Barcelona Weekend Break

Barcelona Markets

Surprisingly, Barcelona does not have as many (or as varied a number of) markets as many tourists might expect, but the markets that it does have are very good and in some cases very large.

General information

Barcelona is the second biggest city in Spain, so quite naturally its markets cater for its permanent population every bit as much as its temporary tourists and you will see extensive displays of meats, fish, fruits and vegetables.

When in a market (or any busy area), keep all purses and wallets securely in bags and pockets. Barcelona is very safe, has a high police presence, but still suffers from pick-pockets in crowded areas. As long as you are aware of this and stay vigilant you will have no problems.

Below you will see a list of Barcelona's main markets (in no particular order) and when you visit them you are expected to haggle and argue over prices. This is not disrespectful and is the only way to reach a fair and honest exchange.

The Markets

Mercat de Sant Josep (la Boqueria)

>br />This is the city's biggest and best known market catering for food of every type with fruits, vegetables, meat and freshly caught fish and sea food. Whilst there is little for a tourist to actually buy, it is certainly a market to see.

This market is on las Ramblas and is open early morning to mid evening Monday to Saturday.

Mercadillo de la Placa de Sant Josep

This is an interesting little market that only runs at the weekends, and it sees a number of artists selling their works covering a range of styles and subjects.

Sant Antoni Market

This is a genuine market food hall (the biggest in the city) and you will find it in the Barri Xino (Chinese district) of Barcelona.

Inside it sells every kind, type and variety of food produce imaginable, but almost nothing else (i.e. It is a food market), but around the edges of the "Block" sized building you will find some smaller and more interesting touristy stalls offering books, magazines, and various items like keep sakes and gifts.

                                             Mercat del Encants

This is a large flea market that sells just about everything. As ever there is a lot of junk (although one man's rubbish is another man's treasure), but you can find some good bargains and some unusual and occasionally rare items. It is popular with tourists and locals alike.

It is hard to describe the range of things sold at the Mercat del Encants, but you will see everything from crockery to old photos.

Prices tend to fall as the day progresses and the market is open every day except Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday up to the early afternoon.

Fira de Nautumismo

This is a Sunday only flea market and it comes and goes very quickly with stalls disappearing by around mid afternoon. There is a very eclectic selection of items up for sale, some interesting, others bordering on junk, so take your pick.

Fira Artesana

Similar to a mini farmers market in the UK, but with stalls selling produce from small holdings, gardens and little workshops. The market is monthly and is well worth seeing it coincides with your weekend break.

Las Ramblas

In addition to the markets above there are numerous stalls and stands selling all manner of gift items on the las Ramblas boulevard. Prices on las Ramblas will normally be somewhat inflated.

Mercat de la Concepcio

I have not seen this one, but it is a flower market and is open everyday bar Sunday from early morning to late evening.