We step into the historic Mercado de la Boquería

We can’t keep talking about Barcelona without mentioning one of the most emblematic markets, La Boquería.

The centrally located market (at your right going down La Rambla to the statue of Colón) has a history and reputation that daily attracts hundreds of tourists. The Mercado de San José (Sant Josep, in Catalan), the official name of la Boquería, is the first municipal market of Barcelona, opened on San Jose’s day in 1840 on the land occupied by the San José convent, from which it gets its name.

Photo by dhammza via Visualhunt

Pushing through the crowd to get into this market provides a sensory overload; the smells, the colors, the feel of its products in your hand, the taste and the sound of the buzzing market will complete a pleasant experience that will leave a lasting impression.

The space has many areas depending on the food the vendors sell on their stall, and at the bars inside you will also enjoy the traditional cuisine. If you walk in the front

If you walk in the front entrance from La Rambla, the first thing that catches your attention is the bright color of the produce. Vendors offer fresh products and juices for tourists, mostly.

Related article: Your guide to Barcelona’s food markets

Photo by Claudine via Visualhunt

Going deeper into the market you can “get lost” in a maze of fish “paradas”, and meat, eggs and other food stands. Candy and nuts booths are on the left, if I remember correctly. Although tourists enjoy buying juices and fresh fruits at the entrance, locals will find at the Mercado de La Boquería fishmongers, butchers and other vendors with the best and the cheapest food of the city without the abusive prices for foreigners.

The social activity surrounding the market is electric. In the “arconadas” you can enjoy good street music, and find all kinds of souvenir shops, snack bars (as the well-known El Pinotxo) or restaurants with excellent fresh produce coming from the market next door.

The neighborhood where La Boqueria is located won’t disappoint you… take a walk through the historic streets of Ciutat Vella!