Your Guide to Barcelona’s Food Markets

One aspect about living in Barcelona I enjoy most is my weekly adventures to Barcelona’s fresh food markets. Where I’m from, they only have farmers markets on Sundays. In Barcelona, the food markets are open all week (except in August). Perfect for fresh homemade recipes every night.

This is your guide to Barcelona’s Best Food Market, and your ticket to a healthier lifestyle. Your future self will thank me for this! 

Step.1 Find the nearest food market

Mercat de Santa Caterina 

Photo credit: Paco CT via Visual hunt / CC BY-NC-SA

The Mercat de Santa Caterina was the first covered food market in Barcelona. Today it is located in the heart of old town, in the Ribera district. Home to many great lunch deals, cheerful bars, and a colorful selection of fresh food. 

Mercat del Ninot 

Mercat del Ninot, which stands for the market of the child, is a local market little ways from Catalunya Square. Since it is tucked away from tourists, you will find many locals at this market. It reopened last year after five years of reconstruction. 

Mercat de la Boqueria 

Photo credit: mike_pratt1957 via Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC-ND

Mercat de la Boqueria is one of the most famous markets, not only in Barcelona but in the world. In 2005, it was awarded the best market in the world by World Markets Congress in Washington D.C. 

This market is located in Las Ramblas and is  home to wonderful restaurants, a lively atmosphere, and different gastronomic events. 

Mercat de la Llibertat 

Surrounded by a young and trendy atmosphere, Mercat de la Llibertat is located in Plaça de la Llibertat. It is known for its pop-up restaurant feel and fair prices.

Mercat de Sant Andreu

Mercat de Sant Andreu was built in 1914. It has the architectural feel of the 20th century. It is the farthest market from the center of the city. If you decided to make the trip out to this market you will definitely find many locals and the best prices in the city. 

Step. 2 Tips to picking your food

Go for the whole vegetable, it lasts longer. Even though the veggies that do not have the root attached may look more appealing, the ones with the root are typically fresher and will last longer. 

Photo credit: keoshi via Visual hunt / CC BY-NC-SA

The early bird gets the worm. The best time to go to the market is between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. You definitely want to arrive before the morning rush, when the food is most fresh. 

Take a lap. Before making your first purchase from the first seller you see, take a lap around the market. Make sure you compare prices and quality of food. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. No questions is a dumb question. Ask your local market sellers to help you choose the best fruit in the bunch or even for a homemade recipe. They are extremely friendly.

Step. 3 Take it home and cook

Remember to take your products home in your reusable bags— the world will thank you.

If you plan on doing other errands and have bought meat, bring a cooler to keep everything fresh. 

If you have just walked into your flat and realized you do not know how to cook, do not worry. Barcelona food market tour will walk you through everything from choosing your ingredients to cooking it at home.