Mercat dels Encants – a visit to the oldest flea market in Europe
If you like shops and shopping and at the same time you plan to look at Glories Tower, I recommend visiting the one standing nearby Mercat dels Encants (sometimes also known as Mercat de Bellcaire), which is the oldest flea market in Europe.
Even though the market is outside the center, there are always lots of people and often queues...
The history of this market dates back to the 14th century, but today it occupies the modern space of a large three-story complex under an interestingly designed "mirror" roof.
The design of the building is the responsibility of Fermín Vázquez, who, among other things, participated together with Nouvel on the nearby Torre Glòries.
The market is already impressive from afar with its mirror roof
In this market with five hundred sales points you will find everything you can think of – from complete junk, to antiques, bazaar furniture, second-hand clothes, books, records, electronics, perfumes, decorative items, crockery or even completely new things.
Since the entire area occupies more than 30 m000, you will spend a few hours here in peace before going through it all. That's why you'll find several bars, buffets and other places where you can grab a bite to eat. An overview of it all you can find on the cool website – there is a list of all vendors and places where you can eat.
More about Mercat dels Encants this video also hints:
| Name: | Mercat dels Encants |
| Address: | Castillejos, 158 (map) |
| Transportation: |
Metro line L1, Glòries station |
| Opening hours: |
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 09:00 - 20:00 |
| More information: | http://www.encantsbarcelona.com/ |
👇 Don't miss this!
- Discount tourist cards—save on city transportation and get free admission to museums and landmarks, plus great discounts at shops and restaurants.
- Buy tickets online—save money, time, and stress by purchasing admission to attractions from the comfort of your home through the Barcelona Tourist Office’s online store; if you’ve never bought tickets online before, read my detailed guide along with my personal experience on how to do it.
- Find Accommodations—plenty of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses at reasonable prices. You can book immediately and pay after your stay.
- Rent a car—if you don’t want to walk or want to venture further out of Barcelona, try Rental Cars. They’ll deliver the car to the airport, and you won’t have to worry about a thing.
🎟️ Tickets
Sagrada Família tickets, Barcelona Aquarium tickets, Park Güell tickets, FC Barcelona tickets, Picasso Museum tickets – view all tickets >>>
💥 Latest Articles
- For lovers of water and the sea: the Barcelona Aquarium, Marineland Mallorca, Marineland Catalunya, or Water World Park in Lloret de Mar
- Pablo Picasso in Barcelona – How Did the Catalan Metropolis Influence the Life of This World-Renowned Artist?
- Three Kings’ Day in Barcelona – What It’s All About and Where to Watch the Parades
- The Church of Santa Maria del Mar, or the Cathedral of the Sea, as a perfect example of Catalan Gothic architecture
- Souvenirs from Barcelona – what to buy for yourself or your loved ones as a memento of your vacation?
- Bike Rentals in Barcelona – Information on Bike Rental Options and Rental Shops
- Cava + winery tour – where to go for it during your stay in Barcelona?
- Barcelona Metro Map – Digital, Downloadable, and Printable
- Castells, human towers, and gegants, giant figures – unusual Catalan traditions
- The Balearic Islands: Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera – popular tourist destinations about 200 km from Barcelona by sea
- Cable cars in Barcelona – what are the main tourist cable cars, and which one should you choose?
- Free walking tours in Barcelona – guided city tours that won’t cost you a thing
- The Cascada Monumental Fountain – a fountain in a city park designed in part by Gaudí
- Best places for brunch in Barcelona + Best bottomless brunch in Barcelona
- Gaudí’s buildings in Barcelona (map)
- What to Do in Barcelona on Christmas Eve and During the Holiday Season?
- Christmas Garden in Barcelona: Els Llums de Sant Pau
- Taxis in Barcelona: Official Fares for 2026 and Mobile Taxi Apps
- The Luxury Shopping District of Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona – If You Love Shopping, You Can’t Miss This Street
- Gluten-Free Restaurants in Barcelona – Tips on the Best Places You Must Visit
- La Mercè Celebrations – What Are They All About, and What’s on the Program This Year?
- The Banksy Museum in Barcelona – this unconventional museum featuring works by the famous graffiti artist is definitely worth a visit!
- The Salvador Dalí Museum – take a trip to Figueres, where the famous artist has his museum
- Antoni Gaudí and His Buildings in Barcelona – My List of the Top 9 Must-See Structures
- Vacation in Tarragona – what to see and do in this city?
- Long weekend in Barcelona? – My tips for anyone heading to Barcelona for the first time for a long weekend and wanting to make the most of their vacation.
- Montjuïc Castle (Castell de Montjuïc)—a trip to the castle fortress atop Barcelona’s Montjuïc Hill
- La Roca Village – an outlet village offering international fashion near Barcelona
- What to See, Do, and Experience in Barcelona? (video) – a few videos to inspire your visit to Barcelona
- Spanish food—what must you try in Barcelona? It’s not just paella or tapas...
- Flixbus launches a new bus route from Prague to Barcelona
- Christopher Columbus Monument – a monument to the famous explorer with an unusual view.
- Casa Vicens – Gaudí’s first house in Barcelona, which you’ve definitely never seen before.
- Parking at the Vienna Airport—a detailed article on where to park if you’re flying to Barcelona from Vienna.
- Airport Lounges in 2026—my super-long guide to airport lounges: what they are, what services they offer, and how to get in for free
- Why Not to Buy Flights on Kiwi.com – a summary of my experiences explaining why you should avoid buying flights to Barcelona from resellers
- Austrian Highway Toll Sticker (2026) – my experience with the Austrian highway toll sticker and where to buy it
- Ferries from Barcelona: Barcelona–Mallorca Ferry, Barcelona–Ibiza Ferry, Barcelona–Menorca Ferry
- Internet and Unlimited Data in Switzerland
Who writes this website about Barcelona for you?
Michal Acler writes the Barcelona guide for you (more about the website and its content). He fell in love with this beautiful Catalan city on his very first visit in 2006 and has been returning here regularly every year ever since. Thanks to this, all the information on this website and on Instagram is up-to-date, verified, and based on his own experiences. If you have a question, a tip, need advice, or have found an error on the website, please send him an email.