Lifestyle and Shopping in Barcelona
The lifestyle for expats in Barcelona is filled with exciting nightlife, cultural events, attractions, fine food and great shopping. Time at leisure is time well spent in Barcelona!
Most evenings in Barcelona start with a bit of alfresco dining in the city squares, or sundowners at the local chiringuitos (beach bars) or at the yacht marina. There are some trendy bars and clubs to enjoy in Barri Gòtic and Las Ramblas, while nearby Port Olimpic also has great bars, clubs and seafood restaurants to try out. There are ballet, music, dance and opera performances at venues such as the Greek Theatre, the Joan Miro Foundation and the Liceu Opera House.
Shopping in Barcelona
For the best shopping in Barcelona, head for the pedestrian way of Las Ramblas, Placa de Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia and Avenue Diagonal. There is also a bus from Catalonia Square that stops at retail centres throughout the city. Trendy Barcelona has up-market stores selling fashions by world-class designers, like Armani, Burberry and Bally, and Spanish outlets, including Zara and Mango. Bargains can be found at the winter sales in January and summer sales in July.
Most shops are open from 9am to 8pm, with a siesta between 2pm and 4pm. Large department stores will be open from 10am to 10pm. Nearly all stores are open on Saturday morning, but many are closed in the afternoon.
