Barcelona’s 5 Best Marketplaces to Shop and Eat

The best way to experience the Catalan culture is by shopping and eating in Barcelona’s famous markets, featuring everything from fresh produce and meat to artisanal finds, clothing, and one-of-a-kind antiques.

There are dozens of markets to choose from so allow us to take out the guesswork. Here are Barcelona’s five must-see marketplaces:

1. St. Josep La Boqueria

Flanking the famous Rambla Boulevard, St. Josep La Boqueria is one of the most-visited fruit, vegetable, and seafood markets in Spain, and the largest in Barcelona. The market is entirely enclosed, topped with its original metal roof constructed in 1914.

2. Mercat de l'Abaceria

Mercat de l'Abaceria is located in Gràcia, founded in 1892 as a place for the farmers to convene and sell produce. Nowadays, the outdoor market offers clothes, housewares, leather goods, and fresh produce. And if you aren’t in the mood to shop, take a stroll and enjoy the market’s impressive street art and colorful architecture.

3. Mercat de la Llibertat

Seafood is so fresh at Mercat de la Llibertat that you can often see it squirming in a tank before being cooked and served in a matter of minutes. Located in Gràcia, this indoor market also celebrates impressive architecture, showcasing Modernista-style metal ornamentation.

4. El Mercat de Sant Andreu

Nestled in the quaint neighborhood of Sant Andreu, the covered outdoor market of Sant Andreu offers a medley of fruits, flowers, pastries, meat, vegetables, herbs, and condiments. The majority of vendors are descendants of the original street sellers from the early 20th century, making for a truly authentic Catalan experience.

5. Encants Vells

Love a good treasure hunt? Make sure to carve out time in your travels to visit Encants Vells, a hub for second-hand clothing and vintage finds. This bustling market--which dates back to the 14th century--is housed in a three-story building in the neighborhood of Poblenou across the street from the Agbar Tower.

A trip to Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of its wonderful markets. Visit one or all of these on your trip to our city.