City centre shopping

© Iván Sánchez / Tarragona turisme
© Iván Sánchez / Tarragona turisme
© Iván Sánchez / Tarragona turisme
© Iván Sánchez / Tarragona turisme

Since the city was founded, trade has been the most important economic sector in Tarragona. In recent years, retailers have been an engine of growth for the city, due to both the arrival of outside chains and the organisation and renewal of the genuinely local offer. The major advantage Tarragona offers is that shoppers can find all they need within walking distance in the different commercial areas, or simply by strolling along Rambla Nova, a bustling strip that runs from the busy Plaça Imperial Tàrraco, the city's main traffic hub, to the famous “Balcó del Mediterrani” (Mediterranean Balcony) overlook.

Along the length of Rambla Nova and on the adjacent streets, you can enjoy the warmth of local businesses with a wide range of shops and services. There you will find everything from banks to jewellers’ and all sorts of traditional shops selling clothing, shoes, accessories and more. In the Old District (Part Alta), an almost poetically perfect setting, ancient ruins can still be seen inside some of the shops. Many of them sell antiques. However, you will also find high-end designer jewellers and renowned masters of the art of working precious materials.

Most of Tarragona’s traditional businesses belong to the umbrella association The T of Tarragona, which affords them greater visibility and allows them to provide joint services and offers. VIA T Tarragona-Shopping is a commercial district offering shoppers the chance to shop outdoors, and its members are shops from downtown Tarragona (from the Plaça Imperial Tàrraco to the Balcó del Mediterrani and from the Old District (Part Alta) to the Local Forum).

 

f you are looking to buy fresh food in a picturesque setting, be sure to visit Tarragona’s municipal markets. The main market, Mercat Central, located just off Rambla Nova, is housed in a hallmark Modernist building (Josep M. Pujol, 1915).

Opening hours

While not all stores have the same opening hours, most adhere to the following approximate timetable:
Monday through Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. More information
Shopping centres and large department stores do not close at midday.

Bank holidays

According to the official calendar 2024, this year's bank holidays are as follows:

January 1, 6
March 29
April 1
May 1
June 24
August 15, 19
September 11, 23
Octuber 12
November 1
December 6, 25, 26

 

Under the Commerce Act, businesses are authorised to open on certain Sundays and bank holidays each year in order to reinforce the Christmas season campaign and the yearly winter and summer sales.

In 2024, they will be allowed to open on the following days:

January 7
June 30
October 12
November 1
December 1, 6, 8, 15, 22, 29

 

Tax Free

              

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