VISITING

Spring in Paris

Putting vintage into your spring wardrobe is now easier thanks to the move of classic clothes boutique Paris Vintage into the centre of town. With all its stock bought on regular trips to London and Paris, there is something for everyone: Paris Vintage offers Chanel, Christian Dior and Prada as well as gorgeous (and cheaper) non-label items.

Rosselló 237, www.parisvintage.net

Mexican wave

Gallery-shop ‘Como me ves, te verás...' is a celebration of all things Mexican. With hand-made homeware, accessories and artwork, the space is a riot of colours and textures. Pride of place is given to the catrinas, or skeleton dolls, which highlight the curious Mexican relationship with death.

Sant Pere Més Alt 36, Tel. 93 319 0819

Geek chic

Not just for your nerdy younger brother or your embarrasing, should-know-better-for-his-age boyfriend, comic book stores are coming back into fashion for everyone. Well, Hollywood seems to think so: viz. Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk, Batman. But even if that isn’t your thing, don’t be put off by the novelty comic hero toys on display: Watergate Bookshop is the perfect hybrid of arty bookstore, lefty conspiracy theory hideout, and gift shop. Tucked away beneath the arches of a pretty square in the Raval, it offers the discerning book lover a stack of tomes on graffiti, photography, illustration and architecture. Plus postcards, t-shirts, the aforementioned toys, and, of course, loads of comics, rare or otherwise, for those grown-ups who just refuse to grow up.

Watergate, Plaça Vincenc Martorell 2, Tel. 93 343 5838, www.watergatebcn.com

GOT A FULL DAY OF SHOPPING ON YOUR AGENDA? Don't  miss these main shopping areas.

Las Ramblas - Wind your way through the side streets for a more unique and personalised shopping experience-- boutiques, vintage stores, and antique shops are literally around every corner as the rent is lower off the main Rambla.

Passeig de Gràcia - The main street in the classy and upscale Eixample district, where high-end designer names like Chanel, Valentino, and Hermes abound. Multiple retail chains like Zara and H&M also line this attractive avenue.

Rambla Catalunya - A quieter, greener version of Passeig de Gràcia, is a pleasant stroll for those looking for high-fashion names and Spanish luxury brands.

El Born - On the fashion upswing, this cool neighborhood is the place to go for hot new designers in shoe, skatewear, and street fashion.

Corte Inglès - This enormous department store is hard to miss on Plaça Catalunya, and another one can be found not 2 blocks away. Head here for, well, basically anything you might need, from groceries to makeup to formal wear. Just prepare for higher prices on familiar brands, and try to save your splurges for the more unique Spanish designers in the plentiful Barcelona boutiques and shops.