Gastronomic, cultural, of antiquities, flowers or vintage. We present you the most popular markets in Barcelona
Traditional markets are no longer just places to do the weekly shopping. Many of them have adapted to the new times, becoming gastronomic and leisure spaces. They are a must visit place for anyone who wants to know the true essence of the city.
Although they all have their charm and it is very difficult to choose just a few, we have made an effort to present you with a list of the five essential markets that you must visit in Barcelona.
1. Mercat de la Boqueria
Located less than 10 minutes walk from Hotel Arc la Rambla, La Boqueria is the most important and well-known gastronomic market of the city. Its 300 stalls offer a picture of the variety and multiculturalism that characterizes Barcelona, being able to find from typical Catalan products to the most exotic delicacies from different parts of the world.
A feast of colors, flavors and aromas that turn this market into a gastronomic paradise to be visited both by tourists and locals.
In addition, La Boqueria is full of excellent restaurants and food stalls, such as El Quim de La Boqueria or El Bar Central de la Boqueria, where you can taste delicious tapas and dishes prepared at the moment with fresh products from the market.
2. Mercat de Santa Caterina
With nearly two centuries of history (it was built in 1845 to supply groceries to the popular classes), the market of Santa Caterina stands out, not only for the quality of its products, but also for the colorful modernist roof of the building made in 2005.
The modernity of the roof combines perfectly with the interior of the Market, where you can breathe the atmosphere of traditional markets and food stalls with years of history. You will find in them an endless universe of products: fruits and vegetables, butcher’s shops, cheese shops with gourmet corners, preserves, oils, spices and a long list of authentic delicacies.
In addition, the market (located just a short walk distance from Barcelona Cathedral) has restaurants that will delight even the most demanding eaters, such as OBE restaurant and Cuines de Santa Caterina.
3. Mercat dels Encants
Mercat dels Encants, also known as “Encants Vells”, is the oldest flea market in Barcelona and one of the oldest in Europe. Originally built in the 14th century, in 2013 it was moved to an avant-garde building in which you can find antiques, clothing, books, electronics and everything you can imagine both new and second-hand.
If you’d like to have a drink while you’re looking for a great deal, you can recharge your batteries in one of the bars at the top of the market.
4. Mercat de la Concepció
This market is located in Eixample district (very close to Passeig de Gràcia) and is better known among the people of Barcelona as “the flower market” because, in addition to the typical food stalls, you will find an immense variety of beautiful plants and flowers for all tastes and pockets.
The market was built in 1888 and is found in an impressive modernist building with large windows and an iron structure of about 4,000 square meters.
5. Mercat de Sant Antoni
Mercat de Sant Antoni was inaugurated in 1882 as the first market outside the old city walls. Its building exploits the geometric possibilities of the blocks of el Ensanche, with an iron structure built on a plant in the shape of a cross.
In October 2009, the market began to be remodeled, the original project of which had to be altered due to the archaeological findings of the ancient walls on which it was built. The remodeling of the Market will transform it into a space that will bring together the traditional market with a museum area where you will be able to see old walls of the city.
Mercat de Sant Antoni is also known for the flea market held on Sundays of buyers and sellers of all kinds of collectible materials such as stamps, coins, badges and magazines among others.
Palo Alto Market, is a modern and sophisticated version of a street market in which chefs, musicians, artists and all sorts of creative minds meet once a month to show their best pieces to the public; the Old Born market, now a cultural centre; or El Mercat del Ninot are just three examples of other Barcelona markets that deserve to be on our list.
If you need more information or if you have any doubt, do not hesitate to ask our staff, we will be happy to help you!
