Top Barcelona Souvenirs | What to Buy in Barcelona

Souvenirs are a way to celebrate travel experiences and to create lasting memories. Some people buy souvenirs to serve as a physical reminder of a special holiday while some collect them as a hobby. Some people buy souvenirs to support local economies and artisans while some pick them up to be given as gifts to family or friends. 

If you are visiting Barcelona and are wondering what would be the best souvenirs to bring back from this vibrant Spanish city, then this article is for you. We have shared objects which we think make for great souvenirs. The list includes souvenirs for all budgets and tastes. Take a look!

Ratafia

Ratafia is a Spanish liqueur, traditionally made in Catalonia's rural areas from green walnuts, nutmeg and a number of other aromatic plants & herbs. In addition to being served as a traditional after-dinner drink, it also makes for a great accompaniment to desserts.

Depending on the area where it is produced, the liqueur is typically made from a base of aguardiente (fire-water) flavoured with a mixture of fruits, nuts and herbs local to the area. Once all the ingredients are added together, it is left for around 40 days to macerate. The resulting liqueur is intense, flavourful, sweet and versatile.

Apart from its most common use as an after-dinner drink, it can also be used as a cooking ingredient (as a marinade or sauce).

In addition to being produced by big companies and brands, Ratafia is also made at home by the locals with many families having their own distinctive recipe for Ratafia, which is often passed down through generations.

Ratafia would make a great and delicious souvenir either for yourself or for someone who enjoys alcohol. We know this will go down a treat, literally!

Saffron

For the foodies or cooking enthusiasts a very thoughtful gift from Spain would be Saffron.

Saffron is a spice that is derived from the flower of Crocus sativus (saffron crocus) and used as a seasoning and colouring agent in food preparation. While Iran is the largest producer of saffron in the world, Afghanistan and Spain follow it as the top secondary producers of Saffron.

In Spain, the La Mancha region (which includes the provinces of Albacete, Toledo, Cuenca and Ciudad Real) is known for its dry and arid climate and is the main area where Saffron is cultivated. The saffron is typically grown on small family-owned farms, where the Saffron Crocus flowers are harvested by hand. Spanish saffron is characterised by its intense flavour, aroma and a very vibrant red color. It is widely used in Spanish cuisine, particularly in dishes like paella and arroz con pollo.

Saffron makes for a wonderful and unique souvenir/gift and can show appreciation and thoughtfulness.

There are different saffron types (based on the region they are grown in) and many different brands offering products at different prices. In Barcelona, you can pick up Saffron from major supermarkets, local food markets like La Boqueria or from specialist food stores like Casa Gispert. Casa Gispert is located on the left side of Santa Maria del Mar church in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona.

Caganer Figurine

Traditionally included in the Christmas decorations in many Catalan houses, the Caganer Figurine is usually made of clay or porcelain and depicts a person wearing a barretina (a traditional red Catalan hat) and crouching & defecating. The origins of the Caganer are not entirely clear, but they likely date back several centuries. The figurine is placed in the middle of the nativity scene at Christmas and is said to bring good fortune, luck and happiness.

The original and traditional Caganer features a peasant but nowadays public figures like sportsmen, politicians, movie actors, singers etc. are also depicted as a Caganer Figurine.

You can purchase these figurines from souvenir shops, Christmas markets (if visiting during the Christmas season) or from specialist shops like Caganer.com who have been handcrafting Caganers since 1992. They have shops in a number of locations in Barcelona including a couple in the Gothic Quarter and one near the Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall.

Turrón

Turrón is a traditional sweet delicacy that is typically enjoyed during the holiday season (at Christmas and New Year's Eve) all across Spain. It is essentially a type of nougat that is made from almonds (or other nuts like hazelnuts, pistachio or peanuts), honey, eggs and sugar.

Turróns are of two main types
- hard turrón (turrón duro) which has a firm & crunchy texture and
- soft turrón (turrón blando) which has a smoother & chewy texture.

The ingredients in both are mostly the same but the proportions and the way of making them varies.

Turrón is believed to have been introduced to Spain by the Moors during their rule of the country, and it has been a much loved sweet treat among Spaniards ever since. It is commonly eaten as a dessert/snack on its own or can be used in other desserts like pastries or ice creams or can be enjoyed paired with a glass of Spanish sherry or hot chocolate.

There are many places where you can purchase Turrón in Barcelona. Mercat de la Boqueria has several stalls selling popular brands of Turrón. Casa Colomina, a family business created in 1908, are known for their artisanal nougats and have a store in the historic center of Barcelona (Carrer de la Cucurulla). Torrons Vicens, who have been making a wide selection of nougats and specialties since 1775, have several stores across Barcelona at locations like Plaza Sant Jaume, La Padrera, Las Ramblas Museum Shop, Carrer de la Boqueria and one near the Sagrada Familia.

Sangria

Sangria is synonymous with Spain. It is an alcoholic beverage that has its origins both in Spain and neighbouring Portugal. Only these two countries are allowed to label their products as Sangria.

The base ingredient in Sangria is always red wine. It is traditionally mixed with local fruits (oranges, nectarines, peaches, berries etc.), lemonade/soda and sweetened with sugar and orange juice. There is no fixed recipe, with each brand or restaurant having a slight difference in their recipe. Whatever the combination, this boozy fruit punch is delicious and loved by locals and tourists alike.

A bottle of Sangria makes a nice little souvenir and you can pick it up from any spirits store or from the duty-free section at the airport.

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Handmade Photo Frames

Antoni Gaudí’s incredible mosaic artworks are found all over Barcelona from the giant salamander in Park Güell to the interiors of Casa Batlló to the very colourful Casa Vicens. And the same style can be seen in these handmade photo frames (pictured below) that are like mini-pieces of art in themselves.

With their colorful design paying homage to Gaudí’s mosaic art, these frames are a great way to showcase special memories and would make a great addition to any home decor. You can find these in most souvenir shops or at the gift shops in places like Casa Batlló and more.

Books

Take a little piece of Barcelona's history back with you with a book about the city. Be it illustrated books, books about the city's architecture or its history, there is something for everyone's tastes.

If you love cooking or know a food-lover, then a wonderful souvenir would be a cookbook featuring the best of Spanish recipes. A gift that is sure to be appreciated and valued.

Flamenco Dancer Figurine

Flamenco is a Spanish dance form that is characterised by hand clapping (Palmas), percussive footwork (heel clicking) and intricate hand and body movements. It's an art form that combines passion and drama and is amazing to watch. We loved watching a Flamenco show at the City Hall when we were in Barcelona.

A female Flamenco dancer is called bailaora and wears a typical flamenco outfit that is called the 'Traje de Flamenca'.  The dress is fitted at the waist and has short sleeves and the skirt is adorned with ruffles which add volume to the dress. Accessories include a scarf or a shawl and jewellery made with large colourful beads. The hair is normally tied up with a bow and adorned with flowers. Watching the bailaora dance with her swooshing dress and plethora of expressions is a wonderful experience.

And that is one reason why the Flamenco Dancer Figurine is such a popular souvenir.

You will find it in practically every shop selling souvenirs. Beautifully made with great attention to detail, these ceramic pieces make great gifts.

Flamenco Dancer Soft Toy

If you are looking to pick up a souvenir for a little one or someone who is a soft toy collector, then a Flamenco Dancer Soft Toy would be a great pick.

The plush dolls are dressed in traditional flamenco costumes and are a pretty souvenir to take back from Spain.

Jewellery

If you fell in love (like I did) with Gaudi's abstract and organic designs and want to incorporate it in your everyday outfit then you will love the gorgeous Gaudi inspired jewellery that you can pick up from select jewellers or gift shops at major Gaudi buildings.

At Casa Batlló, I saw these beautiful earrings and bracelets inspired by the organic shapes used in most of Gaudí’s iconic buildings. These would make great statement pieces and would be a souvenir/gift to treasure forever. What do you think?

Pericón Fan

If you have been to a Flamenco performance you would have noticed that the performers usually hold a large decorated fan in their hand. This is called the Pericón Fan and is a typical accessory in Flamenco performances.

Usually made of wood (the framework) and fabric (silk, cotton or poplin), the fan is decorated with colourful and bright designs and is held by the dancers as they perform the Flamenco. It adds an extra element of style and elegance to the dance form. 

These fans are sold as souvenirs as well and come in a range of colours, designs, sizes and materials. You can pick them up from the many souvenir shops that dot Barcelona or you could look for them in Mercat de la Boqueria or the Mercat dels Encants.

Olives

Olives, a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be consumed as a snack or used as a topping for salads, pizzas, sandwiches and in many more ways. I love Olives and loved sampling the variety in Spain.

If you love olives, then pick up a jar of Olives while in Barcelona. You can find jars of olives in a variety of flavors, such as garlic-stuffed, lemon-stuffed, or spicy and more.

Spain is one of the largest producers of olives in the world, and olives are grown in many different regions throughout the country like  Andalusia, Catalonia (known for its arbequina olives), Extremadura, Valencia (known for varieties like manzanilla, gordal and empeltre) and Murcia. Olives from each region have a unique flavour and characteristic of their own.

You can pick up olives from Mercat de la Boqueria on the La Rambla. There are a number of stalls like Olives i Conserves Graus, Olives Francesc and Soley Boqueria which stock a variety of olives. Alternatively, you can go to Casa Gispert, a gourmet food shop located in the Born neighborhood of Barcelona that stocks a wide selection of olives, nuts, and dried fruits.

FCB Merchandise

If you are fan of FC Barcelona or want to take a souvenir back home for someone who enjoys football, then head to one of the many Barça stores where you will find all official Barça items like limited edition jerseys, games & toys, watches & jewellery, scarves & hats, home kit balls, sunglasses and memorabilia signed by many top football players.

There are a number of official Barça stores in Barcelona like the one at Camp Nou, the one on La Rambla or the one near Sagrada Familia.

Olive Oil

Spain is the largest producer of olive oil in the world. Based on the classifications recognised by the Spanish government, olive oil produced in Spain is classified into several different categories, some of which are Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Virgin Olive Oil, Olive Oil, Refined Olive Oil, Organic Olive Oil and DOP/IGP Olive Oil (produced in a specific geographic region and meeting set production and quality standards).

There are many regions throughout Spain that are known for their high-quality olive oils like Andalusia (accounts for a major percentage of Olive Oil production in the country), Catalonia (popular for the 'Siurana' olive oil), Valencia (known for the 'Serra de Mariola' olive oil), Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha (known for 'Montes de Toledo' olive oil). Each region has its own flavour profile and the oils are an important part of their cuisine and culture.

In Barcelona, you can purchase high-quality olive oil from most supermarkets, specialist shops or local markets.

La Boqueria Market, on the La Rambla, is a great place to find a wide variety of olive oils. You will find everything from locally-produced olive oils to spice infused olive oils.

If you would rather purchase from specialist shops, then you can head to Oli Sal (in the Gracia neighbourhood) where there is a great selection of Extra Virgin Olive Oils or go to one of El Corte Inglés' stores where you will find a good selection of olive oils from different regions of Spain.

Spanish Bull Figurine

Toro Bravo refers to a breed of cattle from Spain that is known for its large size, muscular build and distinctive horns that curve upward and outward. These bulls are also known as the Spanish Fighting Bull and were traditionally used in bullfighting in Spain.

Step into any souvenir or novelty shop in Spain and you will find colorful figurines of the Spanish Bull. Either made from metal or ceramic, these figurines are said to represent bravery and ferocity and make great souvenirs.

These bull figurines are available in solid colours, painted with colorful designs or made with the ‘trecandis’, an unique type of mosaic that is used in Catalan modernism (and one that has made Gaudí so famous).

Cheese

There are more than hundred different types of Spanish cheese, ranging from soft and creamy to hard and crumbly, and they are typically made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, or a combination of these. Some of the most popular Spanish cheeses include Manchego, Idiazabal, Tetilla, Cabrales,  Roncal, Zamorano, and Manchego Viejo and Mahón.

Each cheese has its own unique flavour and texture and has its own place in Spanish gastronomy.

In Barcelona, you can head to Can Luc, a small shop in the Gracia neighbourhood that stocks over 100 varieties of cheeses from Spain and other parts of Europe. They also have everything to accompany the cheese tasting including a selection of wines and beers, assortment of charcuterie, crackers, jams, condiments & more.

You can also purchase local Spanish cheeses from the La Boqueria Market or from Formatgeria La Pineda, a Catalan cheese shop that is popular for its handmade cheese.

El Drac (The Dragon)

Located in Park Güell and created by Gaudí is a famous ceramic sculpture called 'El Drac'. Made of colourful, mosaic tiles and measuring around 4 meters in length, the sculpture of the lizard is inspired by a mythological dragon and is said to represent power and strength in Catalan culture.

With intricate details, textures and colours the lizard perched on a flight of stairs is the backdrop for most visitor photos and is one of the icons of Park Güell.

No wonder that replicas of this mosaic lizard are found in every single souvenir shop either in the form of fridge magnets, keychains or mini sculptures.

Chocolates

Chocolate is always a popular gift to bring back for friends and family or even for oneself. It is delicious, compact, easy to transport and an immersive cultural experience making it a great souvenir.

Spanish chocolate is known for its high quality, rich flavor, and versatility for use in both sweet and savory dishes. Barcelona is said to be the entry port of chocolate into Europe with the first shipment of cacao arriving to Spain sometime in 1520. And in 1777 the first chocolate mechanical-production workshop started in Barcelona.

Today there are a number of chocolate brands in Spain and you can pick up delicious chocolates in Barcelona from plenty of places. Try Cocoa Sampaka (located in the El Born neighbourhood) or / Fargas, a historic chocolate shop (dates back to 1827), located in the Old Town of Barcelona, in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and very popular for its bonbons and artisanal chocolate.

Also worth visiting is the La Colmena, one of the oldest pastry shops in Barcelona. They have been around since 1849 and have a wonderful selection of dark and milk chocolates.

Ceramics

Spain is famous for its traditional, handmade ceramics. From dishes & plates to pots & urns and from storage jars to home decor, Spanish ceramics are typically hand painted and come in bold colours and designs that reflect the influence of its past along with a modern touch.

All across Spain you will find small craft workshops led by local artisans who create a range of ceramic gifts and souvenirs that reference Spanish art and contemporary patterns that are evocative of Gaudí and Picasso's designs.

Do try to visit one or two small workshops and purchase your ceramic items from family owned potteries or small ceramic workshops. You are sure to find unique and innovative pieces in such places.

 

Spanish Biscuits & Pastries

For the foodies, a tin of Spanish biscuits & pastries is a great way to bring home a flavour of Spain. There are a number of different brands who sell local, traditional biscuits and you can check in the local markets or superstores for the same.

We liked this assortment of light & delicious biscuits & pastries from Dona Jimena. Beautifully packaged in a hexagonal box and  individually wrapped, the assortment includes four types of biscuits all made with wheat flour and ground almonds, lightly flavoured with either crunchy almonds, egg yolk, anise or cinnamon. Delicious and a great treat for yourself or someone back home.

I hope you found this article useful. These souvenirs and gifts are a wonderful way to bring a piece of Barcelona back home with you.

If you are looking for inspiration on what to see and do in Barcelona, take a look at the 'Best things to do in Barcelona'. Happy travels!