La Boqueria – Open Market

 

Here are five amazing things to do around La Boqueria

1.) Enjoy the colorful and lively atmosphere

Mercado de La BoqueriaWelcome to the most famous market in Barcelona. As soon as you have entered the market, a real feast for the senses begins. Color is everywhere, but not set randomly in disorganized arrays; everything is neat and clean, in a perfect layout. The market is often crowded but still, people tend to be disciplined and you will have time to stop and stare at the fruity rainbows or the multi-colored peppers. Also, as all the aromas mix, you will be licking your lips before you even know it. The prices are affordable, so you can really indulge yourself!

2.) Las Ramblas visit

La RamblasLas Ramblas is obviously the main attraction in Barcelona. It is one of the most famous pedestrian walkways in the world. It is a rich symbol of the spirit of Barcelona: many of the best museums of Barcelona, or the most crowded squares are accessible by Las Ramblas. The Wax Museum, The colon monument, the Plaça Catalunya, and the Barri Gotic are not to be missed. A walking tour of Las Ramblas and El Barri Gotic will certainly be an unforgettable experience. You can easily find a place to eat around this area as well, as there are many traditional Spanish restaurants that serve typical Catalonian food but normally those restaurants in Las Ramblas are really touristy and expensive so try to discover the little streets surrounding the boulevard, you’ll find better quality for less price.

3.) The Gran Teatre del Liceu

Gran Teatre del LiceuIt first opened its doors in 1847 and since then it has remained the official opera house of Barcelona. Located in Las Ramblas, for over 150 years it has hosted the most prestigious pieces performed by the best singers in the world. For decades it was the symbol and the meeting place of the aristocracy and the Catalan bourgeoisie. If you can’t afford a good-expensive seat, don’t worry, for 10€ you have a seat with bad views but still amazing sound.

4.) Chocolate Con Churros

Churros with dipping sauceIf you haven’t heard of this typical breakfast yet, you must try it as soon as you arrive in Barcelona, it is simply delicious. Some people will tell you that it is too sweet; as long as you don’t overindulge in churros, you don’t have to worry. To sum up, for a very low price you can eat your fill: a thick hot chocolate in which you will enjoy dipping your churros, which are a fried-dough pastry, a kind of Spanish doughnut. Every restaurant has it on its breakfast menu, and they are even sold on the street. The best place for “Chocolate ambxurros” (in Catalan) is in Carrer Petritxol really close to Las Ramblas.

5.) Take a class at the Boquería Food School

Boquería Food SchoolHave you ever wondered why Spanish people enjoy life so much? It is mainly because they know how to eat, and of course, how to cook. If you attend a class at the Boquería Food School, they will teach you about the variety and origin of products, some basic cooking techniques, and the preparation of conserves, combining theory and practice.

The courses are taught by renowned chefs and sommeliers. It is an unforgettable experience, which will improve your perception of good food and Spanish traditions at the table.

Facts about La Boqueria

The first mention of a market in Barcelona dates from 1217 when tables were set close to the old city gate named Boquería to sell meat. From December 1470 a pig market is held at this place, which is outside the city and where several merchants gather to offer their products. It is then called “Mercat Bornet” or (until 1794) simply “Mercat de la Palla” (Street Market). The official opening finally takes place in 1853. The new fish market was founded in 1911 and in 1914 the metal roof – which remains today – was installed. Under this one roof, you will find everything you need to “cook up a storm”: vegetables, fruits (a real festival of colors!), spices, different types of cheese, fresh fish & meats, olives, breadnuts, wine – you name it, they sell it.

La Boqueria

El Mercat de la Boqueria is a symbol of Barcelona. Placed in Las Ramblas, the most famous boulevard of Barcelona, it’s the best place to see how the Catalan people live and shop. All the Catalan culture is there. The building itself has a modernist style, although the first constructions are much older. So it’s a great way to get into this typical Catalan way to construct and decorate. But of course, la Boqueria is food. You’ll see how the Catalan do in cooking issues. And you’ll enjoy the colors and quality of their products.

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Guide

How to get there

Plaça de Catalunya:
Subway: Plaça de Catalunya Station, line 1 and line 3.

Barcelona Colon Monument:
Subway: Drassanes station, line 3.

Insider’s tips:

  • There are winter and summer sales in January/February and in July/August.
  • You can choose to go to Boqueria in the morning or later in the afternoon. During the morning and until 2:00 pm you’ll be able to see the market as crowded as it can be.
  • 13 million visitors a year 99%
  • Incredibly detailed 80%
  • Contains hidden mysteries 70%

Opening Hours

You’d rather make your way to Barcelona’s markets between 10:00 am and 8:30 pm (or even later). The markets don’t close at noon, compared to the traditional shops.

La Boqueria opens from Monday to Saturday between 8:00 am and 8:30 pm.

Near By

Plaça de Catalunya

1.) The Plaça de Catalunya:
It is the biggest and the most central square in Barcelona: 5 hectares!

2.) The Barcelona Colon Monument:
It is a memorial to the great explorer Christopher Columbus, at the very Southern end of Las Ramblas. Did you know that it is the kings of Spain who asked him to go to India? Poor Columbus got the wrong directions and finally arrived in America!

Why it’s worth visiting

  • Because it’s a symbol of Barcelona and the Catalan culture.
  • Because Barcelona’s markets are among the oldest (they appeared during the twelve hundreds).
  • Because you’ll be able to find everything you want, everything you’ve ever dreamed of, and even more!
  • Because you’ll be able to eat typical Spanish food (why not churros?) while making your way through the markets alleys.