When you think food markets in Barcelona, most likely the first one that comes to mind is the picturesque Boqueria market with its carefully stacked tropical fruits, fish and meat stalls, tapas bars and charcuteries. But the Barcelona market scene is so much more than just the Boqueria. You haven’t really visited the real Barcelona until you visit one of the many other food markets around the city.
Did you know that every neighborhood has its own market and there are roughly 40 markets in Barcelona?
Traditionally each neighborhood got its supplies with fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat, and fish from the local market in their district. Nowadays the markets have been more centralized where the main supplies are coming from Merca Barna, but nonetheless, the quality and diversity has been maintained.
Here we outline some of the top food markets you won’t want to miss when visiting Barcelona.
SANTA CATERINA MARKET
Mixed with locals and tourists alike, Santa Caterina Market, also known as the 2nd Market, is in the touristy El Born area, real close to the Barcelona Cathedral at the Gothic Quarter, but is anything but a touristy spot. Locals say the best and freshest fish can be purchased here. For a quick bite don’t miss Bar Joan where you will have to fight for a spot at the bar with locals and enjoy a set menu of the day with the freshest grilled fish the city has to offer. From outside check out the multicolored roof that looks like a lizard.
BOQUERIA MARKET
Anyone who has visited Barcelona will tell you that the Boqueria Market located off the Ramblas is a must. Stroll along the dozens of prepared food stalls and exotic fruits, and don’t miss El Quim de la Boqueria, the most famous place to eat. Try to get there early for a hearty local breakfast as lunchtime is packed.
SANT ANTONI MARKET
Word has it that the market, which has been under construction for years, will be re-opened in 2018. As you marvel at this magnificent modernist market designed in 1882, pop next door to find the market’s temporary grounds where you can shop for clothes and fresh food, as well as enjoy at the several stalls that prepare food to go, considered as the epitome of Barcelona tapas.
SANTS MARKET
Designed in 1913, this impressive brick market located just a 20 minutes’ walk from Plaza de España was recently remodeled in 2014. This buzzing market is swarming with locals trying to get a place to eat at lunchtime at Montero, who offers dozens of affordable homemade dishes.
L´ABACERIA CENTRAL MARKET
Stomping grounds to local Gracia residents, this market is arguably one of the most authentic markets in all of Barcelona. It hasn’t changed much since it first opened in an old factory. There’s a small produce market that takes place behind the market walls. Grab a bit to eat at Bar Cal Mingo i Loli where the Cod a la llauna is a must or one of their different omelets. They also offer a menu of the day for 9,50 euros. Get the real local experience, but avoid Saturdays because it’s a zoo, especially right before Catalan lunchtime.
SANT GALVANY MARKET
San Gervasi is traditionally one of the posher areas of Barcelona, located just above Diagonal Street and above the Eixample Esquerra Neighborhood, but this market is anything but ostentatious. Stalls are down to earth and the food may be some of the best in the city. You may try one of the Sant Galvany market classics such as Café Galvany or Bar el Rincón for a bite to eat among local Barcelona residents.
EL NINOT MARKET
This Barcelona food market was built in 1892 and was re-opened in 2015 with a whole lot of new stands offering places to eat fish and meat, 81 stands in total. Not only is the architecture impressive but the food is too. Try El Ninot Cuina or the cod fritters at Perelló 1898.
LA BARCELONETA MARKET
No neighborhood in Barcelona has more of a neighborhood feel than the Barceloneta, and the Barceloneta food market is at the center of this “neigborhoody” feel. Wander around the stalls as locals do their morning shopping, and if you get tired, sit and have a caña at El Bar de Paco or at Café del Mercat, before you hit one of the best Barcelona restaurants for paella.
BARCELONA HIP FOOD MARKETS
After a few years of excellent trials, a few kinds of pop-up markets finally put a footprint on the Barcelona gastronomic scene, and we hope they will stay for a long while. All Those food market unites the best local food entrepreneurs of Barcelona a couple of times per year, while Palo Alto Market gets together the food and fashion Barcelona entrepreneurs on a regular basis. We love their approach and especially the fact that you can eat Barcelona gourmet foods on 4-wheels for less than 5 euros a dish!
In case you are looking for more of Barcelona best gastronomy, we offer culinary walks in this amazing city, where you can taste, learn and enjoy the best of the city´s cuisine and culture. Voted as one of the best walking tours in Barcelona, Barcelona Eat Local, partner with local restaurateurs who offer the best of local gastronomy. You can join us for our tapas and brews walk at La Barceloneta where we uncover iconic bar-gems and pair delicious tapas with craft beer, or at the Sant Antoni and El Poble-sec districts where we dive into the essence of Catalan gastronomy.
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Author: Jessica Freedman is a travel blogger, Instagrammer and devoted foodie who dedicates her time to find the best foods while traveling. You can follow her adventures at Fanatical Foodies
