12 Best Markets in Barcelona for a Taste of Local Cuisine

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• 🕘 Opening Hours: Mon-Sat from 8AM-8:30PM (Closed Sundays)
• 📬 Neighborhood: Gothic Quarter

I have to start with La Boqueria because it is by far the most famous market in Barcelona! 

Located right off La Rambla in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, La Boqueria is basically your average food market on steroids. 

This massive space is filled with dozens of stalls selling some of the most famous foods in Barcelona like jamón ibérico, Spanish cheese, and olives.

You can also peruse the seafood stalls selling fresh oysters prepared on the spot, along with brightly-colored mountains of fresh fruit, veggies, and local produce.

Plus, the market has many different stalls selling delicious pre-made snacks like empanadas, sandwiches, chips, fresh fruit juices, and more.

And it doesn’t end there–you’ll also find several tapas bars and restaurants within the market (that are surprisingly good) where you can order food and drinks.

La Boqueria Market is certainly touristy and can get crowded but I do think it’s worth a visit just because there’s so much to see and eat.

Tip: Most Barcelona food markets are closed on Sundays so make sure to plan your visit for another day of the week!

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• 🕘 Opening Hours: Mon, Wed, Sat from 7:30AM-3PM | Tues, Thurs, Fri from 7:30AM-8PM (Closed Sundays)
• 📬 Neighborhood: El Born

If you’re looking for a more authentic and local experience, then definitely head to Mercat de Santa Caterina (Santa Caterina Market).

Located near Barcelona Cathedral, this local neighborhood market has a bright mosaic-tiled wavy roof but can easily be missed from ground level.

Head inside for a much less crowded market experience where you can walk around freely and sample fresh olives, cheese, jamón, seafood, and more.

This is one of the best food markets in Barcelona and the kind of place where locals actually shop and the shopkeepers know their regular customers.

I actually first went here on this food tour with Devour Tours and was so impressed at how local and authentic it felt. 

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• 🕘 Opening Hours: Mon-Sat from 8AM-8PM (Closed Sundays)
• 📬 Neighborhood: Sant Antoni

Located in the heart of Sant Antoni, Mercat de Sant Antoni is another local market that’s a bit further away from the touristy areas.

What’s noteworthy about this market is the building it’s housed in, which was designed by Antoni Rovira i Trias.

It’s an 1882 building with a metal frame that gives it a more industrial look, somewhat similar to Mercat Central in Valencia.

Inside, you’ll find rows of cured meats, big ham legs hanging behind the counters, cheeses, olives, and fresh produce. 

There are also some stalls with ready-to-eat bites and a few sit-down spots where you can grab a meal or drink.

It’s a good option if you want to explore a real Barcelona food market without dealing with crowds.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• 🕘 Opening Hours: Mon-Sat from 7:30AM-2PM (Closed Sundays)
• 📬 Neighborhood: Barceloneta

Mercat de la Barceloneta was the first market I went to after I moved to Barcelona since I lived nearby in the Barceloneta neighborhood.

The market is small, but it has all the essentials. You’ll find meat, seafood, vegetables, and a few local specialties.

It’s not something I’d go out of my way for, but it’s convenient if you’re staying in the area. 

There are also some restaurants and cafes around the square that have outdoor seating.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• 🕘 Opening Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat from 9AM-8PM
• 📬 Neighborhood: Eixample

Mercat dels Encants is more of a flea market than a food market, and it’s one of the oldest and most unique markets in Barcelona.

The permanent market is set up under mirrored metal canopies and has several levels where vendors sell everything from secondhand electronics to furniture and vintage collectibles.

To be honest, a lot of it feels like a garage sale with random household items and cheap clothes, but there are some interesting finds if you take the time to look.

It’s only open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, so make sure to keep that in mind.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• 🕘 Opening Hours: Tues-Fri from 8AM-8PM | Mon & Sat from 8AM-3PM (Closed Sundays)
• 📬 Neighborhood: Eixample

Located in the Eixample neighborhood, Mercat de la Concepció is known for its flower and plant section, which takes up a big part of the space.

There are also food stalls inside, but this market is better if you’re shopping for ingredients rather than ready-to-eat dishes.

It’s a neighborhood spot, so I probably wouldn’t plan a trip around it, but if you’re nearby and want to grab some fresh produce or flowers, it’s worth a quick look.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• 🕘 Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs from 10AM-11PM, Sat & Sun from 10AM-12AM
• 📬 Neighborhood: Port Vell

Time Out Market is not your typical Barcelona market, but it’s still worth mentioning if you’re into food.

Located on the top floor of Maremagnum shopping mall, this modern food court has a mix of restaurants and bars all in one open-air space with terraces overlooking the port.

You’ll find all kinds of food options, and there’s even pop-up bars from Barcelona speakeasies where you can try creative cocktails without having to wait in line!

It’s a good place to come with a group or if you want to sample a few different things in one spot with some nice outdoor views.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• 🕘 Opening Hours: Check the upcoming schedule here
• 📬 Neighborhood: Poblenou

Palo Alto Market is a monthly weekend event in the Poblenou neighborhood that blends food, shopping, and live music in a former factory space.

It has food trucks, pop-up bars, and small vendors selling handmade goods and Barcelona souvenirs like jewelry and accessories.

There’s usually a DJ or band playing, and the atmosphere feels more like a mini festival.

Entry is around €6.50, and you can choose between afternoon or evening time slots. It’s a fun way to spend a weekend if the timing works out.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• 🕘 Opening Hours: Mon-Sat from 8AM-8PM (Closed Sundays)
• 📬 Neighborhood: Eixample

Mercat del Ninot (Doll’s Market) is another local market in the Eixample neighborhood and gets its name from an old tavern that used to display a figurehead of a doll (ninot) out front as a sign.

There’s a Mercadona grocery store attached to it, but make sure to head into the actual market for the fresh, local goods.

You’ll find produce, meats, seafood, and other staples, along with a few spots to grab a snack or drink.

It’s clean, organized, and mostly filled with locals doing their daily shopping.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• 🕘 Opening Hours: Saturdays from 9AM-12:30PM
• 📬 Neighborhood: Sants-Montjuic 

Held every Saturday morning in the Sants-Montjuïc area, Mercat de la Terra is a small outdoor farmers market supported by Slow Food Barcelona.

It’s a great place to meet producers and pick up items like olive oil, cheese, fresh vegetables, fruit, and homemade baked goods.

If you’re visiting in winter, this is also one of the best places to find fresh calçots in season.

The vibe is relaxed and community-focused, with no tourist crowds in sight.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• 🕘 Opening Hours: Mon-Fri from 8AM-8:30PM, Sat from 8AM-3PM (Closed Sundays)
• 📬 Neighborhood: Gracia

Located in the Gràcia neighborhood, Mercat de la Llibertat feels more historic than many of the city’s other markets thanks to its exposed brick and iron structure.

Inside, you’ll find a classic indoor market setup with stalls selling fish, meat, fruit, and vegetables.

It’s not flashy or trendy, but it’s a reliable local spot and never too crowded.

Some of the bars inside serve cava and beer, so it’s a nice place to take a quick break if you’re exploring the area.

• 📍 Location: Google Maps
• 🕘 Opening Hours: December
• 📬 Neighborhood: Gothic Quarter

Fira de Santa Llúcia is a seasonal Christmas market that takes place every December outside Barcelona Cathedral.

It’s all about holiday cheer, with stalls selling Christmas trees, nativity figures, handmade ornaments, and the traditional Catalan caganer pooping figurines.

It’s a fun place to browse for gifts or souvenirs, especially if you’re visiting during Christmas in Barcelona.

Just be aware that it can get busy on weekends, so go early if you want to avoid crowds.

Aside from the permanent Barcelona markets, here are a few seasonal markets in Barcelona to keep on your radar:

• Lost & Found Market: Lost & Found Market is a vintage and second‑hand market held near Barceloneta Beach or Estació de França about four times a year, offering curated retro clothing, vinyl, books, and street food with live music for a laid‑back social atmosphere

• Flea Market BCN: Flea Market BCN is a rotating, curated Barcelona flea market series that pops up across the city selling pre‑loved clothes, accessories, home goods and celebrating sustainable reuse 

• Viva Vintage: Viva Vintage is a popup vintage market series in Barcelona and Buenos Aires offering pre‑loved fashion, streetwear, upcycled items, and more

I hope this guide helped you discover some of the best markets to add to your Barcelona itinerary! 

From the famous Mercat de la Boqueria to more local spots, each market offers a different side of the city’s food scene.

I think La Boqueria is worth visiting at least once, but if you’re looking for something less hectic and more authentic, I definitely recommend heading to Santa Caterina Market or Sant Antoni Market instead. 

Exploring Barcelona’s markets is one of the best ways to taste local cuisine, support small producers, and experience the city like a local.

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