There are so many reasons why people love going on a holiday to Andorra, and one of them is the incredible Andorra shopping. While the Andorra ski resorts, hiking routes and cycling trails might be the primary reason for planning an adventure to this Pyrenean paradise, the cheap Andorra shopping prices mean that a day browsing the bargains also makes it on to most visitors’ itineraries.
Andorra can offer its visitors extra cheap prices, thanks to the microstate’s unique tax rules. Given that the microstate is not a member of the European Union, it has different VAT rules to its neighbours France and Spain, and the tax-free Andorra shopping opportunities mean many products can be bought for a lot less than they would cost on the other side of either border.
Beyond the tax breaks, shopping in Andorra is also enjoyable because there is excellent supply, lovely modern stores and friendly knowledgeable staff. So, if you’re ready to spend some time going shopping when you visit the principality, take a look through this guide to understand exactly where and when to go.
Go shopping in Andorra la Vella
There are bargains to be had and well-stocked stores throughout Andorra and its seven different parishes, but the absolute best place to go shopping in Andorra is in Andorra la Vella, the country’s capital. That’s hardly surprising, given that the capital city of most countries is usually a hub for retail.
From upscale luxury boutiques to local artisan shops, Andorra la Vella shopping has it all, for all kinds of tastes and budgets. You can find stores selling designer clothing and high-end jewelry just meters away from high street stores offering some of the best bargains in all of Europe. With the capital city having a compact layout, but still offering a lot of choice, it’s easy to stroll through the streets and discover both well-known international brands and local boutiques.
Where are the shops in Andorra la Vella?
If you’re wondering where exactly to go for Andorra la Vella shopping, then look no further than The Shopping Mile. Described by the city as “the largest open-air urban shopping complex in Europe”, the Andorra la Vella Shopping Mile is a 1.5km stretch containing more than 200 shops in the heart of the principality’s capital.
Where is the Andorra la Vella Shopping Mile? Well, it runs from Avinguda Meritxell to Vivand, which is technically in the neighboring parish of Escaldes-Engordany, while it passes through Fener Boulevard too. And, the best part about The Shopping Mile is that most of these streets are fully pedestrianized, making it spacious and safe and perfect for a day out with the whole family.
On the Andorra la Vella Shopping Mile you’ll find stores selling electronics, clothes, perfumes, jewelry, culinary delights and much more. This Andorra la Vella shopping hub also contains several restaurants and cafes, so you’ll always have somewhere to stop and refuel during your day of shopping in Andorra’s capital.
In addition to this open-air Andorra shopping hub, there are also a number of indoor Andorra shopping centres or department stores, in case it’s a particularly rainy or cold day. The Pyrénées Andorra and the Illa Carlemany shopping centres are among the most popular with locals and visitors alike, and they could hardly be more central.
As well as the hub outlined above, there are other pockets of retail activity in Andorra la Vella, such as the historic center of Andorra la Vella and also the Riberaygua i Travesseres neighbourhood, found just off The Shopping Mile. This a district of the capital city with slightly smaller and extra charming stores, and it’s worth checking out too.
Finally, if you’re visiting the country late in the year, keen to ski in Andorra at Christmas and New Year, then your trip might coincide with the Andorra la Vella Christmas markets. If so, you’ll want to check these out during your stay, as there is a cozy festive atmosphere and also a lot more Andorra shopping opportunities. The stalls at the Andorra la Vella Christmas market sell a variety of unique gifts, artisanal products, festive decorations and gourmet food and wine. The experience is a must if you’re visiting Andorra in winter.
What are the store hours in Andorra la Vella?
The hours for shopping in Andorra la Vella are generally very convenient, with the majority of stores opening well into the evening and even longer when it’s close to Christmas.
On weekdays and Saturdays, most Andorra la Vella stores generally open between 09:30 and 10:00 in the morning, before closing at approximately 20:00 or 20:30 in the evening. On Sundays and on public holidays, most stores do remain open although they might closer earlier in the evening, perhaps by 19:00.
It’s also important to note that some smaller Andorra shops will close for a couple of hours in the middle of the day, to allow the staff to enjoy a proper break for lunch. Larger shops, especially department stores, will open continuously, but bear in mind that smaller boutiques could be shut around lunchtime. If they are, they’ll usually have a sign on the door making it clear when they’ll reopen.
In any case, it’s always a good idea to check the Andorra la Vella shopping opening times before setting out to any specific store. Most businesses will have up-to-date information online about their exact opening times, so it’s worth taking those few seconds just to double check.