13 Best Markets in Barcelona to Explore Food & Crafts!
February 27, 2023
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Spain has had a long tradition of neighborhood markets since the 18th century.
The beauty of Barcelona and the Catalan culture is in how they preserve this tradition and treasure it in the depths of the city’s heart.
In this article, I invite you to discover Barcelona’s best markets, those you cannot miss, where the locals really buy, where you get the best Jabugo Ham in the world, and the best olives you will ever taste!
From the most tourist-friendly markets that have become main attractions to the most beautiful little places where centuries of traditions hide behind a smile selling you some typical calçots.
Table of Contents ▼ ▶
1. La Boqueria
Category: Gastronomic, wine, and historical tour.
Address: La Rambla, 91, 08001
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 8:00 am to 8:30 pm.
Best time to visit: At their opening hour it is less crowded.
You will find a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, meat, preserves, vegetables, cheeses, and other local products.
Since 1840, the energetic Boqueria Market has been a labyrinth with more than 300 stalls offering all kinds of typical products of the gastronomy of Barcelona.
Admission is free, and even if you don’t want to buy anything at the market, it is worth a visit to soak up the atmosphere and discover the local cuisine with the fresh products on the stalls.
Tip: Try the octopus marinated in herb oil and paprika from Boqueria bar.
2. La Mercè
Category: Purchase of fresh quality products.
Address: Pg. de Fabra i Puig, 270, 272, 08031
Opening hours: See below.
Best time to visit: At their opening hour it is less crowded.
This market was inaugurated in 1961 and won Barcelona’s heart for the quality and variety of meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, sausages, cheeses, and a flower shop.
This is a typical neighborhood market where people shop weekly as a tradition. They also offer complementary services like a bakery, florist, and bar.
The coolest thing is that this market offers home delivery service, parking, online sales, orders via WhatsApp and phone, weekly children’s activities, and workshops to create a community of people who enjoy the market experience.
- Opening hours in summer:
Monday to Wednesday: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Thursday from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Friday from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm.
Saturday from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.
- In August:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm; Friday from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm; Saturday from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.
- In Winter:
Monday to Wednesday from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm; Thursday from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm and from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm; Friday from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm; Saturday from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Tip: Go to Bacallaneria and look for “grandma’s olives.” They are the best.
3. El Ninot
Category: Fish, produce & meats. Tasting bars & eateries.
Address: C/ de Mallorca, 133, 08036
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8 am to 9 pm. Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm.
This market gets the most crowded at 12 pm*
This neighborhood market is located on Eixample left. It is a charming market where you can easily do your groceries and find the best hand-cut charcuterie, craft cheese, and wine.
There are many vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and pork butcheries in this market, along with a large supermarket downstairs.
About the place, you’ll see locals primarily. Only a few tourists know about this hidden gem in Eixample. It is where the locals shop and are much safer from pickpockets.
It has some bars where you can grab a beer or wine, and they have little knick-knack market kiosks right outside.
Tip: Okay, 2 things, hear me out: #1 Try the Habugo Ham. #2 Go to “Xarcuteria Tomas.” They are the best. Also, keep in mind that only about half the stores are open Mondays because there’s no fishing on Sundays.
4. Sagrada Familia
Category: Fresh food market.
Address: C/ de Padilla, 255, 08013
- Opening hours in summer: Tuesdays to Thursdays from 7 am to 2:30 pm and from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm; Fridays from 7 am to 8:30 pm; Saturdays from 7 am to 2 pm.
- Opening hours in winter: Tuesdays to Thursdays from 7 am to 2:30 pm and from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm; Fridays from 7 am to 8:30 pm; Saturdays from 7 am to 2 pm.
Best time to visit: At their opening hour it is less crowded. Then it gets crowded from 11-12am.
The Sagrada Familia market (next to the emblematic landmark) is a classic and traditional indoor market.
They have a wonderful assortment, some fresh, high-quality options, and a variety of food & products.
It enjoys a friendly service, free parking, and other small local shops around it to shop. Moreover, there’s even a bar for a quick snack, wine, or beer.
Tip: Great place to take refuge from the crowds at the cathedral for a mid-day pick me up!
Also, there is a restaurant where you can get the “Menu del día” (menu of the day), including an appetizer, entree, drink, and dessert of authentic Spanish dishes**.** Here you’ll definitely eat where most locals eat for a minimal price.
5. Sant Antoni
Category: Fresh fish, fruits, vegetables & crafts in an 1882 building.
Address: Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 1, 08011.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 07:00 to 14:30 and 17:00 to 20:30.
Best time to visit: Special market on Sundays.
This is a traditional market with more than 100 years of history. It has many restaurants, cafes, and bars nearby. It is the biggest in Catalonia!
The market is very diverse and suitable for various budgets with competitive prices. You could tell it is a neighborhood with locals.
You can find everything from fresh fish, meat, nuts, cheese, fruits, veggies, crafts, books, comics, and clothing. Great for shopping!
Also, the Mercat de Sant Antoni area has become a semi-pedestrian zone where many bars and stores are emerging. A delightful area to walk through.
Take notes because many stalls are closed on Mondays and in the summer.
While on Sundays, they put the stalls outside as tradition, selling books of all kinds, magazines, games, movies, dolls, consoles… second-hand and new. Making it the perfect family day activity!
6. Sant Marti
Category: Gastronomic, candies, sweets & nuts.
Address: Carrer de Puigcerdà, 206, 212, 08020
Opening hours: Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays from 7 am to 2 pm; Fridays from 7 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm.
Best time to visit: For a traditional and classic Spanish breakfast.
Sant Martí Market is a neighborhood market “de toda la vida.” You can find many fair-quality products and a clean and pleasant atmosphere —with hot and cold air conditioning. Plus, a cafeteria and a supermarket downstairs as a compliment.
The best butchers and fish stands are in this market. Although it could have a more extensive fruit and vegetable selection, you can find almost everything.
Tip: Visit the stand of Mon Iberic. Amazing ham! Also, you can go for breakfast to have a tapa and try the Tortilla de patata and the meat in sauce.
7. La Barceloneta
Category: Commercial and gastronomic reference in the area. Sea products.
Address: Pl. del Poeta Boscà, 1, 08003
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday.
- Summer opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm; Friday from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm; Saturday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- Winter opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm; Friday from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm; Saturday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Best time to visit: Early in the morning.
The popular Mercat de la Barceloneta has a seafaring character since it’s located in the “Barrio de los Pescadores” (fishermen’s area) of Barcelona.
It enjoys a wide range of food and complementary services like bars, bakeries, seafood restaurants, and a supermarket.
Although prices are relatively high, it is a great place for food on the go since it’s right next to the main pedestrian street down the sea coast.
Absolutely worth seeing if you want a lively atmosphere. The space could be bigger, but everything is really fresh.
Tip: Choose the fish you want, request the man cut it, prepare it, and eat it immediately. Best experience you’ll ever have!
8. La Concepció
Category: Food, household appliances, and flower shop.
Address: C/ d’Aragó, 317, 08009.
Opening hours:
- Monday and Saturday from 8:00h to 15:00h.
- Tuesday to Friday from 08:00h to 20:00h.
- Closed on Sundays.
- August: Monday to Saturday from 08:00h to 15:00h. Sunday closed.
Best time to visit: Afternoon.
Mercat de la Concepció is one of the most famous markets in Barcelona, located in an emblematic area of the city.
It has several commercial sections, including food, household appliances, and a flower shop.
But, besides a market, this place is a meeting point for locals to chat and socialize while buying and tasting high-quality local products.
Also, it feels more intimate than other markets like La Boquería since it’s less touristy.
You will find about 60 food stalls where you can buy all kinds of fresh products, like meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, bread, and charcuterie items.
Tip: Great to buy Serrano ham, cheese, and other Spanish delicatessens. The bakery is also heavenly good! Also, it has a very convenient parking lot on the -2 floor.
9. Montserrat
Category: Groceries, crafts, and more.
Address: Via Favència, 241. 08042
- Days open: From Mondays to Saturdays.
- Opening hours in summer: Mondays to Thursdays from 7 am to 2 pm; Fridays from 30 June until 8 pm; Saturdays from 6:30 am to 3 pm.
- Opening hours in winter: Mondays to Thursdays from 7 am to 2 pm; Fridays from 30 June until 8 pm; Saturdays from 6:30 am to 3 pm.
Best time to visit: is at 11 am since it’s usually not too busy but has a lively atmosphere.
The Mercat de Montserrat is an ideal market for cheap and good-quality purchases.
The place is a little outdated, but visiting this market is lovely since it feels very traditional and familiar, and it seems like everyone knows each other.
It is well known for having a lot of fishmongers with a wide variety of seafood. You can also expect to find fruits, veggies, canned and frozen products, poultry, to-go meals, tapas bars, and “menú del dia.”
10. Mercat de Sarriá
Category: Groceries, crafts, and more.
Address: Passeig de la Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 8, 08034
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, from 7am to 3pm. Tuesday and Thursday, from 7am to 3pm and 5pm to 8pm. Friday, from 7am to 8pm.
Best time to visit: in the afternoons around 6pm.
The building is simply another Barcelona landmark to visit. It is highly symbolic as it still preserves the original structure of the market founded over100 years ago.
The Mercat de Serriá was intended to be a food supplier to local communities throughout the last century. And the tradition remains today.
Compared to other well-known markets, it has a fairly limited offer. Still, you’ll find a nice and friendly atmosphere.
Tip: The market has a fantastic bar where you should try the Tortilla de patatas. They’re delicious! Also, you can find Plaça de Sant Gaietà behind the market, in a hidden passage.
As you can see, there are many markets throughout the city to go shopping, do your groceries, explore and discover the culture and traditions of Barcelona, and immerse in history!
Let me know in the comments which are the best recommendations on any of these markets so we can help our community!
We’ll be happy to read you! :)
