Whilst most of us buy our everyday household items in Ikea, it doesn’t hurt to wander into Vinçon once in while and dream on. This famous emporium of household goods, furniture, lighting and knick-knacks has been credited as a driving force of the city’s design culture, with regular exhibitions, creative window displays and an electric range of goods from across the world. In truth, Vincón is not that much more expensive than many other stores of its ilk, certainly not if you are after more pedestrian items such as a shower curtain or notebook. For a real treat, head up to the first floor furniture section, where original modernista fittings remain (the fireplace is riot) or the rear terrace where you can see the incredible rear façade of Vinçon’s neighbour – Gaudí’s masterpiece La Pedrera.