Shopping in Granada - the top four shopping spots for bagging bargains
"Bags of bargains if you know where to look" Look in the right places and you will find great deals and unique objects to tempt you. And if you like bargains, or pieces exclusive to the area, then look out for the beautifully polished marquetry, leather goods, ceramic pots and plaques, and, of course, guitars made in Granada. As well as the department stores and supermarkets, the top four shopping spots for bagging bargains are:-
The Alcaiceria The narrow lanes are filled with shops whose goods are absolutely overflowing from their doors. Brightly coloured fabrics, trinkets, pottery, jewellery, and tables, trays and boxes covered with tarecea (highly polished marquetry) entice many people shopping in Granada into parting with their money. The Alcaiceria is on the site of the original silk market, which was burned down in 1843 from a fire originating in a nearby match making shop. What you see now was completed in 1845, built true to the original Moorish design. Albaicin
The Albaicin is the Moorish part of Granada. It has all the colours, sounds and bustling atmosphere of a Morrocan market.Here you can choose ceramics made in Morocco and Granada, tagines for long slow cooking, mirrors, leather poofs and fabrics, Moroccan light fittings, flamenco dresses, and teas of every combination. For more information click on the Albaicin. Reyes Católicos, Recogidas and Mesones Buy from independent and mainstream shops like Mango, Zara, United Colours of Benetton, Etam, Massimo Dutti and Bershka. Here you can go shopping in Granada for leather goods (belts, bags, shoes and clothes), stylish dresses, tops and suits, jewellery, objects hand-crafted in gold and silver, perfumes and CDs. To get there, make your way along Puerta Real towards the Post Office and you will see Burger King and the Haagen Daz ice cream parlour in front of you. Reyes Católicos goes up the hill to your right, Mesones is in front and along the side of the Haagen Daz shop, and Recogidas goes down to your left. Calle PuentezuelasAt number 26, on the right hand side as you walk away from Recogidas, you will find La Casa De Las Especias (The House of Spices). This shop is an absolute must for two reasons... First. It is like taking a step back in time with ancient bottles, jars and drawers containing a cornucopia of herbs and spices. The owner can't do too much to help you find exactly what you want, and Second. The prices are very, very reasonable. If you want an experience of shopping in real Granada, you must visit the House of Spices... Calle Cuesta Gómez
Granada is famous for its flamenco - and for the guitars that bring life to this thrilling gypsy art form. Guitars made in Granada are world famous for their magic tones and longevity.
This area is the place to visit in the mornings (it is opposite Plaza Nueva) because this is when the guitar workshops are open. Once there, spend some happy hours calling into the various guitar maker's shops. And if you have time, you might also like to call into some of the tourist shops there and watch the marquetry (tarecea) being made. Opening Hours Small shops are usually open Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 2.00pm and then from 5.00pm to 8.00pm. Saturdays they will be only open from 10.00 until 2.00pm, but on Sundays they will be closed. Department stores, chain stores and larger shops are usually open from 10.00am to 10.00pm, Moday through Saturday. More details can be found on supermarkets in Granada While you are walking to and from the shops carrying out your shopping around Granada remember to stop often for a coffee and cake in one of the many cafes and pastelerias. It is what the Granadinos do and it certainly helps you to get more enjoyment from the shopping experience. You will find plenty cafés to choose from in Plaza Bib Brambla. Or go to the Hotel Nh Victoria which is on the corner opposite Haagen Daz ice cream parlour where Reyes Católicos, Recogidas and Mesones meet. One of the most endearing things about Granada shopping is that you can browse to your heart's content. The shopkeepers will be helpful if you want information, but I have yet to experience anyone who is pushy and who tries to encourage me to buy. Shopping in Granada is one of my favourite past-times. I hope you enjoy it too. Links related to this page
Have you had any interesting shopping experiences? Let us know. Return to the bed breakfast Granada Blog Page. To go to the top of this page click on shopping Granada To find out all about Granada go to Granada information If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Just click on the above left link. Thanks for visiting!
|
