Last updated: November 2017
With the many markets that exist in Barcelona, it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit during your stay here. If you’re looking to sample some delicious chocolate or fresh fruit… we know a place! Or perhaps you’d like to admire some local artists and their fantastic paintings? We know a place for that too! The city really has it all, from food markets to flea markets, there’s something for the whole family! Here are our favourite markets in Barcelona:
1. La Boqueria
Eat, shop and gossip like the locals at this world-famous market, also known as El Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria. This famous Barcelona market is ideally located on Las Ramblas, making it a must see for any visitor coming to the city.
La Boqueria dates back hundreds of years and it was thought to be formed in the 1200s solely as a meat market. It wasn’t until 1826 that the market became legally recognised and an official structure was built. Did you know that the roof that exists on the market today dates back to 1914?
Whether you’re looking for fish, fruits or tasty treats to satisfy your sweet tooth, La Boqueria never fails to disappoint! Tired after all that walking around? Why not grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants situated within the market.
Tip: come at the end of the day for a discount on their delicious fruit cups.
Location: Las Ramblas
Metro: Liceu (Green Line L3)
Open: Monday – Saturday 08:00 – 20:30
2. Sant Antoni Market
With quality foods at fabulous prices, this market is a firm favourite with the Catalan locals. Sant Antoni market in Barcelona is a great place to get away from the hoards of tourists and experience the local culture. You can even find a collectors book and coin market on Sundays from 8:00am, with a fantastic selection of magazines, comics, old books and postcards!
Location: Ronda Sant Pau/Carrer Comte d’Urgell
Metro: Sant Antoni (Purple line L2)
Open: Mondays – Saturdays 07:00 – 14:30; 17:00 – 20:30. Friday 07:00 – 20:30.
3. Fira de Nautumismo
The Fira de Nautumismo can be found in Plaça Reial in the Gothic Quarter, next to Las Ramblas. Here you can find rare and unique items from all around the world, so whether you’re a collector or a bargain hunter, this Barcelona market is definitely worth a visit! You’ll find a wide range of collectables from coins and stamps to antique jewellery and handmade gifts. Nearby the market, at the top of Ave. Portal de l’Angel, there is also a small flea market consisting of craft and handmade gift stalls, ideal for picking up a unique souvenir.
Location: Plaça Reial
Metro: Liceu (Green Line L3)
Open: Sundays 10:00 – 14:30
4. Fira Artesana & Mercadillo de la Plaça de Sant Josep
Located on Plaça del Pi, just off Las Ramblas, the Fira Artesana comprises of local producers from the Catalan region who come together monthly to sell their goods. You can expect to find a variety of edible goods here, from honey-infused cheeses to delicious homemade cupcakes! What’s not to like?
The Mercadillo de la Plaça de Sant Josep is a tiny artists’ market, situated across from the Fira Artesana, that takes place every weekend. The 15 or so talented artists line up under the church to showcase their local works, from oil paintings to watercolours. If a portrait is what you’re after, you can even catch some of the artists at the southern end of Las Ramblas in the evening.
Location: Plaça del Pi and Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol.
Metro: Liceu (Green Line L3)
Open: The artists market is open every weekend. The Fira Artesana is open the 1st Friday and Saturday of every month.
5. Mercat dels Encants Vells
Encants Vells, located at Plaça de les Glòries, is one of the oldest markets in Europe and is Barcelona’s largest flea market. Here you can find around 500 traders selling a range of items, both old and new, from vintage clothing to home décor. You can also catch public auctions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 7:15-9:00am. Who knows, you might even grab a bargain or two!
Tip: arrive early as the best items will go fast!
Location: Plaça de les Glòries
Metro: Glòries, (Red Line, L1)
Open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 09:00
6. Mercat de la Concepció
This colourful Barcelona flower market is located near Passeig de Gràcia, in the Eixample district, and is a must see for any gardening enthusiast. You can expect to find a wide variety of garden flowers and seeds to choose from, unlike any other market in Barcelona. Don’t be put off if flowers aren’t really your thing, there is also a food market selling a range of fruits, vegetables, meats and fish.
Location: C Aragó, 311
Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (Green Line L3) or (Yellow Line L4)
Open: 01 September – 30 June
Mondays: 08:00 – 15:00. Tuesday – Friday: 08:00 – 15:00. Saturday: 08:00 – 15:00
7. Mercat de Santa Caterina
At a first glimpse you may notice the brightly coloured roof on this market, not a work of Gaudí but actually a design drawn up in 1997 by local city planners and architects. Today you can find everything food related and more in the Santa Caterina Market, from quality meats including traditional Spanish ham to fresh fruit and veg – there’s even a small Caprabo supermarket inside. The Santa Caterina Market in Barcelona is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere than the likes of La Boqueria.
Tip: stop for a delicious bite to eat at the tapas bar opposite the main entrance.
Location: Francesc Cambó, 16
Metro: L4 Jaume I
Opening hours : Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 07.30 – 14:30/15:30approx, Thursday & Friday 07:30-20:30, Saturday from 07:30-15:30
8. Mercat Gòtic
Open every Thursday (except in August) from 9am to 8pm, this antique and secondhand Barcelona market is located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. Although the market is quite small, it is well stocked and there are some bargains to be had! Amongst the secondhand items you can find valuable collectors items such as dolls and old ceramics.
Location: Avinguda de la Catedral, 6
Metro: Jaume I (Yellow Line L4)
Every Thursday from 9am to 9pm – Closed throughout August
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