Barcelona Oddities

Enrique Tomas, C. Rogent, 94 (☎934 33 56 69; www.enriquetomas.com). Clot. Walk quite a ways (several blocks) up C. Rogent. If you have a passion for jamon iberico, then this is the place for you. From the moment you walk into this corner shop, you’ll smell (and smell like) the most delicious of pigs. Sandwiches €3.60. Legs of ham €30-300. MC/V.
G. I. Joe’s, C. Hospital, 82 (☎93 329 96 52; www.gijoebcn.com) Liceu. Other location at C. Tallers, 82 (☎93 302 12 91). Universitat. If you forgot to pack a gas mask or steel-toed army boots, G. I. Joe’s is here to serve you. You’ll also find backpacks, army jackets, T-shirts, pants, and lots of camo. Open M-Sa 10:30am-2pm, 5-8:30pm. MC/V.
El Ingenio, Rauric, 6 (☎93 317 71 38; www.el-ingenio.com). Liceu. Walking down C. Ferrán from Las Ramblas, take a left onto C. Rauric. Guarded by a stern gigante (giant), this toy store has all kinds of bizarre and amusing items for sale. Inside you’ll find more giant heads along with practical joke kits, juggling supplies, wooden figurines, wigs, costumes, and hundreds of other entertaining trinkets. Open M-F 10am-1:30pm and 4:15-8pm, Sa 11am-2pm and 5-8:30pm. AmEx/MC/V.
LTW, C. Tallers, 29. (☎933 18 36 62; www.ltwtattoo.com). Universitat. Highly esteemed tattoo and piercing shop and home of renowned tattoo artist Jondix, who specializes in Thai-style Buddhist designs. Plan ahead: there’s a 2-month wait for an appointment. Piercings from €21. Tattoos from €82. Open M-Sa 10:30am-8:30pm. Cash only.
Mercat de Numismática i Filatèlia, Pl. Reial. Liceu. In case you were wondering, some Spaniards do enjoy collecting things besides legs of jamon ibérico, and this market is proof. As the name of the market suggests, the emphasis here is on numismatics (coin collecting) and philately (the study of stamps), so go get your dork on. Open Su 9am-2:30pm.
Olokuti, C. Asturies, 36 (☎932 17 00 70; www.olokuti.com). Fontana. Walk down C. Asturies. If you like to think of yourself as a conscientious consumer, head to this eco-friendly shop selling “world” books, music, scarves, underwear, and more. Some baby items like bibs and rattles. Handmade purses €9-40. Open daily 11am-9:30pm. MC/V.
Te Quiero, C. Torrijos, 9 (☎932 84 60 00). Fontana. Walk down C. Gran de Gràcia, make a left onto Tr. de Gràcia, and then another left onto C. Torrijos. This incense, tea, and book shop is the perfect antidote to the chaos of Gràcia’s nearby street market. A small back room has low tables, floor cushions, natural light, and lovely plants. Get a new book, read it over a cup of tea, and get your daily dose of zen. Books €8-12. Tea €1.20-3. Open M-Sa 10am-2pm and 4-8:30pm. MC/V.
Verkerke, C. del Cardenal Casañas, 10-12 (☎933 02 01 86). Liceu. Filled wall-to-wall with posters of all different kinds for your browsing pleasure. Artistic masterpieces, bands, movies, kittens, you name it, all in large scale (€8-15). Open M-F 10:30am-2pm and 4:30-8:30pm, Sa 11am-2:30pm and 5-9pm. AmEx/MC/V.