Savour the sights, food and aroma at La Boqueria Market in Barcelona
Published by Mary Chong, Writer
Country: Spain 
The Experience
Officially named Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, no trip to Barcelona, Spain, is complete without a stop at the famous La Boqueria market. This large public market has a long history dating as far back as 1217, and in all those years it has gone through many renovations, transformations and namesakes. Now a major tourist site, you can find just about anything from fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and meat, to baked goods, cheeses, sweets and nuts. Everything from the ordinary to the exotic can be found and tasted here. Located on Las Ramblas, North of the Liceu Metro Station, this large public market is open Monday to Saturday from early morning until 8:30 pm.
Entering the market through the main entrance on the west side of La Rambla Blvd, your eyes will instantly wander to the mouth-watering sight of fruit salad with berries, citrus and melon, passion fruit and star fruit. At this point, try and hold off your appetite for the approximately eight hundred stalls of food awaiting you. It's hard to know which direction to head off in as aisle upon aisle will turned your head to take in all the sights and smells. Mingling with the locals as they buy their daily produce, and jostling with the other tourists, it’s very easy to get lost in the maze of the market.
Spend some time wandering around, and marvel at the amazing list of ingredients. It would be great to be a chef and collect ingredients to cook in your kitchen after a visit here. It’s very easy to lose track of time. There are plenty of cafes within the market to grab a coffee and a quick snack, or to have a beer and a full meal. Pull up a stool at a cafe—or more accurately wait to pull up a stool during the busy lunch hour—and sample some of the tapas on display. You don’t have to worry if you don’t speak Spanish— smiling and pointing can be every affective. Sit down next to some of the locals and experience the freshness and flavours of the Spanish Catalonian cuisine while you people watch and take a break from your travels.
Entering the market through the main entrance on the west side of La Rambla Blvd, your eyes will instantly wander to the mouth-watering sight of fruit salad with berries, citrus and melon, passion fruit and star fruit. At this point, try and hold off your appetite for the approximately eight hundred stalls of food awaiting you. It's hard to know which direction to head off in as aisle upon aisle will turned your head to take in all the sights and smells. Mingling with the locals as they buy their daily produce, and jostling with the other tourists, it’s very easy to get lost in the maze of the market.
Spend some time wandering around, and marvel at the amazing list of ingredients. It would be great to be a chef and collect ingredients to cook in your kitchen after a visit here. It’s very easy to lose track of time. There are plenty of cafes within the market to grab a coffee and a quick snack, or to have a beer and a full meal. Pull up a stool at a cafe—or more accurately wait to pull up a stool during the busy lunch hour—and sample some of the tapas on display. You don’t have to worry if you don’t speak Spanish— smiling and pointing can be every affective. Sit down next to some of the locals and experience the freshness and flavours of the Spanish Catalonian cuisine while you people watch and take a break from your travels.
When to Go to Boqueria Market
Barcelona is a great place to visit at all times of the year, but the summer months are the busiest and hottest. In late November, the streets in and around the Las Ramblas area get decorated with lights for the upcoming Christmas season, and it’s quite lovely to see at night.
The best time of the day to visit La Boqueria is in the morning when the shop keepers are setting up their stalls and the tourists crowds have yet to arrive. The rest of Barcelona doesn't come fully alive until 10 a.m., so if you are an early riser and have nothing to do, go to the market for breakfast and grab an early spot.
The best time of the day to visit La Boqueria is in the morning when the shop keepers are setting up their stalls and the tourists crowds have yet to arrive. The rest of Barcelona doesn't come fully alive until 10 a.m., so if you are an early riser and have nothing to do, go to the market for breakfast and grab an early spot.
Odds n' Ends
Eating at any one of the many cafes inside the market is very affordable, and is perfect for the budget traveller.
Always be mindful of pickpockets that operate in the market, but don’t be dissuaded to bring your camera as there are ample photo opportunities.
Always be mindful of pickpockets that operate in the market, but don’t be dissuaded to bring your camera as there are ample photo opportunities.
Want a Guide?
- Gourmet Walking Tour of Barcelona
- This 2-hour walking tour takes you not only through the market but also shows you some favorite restaurants and cafes nearby. Also includes 2 tasting sessions.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Le Meridien Barcelona
- 5 Star hotel located 2 minutes walk north of the Market
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