Streetlife: Carrer Ramón y Cajal
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Amelia Bakery
Follow the smell of freshly baked goods into this pretty artisanal bakery run by husband and wife Carlos Llobera Buscaldi and Fabiana Rodriguez Heredia. The pair works hard all day to churn out made-to-order, creatively decorated sweet treats—cupcakes, brownies, cookies, personalised birthday cakes and more—using 100 percent natural ingredients. Be sure to try the red velvet cake, a personal favourite of Rodriguez.
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La Boutique des Artisans Créateurs Français
This boutique showcases beautiful creations by artists and artisans from across France. Open since June 2017, French owner Valérie sources handmade jewellery, bags, art and more from small independent designers. So, if you’re looking for a special gift with a certain je ne sais quoi, it is the ideal place to pick up something interesting and unique, whether that be a sculpture, an intricately designed ring or pieces from the range of brightly coloured ceramics.
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Sunsais
This eco-friendly concept store was founded online in 2012, when entrepreneur Alice Sunçais united her passion for ethical, sustainable and ecological consumerism with her love for fashion. For Sunçais, environmental awareness runs in the blood: her parents were the founders of the Asociación Vida Sana (Healthy Living Association) and Barcelona’s first vegetarian restaurant. Based on the mantra ‘trust what you wear’, Sunsais sources its products from local and environmentally responsible designers. Women’s clothing hangs beside large wooden tables adorned with potted plants, glass picture frames, candles, delicate jewellery and other knick-knacks.
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The Curiosity Shop
Four years ago, three friends—an ancient history professor, a graphic designer and a secondary school teacher—decided to translate their enthusiasm for traditional board games into a business. The result was The Curiosity Shop, Gràcia’s only board game store, where wooden shelves are bedecked with all sorts of games, and not only in Spanish and Catalan. “As the Spanish market is usually behind that of England and Germany, we source a lot of our products internationally,” said co-founder Sergi Calazada. Those with a competitive streak can join the shop’s regular games nights featuring games based on Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and more.
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Vegere
According to manager and beautician Mayte Sánchez Domínguez, Vegere, Barcelona’s first vegan beauty centre, was born out of “the necessity to approach beauty from an entirely new angle”. With the aim of working towards a more ethical, sustainable and environmentally conscious planet, the centre only works with products and brands that are 100 percent animal-free in origin. With treatments ranging from oxygen and anti-aging facials to pedicures, massages and hair removal, Vegere is the place for guilt-free pampering.
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Vinil Vintage
Have a mooch around a large selection of second-hand vinyls at this small, Aladdin’s cave. Rows of neatly organised boxes provide ample browsing opportunities, and with prices as low as €5, you’re sure to find a bargain. The shop also sells a range of second-hand music equipment, such as record players, offers a repair service and welcomes exchanges.