With a
growing number of people who visits Barcelona and stays in an apartment rather
than in a hotel, choosing the right place to buy can make a difference.
Barcelona has plenty of supermarkets and small convenience stores in every
corner, except maybe for the old town where convenience stores have taken over
the place. Obviously, quality and price varies hugely from discount supermarkets
(such as Dia) to classy “gourmet stores”.
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| A Bonpreu store in Carrer Verdi (Gràcia) |
In my neighborhood
(near Sagrada Familia), there is almost a store from each important supermarket
chain and plenty of small convenience stores. Most of them can also be found
all over Barcelona. In my ranking, the best places to buy are.
It is a
middle range supermarket, with all the top brands plus their own brand
products. They have also a good choice of local products including ready to eat
food (fideuà, croquetes) and good local wines (they usually have Les Sorts, a very
affordable – and good - red wine). It is a good choice if you want to try some
local specialties “at home”. They have also some vegetarian products.
In fact, it
is a franchise, so the range of products available depends on the size of the
store. They usually have a better selection in vegetarian products than common
supermarkets, including their own brand products. They have also ecologic wine.
I strongly recommend to try Petit Albet red-wine, a tasty, very moderately
priced local wine.
3 CAPRABO
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| A Caprabo in Gràcia |
There are many “Caprabos”. Some big ones and some small ones. Some very
well kept. Others seem to need more care. But their offer covers all the basics
(plus some extras, depending on the size of the store) at affordable prices.
4 SUPERCOR
It is a convenience store so prices are high. They sell a wide variety
of products. It is a good choice when all the other supermarkets are closed and
you don’t trust the hygiene of smaller convenience stores.
5 MERCADONA
They mostly sell their own brand products, which are ok. It is not the
place to look for fancy wines or gourmet products but will keep the bill down and
let you buy all the basics.
