Paying one of the countless markets of Barcelona a visit is essential for every trip to this city. Markets, big and small, offering all sorts of goods, can be found in all of Barcelona’s districts. Locals buy their fresh produce, sweets, spices and second-hand goodies right there.
Mercat Dels Encants
Drawn in by the fascinating structure of the roof, we took a detour from our path and ended up in the largest indoor market I have ever seen.
33000 m² full of goods can be found here since 2013. About 500 merchants inhabit permanent spots with their goods. A multi-storey car park with about 300 spots is on site, too, which makes the trip very convenient. A special treat are the antiquities auctions that are held here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 7 and 9 in the morning. Old and new products are sold on three floors. I spotted a knight’s armour almost directly next to a shop with brand new, wrapped matrasses. Tableware, books, CDs and new clothing were sold. A crossbreed between weekly market and flea market – a paradise for bargain hunters.
When we came to the market it was really busy. Despite the masses, there was still access to all of the market stalls to have a good browse.
Address:
Calle Castillejos, 158
08013 Barcelona
Spain
Opening Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 09.00 – 20.00
Mercat de Sant Josep / La Boqueria
The most well-known market of Barcelona is La Boqueria at La Rambla. The place is swarming with tourists, squeezing through the aisles between the market stalls.
Before we went, we doubted whether or not a visit to this touristy and overpriced market would be enjoyable. Looking back, it was a good decision to go and have a look. Even locals buy their groceries here and therefore there are many merchants that sell goods that are not even remotely interesting for tourists.
Many stalls sell fresh fruit and veg. Cups with cut fruit or smoothies can be bought here – for quite reasonable prices. The cups are waiting on a layer of ice to be picked up and fresh cups are constantly being prepared right there. Other stalls sell meat, poultry or spices. The head of a sheep or the claws of a chicken make an appearance here and there.
I was particularly impressed by the oval middle of the market hall. It will awaken a spark in the eyes of fish enthusiasts as almost every fish, from lobster to sardine, can be found here.
Whoever feels hungry can of course also find something to eat here. Some stalls sell freshly prepared foods that one can eat at the provided barstools.
One stall – which was very much focussed on tourists – tempted me. It was a stall full of sweets and chocolates and gummy bears… they almost got me and I would have been broke afterwards! The gummy bears in all their colours and sizes looked so appetising but once I had seen the price of 30€ per kilo things looked a little less appetising. This was certainly grossly overpriced!
Address:
Les Rambles, 91
08001 Barcelona
Spain
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 08.00 – 20.30
Sunday: closed
Other markets in Barcelona
This is only a fraction of the markets in Barcelona. Almost every district has at least one market.
- Mercat de Sant Antoni
Market in a city hall
Address:
Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 1,
08011 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 07.00 – 14.30 and 17.00 – 20.30
Friday and Saturday: 07.00 – 20.30
Sunday: closed - Mercat de Sant Caterina cheaper than La Boqueria
Address:
Av. De Francesc Cambó, 16,
08003 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday: 07.30 – 15.30
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 07.30 – 20.30
Sunday: closed - Mercat de Clot
Address:
08018, Plaça del Mercat, 26,
08018 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours:
Monday: 07.30 – 14.00
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 07.30 – 14.30 and 17.30 – 20.30
Friday: 07.30 – 20.30
Saturday: 07.30 – 15.00
Sunday: closed
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