5 Best Food Markets in Barcelona

Food is undoubtably a massive highlight when visiting Barcelona. You could probably go anywhere and find yourself munching on some or other delicious delicacy. The cafes are amazing and the restaurants even more so. But one thing not to miss when in Barcelona, is the food markets.

The colours, the smells, the sounds and the tastes make it so worth visiting every market on this list. And each one has its own appeal, from fresh produce to flowers and architecture to history.

1. Find the one and only Juanito at La Boqueria

La Boqueria is probably the most famous of the many beautiful Barcelona food markets. This market is no secret and you should be prepared for the masses when you head there. It is however, an experience not to be missed when visiting the city. It offers treats and treasures from all over the world.

Greek treats at La Boqueria. Image by the author.

You could find just about anything at La Boqueria. The choice can be overwhelming but there are a few highly rated stalls that are worth queueing up for. These include El Quim de Boqueria, Bar Pinotxo and Bar Ramblero. 

Breakfast is served at El Quim de la Boqueria! Image sourced from El Quim de la Boqueria official Facebook page.

Quim is the owner of El Quim de Boqueria, a small stall that barely ever has a seat available. On the menu here you can expect squid, wagyu and tripe. Not the kind of dishes you would imagine to find at a market! At Bar Pinotxo, you will notice an elderly gentleman running around behind the counter. This is Juanito, the almost-eighty-year-old owner with the brightest smile in the market. Bar Pinotxo is the place to go for magnificent Catalonian tapas, if not for Juan himself! Bar Ramblero offers an incredible selection of beautiful fresh seafood. If king prawns and octopus are up your alley, this is the spot for you.

Juanito and his team at Bar Pinotxo in La Boqueria Market. Image sourced from Bar Pinotxo official website.

My top tip for La Boqueria would be to go to the loo beforehand! There are toilets at the market if you really can’t hold it in, though they require coins to enter and the queues can be long! 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Mon to sat –  8am to 8:30pm
ADDRESS: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Metro Station: Jaume I, Universitat, Sant Antoni

2. Take in the beauty of Mercat de Santa Caterina

This market is as much for architecture fanatics as it is for foodies. The Santa Caterina market is located in Santa Caterina in Ciutat Vella, the Old Town of Barcelona. It is run on the site of the old Santa Caterina convent and compliments the surrounding area with its juxtaposition of the old and the new. An update to the structure was completed in 2005 and the market is an unmissable landmark of the area.

The update included a new, undulating roof covered with mosaics in colours representative of fruits and vegetables. The interior of the market is as unique and interesting as the exterior, even without taking into consideration the food!

Inside matches outside with all the fresh fruit and veg available at Mercat de Santa Caterina. Photo by Daniel Angele on Unsplash.

This market is most well known for its exceptional fresh produce. Aside from its incredible architecture, that is. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish abound and you can be sure it is all of the highest quality. Visit the market to jaw-drop at the structure, but also to grab the ingredients for a traditional Spanish or Catalan dish you have been dying to try your hand at. 

For those who are a mess in the kitchen, never fear. As well as the fresh produce, there are stalls and restaurants serving ready made masterpieces!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Mon, Wed, Sat –  7:30m to 3:30pm; Tue, thur, fri —  7:30am to 8:30pm
ADDRESS: Av. de Francesc Cambó, 16, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Metro Station: Jaume I, Urquinaona

3. Pick flowers at Mercat de la Concepció

The Mercat de la Concepció is another architectural beauty. Though this is not what it is most well known for. This market, unlike the two previously mentioned, holds an impressive selection of flowers, plants and seeds. The flower market at Mercat de La Concepció remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

Plants and flowers galore at La Concepció. Image sourced from La Concepció official website.

As well as the flora, this is a great market to come to for its huge variety of culinary offerings. These include the usual fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and fish. Also on offer are various oils, wines and local delicacies, as well as international ones. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Mon, Sat –  8am to 3pm; Tues to Fri — 8am to 8pm (Florists open all day, every day)
ADDRESS: Aragó, 313-317 08009 Barcelona
Metro Station: Girona, Verdaguer

4. Take a stroll through the 1900’s at Mercat de Sants

The Sants market has been around since 1913 and is located in an old Modernista style building. The market, in terms of what it offers, is very similar to the ones I’ve already mentioned. But the location is what makes this market unique. 

Once you taste fresh market grapes, you won’t turn back! Photo by Linda Knicely on Unsplash.

There are lots of incredible sights to see in the area around this market. So if you find yourself in Montjuïc exploring Camp Nou or the Plaça d’Espanya, this market is worth popping into. Why not grab some picnic style goods and head to the beautiful Parc de Joan Miro for lunch. Or head up to Montjuïc Castle with some take-away tapas to watch the sunset!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Mon — 8am to 2:30pm, Tues to Fri –  8am to 8:30pm, Sat — 8am to 3pm, closed Sundays.
ADDRESS: Carrer de Sant Jordi, 6, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Metro Station: Plaça de Sants

5. Wonder at the La Barceloneta Market

La Barceloneta Market is yet another spot where you will find amazing produce paired with an architectural wonder! This is probably my favourite Barcelona food market, if only for the incredible building it is housed in. If you are a design-fan OR foodie, this is somewhere you want to put on your must-see list. 

Find fish for a feast at Barcelona’s best food markets. Image by the author.

On offer at this market are the usual fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and fish. Before you head to Barceloneta Beach for the day, swing past the market to pick up some fruits and snacks. Your belly will thank you! 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Thursday — 7am to 3pm, Fridays — 7am to 8pm, Saturdays — 7am to 3pm
ADDRESS: Mercat de la Barceloneta, Plaça Poeta Boscà, 1*2, 08003 Barcelona
Metro Station: Barceloneta

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