Do you want to know the best markets in Barcelona where to buy the best quality fresh products and give yourself a good gastronomic treat? Here we present them to you!
Barcelona is full of things to do and things to see, but the markets of Barcelona are undoubtedly one of the most impressive attractions worth visiting during your stay. If you feel like shopping in the most authentic way, as if you were a real Barcelonian, you can’t miss them.
If you are looking for things to do in Barcelona, you probably already know that it is a city that offers a wide experience in terms of shopping, so you are sure to find everything you need, whatever your tastes are. Do not miss our selection of the best 15 markets in Barcelona, to discover those that you want to include in your itinerary around the city.
1. Boquería Market
The Boqueria Market in Barcelona is one of the reasons why tourists come to Barcelona. This is the most famous market in the city and is an authentic experience of colors, aromas and flavors that will make you fall in love and leave you wanting to live in this beautiful city.
It is a covered market that, in 1826 was declared by the Generalitat de Catalunya, as the central market of Barcelona. It is located on Las Ramblas and has been for centuries a meeting place for lovers of authentic Catalan products.
In addition to the traditional Catalan food stalls, in this market of Las Ramblas in Barcelona, you can also admire the numerous exhibitors of exotic products and fruits from all over the world. You can sit at whichever stall catches your eye to enjoy delicious seafood, tapas, smoothies, local wines, etc.
2. Sant Antoni Market
Barcelona’s Sant Antoni Market opened its doors in 2018 in a big way, with more than 2.2 million visitors a year. After some archaeological discoveries that caused its restoration works to be delayed, this space is now open to the public and offers one of the best gastronomic experiences in the city.
One of the main charms of this market is the architecture of its facade, formed by a huge iron nave joined by four arms that end in a beautiful octagonal dome 28 meters high and modernist style. You can stroll through its stalls and sit at one of its small tasting bars to try the most typical products of the area.
On the last day of the week, this space becomes one of the few Sunday markets in Barcelona. But, keep in mind that on this day you will find a very different atmosphere where collectors gather to buy second-hand books or to exchange their stamps, comics or stickers.
3. Els Encants Market
The Encants Market is a place where you can find anything you are looking for, but we do not mean food, but clothes, some antique objects, accessories, fabric, vinyl, etc.. With time and desire, you can find real gems among the antiques, second-hand clothes and vintage products.
Keep in mind that in this market, with a mirrored ceiling, the seller never sets the final price, so your job will be to haggle and reach a fair agreement. If you want to find real bargains and good prices, it is best to go early in the morning.
4. La Barceloneta Market
The one in Barceloneta is a good gastronomic market in Barcelona, aimed at all those who want to eat really well during their vacations. It is an enclosed space with a very original roof, which will remind you of the facade of the famous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
In this market you will find a wide assortment of the most colorful and diverse products, all of them of good quality. In addition, around you can try good restaurants, such as Els Fogons, with a very extensive menu and focused on seafood products of the city that opens its doors to the Mediterranean Sea.
5. Santa Caterina's Market
After the Boquería, the Santa Caterina Market is the oldest municipal market in Barcelona. The roof of the market imitates the shape of the sea when it is agitated by the waves and the different colors are reminiscent of those you will find in its fruit and vegetable stalls.
It is a perfect space if you feel like taking a break and having something to eat after your intense day of sightseeing. There you will find restaurants like Cuines de Santa Caterina, located within the same market and with a menu, with which you can taste the most Mediterranean food, for less than 20 €.
6. Concepción market
Located in the Eixample district, the Concepción Market is another interesting market to visit in Barcelona. It is famous for being the flower market, but nowadays there are also different stores selling other products such as appliances or food.
The market dates back to 1888 and is a real spectacle for all the senses. Architecturally, iron is the main protagonist, so it has become one of the most emblematic buildings of Barcelona that is present in all visiting itineraries.
Of course, if you are allergic to pollen, we recommend you to stay away from the Mercado de la Concepción, as there are flowers everywhere!
7. Ninot's Market
Another must-see in Barcelona is the Mercat del Ninot, located on Mallorca street, in the Eixample district. Like many other markets, this space has undergone many renovations, so now it has become a very modern place, but that gives off a great century-old history.
It has more than 40 stalls inside, with the best products you will need for your Mediterranean recipes. You will also find the classic market bars offering their best tapas and sangria. If you want to try freshly baked artisan bread, snacks, vegan dishes, cod, organic chicken, handmade pasta, stalls with over 140 years of history and more, this is the place to be.
Outside you will also find dozens of stalls selling non-food products, such as clothing or household products.
8. Poblenou's Market
Despite being of more modest dimensions, compared to the markets that we have presented above, the Poblenou Market is one of the most modern. It was inaugurated in 1889, when the district of Sant Martí was still an independent municipality, so you can imagine that there are stalls to cover all the needs of the population.
Its structure belongs to the period of the great iron constructions, but its last remodeling has made this space present lateral stained glass windows and pieces of exposed brickwork. It is located in the Plaza de la Unión and is open every weekday morning. Will you miss this authentic unknown delight?
9. El Flea Market
We continue with a slightly different concept, since El Flea Market does not offer food products, but is based on the philosophy of recycling and “low cost” prices are its main essence. Here you can find all kinds of second hand products, from clothes, accessories, books and even music for less than 5€.
Since its founding in 2007, the Flea Market defends the idea that “one person’s trash can be another person’s gold” and encourages to give a longer life to products. There you can also find material rental services, advice on events with the same theme, activities, etc.
If in addition to attending the market, you are interested in participating in the sale of your products, you only have to register on their website.
10. Santa Llucia's Market
The Santa Llucia Fair is one of the most famous markets in Barcelona, but it is only available during the months leading up to Christmas. It is a very popular historic Christmas market that is set up in front of Barcelona’s cathedral during the Christmas season.
Most of the products sold here are related to the holidays, such as garlands, figurines for the nativity scene, Christmas trees, mistletoe, etc. When you visit the market, you will also be able to see an impressive nativity scene with a very detailed and complex decoration.
In addition to the market, in the surrounding area you can enjoy the wide variety of activities that are organized nearby, such as musical and dance performances, exhibitions, etc.
11. Freedom's Market
The neighborhood of Gràcia was a village in itself in the nineteenth century, which joined the city of Barcelona and its market became one of the most important in Barcelona. It was built in the modernist style of the nineteenth century and today, the Mercado de la Llibertat, is the main artery of the neighborhood and one of the most beloved spaces for the neighbors.
Its most emblematic stop is Joan Noi, which has been offering fresh fish and seafood of the highest quality for over 100 years. You can buy their products, as well as try them right then and there at the John Boy restaurant, located right there. Nor can you forget to try the bar La Clau and its legendary portion of tripe.
12. Art's Market
During the weekends, several painters and artists gather in the Sant Josep Oriol square, in the Gothic Quarter, to place easels full of their paintings, in order to sell their art. You can find incredible paintings, besides being one of the best places to buy a good souvenir of Barcelona.
In many of his works you can see scenes portrayed in the daily life of Catalonia, which will allow you to capture the purest essence of this region of Spain and take it directly home. Undoubtedly this has become one of the most important markets in Barcelona and can not miss in your itinerary.
13. Princess Market
The Princesa Market is one of the most modern in the city, but also one of the most informal. This space operates according to a new concept that is halfway between a market and a restaurant. Just like in a market, you can stroll around the different counters and buy the products that catch your eye from the shelves.
However, most of the stalls do not offer fresh products, but have already been prepared on the spot. In the central area of this beautiful market you will find long tables, so you can choose the space you like best and the food you want and live a very authentic gastronomic experience.
14. Galvany's market
The Galvany Market is composed of more than 70 stalls and is located in the most exclusive neighborhood of Barcelona: the Sarrià district. This market was built in 1868, but was not inaugurated until 1927. Here you will find a wide range of food, such as sausages, meat, fish, legumes, cereals, vegetables, organic products, etc.
Outside you can also stroll around the stalls selling clothes, kitchen utensils, decoration, shoes, flowers, leather goods and much more. This is one of the most beautiful markets in Barcelona for its imposing modernist building and has become a true artistic monument in the city.
15. Born's market
We finish our selection of the best markets in Barcelona with one of the most legendary places in the city: the Born Market. Why have we left it for last? Well, for the simple reason that this market no longer acts as such, but it also deserves a visit, for its architecture and for being, currently, a cultural center with archaeological remains.
The structure of the Born Market is modernist iron and is a real gem. It is an old fruit and vegetable market in Barcelona and is known as the cathedral of iron and glass. Inside you can visit the archaeological remains of the ancient medieval city.
Now you know the 15 best markets in Barcelona and you know everything you can find in each of them. Remember that these spaces are where the life of the city comes together and where you will have the opportunity to capture the purest essence of Barcelona and go home 100% satisfied with your experience, so they deserve your visit!
