Spain’s markets and food halls are on another level.
They provide an opportunity to taste the best of the area, region and, even the country, under one roof. I am not exaggerating when I say you can spend hours trying different things on these gastronomic temples.
After visiting the Mercado San Miguel in Madrid and the Mercat Central in Valencia, I was ready for the Barcelona’s markets.
I visited the city many years ago and since I only had one day to explore (insane), I didn’t stop by any of the markets. I vowed not to make the same mistake on a future visit.
That is why on my way to the waterfront, through Las Ramblas, I kept my eyes wide open. I was trying to spot the entrance of the Mercat Saint Joseph (better known as La Boqueria) on my right hand side.
Now, let me tell you a thing or two about this market.
- It is the most famous market in Barcelona
- It is on the busiest street (actually, streets because Las Ramblas is more than one street) in the city
- It is touristy, crowded and a little bit on the theatrical side (things are arranged in a very appealing way)
Having said that, I still think this market is worth a visit. Why? Because the variety of goods is impressive, there are bursts of color everywhere and the tapas bars in there are frequented by top chefs (they are that good!).
That first visit I started to describe above was a total fail. My husband and I got inside but it was impossible to walk around. The crowds were massive. We left and returned another time when things were on the calmer side. Therefore, that is my advice to you. If you get the canned sardine feeling, run away and return at another time! Or, try to hit the market close to open time.
For excellent tapas, stop by any of the following:
- Pinotxo Bar
- El Quim (their specialty is fried eggs with baby squid)
- Kiosko Universal (for great seafood)
Other less famous bars are:
- Bar Central
- Bar Boqueria
If you prefer to eat on the go, there are many vendors offering quiches, turnovers, pastries and even noodles and burritos (ahem!).
For those who prefer to snack, the options are limitless. Stalls offer fruit, chocolate covered strawberries, candies, macaroons, fresh fruit, olives, nuts, chocolate and Iberico ham.
If you see somebody selling coconut milk on a plastic cup, make yourself a favor and get one. The one we tried at the market was delicious (remind me of the one my grandmother used to get from fresh coconuts).
If you are interested in visiting a less crowded and touristy market, you can stop by Mercat Santa Caterina in the Old City.
Santa Caterina Market was built in 1845 to provide the neighborhood’s blue-collar community with food related items. This was the city’s first covered market. A refurbishment, in the modernist style, was completed in 2005. An undulating roof is attached to the building by a wooden structure, and a vast mosaic of colored ceramic pieces, representing fruit and vegetables, boldly breaks with the traditional look of a market.
The photo below (from Barcelona.com) shows an aerial of the market.
I loved strolling around the almost empty market. We had breakfast at one of the bars and proceeded to take a look at the colorful produce. We found several food related products that served as souvenirs.
If you are a really fan of markets, may be interested in paying a visit to Sant Antoni Market. I didn’t have the opportunity to visit but reviews indicate it is bigger than La Boqueria with no tourists on sight. This is a good place to mingle with locals and food lovers (there is a tapas bar on site).
Comparisons tend to be unfair for many reasons but I feel like I have to give my opinion in this case. I would chose to visit any Madrid market over a Barcelona market. I find the food offerings in Madrid superior. The best food Spain has to offer is better represented there.
Yes, Madrid markets are touristy too but there are tons of locals (or at least people from the Greater Madrid area) in the market. In Madrid, there are common eating areas. That allows you to have a conversation with other while eating. That alone is a great opportunity to get recommendations or learn more about daily life in Spain. If you are a food lover, this is something you should give a thought.
What market in Barcelona would you like to visit?
Pin it for later?
Photo Cache says
I’ve only been to the Boqueria and even if I don’t get to see another market in BCN, I’d be content to go back over and over to the same Boqueria.
Ruth says
Since it is in Las Ramblas, it is the easiest market to visit. I think visitors should stop by and take a look (and eat something).
Jim says
A feast for your eyes and your stomach.
Ruth says
That is right Jim! You feel like a little kid in a candy shop in a place like this.
Rhonda Albom says
Great variety of photos from the market. I did not make it to this market in Barcelona but I wish I did. The last several fresh fruit and veg shots are my favorites.
Ruth says
Rhonda, those veg shots are some of my favorite too. I was amazed by the variety of tomatoes. They had some I had never seen before.
S.C. says
Looks very pretty and tasteful. A very good add posting for visitors to Barcelona. Thanks for showing us.
Ruth says
Thanks! I am a market fan, so, you are going to see me posting about the subject a lot.
image-in-ing: weekly photo linky says
It must be dizzying to be among all these wonderful sights and smells. Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/07/bottoms-up.html
Ruth says
You feel like you want to get everything that you see!
All that's Jas says
Oh my, what gorgeous photos and selection of goodies! I’m hungry now, lol. Found you on Image-in-ing 🙂
Ruth says
Thanks for stopping by! I am glad you enjoyed the post and got a bit hungry ;0)
Jackie Smith says
I have also written about both those markets having visited them and you’ve portrayed their wares and customers very well. I found, that as is true of all crowded tourist places in Barcelona I spent so much time making sure no one took my money or camera that the full charm of the place was tarnished. Your photos are spectacular – it is tough to take them in crowded low light settings, and you nailed it.
Ruth says
Jackie, Barcelona is not my favorite city in Europe. I enjoyed my stay last year and will like to stop in the future to visit the Costa Brava. But, like you mentioned, the crowds can take away part of the charm.
Lolo says
OMG now my mouth is watering from those delicious pictures and my own memories from walking through there back in 2012! I definitely need to go back! #CityTripping
Ruth says
Yes, I think you need to go back. Being in Spain feels great!
Lisa @ LTTL says
WOW! Hello to my happy place, food, color, and culture. This market is fabulous. I could spend days in it.
Lisa @ Life Thru the Lens
Ruth says
Markets are my thing. I stopped by every day of my stay. I did the same thing in other cities in Spain.
Mandy says
I love visiting markets in Europe! They are such fun! And I’m always surprised at what kinds of foods are being sold. Yes, you can get the typical fruits/veggies, but the cooked meats, delicious coffees, dairy products, and (in some cases) artwork often make for an interesting adventure. If/when I go to Barcelona, I’ll have to keep my eye out for this place. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
#citytripping
Ruth says
The markets I have highlighted in here are a must in Barcelona (in my opinion). Like you, markets are one of the things I like the most in Europe. Which ones have you visited?
Kay L. Davies says
Fabulous photos of one of my favourite places…La Boqueria in Barcelona, and also of the market in the old city…I think I’d like to go there to avoid the crowds. We have a day in Barcelona between planes in November, and a market visit is just the thing!
Kay
An Unfittie’s Guide
Ruth says
There you go! Stop by one of these and you will get the complete experience. You can have tapas, buy snacks for the rest of the day (or week) and get souvenirs (I am not into buying souvenirs but the things you will get in here are edible or useful).
Bumble Bee Mum says
I forgot to have lunch before coming to your blog! Now I’m starving! The colours you captured are AMAZING!! I think I would stick to Mercat Saint Joseph when I go to Barcelona for the first time. I don’t mind touristy since I’m tourist afterall. Hahaha.. Maybe if I get to visit Spain for a second time, I would head to the markets in Madrid. #CityTripping
Ruth says
It is true what you day about tourist. We complain about them but we are part of them. But, do use my tips to try to enter the market when it is on the calmer side.
Sharon says
What brilliant colors! My favorite is the red and purple of the berries. I can almost taste them!
Ruth says
I should have gotten one of those berry baskets. I have never tried the rounded ones. I think they are called currant.
Photo(Geo)grapher says
How colorful! It looks incredibly!
Ruth says
Many thanks!
Rebecca says
Markets are the best, you see so much life there. I love how some of your photos look completely abstract, focusing on colour and shape not on the food itself. #citytripping
Ruth says
Thanks Rebecca! I thing you can find a lot of patterns in places like this. Yes, you are taking photos of food but I chose to see them as pieces of art.
Van @ Snow in Tromso says
I can’t wait to visit Spain in September and stuff my face! All of your pictures make me so hungry 😀
Ruth says
Nice! I think this is your first time in Spain, right? I am going to be in Central Europe the first weeks of September.
Ashley @ The Wandering Weekenders says
Our friends loved visiting the markets in Barcelona on their trip there! That sucks that the first time you visited everything felt so claustrophobic, but that’s great that you came back and that you had a better experience!
Ruth says
I guess I learned that lesson the hard way on Madrid. The first time we stopped by a market it was madness. We returned the next day and couldn’t believe how different was the experience with less people around.
Lauren says
So cool!! I love markets all around the world – both the touristy ones and the local ones. Like you said, they are such a great way to get a feel for the local food and they are a photographer’s dream!
Ruth says
You have to let me know about some markets you have visited. In that way, I can visit if I am in the specific city.
Ahila says
Mercat Santa Caterina looks lovely and without the crowds of the more famous La Boqueria. #CityTripping
Ruth says
I know, that is why I am presenting the option to those who do not want to be surrounded by the masses.
Anna says
food…lots of food! I wish Greek markets where like that.I’ve seen La Boqueria in Barcelona but didn’t get in. I have a photo of the entrance because I liked the sign!
Ruth says
You should have gotten in to take a look. I will like to visit Greek markets. That is one thing I didn’t do when I visited Athens.
Jo @ Jo Jacks Travel says
I love the food markets in Spain too! We recently stayed in Cadiz and we loved the seafood stands at their market. Beautiful photos! #citytripping
Ruth says
Cadiz is a city that I would love to visit. Unfortunately, I have not made it to the south of Spain yet.
Sharon says
Everything is displayed like candy in a candy store. What abundance. Nobody goes hungry there!
Ruth says
Looks like an interior decorator put the displays together. So beautiful!
Amanda says
Wow, Barcelona looks so incredible. Visiting markets is my favorite thing about seeing a new place. The colors and smells are all so incredible!
Ruth says
Amanda, I love visiting markets too. I do not want to leave once I am there.
Courtney @ Adelante says
You are so right, Spain’s markets really are on another level! My favorite market in Barcelona is the Mercat de L’Abaceria in Gràcia. Not a tourist in sight!!!
Ruth says
Oh no! I stayed in the Gracia neighborhood and didn’t know about this market. I have to stop by on my next visit.
Cat says
Wow! So busy and colorful! I think I will spend a long time at the dessert booths 😛
Ruth says
Right? You can spend days in here devouring only desserts. Did you see the macaroon variety they have?
Isabel says
Sounds like a great place. i didnt know barcelona had a place like this. def on my bucket list now!
Ruth says
Well, now you know. Hope you can visit one day.
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope) says
Wow amazing colours over there and I can already imagine the smell of the food! #photofriday
Ruth says
I really enjoyed the colors. I love when I discover colorful places during my travels.
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says
cool photos! great aerial shot of Barcelona market:) #weekend wanderlust
Ruth says
I wanted you guys to get an idea of why this market is so special.
Buckeroomama says
I love markets and I love to visit local markets in places I travel to; sadly, not all my travel companions feel the same way. Wish I’d checked out local markets when I was in Barcelona.
Ruth says
I get your feeling. That is why my husband is my best travel companion. We both have a passion for food and enjoy activities related to it.
Erin Klema | The Epicurean Traveler says
Wow, so much color! I love visiting markets when I travel to other countries. You really get a sense of the local food and culture.
Ruth says
Which ones have you visited? I like to get ideas to plan upcoming trips.
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
La Boqueria really is quite something, isn’t it – I only had a quick wander round on my visit to Barcelona but I could easily have spent longer walking and nibbling. I hadn’t come across the other markets though, and I think it would be great to get a taste of the less touristy ones, especially if that’s where more locals tend to shop. #citytripping
Ruth says
I can understand how some people do a quick walk around and leave when there are tons of other people around. i was lucky to revisit during a time when the market wasn’t packed.
jo ~ Lifestyle Fifty says
Wow, the crowds you spoke of at the beginning would have been enough to put me off, but my oh my the colours and the variety of fruit, veggies and yummy foodstuffs looks beautiful. Some great hints and tips, thank you!
Ruth says
Well, the market is popular for a reason. All the beautiful displays attract tons of people. But, I believe the market can be better appreciated if visited at the correct moment.
Jo ~ Lifestyle Fifty says
Did my comment go through?
Ruth says
Yes, it went thru. Not sure why WordPress decides to throw some comments in the spam folder. I have to be monitoring and approving things.
carrie says
OMG, RUTH! I am literally on the verge of drooling! this looks out of this world. one of my favorite ways to get to know a new city is to check out their LOCAL markets. all the fresh fruits and vegetables look amazing!
Ruth says
Thanks Carrie! I get your feeling. There are tons of good stuff there.
Brooke of Passport Couture says
Interesting to hear your thoughts on Barcelona markets and why you enjoy the Madrid ones more. Although they may not be as impressive, the pastries look amazing! Wouldn’t mind one right now!
Ruth says
Well, I am throwing my opinion out there. In the Madrid vs. Barcelona battle, Barcelona tends to win. However, I prefer Madrid.
Sadie says
Oh wow! I would have loved to see this market when I was in Barcelona 8 years ago. I’ll have to put it on my list for next time.
Ruth says
Right, this would be a great addition to any itinerary.
Elizabeth (wander Mum) says
You have made me super hungry with your pictures and descriptions. I absolutely loved Mercado San Miguel in Madrid…Spain does have the best food markets – perfect for trying out the local dishes in a relaxed environment. Good tip about leaving and coming back if too busy. Thanks for linking to #citytipping
Ruth says
I love Mercado San Miguel. I like that market better than La Boqueria.
budget jan says
Hi Ruth, I never realised the roof of the market was like that. It’s a bit of a waste unless you live in a high location! It sure is a very handy market to have so close to where all the action is. Great photos.
Ruth says
That is true. You only see some parts of the roof from the front. it is a nice feature but not one visitors and regulars can appreciate that much.
Corinne @ ReflectionsEnroute says
Ruth, Love a good market and especially Barcleona’s. Those foods! I want to try them all.
Ruth says
Truth is I was sick in Barcelona. I tried some stuff but I had to take it easy (which was not good).
Anda says
I’ve seen La Boqueria last time I was in Barcelona. It’s a great market, indeed. I am always amazed at the diversity of produce in the European markets. We don’t have anything like that here, in the USA.
Ruth says
That is true. At least, I have not seen something similar in the West Coast. I have heard there are more European style markets in the East Coast. Would like to visit those one day.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
Wow, these markets look fabulous and so colorful! I don’t think we visited any of the markets in Barcelona but will definitely do so if/when we return! ~ Jessica
Ruth says
You guys would go crazy taking pictures! You have to visit one day.
Paula McInerney says
We were in Barcelona last year, and this bought back some wonderful memories. You are correct, the colours are just amazing
Ruth says
I love when a post or article bring good memories of a place I visited. It feels different when you are reading or seeing pictures of a place you have actually visited.
Jennifer (aka Dr. J) says
Whenever I visit a new city, I always make a beeline to the local food market. They provide such a lovely snapshot of a city. #wkendtravelinspiration.
Ruth says
I am visiting Central Europe soon and I have already a list of the markets I want to visit.
Jo ~ Lifestyle Fifty says
Wow these markets look fantastic, and so colourful. The food looks YUM too. We were in Barcelona way back in 2001, but only had a short whizz around.
Ruth says
A lot of good stuff in these markets. I would not mind to go back and only stop by them.
Michelle | michwanderlust says
I got really hungry reading this post, Ruth! Love the riot of colours in the market and the food looks amazing. I do love food 🙂 I also really appreciated your honest opinion on Madrid vs Barcelona markets. I’ve been to Madrid but not Barcelona – partly hesitant to go because the main purpose of my trips to Spain is to practise my Spanish, but I hear people in Barcelona don’t like that 😛 I’ll probably go at some point, but glad to know I’m not missing out on much in terms of the food markets at least!
Ruth says
Glad to share my opinion. As I said, it is a matter of preference. You are not the first person that mention how people from Barcelona do not enjoy talking Spanish. I am am not a connoisseur of the city but I didn’t feel judged or frowned upon by speaking in Spanish. As a matter of fact, people started conversations in Spanish. Maybe you should give the city a try.
Lauren says
I love Spanish markets! Although I do agree that the central market in Barcelona is a bit too touristy and crowded. When I visited I was so worried about getting pickpocketed that it was hard to enjoy myself. I should’ve checked out the Santa Caterina market as that sounds way more up my alley! Beautiful, colorful pictures as always! Thanks for sharing and linking up 😀
Ruth says
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your opinion. Since I went back to the market when it was less crowded, I wasn’t scared of being robbed. But, I tried to be aware all the time.
Sally-Ann Brown says
Wow love that roof, and the food looks amazing too.
Good tip on the crowds, if it is too crowded there are times you can come back to discover the markets in a less frenzied state.
Ruth says
Totally! That is why I like to spend more than one day on a city.
eileen g says
I love all the colors in a local market, and this one looks amazing. After a trip through my suitcase would no doubt be bulging with things I’m probably not supposed to bring home but can’t resist!
Ruth says
We brought home some things and enjoyed them while at home. My husband wanted to buy certain things but I was sure they were going to be confiscated at the airport.
Birgitta says
Fabulous photos!
Ruth says
Thanks!
// Heidrun says
I enjoyed this Post. Yes, the market is worth to visit. Each capture is fantastic.
Thank you for the nice comment. ☺️
Ruth says
You are so sweet! Thanks for leaving a comment.
rupam { xhobdo } says
Awesome pics
Ruth says
Glad you liked them!
Eileen says
Hello, wonderful photos of the market. I am sure the sights, sounds and smells were just amazing. All the food looks delicious, I would want to try it all. Thanks for sharing your visit. Happy Wednesday, enjoy your day!
Ruth says
Your welcome! Markets are some of my favorite places in the world.
Rachel ¦¦ A Nesting Nomad says
Interesting! I’ve just got back from Barcelona and we visited the Boqueria on our last day – I think we were a bit too overwhelmed and tired to really take advantage of it! We did buy some fresh fruit though and it was gorgeous. Luckily it wasn’t too crowded either, but just busy enough that we didn’t want to hang around too much. I like the comparison you drew with the Madrid food markets – I don’t remember going to them (I went to Madrid quite a long time ago!) but I think I’d appreciate the same things as you. I’ll have to go back to check!
Ruth says
Well, at least you experienced La Boqueria in a way. But, my heart is a 100% with the markets in Madrid.
Sallie (FullTime-Life) says
So colorful — I would miss having a kitchen (since if I am ever lucky enough to visit I’d definitely be staying in a hotel).
Ruth says
You are right! It would be nice to have a kitchen in order to cook up something with all these great produce.
NatureFootstep says
With all this food… Í think I settle for a cup of coffee. 🙂
Ruth says
There is plenty of that in the market too!
Leah says
I love getting to hear about markets in different parts of the world! I try to visit them in each city that I visit and love trying exotic fruit!
The Jetset Boyz says
At La Boqueria they sell awesome combinations of blended fruit drinks. Our tip is to walk past the stalls at the front of the market and head to the second and third rows of stalls. You’ll find the same drinks, except they’re quite a bit cheaper than the stalls at the front of the market.
Barcelona’s La Boqueria should perhaps come with a health warning because there’s so much to-die-for food & treats wherever you look! 😋 😂