THERE are, in life, few experiences more satisfying than a shopping spree in Barcelona. Here in the gloomy shadow and alleyways of glorious centuries-old architecture, is retail ground zero for the dedicated shopaholic on a mission.

Entire streets and districts are given over to shops, for everything from beautiful printed silken scarves and super soft leather bags to rare antiques and delicate lace fans. It is entirely possible to while away entire days, blissfully wandering from one shop to another.

And while there are the Visa-busting outlets like Spanish stalwarts Loewe and Adolfo Dominguez, the savvy shopper knows that there are thrilling bargains to be had just around the corner. Just remember to top up the credit limit, and pack some vitamins and a pair of good walking shoes.

Foodies will do well to bring along an extra suitcase for all the marvellous foodstuff available at almost every corner. A must-stop is the exquisite Boqueria, one of Europe's largest food markets and still one of the best places for a tapas break. Set along the celebrated La Rambla,a mile-long boulevard of cafes, curio shops, tapas bars and restaurants, Boqueria's delights stretch from fresh fruit and vegetable stalls to little stands selling boutique olive oils, spices, saffron, jamon and strings of hearty farm-made sausages.

Meanwhile, the district du jour is El Born,formerly the city's ancient marketplace. Today transformed into a vibrant, trendy food mecca lined with sexy bars and specialty food shops,the area is Barcelona's gastronomic epicentre. At the iconic Casa Gispert (c/Sombrerers 23), haul home bags of dried fruits and coffee - freshly roasted on the premises in its original 160-year old wood-fired oven. A few shops down, La Cartedes Vinos (c/Sombrerers 1) holds a nice collection of Spanish bubbly and cava, including an organic range of boutique wines and viti-cultural books.

For the sweet-toothed, the chocolates at the ermine-coloured Xocoa (Carrer Petritxol 11)make for delicious gifts - brightly coloured, minimalist packs of dark cocoa infused with a range of unexpected flavours including saffron, green tea, sunflower seed and, of all things, beer.

For a sniff of how trendy Spaniards are outfitting their homes, head for Vinçon (Passeig de Grácia 96). The sprawling three-storey design and home furnishings emporium stocks limited edition books, quirky furniture and avant-garde lighting, while the household and bathroom section at the rear of the ground floor promises many hours of happy coveting. Around the corner,the sister shop Tinçon (246 Carrer Rosselló) stocks bed-linen and everything else anyone would need for the bedroom.

And when it comes to clothes, Barcelona has the bases covered. There are, of course, the ubiquitous Zara and Massimo Dutti, the much loved Spanish versions of Banana Republic, but for more edgy threads in summer cottons and artfully hip designs, pick your way through the racks at Desigual (C.Argenteria 65). More mainstream, but no less intriguing, are the boutiques strewn along the ritzy Passeig de Grácia.

And leave it to the Spanish to artfully blend cocktails with shopping. At the high-ceilinged So_Da (24 Carrer Avinyó) amidst the tightly edited range of urban and sports wear, the tequila bar is conveniently located on the way to the fitting rooms.

At Custo Barcelona (36 Carrer Ferran) pick up one of gap-toothed designer Custo Dalmau's funky (but expensive) T-shirts; while multilabellingis the name of the game at Noténo (159 Carrer Pau Claris) where D2 shares rack space with Yohji Yamamoto and Juan Antonio Lopez, Spain's answer to Jimmy Choo.

While on the subject, ladies who love their shoes should trot over to Le Shoe (6 Carrer Teno Viñas) for its range of Marc Jacobs and Allessandrodell-Acqua heels. Quite perfect, we think, togo with designer Mireya Ruiz's figure-flattering outfits at the slyly named Bad Habits (261 Carre Valencia).

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Photo: Massimo Dutti