It would be a sin to visit Barcelona without popping into one of its many markets located throughout the city. Witness colourful displays, bursting with freshness and flavours, and sample some of the finest Mediterranean cuisine that the city has to offer. Pleasing the likes of both the experienced and novice market goer, they often sell everything from food and drink to arts and crafts, meaning there’s something to satisfy everyone suffering from a case of market fever.
Few cities in the world can boast the same amount of markets as Barcelona, with virtually one in every neighbourhood. However, it can be hard to distinguish the good from the bad, so we’ve selected the top markets in the city with outstanding quality produce and plenty of photo opportunities.
La Boqueria
Having been named the world’s best food market on more than one occasion, this place hardly needs an introduction. Located just off the iconic La Rambla, navigate your way around the magnificent maze of market stalls and feast your senses on the extensive array of fresh food products, not only from Catalonia, but from all around the world. Make sure to sample the exquisite tapas dishes available from the stalls and restaurants inside, as well as the freshly squeezed fruity juices which make for a refreshing and healthy treat in the middle of the mayhem.
Las Ramblas, 91
Abaceria Central Market
This residential market in the heart of the charismatic Gràcia neighbourhood is lesser known than many of the others, making it a great way to escape the flocks of tourists. Whether you’re looking to do a spot of shopping or simply have a mooch around, it’s well worth a visit if you happen to be in the area. With a wide selection of fresh food, it also has stalls selling clothing, jewellery and other gift items, perfect if you’re looking for souvenirs to take back home to your loved ones.
Somehow, it has managed to retain its charm from back in the 19th century when farmers used to come here to sell their produce and when Gràcia was a close-knit working-class community. So, come here to enjoy a taste of the old Barcelona.
Travessera de Gràcia, 186
Santa Caterina
With its stunning wave-like colourful rooftop, this is possibly the most beautiful market in Barcelona and a must-do for all you eager Instagrammers out there. Here, you can certainly enjoy the best of both worlds, as don’t be fooled by the modern design of the building. Inside, you can expect a traditional style market with food stalls and restaurants selling produce of the finest quality. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market at the reasonable, yet fabulous, La Torna tapas bar where you can experience authentic Spanish cuisine.
Av. de Francesc Cambó, 16
Barceloneta Market
Barceloneta market has always had a particular maritime and fishing theme to it, thanks to its location right by the sea. Since its refurbishment, it has come to be an architectural and gastronomic point of reference in the city, encouraging younger consumers to enjoy the benefits of deliciously fresh food. Enjoy fresh fish and seafood here at what are supposedly the best seafood restaurants in the city. Despite essentially being a sea market, it now also has several non-food stuff stalls for you to enjoy.
Placa de la Font, 1
Sant Antoni Market
Not your typical food market in Barcelona, this place is incredibly unique in terms of its charm and atmosphere. Throughout the week, the market tends to be almost split in two. Outside, you can buy all sorts from clothes to homeware items, whereas inside you can lose yourself amongst the endless stalls of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.
Although the food market is closed on Sundays, you have a good chance of discovering all kinds of second hand goods- after all, one man’s garbage is another man’s gold! Sunday shoppers fill their totes with everything from vintage clothing to old comic books, often followed by a well deserved drink of vermouth at one of the bars at the market. If you enjoy the thrill of bargaining, this is the market for you.
Carrer del Comte d’Urgell
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