The local markets in Barcelona are the result of its history, its people, and its products. Of course, you can live in other cities, but Barcelona has a spatial flavour–aromas and colours for curious and lovers of gastronomy.
Barcelona markets have a fundamental role in the history of the city. With a thriving trade, the Barcelona of the Middle Ages, the Mediterranean Sea was opened as a point of entry and exit of all kinds of products.
Since then, markets have evolved together in Barcelona to modernist architecture and a love for quality food.
Here are six of the best local markets in Barcelona
1. La Boqueria Market: A paradise of food
La Boqueria was founded in 1836 under the name of Mercat de Sant Josep. It is undoubtedly the most famous market in Barcelona and one of the best in Spain, with a broad range of products. In its corridors coincide tourists, residents, and experts chefs.
From the entrance to the market in Las Ramblas, it offers a real trip for the senses–a corridor that intermingles all products, inviting passes and get lost in their posts.
Once inside, it assails the outbreak of aromas and colours of its stores, popularly known as “paradas.” The temptation comes in the form of all kinds of food: fruits from around the world, fresh vegetables, sweets, homemade sausages, fish come from the fish market at the port.
In addition to buying ingredients to make the best dishes, you can sample traditional Catalan and Spanish dishes or buy food carry (freshly cut fruit, ham or cod fritters).
Combining familiarity and quality products, La Boqueria also offers a dining hall walk.
The famous and renowned Bar Pinotxo proposes to sample some traditional baby squid sauteed with beans or delicious chickpeas with black sausage.
The latest creation, the restaurant Quim de la Boqueria, combines tastes, smells, and textures unforgettable.
This self-taught and creative cook delights diners with onion morcilla or a cuttlefish with fried eggs. So again, Catalan cuisine and culinary innovation go hand in hand.
It is impossible not to succumb with or without appetite, taking time for tasting in the middle of a walkthrough of La Boqueria.
Address: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
2. Santa Caterina Market: A singular architectural construction
The roof of the new Santa Caterina Market is no different. But, unlike the other markets in Barcelona, its “paradas,” instead of being in adjacent lines, are scattered throughout the grounds–an invitation to a messy ride. Designed by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, the roof is made up of colourful tiles in a mosaic, and the undulating structure represents colourful fruits and vegetables.
Under him are meats, fruits, and vegetables of all kinds. Although what prevails is the excellent fresh fish and seafood. The attractive offer in this market contributes to the highly recognized restaurant, Cuisines Santa Caterina, which offers international cuisine.
Address: Av. de Francesc Cambó, 16, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
3. Barceloneta Market: Environmental friendly
A few meters from the Mediterranean Sea is the neighbourhood of Barceloneta on the square. Barceloneta Market was renovated in 2007. The shape of the building is composed of multiple titrations that evoke the waves of the sea.
Beyond the architectural proposal, this market in Barcelona stands by the solar panel that generates 40% of electricity.
Inside, the quality of the market fishmongers attract customers who come from every corner of the city in search of a fresh and varied product. Outside, two restaurants honour the maritime tradition of the area with delicious seafood.
Address: Placa de la Font, 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
4. El Nacional: A new gastronomic space
Barcelona opened in 2014 this gastronomic macro space with large crowds and lines at its restaurants.
Most of the clients are local. There is a shopping centre, halfway between Madrid Mercado de San Miguel and La Boqueria. At the end of the passage, it is tucked away in a corner connecting unnamed Passeig de Gràcia with gardens Maria Callas.
Large lamps for high ceilings that once covered vast parking and retained their skylights of the era of industrialization define a different aspect of each establishment.
The restaurant is offering four types. One dedicated to the world of the flesh. The other specialized in seafood which includes a counter that simulates a fish shop. The third specializes in bakery products, both sweet and savoury, during the fourth is the tapas bar.
The tapas bar is a mixture of different specialties. Waiters are passing with paella, squid or small fish fresh from the kitchen and offer diners, as do the Basque taverns with skewers.
The enclosure also has three bars. Beer is usually served in jam-packs and salted snacks, pickles, cans and all kinds of preserves. A second for most certain wines and accompaniments: cheeses, sausages, and ham. A third of marble, beautiful, dedicated to champagne and oysters; a luxury. Finally, a cocktail bar is located in the centre of the room, between the brasserie and seafood restaurant.
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 24 Bis, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
5. El Ninot Market: a real neighbourhood market
The Ninot market is a typical municipal market nineteenth-century style with the iron architecture of the nineteenth century. The building, designed by Antoni de Falguera and Joaquim Vilaseca, is considered a Cultural Good of Local Interest in the Catalan Cultural Heritage Inventory.
The Ninot market is the soul of the entire neighbourhood. But, as in other places, smells, textures, and flavours seduce clients of all life and the curious. Recently renovated, the new space has also allowed many stops to broaden product offerings and incorporate a small tasting area. To better meet customers’ needs, the Ninot Market has extended hours and is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 to 21:15.
Also, customers can use a home delivery service, an information desk, a parking lot 105 spaces, and a green dot for the neighbourhood.
Overall, the market comprises 48 “paradas” and 33 outdoor food stalls, which are integrated into the new facade of the building.
Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 133, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
6. Llibertat Market: In the heart of the Vila de Gràcia
The centre of the Vila de Gràcia highlights another unique market of Barcelona, the Llibertat Market. In its ‘paradas’ exteriors enjoys the most authentic atmosphere of Gracia. Under cold iron structure exposing the market is full of fresh produce in a traditional environment; exactly like decades.
Address: Plaça de la Llibertat, 27, 08012 Barcelona, Spain
