Head to Barcelona to shop for papier-mâché masks, preserves, potent liqueurs and rope-soled shoes.

Barcelona is a buzzing city, proud of its heritage. Architecturally diverse, with its striking Gaudí structures and modern office blocks, Barcelona is a wonderful place for visitors to explore and has plenty of shopping opportunities as you wander the barrios (districts) on foot.

While there are the inevitable chain-stores - and it's worth checking out shops like Zara and Mango for good-priced stock that isn't available at home - Barcelona still boasts a healthy range of specialist niche outlets where you can find fabulous gifts.

Theatrical Emporium

Children will love anything you buy at El Ingenio, an enchanting century-old emporium dedicated to theatrical-style carnival outfits, papier-mâché masks, puppets, magic tricks and jokes. Scope the store for stocking-fillers and generous gifts.

Grown-up kids should head for Enric Rovira's chocolate boutique, where a mouth-watering array of Gaudí-inspired hexagonal hazelnut slabs and Christmas turrón in a number of unusual flavours make wonderful gifts. Another foodie paradise is Colmado Quilez, where olive oils, cava and delicious preserves make great take-home gifts.

Sweet Treats

Make for Caelum in the Barri Gòtic district, where monks and nuns stock the store with bewitchingly-packaged sweet treats, such as 'candied saints' bones' and 'sugared egg yolks', plus dangerously potent liqueurs, which you can sample in the downstairs café.

Nearby, Cereria Subirá is an opulent temple to the art of candle-making: almost 250 years old, the stunning green and gilt interior is the perfect backdrop for a vast array of candles and votives.

Visit the charmingly old-fashioned espadrille workshop-cum-shop La Manual Alpargatera, which is a favourite with locals and celebrities. Stock up on these traditional Spanish rope-soled shoes, as you'll never find a better or more tempting choice.

Read more about Spain holidays or European city breaks.

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