Taste the variety of Spanish cuisine at Mercat de la Boqueria

About halfway down the famous street La Rambla on the way from Pl. Catalunya you can turn right into one of the side streets where in the district El Raval located the famous Mercat de la Boqueria.

It is the oldest market of its kind in Barcelona, as its history dates back to 1217. At that time, meat was sold here, and this tradition subsequently became so established over the years that a regular meat market was opened here from 1470, then operating under the name Mercat Bornet. 

Entering the market from La Rambla - there is a distinct influence on the facade modernism

La Boqueria in its current form was opened at the beginning of the 20th century and is still very popular with both locals and tourists. It offers everything you can think of – from original meat, seafood, fish, sausages, eggs, dairy products, cheeses to fruits and vegetables of all kinds, types, tastes and aromas. 

La Boqueria is no longer just about meat

La Boqueria is great for buying ingredients food, even if you want a fresh snack or lunch - there are countless stalls offering various tapas, smoothies, sliced ​​fruit straight to eat or coated buns (bocadillo). La Boqueria will also please celiacs, as there are several stalls offering them gluten free food. 

At the market you can find everything related to food.

Definitely I recommend visiting right after opening., you will avoid the rush of tourists – there is usually no movement here during peak hours and I personally prefer to choose another city market. They are not as "famous" as La Boquería, but shopping there is usually much more peaceful and without crowds. And surprisingly, the range of goods in them is not that different...

For myself, I like a nearby Santa Caterina Market (market with a colorful roof) north of the born or the Sant Antoni market in the area of ​​the same name barcelona district. 

What other markets to visit in Barcelona?

Although La Boquería is by far the most popular among tourists, it is certainly not the only one. Almost every one urban district it has its own market and it is definitely worth seeing one of the others as well. A more authentic and local experience awaits you than in the case of the often overcrowded tourist Boquería. A few of my tips for the next one food markets in the city center or in the vicinity of well-known monuments, which are certainly not so overcooked:

• Market of Sant Antoni
• Santa Caterina Market
• Mercat de la Barceloneta
• Mercat de la Sagrada Família
• Mercat de Poblenou

It's a great place to buy fresh fish.

In short, you can find everything from meat, pastries, salami, cheeses to fruits and vegetables here.

Or you can sit at the bar of one of the bistros in the back and have something good to eat.

Tips for visiting La Boqueria market

• Go shopping early in the morning or late in the evening - you'll avoid the midday tourist peak.
• Don't stop at the first stalls at the entrance, but explore the further ones - you'll soon find that they have slightly better prices. 
• La Boqueria is open from Monday to Saturday; there's no point in going here on Sunday, you wouldn't buy much and would only see closed stalls.
• Although local vendors are among the most photographed in the world, I still recommend asking their permission before taking their photo
• Bring some cash with you, not all vendors accept credit cards
• Walk to the back of the market, where there are several bistros; the most famous is the Pinotxo bar, made famous by its waiter and owner Juan "Juanito" Bayén (who died in 2023 at the age of 88).