Every neighbourhood in Barcelona is blessed with its own market. Locals have the convenience of grabbing fresh and organic products anytime they want all the while appreciating the beauty of their very own market. It’s also important to notice how, unlike supermarkets, which tend to sell plastic-wrapped products, public markets are as much sustainable as they are enjoyable.
La Boqueria
Of course, we can’t talk about public markets without mentioning the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, or simply “La Boqueria”, as it is one of Europe’s most famous food markets. Conveniently situated on La Rambla, it has a very diverse selection of fresh, locally sourced produce. We’re talking seafood, candy, chocolate, fresh-pressed juice, delicacies – to just name a few. A walk through this market will engage your every sense with smells ranging from pastries to newly-harvested fish and with the multitude of colours from the fresh fruit and vegetables. La Boqueria also holds many tapas bars from which you can get delicious food to-go.
Address: La Rambla 91, 08001, Barcelona.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 08:00 – 20:30.
Mercat dels Encants
If you are on the search for obscure treasures, head over to the Mercat dels Encants, one of Barcelona’s largest and best-loved flea markets. A variety of items are sold, old and new, and although there is a lot to go through you will come across some rare gems. The trend here is vintage – you can find literally anything, from old clothing to rusty tools to classy antiques. But be careful where your kids are looking because adult videos are not off the table!
Address: Avinguda Meridiana 69, 08018, Barcelona.
Opening Hours: Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday 09:00 – 20:00.
Mercat del Born
Although no longer a functioning market, you should still pay the Mercat del Born a visit for its impressive architecture and historical contents. Inaugurated in 1878, the building served as Barcelona’s wholesale public market for almost a century before closing down in 1971. The future of Mercat del Born fuelled many debates, with plans to re-open it either as a market or a library. However, the discovery of significant ruins during its renovation lead to the decision to convert it into an open (free!) museum. And, let’s be real, learning about Barcelona’s history is always trendy.
Address: Carrer del Comerç 2, 08003, Barcelona.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 – 20:00.
This is just a short list of the several public markets in Barcelona, and from it we can already see the various themes present. So, to our fellow art lovers, bookworms, foodies and collectors, come blow your budget at your favourite public market!
Upcoming Pop-up Markets:
You can blow your budget at these pop-up markets too!
La Setmana del Llibre en Català • September 2nd to 11th
Little pop up market for all book lovers. Go quick before it ends!
Fira Artesana • First Friday and Saturday of each month
An interesting pop up market that sells honey-infused items.
Palo Alto • October 1st and 2nd
Music, food, shopping… A market for all tastes!
Fira de Santa Llúcia • Event date not yet confirmed (November to December)
Barcelona’s yearly Christmas market – Get festive!
– Gabrielle Poulin, The Grid BCN
