Casa Gispert - Located across from the Santa Maria del Mar church in el Born since 1851, Casa Gispert has been providing the folks of Barcelona with everything from house-roasted nuts to dried fruits to saffron and vanilla or locally made turrón. With the interior preserved to museum-like status you will be hard pressed not to come in for a look around but don’t skip getting some of their delicious toasted marcona almonds or sticky, sweet nougat. This is a great place to pick up some edible souvenirs to bring back for friends… or to remind you of your fabulous vacation.

Herboristería del Rei - Founded by Josep Vilà in 1818 and relocated to its current location in el Gótico in 1823, this institution is thought to be the first of its kind in Barcelona and most likely Catalunya. It closed its doors in 2021 but thanks to Ukranian woman, Pavlinka Doroshenko it was reopened in 2023 doing business as before but also open to the public as a museum.

Cereria Subirà - The oldest, still operating candle shop in Barcelona has been around since 1761. In its current location in el Gótico since 1847, the interior remains unchanged with its original decorative statues of women holding gas lamps flanking a double staircase. Come here to find simple tapers or artist collaborations of unique candle sculptures, there is something for every candle lover here!

Casa Almirall - Slinging drinks since 1860, this bar is one of the oldest in Barcelona and most well-preserved. Wood and marble surround you in the front room of modernist bar in el Raval and while you sip on your absinthe or possibly a vermut you can be transported to another time in this ancient city.

Els Quatre Gats - Meaning “four cats” in English, this Catalan expression is meant to describe people who are on the fringes of society, a little peculiar in nature. This art nouveau style café located in the famous modernist building, Casa Marti opened in 1897 as a space for like-minded artists, writers, musicians and other creatives to discuss their work. In 1899 Picasso had his first solo exhibition in this establishment and even designed the poster that hangs outside the café. Unfortunately the original owner, Pere Romeu, was not so business savvy and the café closed in 1903. Its legacy lived on in people’s memories as well as a literary review inspired by the space but it wasn’t until after Franco’s death that the café reopened in 1978.

Pastisseria Escribà - A fourth generation owned pastry shop that opened in 1906. With two locations now operating don’t get confused and end up at the one on Gran Via, the original, ornate, teeny tiny location on La Rambla is the one you want to see.

Sombrerería Obach - Open since 1924 in el Gótico this iconic hat store has unfortunately changed quite a bit on the inside but its façade is still impeccable and if you are in the market for a new hat you may consider finding it here.

Ganiveteria Roca - Since 1911 this shop has been selling knives, scissors, razors, and pretty much anything else with a blade. Still today you can find this products in this el Gótico shop but you can also pass through and browse at their wares and of course the well-preserved façade and interior.

El Rei de la Màgia - Oh this is one of my absolute favorite places in Barcelona and not because I love magic, I do but that is not why I love it so much. Its fantastical exterior from 1881 and their commitment to preserving the ancient art of magic makes this such a unique and special place. In addition to selling magic-related objects the space also operates as a museum dedicated to the history of illusionism and puts on magic shows weekly.

Géneres de punt La Torre - Dedicated solely to selling underwear since 1900 and under ownership of the same family the whole time is what has made this business so successful. The large store in Plaça de la Universitat is run by the fourth generation of the Carerras family with the same attention to detail and tradition as always.