Vibrant and urban, the Raval and Gothic neighborhoods have become the vintage hub of Barcelona, their backstreets full of secondhand and vintage shops. It’s no wonder that these stores are thriving. Here you can find classic, unique looks with lasting appeal for half the price of new items. Here are some of the best vintage shops that Barcelona has to offer.
L’Arca
While everyone is familiar with the time-honored tradition "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." not many brides-to-be consider having their dress be their something old. Tucked down a shadowy alley behind the cathedral, L’Arca specializes in vintage bridalwear for just that purpose. The long, narrow shop sells revamped dresses, the oldest dating back to the Twenties, as well as complementary accessories. The boutique also offers its own bridal collection inspired by fashions of bygone eras, an in-house tailoring service, vintage party dresses, an impressive kimono rack and a cabinet full of traditional fans.
Carrer dels Banys Nous, 20 | larcabarcelona.com
LOVE Vintage
Small doesn’t have to mean limited, as this tiny boutique in the Gothic Quarter demonstrates. Just off Portal de l’Àngel, LOVE Vintage has well-stocked racks of affordable vintage clothes, which are replenished every Monday by specialist suppliers. The wide selection mostly dates from the Seventies to the Nineties, with plenty of vintage Levi jeans and denim jackets and a collection of unisex band T-shirts for the most ardent music geeks. It can feel like a treasure hunt here, but the reasonable prices encourage customers to take a chance on more niche items if they don’t want to settle for firm favorites such as leather jackets and floral tea dresses.
Carrer de Bertrellans, 7 | lovevintage.es
Lullaby Vintage
Lullaby was opened in 2009 by Catalan couple Joan and Africa. Vintage was always a big part of their lives, and when they both found themselves without work, they took the plunge and opened the shop. The couple, who are more than happy to offer some knowledgeable advice, hunt down their goods throughout Europe; particularly Italy and Paris. Joan says that the reason vintage works so well in Barcelona is that the city is cosmopolitan and cheap, and being both fashionable and affordable, Lullaby certainly fits the bill. From a bargain box of handbags to a collection of designer bags and a wonderful array of sunglasses in cabinets, Lullaby has it all.
Carrer de la Riera Baixa, 22
Fusta’m
If vintage is your preferred style, why stop at the clothes you wear? Fusta’m, in the Raval, can help you add a bit of mid-century glam to your home. Sourcing designs from across Europe, it stocks everything from crockery and table decorations to lights, carpets and furniture. Before hitting the shelves, every piece passes through the store’s workshop, where it is cleaned and restored to pristine condition. Customers can also have pieces customized or can take a look at the Remake collection for vintage-inspired, but recently made, designs.
Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 62 | fustam.cat
Holala! Plaza
Established more than 40 years ago, Holala! has a well-earned reputation for being one of the best affordable vintage shops in the city. With celebrity fans such as Kate Moss, Elton John and Madonna, the vast store offers clothes, accessories, homeware and everything in between. Buyers for the company, which also owns other stores in Barcelona and Ibiza, travel the world scouring markets for unique and trendy finds and ensure that every piece is of the highest quality. Its flagship store also hosts regular concerts and art exhibitions.
Holala! Plaza, Plaça de Castella, 2 | holalaibiza.com
Holala! Tallers, Carrer dels Tallers, 73
Flamingos Vintage Kilo
Flamingos Vintage Kilo was started by Daniel Martinez in Madrid in a tiny 14 square-meter space and has since expanded to include over 20 stores throughout Spain. Three of these are in the Raval, including an outlet shop in the Flamingos Gallery on Tallers 68 which opened in 2013. Flamingos joined the growing trend of selling clothes by weight in 2009. When asked why Flamingos chose to go that route, Daniel answered that “It’s something original and fun, plus we have the best market prices.”
Flamingos has little bit of everything. The size of the Flamingos Raval stores means you can find almost anything you want. Everything is selected from the US and they have a great range for men—all the lumberjack shirts, denim and leather jackets you ever dreamed of.
Flamingos Vintage Kilo, Ferlandina, Carrer de Ferlandina | 20, flamingosvintagekilo.com
Flamingos Vintage Kilo, Canuda, Carrer de Canuda, 24
Flamingos Vintage Kilo, Tallers, Carrer de Tallers, 31