainly Moroccan men- who yell and tell you everything is 70 euro when it really should be five euro. I love this energy- it is part of the game, but if you are not used to it- it is worth the warning. If you are looking for the Edwardian vintage it is going to be in piles on the ground and will require you digging. I love this but I know it is not for everyone- again worth the warning. There are other clothing vendors but they are mainly selling 2000’s leather jackets (for five euro!!) or fast fashion clothing.

The main level is where all of the action is but I would say it is worth it to walk up to the higher levels. As you go up you’ll notice its mostly little shops of antique furniture- fabulous MCM lamps!!!- keep your eyes peeled as you go up as there are a few vendors hidden amongst the vintage furniture shops who have great pieces.

If you are over shopping it is still worth walking up to get a Birds Eye view of the happenings of the flea

If I’m going to be completely honest I was a little disappointed by the market - the fast fashion vendors bummed me out and I found that the good vintage pieces were way too expensive (found this one fur trimmed coat that I loved but it was $250). I am a pretty good barterer but I felt that the men I was buying from were pretty rude (probably exhausted from people always trying to get a deal) and it just was not as ~good~ as I was hoping. I think it is worth going for the experience and to find a fun vintage knick knack to bring home with you- but if you’re looking for clothes, the other options I’m giving you are better. 

I left with…

• A bundle of Edwardian pieces (blouses, bloomers, a few dresses)
• Silk scarves
• Handcerchiefs
• A few 70’s knits and a little embroidered bolero jacket

3. Atelier Résistance

Price: $$-$$$

Location: Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, 36, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Vibe: 1980’s-2000’s Designer, Funky Fun Patterns, Blazers, Great Accessories, Large Selection Well Organized and Curated

I found this vintage shop as I was walking my HANGRY mother to dinner. She did not want to go in and gave me 15 minutes to shop and really held me to that time limit. I am grateful for the limitations I had as I think I would’ve bought a lot more if I had more time.

The store was well curated- it had a great range of sizes and styles. Lots of designer YSL, Givenchy, Fendi, Gucci, Escada- a lot of it was funky styles or patterns, more statement which I love. Pricing on most items was very fair- there were a few good deals in there that if I had more time to noodle on I would’ve gone for.

They had a great range of accessories and a massive collection of blazers and coats. The store was well organized and curated and I think there was a little something for everyone in there. Overall definitely worth the stop.

I left with…

• Four Just Cavalli Shirts- two t-shirts and two funky long sleeves

4. Port Flea

Price: $$

Location: Moll de Mestral, Port Olímpic, Barcelona 
Hours: Typically the first Sunday of every month, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM

Vibe: A fabulous, lively Sunday vintage market. Mostly Y2K pieces, some great designer

Vintage, live music, food, right on the water? Say lessss

This was one of my favorite shopping experiences of the entire trip. Not because I got the best things (I did scoreeee) but because you got to see the culture and lively nature of a Sunday market in Spain. It reminded me of some markets I’ve done in the US. Mostly Y2K vendors, but if you dig enough you can find some amazing vintage pieces.

I left with..

• 15 dresses
• Two bags (both sold :( )
• A fur coat

5. Le Swing

Price: $$$

Location: Carrer dels Carders, 26, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Vibe: Luxury, Fur Coats, Silk, Rich Divorcée Energy, "I Have Three Apartments in Milan"

This is one of the fanciest and most divine vintage stores in the city. It gives NYC diva meets Russian mama who just cleaned out her closet.

The second you walk in, you know this isn't the place to look for bargains. This is the place you go when you want the piece. The lighting is delicious, the racks are packed, everything smells expensive and the garments are treated with the reverence they deserve.

The collection leans heavily toward luxury vintage with gorgeous furs, silk blouses, leather, designer accessories and beautifully preserved pieces from the 70s through the early 2000s. Everything felt intentional. 

I spent most of my time touching fabrics I absolutely did not need and trying on things that made me feel like I'd just inherited a villa on the Amalfi Coast.

The pricing reflects the curation, but honestly? It felt fair. You're paying for condition, selection and someone else's excellent eye.

I left with...

• One pair of 90's Russian mama Cavalli Jeans

6. Busy Pussy

Price: $$

Location: Carrer d'en Rauric, 16, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Vibe: Y2K, Party Girl, Cool Older Sister, Tiny Tops & Chaos

First of all, 10/10 store name.

The selection leans heavily Y2K and 90s with lots of fairy dresses, y2k leathers, tight silhouettes, tiny tops, funky prints and pieces that would absolutely thrive on a dance floor at 2 a.m.

If you're looking for Edwardian lace and antique cotton bloomers, keep walking. If you're looking for a hot-girl summer wardrobe, you've arrived.

I left with...

• A handful of Y2K dresses

• A 70's psychedelic printed maxi (found in the sale section for 10 euro)

6. Discos Edison

Price: $

Location: Carrer de Calàbria, 129, L'Eixample, 08015 Barcelona, Spain

Vibe: Records, Treasure Hunting, Dusty Perfection

Okay, technically not a vintage clothing store.

Discos Edison is a dream for anyone who loves records. Floor-to-ceiling music, old posters, random treasures tucked into corners and the love of the dig.

I was drawn in by the 10 euro rack outside the shop and left with some amazing pieces for a great deal. The owner was lovely, the shelves were dusty and it honestly was a fun break from the highly curated stores I had been stopping at. 

I left with...

• 5 Jackets- two leather, two trenches and one blazer

8. Bon Karma (Not in Barcelona)

Price: $$-$$$

Location: C/DE L'HOSPITAL N16 PALS, Girona, Spain 17256

Vibe: Curated Perfection, French Coastal Grandmother, Dream Closet

Bon Karma deserves a mention even though it's not technically in Barcelona because it was one of my favorite shops of the entire trip.

Nestled in the gorgeous tiny town of Pals, the store feels like stepping into someone's impossibly beautiful closet. The curation is fucking insane. There are designer pieces, antique pieces and 70s pieces that you dream of finding. 

The owner was lovely, the styling was impeccable and I found myself walking out of the store with six bags of items.

If you're heading up the coast, make the stop.

Trust me.

I left with...

• Too many things to list but most crucial piece was the 1960's Bonnie Cashin red leather purse- insane!

 

If I'm being completely honest, Barcelona wasn't the vintage shopping experience I expected.

I thought I'd find endless piles of affordable antique clothing and leave with ten suitcases of Edwardian lace. Instead, I found a city full of incredibly creative people, beautifully curated shops, great design, and a vintage scene that feels much more fashion-forward than historical.

The best finds took work. They required digging through flea markets, wandering down side streets, walking into stores because the doorway looked interesting, and saying yes when something felt special.

Which is honestly what I love most about vintage shopping anyway.

You never really know what you're going to find. The best pieces are usually the ones you weren't looking for.

Would I come back and shop Barcelona again? Absolutely.

Would I bring four rolled up duffle bags in my suitcase? Absolutely.

If you find yourself in Barcelona, skip a museum one afternoon and go vintage shopping instead. The clothing will tell you just as much about the city as any history book ever could.

And if you happen to find a 1930s embroidered dress hiding in a pile somewhere, please don't tell me.

I'm already trying to figure out when I can go back.