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Barcelona Boqueria Market Scene

The 15 Most Delicious Markets in Barcelona to Visit as a Foodie

by Christian Petzold - updated May 17, 2022

In Barcelona, every quarter has its own market. Join us on a stroll across Barcelona markets, from famous Boqueria to hidden food & artisan heavens.

Get some pica pica (Spanish for finger food and snacks) at La Boqueria Market before starting your day of exploring

As you may know, every neighborhood in Barcelona has its own prominent market.

One of the most famous markets in Barcelona would be La Boqueria. Situated on la Rambla, this is the market of the neighborhood of Ciutat Vella.

La Boqueria has a broad offer from meats to veggies to fish and spices. The market is ideal for groceries of great quality for a fine price but also to just stroll around La Rambla and get an impression of older times.

The Mercat De Sant Josep De La Boqueria. Barcelona Markets.
The Mercat De Sant Josep De La Boqueria

The market has a nice vintage feel and a great historical relevance, it officially opened in 1840, but documentation of its existence at Pla de la Boqueria goes back as far as the year 1200. At first, all the stalls were situated in the open air, the metal roof it has now wasn’t installed until 1914!

This market is great to walk around in, it is historical and filled with great food and things to see, a definite recommendation!

HOW AND WHEN? 

La Boqueria has its market times Monday to Saturday 8:00 – 20:30. Sundays closed.

Address: La Rambla 91

Nearest metro station: Liceu (L3), from there it is a 5-minute walk.

Order and pick up your groceries under the wave-shaped roof of Santa Caterina Market

Located in the neighborhood of Sant pere, Santa Catarina and La Ribeira, this market not only looks very attractive because of its modern colorful roof, but it also offers many more things other than food and beverages.

This market was originally founded to provide food to the popular sectors of the city but grew out to be much more than that. Its great central positioning made sure it was a very popular place to go to in the early days and its fame has already crossed the Spanish borders.

Sant Catarina is in an old building with many modern hints to it, the roof is colorful and easy to recognize on the outside but the inside is finished with wood and concrete, making the interior as much of an attraction as the market itself. There is an online order option and even a delivery service!

The market is the first covered market in Barcelona city and was officially inaugurated in 1848, the renewals for the mosaic roof of Santa Catarina started in 1997 and were finished in 2005.

HOW AND WHEN?

Santa Catarina has its market times on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 7:30 to 15:30 and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 7:30 to 20:30. Sundays closed.

Address: Av. de Francesc Cambo 16

Nearest metro station: Jaume I (L4), from there it is a 5-minute walk

Find unique Spanish souvenirs at the Encants Vells – Fira de Bellcaire

“The old charmes” market has been around since 1928, it is one of Europe’s oldest flea markets. Formerly in an area northwest of the square.

After a thorough redevelopment of the area, the market was moved to a multi-leveled construction to house all the stalls while giving it a unique and classic personality.

The new eye-catching Encants Vells was opened in 2013 and has now got mirrored ceilings and is accessible from all sites, never losing its feeling of outdoor shopping.

Anything you can think of can be found at this market, such as second-hand books, kitchen utensils, and clothes. It has over 500 vendors and has auctions on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 (AM).

Even though there is no food sold at this market itself officially, there are 2 restaurants and a small casual food court on the top floor. Which leaves you nothing to worry about during your visit!

The area in which the market is located is modern and cultural, the national Catalonian theatre and the Design Museum of Barcelona are around the corner and there are great modern parks close by which are great to go to on a sunny summer day.

HOW AND WHEN?

Encants Vells has its market times Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 to 20:00.

Address: Carrer de los Castillejos 158

Nearest Metro Station: Glorias (L1) the exit is at the entrance of the market.

Get your early afternoon Cava and Jamon at any time and day at Sant Antoni Market

One of the most important operating markets in Barcelona is the Sant Antoni market. Originally Sant Antoni was an open-air market but was proposed a construction to guarantee permanence in the city of Barcelona.

The construction was built in 1895 by Antoni Rovira Trias between El Raval and Eixample and is now the biggest market in Barcelona. It is less known to tourists and therefore it is less busy, providing a more relaxed atmosphere than for example La Boqueria.

The market is known for the fact that locals go here to also have a chat with the vendors, everyone is chatting and relaxed. It is modern, light, and has an easy overview.

Whenever you are here, make sure you try as many different types of ham and cheese as you can, some of the vendors offer a deal if you get a plate of Spanish Jamon and a Glass of Cava, making it a sweet price and giving you a nice opportunity to observe the people on the market.

The market also offers other things besides fresh goods, for example, there is a book market (only on Sunday mornings).

HOW AND WHEN?

The Sant Antoni market has its market times on Monday to Saturday from 8:00 – 20:30.

Address: Carrer del Comte d’Urgell 1,

Nearest Metro Station: Sant Antoni (L2) station is almost at the entrance of the market, less than 2 minutes of walking.

Wander through Barceloneta Market before a boat tour of the Barcelona Port

Close to the beach, in the neighborhood of (you guessed it:) Barceloneta, this market is a great opportunity for a break out of the sun.

Due to Barceloneta’s fishing history, this market is naturally a seafood market. Opened in 1887 and renovated between 2005 and 2007, it has now got modern wing-like extensions.

The original cast-iron framework of the market has remained intact and it has now got solar panels installed on the roof, providing the market with 40% of the general electricity.

This market also has a delivery service and even a car park, making a trip to this market easy and accessible. Barceloneta market is a heavyweight in gastronomy, it has got stalls with fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, clothes, bars, and even restaurants.

The area around it is great as well. Situated close to the beach, there are many things to see such as small restaurants and bars, the promenade of Barceloneta, and even large artworks.

HOW AND WHEN?

Barceloneta market has its market times Monday to Saturday 8:00 – 15:00. Sundays closed.

Address: Plaça Poeta Bosca 1

Nearest Metro Station: Barceloneta (L4) from there it is a 20-minute walk.

Ask a fisherman to cook freshly caught fish for you at the Llibertat Market

Built by amongst others Gaudi’s long-time assistant Francesc Berenguer i Mestres, this market’s construction is an eye-catcher in the Neighborhood of Gracia.

Unlike many other markets, the Llibertat Market has not moved around. It has been on the same site since 1888 when Gracia was not yet an official part of Barcelona.

The building looks very lively and modernist, made with mainly iron and bricks, and has been refurbished multiple times but never lost its unique charm and classical looks.

The market offers many food products such as meat, fish, vegetables, plants, and fruit. It also has a non-food part with household products and clothes.

HOW AND WHEN?

Llibertat market has its market times Monday to Saturday from 9:00 – 15:00 and 17:00 – 20:30. Closed on Sundays.

Address: Plaça de la Llibertat, 13

Nearest Metro Station: Fontana (L3) from there it is a 4-minute walk.

Restore your energy at Sagrada Familia Market after a tour in (and on) the famous church

Demographically Barcelona exploded in the 20th century, at first without much organization. This resulted in numerous new (covered) markets being built in order to keep the people provided with enough food and supplies at all times.

Sagrada Familia market was built in the early 70s, opened officially in 1993, and looks and is very practical and efficient. It has home delivery and free car parking.

During winter times this market transforms into a magical Christmas outdoor market. It is very popular due to the phenomenal view of the Sagrada Familia together with the fact that it has a nice ambiance.

Many of the present vendors are descendants of the first people to sell their products at the market which makes these vendors very knowledgeable about the area and the products.

There is plenty of time for a chat at this market and there is an outside area with chairs, tables, and even a kid’s playground.

One of the things that also add up to the experience is the location of the market. It is central in both the middle of the city and the neighborhood of Gracia, when you are done shopping at the market you can continue your trip anywhere around the area or city or you can take away your groceries and eat them in the Placa de Gaudi park next to the basilica.

HOW AND WHEN?

Sagrada Familia market has its market times Monday to Thursday 7:00 – 14:30 & 17:30 – 20:30 Friday 7:00 – 20:30 and Saturday 7:00 – 15:00. Closed on Sundays.

Address: Carrer de Padilla, 255

Nearest metro station: Sagrada Familia (L2) from there it is a 5-minute walk.

Get involved in one of the many activities at La Concepció Market

Located in the interesting and historical neighborhood Eixample, the Concepcio market is known as the flower market, it focuses mainly on flowers and food.

During summertime La Concepcio also takes part in activities, for example, the event “Dancing Market” during Carnival, they also have a newsletter for fans curious to see what is coming up next.

The market is aiming to be the neighborhood square and therefore focuses on comfort and accessibility, there is also a home delivery service available and bars inside.

The flowers and trees outside of this building dress the market in a very green style, making you instantly feel welcome and sparking the curious mind also giving the market a Mediterranean feel.

You can buy grown plants and seeds for both flowers and veggies. The structure also features a lot of windows, providing the market with mostly natural light.

HOW AND WHEN?

La Concepcio is opened Mondays and Saturdays from 8:00 – 15:00, Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00 – 20:00, and during summertime (July 17th – September 3rd) the market is open Monday till Saturday from 8:00 – 15:00.

Address: Aragó, 313-317

Nearest metro station: Girona (L4) from there it is a 5-minute walk.

Relax and enjoy the sunny weather during your trip to Mercat de Felip II

Mercat de Felip II was also built as a response to the demographic growth in the 20th century, the market is based in the neighborhood of Sagrera, next to the former Indian quarter.

It is a typical small neighborhood market, it is located in a quiet area with many playgrounds and benches for you to take a break and relax in the sun.

This makes it a market that is great for when you have kids, there are many spots to go to near the market. It also offers a car park and home delivery.

HOW AND WHEN?

Mercat de Felip II is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:00 – 14:00 on Tuesdays from 7:00 – 14:00 and then from 17:00 – 20:00, Fridays from 7:00 – 20:00, and Saturdays from 7:00 – 15:00. Sundays closed.

Address: Carrer de Felip II, 118

Nearest metro station: La Sagrera (L1) from there it is a 5-minute walk.

Buy homemade Honey-Infused Cheese at the Fira Artesana

Fira Artesana is also called the “honey market” since there are many stalls selling naturally produced honey.

Local producers sell their products on this market, you can buy for example homemade cakes, (honey infused) cheeses, spreads, marmalade, beeswax candles, and dried fruits and nuts. All these products are ecological.

If you wish to bring home some sweet traditional Catan treats, this is the place to get them.

The Fira Artesana is an outdoor market held in the Gothic quarter. The name of the square originates from the fact that there was a pine tree in the middle of Placa del Pi, the Pine tree Square. It is a fairly small market, it hosts around 15-20 stalls.

HOW AND WHEN?

Fira Artesana is held on the first Friday and Saturday of each month from 11:00 – 21:00.

Address: Plaça del Pi

Nearest metro station: Liceu (L3) from there it is a 2-minute walk.

Eat freshly made burgers while enjoying art and live music  at the famous Palo Alto Market

Palo Alto is a very famous alternative market, it works together with exhibitors on food, jewelry, clothes, music, art, design, galleries, and workshops.

It is an ever-changing program, make sure to check their website before your visit so that you know what is on for the weekend.

At Palo Alto, there is live music and there are activities for kids. Dogs are allowed and it is mostly wheelchair accessible, though it gets quite busy.

Please also pay attention to the fact that this market has an entrance fee of €4.50 for people above the age of 12 (kids under 12 enter for free). This ticket is valid for the whole day and can also be bought online.

This market is great for people planning an afternoon away (with the kids) to relax and experience a different culture. Food and art go hand in hand at this market, making for a nice balance between tasting, seeing, and hearing.

HOW AND WHEN?

Palo Alto market is operating on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month (except for August) from 11:00 – 21:00. Please note that there is an entrance fee of €4.50 for this market. Kids under 12 are free.

Address: Carrer dels Pellaires, 30

Nearest metro station: Selva de Mar (L4) from there it is a 7-minute walk.

Eat a themed lunch while enjoying the artworks and lectures at Eat Street

Eat Street is not necessarily a market but it is good fun to go and have a look here while you are visiting!

Every edition has got a different topic, think desayunos del mundo (breakfasts of the world), cheesy Christmas, hot & spicy. Some editions host restaurants, some have little stalls, and others only have tables; the main part is the quality and diversity of the food and gastronomy.

Eat Street’s goal is to make the public taste unusual international recipes and dishes while being able to communicate with the chefs preparing them. The chefs have full freedom to experiment and put on the table what they have in mind.

There are other areas at this market such as a place for cooking demonstrations, a zone with workspace and tastings (limited space, you would need to pre-book), and an expert zone in which an expert explains innovative gastronomical projects.

This market is fun for everyone and it also covers many dietary restrictions.

HOW AND WHEN?

Eat Street is held every second Saturday of the month from 12:00 – 23:00. Please note there is an entrance fee of €5 until 16:00, after then it is €10.

Address: different per edition, keep an eye on their website

Nearest metro station: different per edition, please check their website.

Make your Sundays more than the last day of the week by dancing to the best EDM at the Brunch in Barcelona festivals

Brunch in- is one of the most fantastic festivals in Barcelona, it is a festival for people of all ages and with many different interests.

At this festival there are many different food trucks and market stalls, combined with activities for both adults and kids. One of the things it is most known for is the fact that some of the biggest names in the EDM world are on its lineup.

All-day long you can enjoy food, music, activities, and art during the “brunch”. The festival focuses on community feeling, inclusivity, and sustainability, making it a state-of the-art festival that fits in with modern objectives.

Tickets usually cost between €11 – and €20 – and can be bought quite far in advance.

HOW AND WHEN?

There are 2 editions:

  • The Spring edition (Brunch in the city): Plaza Major de Poble Espanyol (March – June); Avenida Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13, 08038 Barcelona;

how to get there: Metro L1 and L3 to Parada Espanya,

  • The Summer edition (Brunch in the Park): Jardins de Joan Brossa park; Carrer de la Pau, 12, 08930 Sant Adrià de Besòs, Barcelona;

How to get there: metro L1 and L3 to El Maresme / Fórum

Expand your coin collection at Fira de Nautumismo

Mercat de Numismatica or Fira de Nautumismo is a small secret market to be found hidden away on Placa Reial.

It is known as a flea market but there are many items to be considered collector’s items, some of them are even rare. If you are interested in coins, stamps, gems vintage books, pictures, handicrafts, and other handmade items; this market is especially for you!

The nice thing about this market is that it operates weekly on Sunday, which makes it available to everyone on this day off.

Placa Reial is also considered to be one of Barcelona’s most beautiful squares, making the experience even more magical.

HOW AND WHEN?

Fira de Nautumismo is operating on Sundays from 10:00 – 14:30.

Address: Placa Reial (Gothic Quarter)

Nearest metro station: Liceu (L3) from there it is a 3-minute walk.

Whenever you wish to go out for lunch in style and in an inspiring atmosphere, Galvany Market is the place

Galvany market is one of Barcelona’s more luxurious markets. It is situated in the Sant Gervasi neighborhood in a building recognizable because of its iron and brick structure with glass windows.

Built-in the 19th century and inaugurated in 1927, the construction is now even considered to be an artistic monument. The market’s commercial offer is wider and more multicultural than usual Spanish or Catalan markets, offering for example sushi and noodle dishes, game (wild meats), and craft beers.

There are also takeaways, tasting areas and bakeries. The market also offers non-food products, such as kitchen utensils, perfume, and clothing.

Galvany market is the best place for foodies and cooking fanatics, you will walk away inspired for sure!

Especially with the changing seasons, you should visit Galvany, as they always stay up to date and find great importance in working with seasonal produce.

Galvany also features a chef’s suggestion; there is one product highlighted together with a recommendation on how to pair it with for example a sort of wine, a small origin story, and (traditional) dishes it is used in. It is a fun and innovative approach to inspiring and educating.

HOW AND WHEN?

Galvany market is open Monday to Saturday from 7:00 – 14:00. Sundays closed.

Address: Carrer de Santaló, 65

Nearest metro station: Muntaner (L6) from there it is a 3-minute walk.

Conclusion

One of the best things about traveling is its ever-changing, fluid nature. Each person on our tours has an experience that is unlike the person next to him/her. Furthermore, there are infinite factors that can make your tour differ from your fellow travelers.

This is why we want to hear from you!

Is there anything missing in our descriptions of these tours? Do you have any open questions? And most important: What was your experience like?

One thought on “The 15 Most Delicious Markets in Barcelona to Visit as a Foodie

  1. Barcelona’s La Boqueria should perhaps come with a health warning because there’s so much to-die-for food & treats wherever you look! 😋 😂

    If you’re on a budget…

    At La Boqueria they sell awesome combinations of blended fruit drinks. Our tip is to walk past the stalls at the front of the market and head to the second and third rows of stalls. You’ll find the same drinks, except they’re quite a bit cheaper than the stalls at the front of the market.

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