Shopping
Overview
Andorra is a real shopper’s paradise for bargain hunters. Due to the low tax rates and the possibility of free trade, high-quality goods can be offered at particularly low prices. Local wood carvings are a popular souvenir. The many specialist shops and shops offer particularly professional advice. Most shops and shopping centers are located in the capital, Andorre-la-Vieille, and in the municipalities of Sant Julià de Lòria, Escaldes-Engordany and Pas de la Case. Due to the low sales tax, luxury items such as gold, jewelry, watches, leather goods, branded clothing and cosmetics are among the most sought-after items. But petrol and groceries are also particularly cheap. Duty-free goods such as spirits, tobacco, perfume and electronics such as cameras often attract day trippers from Spain and France. The perfume industry has a long tradition in Andorra. There are over 100 perfumeries throughout the Principality. As a rule, the summer sale runs from the end of July to the end of August and the winter sale from the end of December to the end of February. However, there are no set rules, the individual shops determine the time for the sale themselves.
- Topmbadirectory: Offers information about politics, geography, and known people in Andorra.
Opening hours
The supermarkets are open Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday and public holidays from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Most shops and boutiques are open Mon-Sat 9.30am-1.30pm and 4pm-8pm and Sun 9.30am-1.30pm and 4pm-7pm. Most banks are open Mon-Fri 9am-1pm and 3pm-5pm and Sat 9am-12pm. All shops in Andorra must close on the following four days of the year: January 1st (New Year), March 14th (Constitution Day), September 8th (National Day) and December 25th (Christmas).
Nightlife
Introduction
In contrast to the Spaniards, the Andorrans tend to have a quieter nightlife. If you don’t stay at home, you can meet up in one of the many bars or restaurants. Nevertheless, Andorra also offers a variety of entertainment options at night. In the resorts and larger cities there are numerous cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs that are open all year round. The most traditional music club in the country is the Piano Bar-style Club Angel Blau in Andorra la Vella. Famous jazz musicians from all over the world regularly give concerts here. The atmosphere is particularly good when local stars appear. In the legendary Panamà Cafè in Andorra la Vella, furnished with retro elements, salsa music is played on the weekends. Centrally located in the center of Escaldes-Engordany, Polaris is one of the oldest bars in the country. Loyal customers and a pleasant atmosphere make this bar the ideal place to end the day with a game of darts and a drink. In Pas de la Case you can dance until dawn in one of the 20 nightclubs such as the Bilbord, the Mexicano or the Underground. Escaldes-Engordany, Ordino and Andorra la Vella have bowling alleys and bingo halls open late into the night. Andorra also has something to offer culturally. The Principality’s most important theaters are the Auditori Claror in Sant Julià de Lòria and the Teatre Comunal d’Andorra la Vella in Andorra la Vella.
Culinary
Overview
The cuisine is predominantly Catalan and is influenced by both French and Spanish cuisine. Mainly local agricultural products such as bacon, fish and meat (rabbit, lamb, veal, goat) as well as vegetables, cereals and fruit are used. Eating out is quite expensive. The quality and prices of the restaurants correspond to those in small French or Spanish resorts.
Regional specialities
National dishes are coques (savory flat cakes), trinxat (potato and cabbage dish), truites de carreroles (mushroom omelette), local sausages and cheeses. One often finds conill amb tomàquet (rabbit with tomatoes) or xai rostit (grilled lamb). Pork and bacon dishes are also typical of Andorran cuisine. In the capital Andorra la Vella, caragols a la llauna (grilled snails with herbs), civet de porc fer (boar pig stew) and truita de riu a l’andorrana (Andorran river trout) are also popular dishes.
Useful information
Supermarkets and shops sell cheap alcoholic drinks (duty free), but they are expensive in the bars. The bars are open late.
Tip
It is customary to round up the invoice amount by about 10%.
Regional drinks
Drinking habits in Andorra are similar to those in France or Spain. Wine is a popular drink and is often diluted with water for lunch. But beer, mineral water, juices and lemonades are also frequently drunk. Coffee is a popular drink. The popular vi calent e cremat (warm and flambéed wine) is particularly popular in Andorra la Vella.
Minimum age for consumption of alcoholic beverages
In Andorra you can buy alcohol from the age of 18 and drink alcohol from the age of 16.
Accommodation
Hotels
There are over 350 hotels and inns with a total of 35,000 beds, most of which open in summer and during the ski season. Advance booking is recommended during the summer months (July – Aug). Hotels and restaurants are registered with the Tourist Office and must respect advertised prices and services. Address of the Hotel Association: Unió Hotelera d’Andorra, Antic Carrer Major 18, Andorra la Vella. Tel: 82 06 25. (Internet: http://www.uha.ad)
Camping
There are 25 campsites in Andorra, mostly located near larger cities. Many offer shopping, caravan sites and other facilities.
Culture
Religion
The constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The population is predominantly Roman Catholic (about 90%). About 1% of the population are Jehovah’s Witnesses, and there are also some Protestant and one Jewish community.
Social Rules of Conduct
Clothing: Casual clothing is almost always appropriate. In some hotels and restaurants, men are expected to wear a jacket and tie. Evening wear is only required for particularly formal events. Proper attire is expected when entering churches and in small, traditional communities. Manners: Manners are similar to Spanish. They shake hands to greet each other. The usual courtesy formulas should be observed, e.g. B. in the case of invitations from the hosts about a small gift. Flowers are only given on special occasions. Safety: Andorra is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Smoking: Smoking is allowed in bars, restaurants and clubs. Tip: Service charge is i. Generally included in hotel and restaurant bills, however, it is customary to leave room staff a small tip. Porters receive a small fee per piece of luggage. If you decide to tip, you round up the bill by about 10% in the catering trade. If the waiter returns the change, the guest leaves the tip. However, it is considered extremely impolite to leave small amounts such as two or five cent coins lying around. In the taxi, the fare is rounded up. Porters receive a small fee per piece of luggage. If you decide to tip, you round up the bill by about 10% in the catering trade. If the waiter returns the change, the guest leaves the tip. However, it is considered extremely impolite to leave small amounts such as two or five cent coins lying around. In the taxi, the fare is rounded up. Porters receive a small fee per piece of luggage. If you decide to tip, you round up the bill by about 10% in the catering trade. If the waiter returns the change, the guest leaves the tip. However, it is considered extremely impolite to leave small amounts such as two or five cent coins lying around. In the taxi, the fare is rounded up.
Climate
Best travel time
Temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters; precipitation all year round.
Country data
Phone prefix
+376
Area (sq km)
467
Population
77,265 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
183
Population statistics year
2020
Member of the EU
No
Main emergency number
112
