If you're hunting for cerebral souvenirs, head over to the Paella Showroom art gallery/bookshop/vintage fashion boutique. Rotating exhibits are for sale, as are gorgeous tomes on Barcelona's art and architecture. Hipsters will also enjoy browsing the unique threads by local designers (2 Placa Vicenc Martorell).

Carrer Tallers is a long, lively alleyway of music, fashion and vintage shops - plus a fair few bars - much beloved by Barcelona's goths, geeks and assorted freaks. Think Camden Town compressed into one street. Among the highlights is Discos Revolver (tel: 933 021 685), where you can shop for '80s, metal and alternative LPs/CDs.

Barcelona's main Christmas market springs up under the cathedral (Avenida de la Catedral) and while you might not want to lug a Christmas tree home with you, mistletoe, decorations, handmade jewellery and other trinkets are also on offer, as are regional delicacies courtesy of the specialist food stalls. For the story behind the notorious Caganers on sale, see the "Did you know?" section.

Risqué lingerie, chocolate body paint and crystal-studded handcuffs are some of the tamer souvenirs available at Barcelona's saucy Le Boudoir boutique in the Barri Gotic (21 Carrer Canuda; tel: 93 302 5281; www.leboudoir.net).