Released on: November 3, 2007, 8:15 am

Press Release Author: Alistair White

Industry: Consumer Services

Press Release Summary: If you think Spain is just a place to pick up a flamenco
guitar or a straw hat you\'re in for a pleasant surprise. Whether you\'re at one of
the open-air markets or upper-end shops in Barcelona and Madrid, shopping is always
an adventure.

Press Release Body: Shopping in Spain is a more relaxed and more economical affair
than in the rest of Europe.Bargaining is widespread here and you\'ve got a good
chance of finding some real bargains.

Shopping In Barcelona

Here\'s a city that\'s reinvented itself in the last decade and a vibrant shopping
scene has emerged in the process. You\'ll find all the big names here - Chanel, Max
Mara, Loewe, Benetton, Zara, and Diesel - jostling for your attention and your
credit card.

You\'ll find that boutiques line the avenues along with futuristic malls and
beguiling markets. And if you ever get tired of garments, you can head to the throng
of antique shops and art galleries.

Te Circuit del Born is the place to go if you want garments and accessories to
transform yourself into a Spaniard. You\'ll find it in the Ciutat Vella's Ribera
district. It is home to many small studio and shops retailing the creations of local
craftsmen and artisan. Specialties include silk items, and designer shoes and
clothing.

For a richer experience and a glimpse into Catalonia\'s mercantile past, head for the
streets around the Barri Gòtic. These streets are packed with traditional offering
from fish, candles and herbs to bullfighter\'s capes.

Opening times for shops in Barcelona is around 8 am and they tend to close a few
hours after sunset.

Shopping In Madrid

Spain\'s capital is home to an estimated 50000 stores selling everything from the
latest fashion clothing, paintings, ceramics and guitars.

Madrid offers the best up-market shopping outlets in Spain. Most of the designer
fashion shops lie in the eastern Salamanca district. Here the international temples
of fashion such as Prada, Armani, and Louis Vuitton, share space with popular
Spanish designers like Sybilla, Amaya Arzuaga, and Victorio & Lucchino.

But if you\'re weary of grand boutiques, you\'re in for a treat on Sunday mornings in
the form of the El Rastro street market. For this event the Calle de Ribera de
Curtidores closes to traffic and is transformed in to this great open-air bazaar
offering everything from live chickens to pirated movies, antiques of dubious
antiquity and erotic post cards. What\'s more, it\'s a truly Spanish event. But keep a
close eye on your wallet and camera.

Web Site: http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/

Contact Details: cheaperuk@tbi.com.au