The oldest shops in Barcelona
Routes 14/02/2024
We want to share with you some of the oldest stores in the city, obligatory stops to explore the authentic Barcelona, those hidden corners that are only revealed by walking through the streets.
These places brim with charm, they are treasures of Catalan modernism that continue to shine with their old commercial essence and, since 2015, they have enjoyed special protection thanks to the heritage conservation plan of Barcelona City Council.
Walking through these stores is a journey through time through Barcelona's customs and history, as well as being a way to make more conscious purchases in the city, immerse yourself in the past and purchase objects, food, fashion or accessories that smell like history.
La Rambla, 97, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
A long-established house founded in 1880 that sells books and scores of classical, foreign, jazz or pop music, it is the only century-old music store that has survived the passage of time.
This store has been offering music and sheet music since 1880. It is a reference place for musicians as it has more than 30,000 sheet music. It retains much of its original decoration and is truly a place of worship.
Carrer Vidre, 1 08002 Barcelona (Between Plaça Reial and Carrer Ferran)
Founded in 1818, this establishment, with more than 200 years of history, is the oldest herbalist in Catalonia and one of the oldest commercial establishments in Barcelona. It was a supplier to the royal household in 1857 and throughout its history renowned figures, such as Salvador Dalí, were a client.
As a curiosity, in its time leeches were kept in this source.
C/ dels Sombrerers, 23, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Wood-burning oven and original furniture in a family business from 1851 dedicated to roasting coffee and nuts. Casa Gispert is one of the oldest food companies in Barcelona. The store is located in the center of the city, next to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, very close to the Picasso Museum. Casa Gispert has been selling colonial products since 1851: nuts, dried fruits, coffee, tea, cocoa, spices such as vanilla, cinnamon, saffron... and the interior of the store has been preserved in its original state, like a museum but still working.
Baixada de la Llibreteria, 7, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
Decorative, scented candles and religious candles in this century-old candle shop that preserves the original furniture. It is a magical place dedicated to the culture of candles and the artisanal work of wax with a legacy that has been kept alive since 1761, for many generations and that continues to fight to preserve its authenticity.
Plaça del Pi, 3 - 08002 Barcelona
One of the oldest establishments in Barcelona, a cutlery shop that preserves its Viennese-style museum-windows, full of knives, razors and scissors. Open since 1916, this store, which began its activity with the sale of quality razors and scalpels, has become part of the collective image of one of the most historic squares in Barcelona.
C/ de Provença, 287, L'Eixample, 08037 Barcelona
It is the oldest active music publisher in Spain. Its founder, Alessio Boileau Bernasconi, inaugurated it in 1913 from his engraving and printing workshop. The store was inaugurated in 1939 next to the workshop, the premises were designed following the inspiration of the GATCPAC movement (Group of Catalan Architects and Technicians for the Progress of Contemporary Architecture) and currently it is the only establishment of this style that has remained open to the present.
Carrer de la Princesa, 11, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
The oldest magic shop in the world. Founded in 1881 by the eminent conjurer Joaquim Partagás, the King of Magic has been dedicated to the construction and sale of illusionary items for more than one hundred and forty years.
Preserving quality artisanal production and offering the latest developments in the sector. Becoming a cultural symbol of the city of Barcelona.
C/ de Santa Anna, 27, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
La Guantería Alonso is an emblematic accessories store located in the busiest commercial area of Barcelona. Specialized in quality accessories, ranging from a wide assortment of nationally manufactured artisan fans, to ceremony bags, stoles, scarves, hats, caps and wallets. Everything according to season and occasion, with personality and style.
C. del Call, 2, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
Sombrerería Obach is a store specializing in caps, berets and hats since 1924, which continues to retain all its charm and continues to be a reference in its sector.
We can also enjoy CENTENARY BARS AND CAFETERIES TO GO FOR A DRINK and feel like protagonists of the most bohemian, modernist and inspiring Barcelona.
C/ Nou de la Rambla, 34, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona
Modernist bar and creative cocktails in this legendary 112-year-old venue in Barcelona. Signature cocktails and music from the 80s & 90s. Beer and live music in a busy English pub with mirrors and modernist decoration, where you can have a drink in one of the favorite places of emblematic artists such as Dalí, Picasso or Antonio Gades and enjoy their live music sessions.
C/ de Joaquín Costa, 33, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona
Founded in 1860, CASA ALMIRALL is one of the oldest and best preserved establishments in Barcelona. The centuries-old decoration evokes the calm and bohemian atmosphere of the 19th century. The modernist atmosphere, typical of the time, combines wood and marble with a harmonious and suggestive result. Ideal for having a beer or making vermouth.
La Rambla, 74, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
This place began its restorative activity at the end of the 18th century as a Tasca-hostel, departure point for carriages to towns in the region and other cities such as Zaragoza, Madrid, etc. It is part of the historical heritage of the city and, beyond its antiquity, its history has been written by all those who have passed, pass and will pass through this place; from King Alfonso
Carrer de Montsió, 3, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
Art Nouveau style Catalan cuisine restaurant, which opened in 1897 and was the nucleus of the modernist movement. This was the year that Pere Romeu and the painters Santiago Rusiñol,
Ramon Casas and Miquel Utrillo opened 4Gats on the ground floor of the Casa de la Casa
Martí on Montsió Street. It was created in the image and likeness of the "Le Chat Noir" cabaret in Paris at the height of modernism. It continues to be a place of inspiration for national artists and
highly recognized international companies. In 2008, some scenes from the film "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" by Woody Allen were filmed in the main room of the restaurant.
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 546, 08011 Barcelona
Rambla de les Flors 83, 08002 Barcelona
A historic pastry shop in the city of Barcelona, founded on July 25, 1906, when Mateu Serra i Capell (1876-1945) opened the “Forn Serra”.
Antoni Escribà i Serra, 1930-2004, was the 3rd generation of the Escribà family and took charge of the Pastisseria Escribà (formerly “Forn Serra”) on Gran Vía 546 in Barcelona. Considered nicknamed “Mozart” or “Chocolate Wizard” for his chocolate sculptures, he won 24 gold medals in different pastry competitions between 1956 and 1977.
Today directed by Christian Escribà, the 4th generation of this saga has as its motto: Excite, surprise and create unique and unrepeatable moments.
The CENTENARY PHARMACIES deserve special mention . At the beginning of the 19th century, coinciding with the growth of Barcelona's population, the pharmacy business flourished. At that time they sold drugs and medicines for the sick that they kept on their beautiful wooden shelves and they have evolved over time, without losing their initial charm with their beautiful modernist decorations.
Carrer del Carmen, 23
It was founded in 1880 by Felip Comabella. In 1904, the modernist decoration was carried out that it still preserves in its interior and on part of the façade. This business is part of the catalog of the architectural, historical-artistic and landscape heritage of the emblematic establishments of the city of Barcelona prepared by the City Council.
FARMÀCIA CASAUS
Carrer d'Aribau, 91 - BARCELONA
The Casaus pharmacy, founded in 1901, still largely preserves the original modernist decoration, both inside and outside.
Rambla de Catalunya, 77, Eixample, 08007 Barcelona
Its first owner, the pharmacist Antoni Novellas, commissioned its decoration in 1902 to the architect Antoni de Falguera, selling it to the Bolós family in 1926. Having known how to preserve the decoration and the original spirit of the pharmacy is an indisputable merit of the Bolós family.
