Cortes Ingles (Barcelona)

Advantages: one-stop-shop
Disadvantages: a bit expensive

El Corte Ingles ( the English Cut) is the only big department store in Spain present in most big cities. Barcelona has got two, one strategically located in the busiest part of the city – Placa Catalunya (7 floors) and the other situated in the main Business and Finance street – Diagonal (5 floors). Compared to UK department stores I would say that El Corte Ingles could be at the same level as John Lewis, although some people might say ...
...these department stores have the same layout: Lower ground floor – Supermarket with a wide selection of top class meats, cheeses, wines, cava, etc Groud floor – Accessories, Cosmetics, Perfumes, Souvenirs… Then upwards, each floor is dedicated to a category only – menswear, womeswear, children, house & garden, sports, electronics etc. Only selected shops have Bridal Department, Holiday Bookings, change of currency, both ... Read review

Advantages: Quality and choice
Disadvantages: Price

Corte Ingles is the main department store in Spain, it is huge every major town has at least one and cities will have several. One of the main stores in Barcelona is at the top of the famous Ramblas. It is huge 7-8 floors ( I didnt count), covering everything from underwear to toys. The thing about Corte Ingles is the quality of the merchandise, it very rare to find shoddy cheap good but of course quality has a price. The mensware dept is as in British ...
...of good quality suits, at prices less than the uk. A good service provided the we Brits could learn from is that they will make same day, free alterations to even the cheapest of suites. If you are a shopaholic then Barcelona Corte Ingles is for you, if only to escape the intense summer heat by savouring the excellent air conditioning that the store provide. The store will also change currency for you but be prepared to queue and unless you are spending ... Read review