аÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û

The 5 Best Markets in Barcelona

Markets are what enrich a city with culture, buzz and a sense of community. Barcelona is no different. But with so many to choose from in the Catalan capital, which ones should you spend your time going to? I’m here with the best 5 to visit on your trip to the city.

Because I could write a whole list of just Barcelona’s best food markets, I’m going to attempt to mix it up with all different types of markets, street, food, clothes, second-hand and so on.

So, without further ado:

On The Garage

€

On The Garage is an absolute beauty if you want to find some quality clothes for cheap prices. Found on Carrer De Zamora, this market is inside L‘Ovella Negra, a very short walk from Bogatell metro station. This clothes market has a massive range of clothes on sale for both men and women.

The”On The Garage” is an event held sporadically. Although you have a full day to rummage through and find some hidden treasures, it doesn’t happen all of the time.

*For more information about upcoming “On The Garage” events and markets, check out their page.*

Location: Carrer de Zamora, 78, 08018 Barcelona

Mercado de La Boqueria

A fruit stand at Mercado La Boqueria. – .

€€€

Probably the most famous of all the markets on this list. Located down the most popular street in Barcelona, Las Ramblas.

Mercado de La Boqueria opened in 1840 and is a very large food market that contains some of the best food stalls you’ll find anywhere in Barcelona.

are often taken through this market as it is such a staple with Barcelona’s food culture and is an iconic market and building in Barcelona’s city centre. A must for a first time visitor.

As a hotspot for tourists, it will be very busy most of the time and the food will cost a little extra than other markets of this type.
However, it’s worth it for the experience. The food is of such a high quality that the Iberico ham melts in your mouth and the summer fruits are incredibly juicy.

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday open 08:00 – 20:30, Closed on Sundays

Location: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona

Mercat de Sant Antoni

Meat stall at Mercat de Sant Antoni. – .

€€

Another one for all you food lovers, Mercat de Sant Antoni is located in a sprawling 1882 steel building in the district of Sant Antoni. The fish and freshly produced vegetables are the major players here.

The entire building was recently refurbished making it a very attractive place to buy the delicious local produce.

Now that is not to say that this market only sells fish and veg because the meats, and, more specifically, the range of meats they stock here are nothing short of exceptional. The classic Catalan ham, sausages and everything in between are sumptuous.

This is one of the most famous food markets in Barcelona.

It is constantly bustling for the 6 days that it is open and gets very busy, very quickly. My advice: get there early and head straight for the fish and veg.

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday open 08:00 – 20:30, Closed on Sundays

Location: Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 1, 08011 Barcelona

El Flea

€

El Flea is a wonderful place to grab a bargain. On the first Sunday of every month, towards the bottom of the Poble Sec district, located on the Plaça de Blanquerna, El Flea is a second-hand street market and a rather large one at that.

Always packed to the rafters, El Flea has hundreds of stalls, selling pretty much everything you can think of; clothes, books, vinyl, toys, lights, jewelry and any other random things you can think of.

With it being a second-hand market as well, everything is very cheap, sold at a price that will not break the bank.

With most flea markets there’s usually room to negotiate, and El Flea is no different. With most of the products for sale you have a strong chance you, if you’re polite and smile, could probably pick up a decent deal on those items you will have your eyes on.

Opening hours: Sunday: 10:00 – 19:00

Location: Maritime Museum, Plaça de Blanquerna, 08001 Barcelona

Masks through a window in Barcelona. – Photo by Llanydd Lloyd on Unsplash

Mercat Fira de Bellcaire Els Encants

€€

This is possibly the largest market on this list and maybe in the whole city. Located in the district of Poblenou, Mercat Fira de Bellcaire Els Encants (wow that’s a mouthful) has pretty much everything, clothes, food, cameras, random stuff from people’s attics, books, toys, and the list goes on and on.

3 floors high it’s pretty packed to the rafters most of the time, especially on the weekends. You wont run into too many tourists here because it is slightly outside of the city. It’s mostly locals buying and selling.

It is open for 4 days of the week, and for the whole day. It’s definitely worth making the trip out on the metro for this one.

It’s located in quite a strange-looking building, which looks a little like a disused train station. But don’t let that put you off – you’ll love what you discover inside!

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday open 09:00 – 20:00, Closed on Sundays

Location: Carrer de los Castillejos, 158, 08013 Barcelona

A Spanish woman is selling fruits. – Photo by Daniel Angele on Unsplash

That’s it. The best 5 markets in Barcelona. If you have the chance to visit all 5 of these on your trip, they won’t let you down. With enough variation, cultural heritage and local richness to fill your boots (or bags), you will leave with some fantastic culinary experiences, interactions with locals, and a unique souvenir or two.