Barcelona is filled with many sights to see. Some of these include not only the historical tourist attractions, but Barcelona’s markets as well. Throughout the city there are numerous different types of markets to visit, purchase goods at and just enjoy the locals.
Food Markets
Sant Antoni Marke t: Location: Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 1
This market is fairly diverse and a popular place for locals and tourists to visit on Sundays. You can find everything from vintage clothing to sports memorabilia. However, most people come for the food. The drink vermouth can be found at one of the many bars located in the market. If you are looking for a bite to eat, check out the tapas bar that can be found in the middle of the market. For those that want to take something home, there is a deli counter located at the entrance. Throughout the market you will find other local food items at many of the vendors. It is important to note that a lot of the stalls are closed during the month of August.
La Boqueria Market : Location: Rambla, 91
This is considered to be one of the best markets in the world. You can find pretty much everything here from produce to seafood. A must try is the fruit salad or the breakfast at Pinocho. The market can get very crowded and it’s best to go before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. while the crowds aren’t so unbearable.
Art
Mercadillo de la Placa de Sant Josep : Location: Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol
Open every weekend, this market has 15 different artists on hand. This allows for a variety of different styles of artwork to be viewed and purchased. The market is rather small, but it’s very tourist friendly with a lot of the artists stopping to chat with the visitors. A favorite souvenir is the personalized caricature.
Demanoenmano : Convent de Sant Agustí – Carrer del Comerç, 36
This market took a brief hiatus for a little while. However, it’s back in full force and offers an amazing collection of items. Open one weekend a month, visitors can check out recycled arts, sculptures, paintings and photographs. In addition to the art, there are also live performances by musical groups and workshops for visitors to attend.
Flea Markets
Fleadonia : Location: Plaça de Salvador Seguí
Located in the Raval Quarter, this flea market is held on the first Sunday of the month. There are a wide variety of goods to be found here. Many of these items are second hand or vintage. There’s also a lot of art to be found here as well as food items. This is a true flea market with its variety of vendors and goods.
El Flea Fira de Nautumismo : Location: Plaça Reial
Open on Sundays, this is the place to go if you are looking for unique items. Here you will find everything from jewelry to stamps to coins. Because it is relatively small, it’s the perfect place to go if you are short on time, but want to find a unique souvenir to take home.
Mercat Del Encants : Location: Avenida Meridiana
This market is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. It’s one of the largest flea markets in Barcelona and has a lot of unique items. Of these are many “adult” related goods. However, you really can find a lot of treasures here if you are willing to look. Many of the tourists tend to visit the market just to see all of the bizarre items that vendors offer. You really can get a good deal here as a lot of the vendors will bargain with you. Stalls tend to close by midday and many of them are closed during the month of August.
Christmas Market
Fira de Santa Llucia : Location: Carrer dels Lledó
The dates for this Christmas Market haven’t been confirmed yet, but it will take place during the weeks leading up to Christmas. This beloved market tends to be crowded as there are many unique items that can be found here. A favorite is the Cagnares that are a real conversation starter. If you visit here, make sure to not only check out the souvenirs, but some of the food as well including the sausages and gingerbread.
Honorable Mentions
Eat Street : Location: Espai Reguer
The next Eat Street will be held September 8-11. This event features chefs who bring a dish or two for visitors to try. In addition to this there will be a variety of beer and wine on hand as well as traditional farmers markets type items like fresh fruits and vegetable. There will also be lectures and workshops to attend.
Taste All Those : Location: The Parking Lot Of The University of Barcelona
The second edition of this event took place in June. It featured local food and drink as well as street food that used seasonal produce. Its goal is to serve as a platform to bring together local farmers and the community. There’s no word yet on when the next Taste All Those event will occur.
Browse all our escorted Spain tours. If a tour is not something you are interested, the how about a Spain cruise.
