El Born

Juanjo Fernandes is a popular local figure and long-time bookseller, and his MUTT gallery has a drool-worthy collection of books on art, architecture, graphic design, music, and more. Located in the arty Born neighborhood, it's also a great place to get a taste of the local art scene, as Fernandes always has an exhibition from a local artist on the walls. Pop in early on your trip to see if there are any events on the calendar; they often host lectures, live music, and fun openings.

We like to think of this dizzyingly fun retail concept as a cross between Urban Outfitters and Colette, meaning that the buy is eclectic and vast—pillows, gift-ables, accessories, clothing, kids furniture, etc.—but the prices, for the most part, are reasonable. There’s also an industrial-looking gallery that is host to edgy art shows and installations.

Though it's broken up into six distinct boutiques (two men’s, two women’s, plus a concept shop and a home décor store), La Comercial as a whole takes up a significant stretch of El Born’s best shopping street. With a designer roster that includes Carven, Comme des Garçons, Fornasetti, and Kenzo to name a select few, it’s easy to compare it to say, a Barneys, but the clever use of space and merchandising make a shopping experience here feel entirely new.

This color-happy shop is a paradise for anyone born before 1982 or old souls with an interest in records, polaroid cameras, and quirky home décor. While the kitschy stuff is clearly the draw, the offering of contemporary, design-centric brands like Fern Living, Papier Tigre, and HAY shouldn’t be missed. Also worth exploring is the excellent children’s section, stocked with everything from delightfully analog wooden toys to sweet retro-inspired enamel plates. Leave plenty of time to browse the wall of indie publications: All the usual suspects are here (Kinfolk, Toiletpaper, Cerial) plus more obscure titles like Kink and Victory.

Even before she set out designing her namesake accessories line, Beatriz picked up on the importance of quality and longevity at a young age—her family has been in the apparel business since 1898. The Italian-leather totes, clutches, loafers, and flats on display at her teeny boutique all transcend seasonal trends and only look better the longer you wear them. There are also locations in Les Corts, Dreta de l'Eixample, and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi.