Main Street Gibraltar
Main Street – Much More Than A Shopper's Paradise
For those of you who like nothing better than a bit of retail therapy when visiting somewhere new, then the aptly named Main Street may be exactly what you're looking for. As the wording suggests it is by far the largest shopping street in Gibraltar, practically running the length of the town in a northerly to southerly direction. It is home to many shops, businesses and nightlife and, as a result, is the real hub of everything that goes on here.
Gibraltar's principle thoroughfare itself is mostly pedestrianised with pavements that are adorned with diverse buildings that show the rich multicultural history that Gibraltar once had. All styles of architecture including Portuguese, Genoan, Moorish, Spanish and British colonial, all sit comfortably side by side. Most of these buildings house shops on the ground floor offering up everything from antiques and leather goods, to electrical wares and food and drink. Above the array of shops the space is used as residential premises or offices.
One of the great things about this shopping haven is that as you walk along this splendid avenue, you get drawn to little alley ways and back streets, hiding a treasure trove of shops selling an array of jewellery, glass, porcelain, silks, cashmere and fine perfumes. These are all part and parcel of the Main Street experience. Also branching off from here is Irish Town, one of the old remaining quarters or sub districts, which is a remnant of the bygone days of the early 19th century. Back then the town was divided into sections and the majority of the inhabitants in this part were indeed Irish.
One of the main Gibraltar attractions is it's duty free status, and despite all of the other changes in Europe it still continues to offer this service. Indeed tobacco and most spirits are some of the most inexpensive in the world. What this means to you is that you get a lot more for your pound through tax free shopping.
Shops here are normally open by 9.30 in the morning and stay open all day until around 7.30 in the evening during the week. On Saturdays they are open until the early afternoon and Sunday sees the majority of the stores closed. The currency used here is Gibraltar Pounds as well as Pounds Sterling being accepted. If you need to exchange your currency, then it is possible to find plenty of banks and bureau de change's which will do this for you.
Main Street is not just about shopping; Gibraltar has many good quality restaurants and eateries and many of them are situated right on the street. This means that in the summer months you will see many locals and tourists alike dining al fresco in the warm evening air. You can choose from a wide range of fine places to dine and relax and match this with some great wines, or a chilled glass of 'cerveza' and you are definitely on to a winner.
When you travel to Gibraltar there are many places to see and things to do, but it is fair to say that a trip to the rock simply isn't the same without a stroll down this main thoroughfare. It is up there with all of the other Gibraltar attractions and it really isn't hard to see why. Even if you are not into shopping there is still plenty to keep your interest as you meander through the heart of the town and along this street. This historic, fascinating and charming avenue really sums Gibraltar up.
Photos By Leo Hayes
Check out the Gibraltar Main Street Video, taken on a Sunday:
Created by Gold Productions Studios
