I remember my mother saying it was a good option to cut your hair during new moon because it was supposed to grow quicker. However, when I came to Barcelona I realized there were other perks in cutting it in a full moon.

One of the most attractive hair saloons I had noticed was “La Pelu”. They have some stores around downtown, where you can always see interesting colors and styles in both the people that work and are served there.

La Pelu has a lot of special perks, but one of the longest running is the opening of the store at Argenteria (Argentería 70, near Santa Maria del Mar church) at night one Saturday a month, when the moon is full – from 22:00-01:30. On their web page they have the dates for these “special nights” – next ones are June 2, July 7 and September 29th (2012). August has a full moon – but also vacations.

An appointment is needed and you will get a reduction on the normal price – plus a fresh glass of cava and a very “Barcelonian” look. It is not possible to pay with credit cards.

If you want to take home a very personal souvenir, this might be a good experience. And well… maybe you even get your hair to grow faster than what you were expecting. Opening times change during summer months.

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La Pelu | Shopping | Haircut +/- € 40
Tallers 35 | El Borne | +34933019773
Mon & Sat 12:00 – 20:00, Tue – Fri 10:00 – 20:00

Built in 1892 Mercat de l’Abaceria is situated on the busy Traveserra de Gràcia, just 200 metres from the Library, very near John Lennon Square (see the Lennon square article) and even nearer to Bodega E. Marín (see the Bodega E. Marin article). it is one of four markets in Gràcia and one 39 food markets in the city.

You’ll find some of the very best veggies, fruit, fish, meat, cheeses and herbs here as well as Japanese sushi and fresh pasta, an Iraqi grocer selling food and drink from the eastern mediterranean, and a second-hand bookstall where all the books (some in English) are just € 1.00.

The market has three bars, all of which sell food prepared with ingredients from the market, so, when you’re done shopping for veggies you can cool your heels and slake your thirst before buying your fish, meats and cheeses.

The city council does a really inspiring job of promoting the city’s 43 markets (39 food markets and 4 non-food markets) – with healthy eating tours led by nutritionists – including tours for diabetics and weight watchers – practical demonstrations on food preparation and resource packs for local schools.

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Mercat de l’Abaceria Central | Bars, Shopping, Snacks
Travessera de Gràcia, 186 | Gracia | +34932136286
Mon – Thu 07:00 – 14:30 & 17:30 – 20:30, Fri – Sat 06:00- 15:00 & 17:00 – 20:00

In honest truth, sometimes during vacation one needs a little time off from restaurants. However, one doesn’t feel so adventurous as to cook or only eat sandwiches.

This little place near the Borne market offers a good solution. From a simple salad to an impressive sushi plate – going into different tradition Catalan meals – you could get most interesting things from the international diet – with, of course, a special interest in the Mediterranean meal.

I won’t say it is especially cheap because it is not – it is a about great food ready to eat. Don’t be scared, either: a plate of sushi is around € 8 and a roasted chicken can be around € 10. You don’t have to give a great deal of thinking (and cooking) for your special at home meal, with everything prepared and ready to microwave. They have all the range from starters to dessert, and a great selection of wines.

I was drawn in by the sushi platters but the selection of cheeses, oil, vinegar and other delicatessen canned product is worthwhile the visit. A little hint of Catalan: Bon àpat means, literally, good meal. And, if you ever need it, they offer catering service – to be arranged at the Borne store.

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Bonàpat | Shopping, Snacks
Pg. del Born 34 | El Borne | +34932954262
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 23:00

Wondering what to take back home? How to surprise that friend that has-it-all? How to preserve your memories of funky-Barcelona. Take a walk and go to WaWas. You might find what you need.

The idea behind this shop is to be a unique souvenir shop, with changes from season to season. You’ll find a lot of stuff either designed or directly made in the city, which gives them a different sense from the global souvenirs – that lately seem to be all the same.

The range of articles is quite broad: from a nude book made in Barcelona with “real” women, to kitchen sets, tapas cookbooks, fridge decoration and nice handbags. Also, WaWas has a quite good selection of material for the photographer that went back to the Lomo Camera. Besides other small surprises.

I always find some “object of desire” that will either be good for me or as a very nice present to someone who is leaving far from this place. Take a look at the postcards and to the little corner that has been taken over by kids clothing and Mexican toys. You never know what you can find.

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WaWas | Shopping | Fridge decor € 3
Carders 14 | El Borne | +34933197992
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 20:00

Finding a good vintage store in Barcelona is not easy- it seems that Spanish people are not really into the idea of wearing other people’s old clothes.

Luckily there is one street that saves the recalling of old spirits – Calle Riera Baixa. Door on door, second hand stores offer everything a vintage lover’s heart desires: boots, sunglasses, 70s summer dresses, jeans, bikinis from the 40s…Here you’ll find the good old dress for good old fun!

The best shopping day is saturday because all the second hand stores put their clothes and furniture outside on the street.

When tired from shopping, you can also find a beautiful old cafe in the same street: stylish in its old spirit- just like you.

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Rierra Baixa | Shopping
Calle Riera Baixa | El Raval
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 14:30 & 17:00 – 20:00

Let them fry, cook and steam, but baking? No. Being all good in cheese and ham, it seems that the Spanish did totally forget about their bread.

After years of suffering white, boring and unhealthy bread, it took some people from Iceland to bring Barcelona the joy of baking: stylish Barcelona-Reykjavik bakari offers everything yummy and healthy; banana carrot scones, cakes, pastries, pizza, bread, quiche, vegan products, with sugar and without, everything comes overloaded with taste and good ingredients.

No recommendations, just this much: try everything! Maybe a bread is triple the price (about €6.00, price goes by weight) of a Spanish one, but be sure that your stomach is filled for half a day or more.

Apart from that, the personal is super friendly and helps you making your choice in this wonderland of plenty.

Everybody loves the healthy and delicious bread and that’s why Barcelona-Reykjavik opened a new great place in one of the most famous streets in Gracia (Calle Asturias, 20).

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Barcelona-Reykjavik | Shopping, Snacks | Bread € 6.00
Calle Doctor Dou 12 | El Raval | +34933020921
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 21:00, Sun 10:30 – 15:00

This is a typical example of a shop where you find yourself buying things you actually don’t need at all.

But when something so colorful, so exotic, and so cute crosses your way, you cannot overcome the temptation.

Inflatable plastic pandas and elephants from Japan, mini tools for all occasions from Korea, kitchen accessories from the former GDR, Chinese thermos flasks, and posters of different sexy hair styling ideas from India will brighten up you or your friends homes once you are back.

One can find more than 300 weird and surprising products from more than 20 countries on display, chosen and collected by the owners themselves and their friends.

Don’t bring home flamenco dolls and bulls anymore. Get some weird souvenirs at “Fantastik”!

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Fantastik | Shopping
Calle Joaquin Costa, 62 | El Raval | +34933013068
Mon – Thu 12:00 – 14:00 & 16:00 – 20:30, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 20:30

Ras is probably one of the most interesting book shops in town owned by the Barcelona based Actar editorial.

Specialized in architecture, design and art, it offers a variety of books and magazines from international editorials.

Besides being a book store, Ras is also an exclusive gallery exhibiting contemporary art and design.

Check their website for exposition openings and get some chocolate, nuts and wine for free! But watch your alcohol consumption; you might end up buying some of the gorgeous accessories, displayed in the entrance area.

Ras is one of the gathering points of Barcelona’s urban scene, as it also offers many books on street art, and you might as well end up with a hot skater date!

Frequently check for sales, special offers and many books on discount!

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Ras Bookshop and Gallery | Art & culture, Shopping
Calle Doctor Dou 10 | El Raval | +34934127199
Tue – Sat 12:00 – 20:00

The charming green shop called “Hara” is located only 50 mts off the Rambla in Barcelona’s newcoming neighborhood “El Raval”.

The shop is run by a jewelry designer from Jaipur, India, who carefully selects and designs all the pieces himself.

You can purchase treasures from India, Thailand, Indonesia and other parts of the world.

Don’t miss the opportunity to get some fancy jewelry or other beautiful accessories such as bags and scarfs for you and your beloved ones at home.

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Hara Silver | Shopping | Harmony ball necklace € 12.00
Junta de Comercio 2 | El Raval | +34933188234
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 21:00

Encants is Barcelona’s biggest flea market nearby the Torre Agbbar, Barcelona’s newest architectural high light made by the French star architect Jean Nouvel. Els “Encants Vells” is originally called “La Fira de Bellcaire” and is one of the oldest markets in Europe dating back to the 14th century. Now the market is bigger than 15.000m2 and has 100.000 visitors every week.

Going there is spending half a day looking and snooping for old treasures (books, clothes, furniture, kitchen accessories and many more).

It is not easy to orientate yourself between all these hundreds of little stands and people, but that’s maybe not necessary. Just get lost, let go- but watch your bag! There are always pickpockets around. Don’t be surprised, it’s very likely that you’ll find your stolen bike on sale.

If you are tired from your search for hodgepodge and knick-knacks, grab a coffee to go and sit down in the sun. Watch the people go by, have a chat with a local vendor and let time fly.

Soon enough you’ll find yourself back in Barcelona’s buzzing city centre with Zara’s and Mango’s at every street corner. But here in Encants enjoy time, freedom and atmosphere far beyond Barcelona’s shopping centers.

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Encants Vells market | Shopping
Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, 8 (Glories Metro station) | Eixample
Mon, Wed & Fri – Sat 07:00 – 15:00