Image by Bill Sinclair

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.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
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

Image by Anna Boluda

This great shop is in one of the most interesting streets in Gràcia, carrer Astúries, filled with some local designers, a couple of eco food shops and some tiny soap or small tea businesses. And among all that, Olokuti is one of my favorite places. 

First, because they sell a lot of interesting stuff: from hippy-style Asian-made clothes to photo frames from recycled materials, fair-trade coffee and my favorite section: what they call eco-gadgets. That includes several types of solar chargers for cellphones or laptops, a bottle that filters tap water or a radio for the shower that uses water pressure as energy. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth a visit to see what they have there. I love it. 

The other interesting thing about the shop is that it is located in what used to be a real house, and they haven’t destroyed it in the process to become a business. So you can see the real room sizes, where the original doors and windows where and -the best of it- the different floor tiles for every space!

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Olokuti | Shopping | T-shirt € 20
Astúries 36 | Gracia
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 21:30

Image by Anna Boluda

This wonderful store has just opened (Dec. 2011, so new that their website is still under construction) and it’s already one of my favorites. And if, like me, you think that good local food is a great souvenir to take back home, you’ll love it too.

Els Bandolers de Gràcia offers the most typical Catalan products on its best quality options. From a selection of wine and cava (Catalan sparkling wine) and olive oil to sweets or cold meats. I haven’t had time to try them all yet, but I can already recommend the ‘fuets’ and ‘secallones’ (thin cured sausages) and the cans of wild mushrooms. My favorite so far is the selection of ‘olivadas’ (olive paste), specially the Arberquina one (arberquinas are tiny super tasty green olives from the south and interior parts of Catalonia).

On my ‘to try’ list are the local artisans beers and the ‘calçotada’ sauce (the one that is used with spring onions but that works perfectly well with any other grilled veggies too). And I’m sure it won’t take long for me to get back there and see what else they have…

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Els Bandolers de Gràcia | Shopping | Olive paste € 3.50
Verdi 12 | Gracia
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 14:30 & 16:00 – 22:30

Image by Anna Boluda

Maybe you need to be crazy about shoes (as I am) to appreciate this shop, but I have to confess that I am nuts about it. Too bad it’s not cheap or I’d probably try to buy the whole collection!

Nagore is a local brand of shoes. Well, actually it started in Menorca (one of the Balearic islands), but the only shop in the continent is this one in the Gracia neighborhood of Barcelona. They are a wild combination of funny design, the bravest colors, eco materials and bright colors. From sandals to high-heeled boots, for women, men and children, but only for open-minded people. 

Why do I say that? Because it’s hard for me to imagine some conservative looking person with some loud orange ankle boots or grass green sandals. Although they also sell more classical brown and black versions too…

I specially like the fact that they use vegetable tanning for the leathers, and either natural or recycled rubber for the soles. The shop itself is so nice I can’t help but going in to have a look every time I pass by. 

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Nagore | Shopping | Ankle boots € 120
Astúries 50 | Gracia
Mon – Sat10:00 – 20:00

Image by Anna Boluda

This is the place I have chosen for breakfast on my birthday this year. I can’t think of a sweeter place to start such an important day!

Vreneli is a discreet spot in the Rius i Taulet square, with a quite few cozy tables inside and the best selection of teas in the whole city. Also, the variety of cakes and cookies is just wonderful. The best ones, I think, are the brownie and the muesli and chocolate cookie. But there are also butter and jam options, some of them in the form of smiley faces. 

At lunch time they also serve light snacks, some sandwiches and crepes. But honestly, I prefer going there just for a mid-morning or afternoon relaxed moment. 

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Vreneli café | Coffee & tea | Tea cup € 2,20
Plaça Rius i Taulet 8 | Gracia
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 21:00, Sat – Sun 09:00 – 21:00