Where to eat in Barcelona, Spain?
La Boqueria market in Barcelona, Spain is on itineraries of hungry tourists and local foodies alike. “But why not go to restaurants instead?” Well, food markets are a different experience altogether.
It’s not just a place for purchasing ingredients but it’s also for eating full, delicious meals. Craving to know more? Here’s a list of what you can do at Barcelona’s popular food markets and some hidden gems for a gastronomic experience!
Here’s your Barcelona, Spain food market bucket list:
1. La Boqueria (Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria)
The delights of La Boqueria market attracts many tourists
La Boqueria in Barcelona is the largest and most visited food market the city has to offer, and it’s no surprise why. Its 300 stalls showcase a wide array of world-renowned delicacies.
Walk through its halls with nutty Jamón Ibérico (Iberian ham) in-hand from Cansaladeria Victor y Paquita, taste a variety of specialty olives by Ma Carme, and slurp on fresh razor clams from Bar Boqueria. But heads up: the lines can get long.
To avoid the heavy traffic of lunch-goers, we advise you to go early in the morning, especially on Saturdays. This is also a good opportunity to take a Spanish cooking class, as many are held in the area, ranging from preparing 4-course meals to classic tapas.
Klook Tip: Lunch time in Spain is 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM so going at around 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM is still safe.
2. Mercat de Santa Caterina
Find high quality produce and meats inside Santa Caterina | Photo by Patano on Wikimedia Commons
Tourists frequently take an El Born food tour while they’re in the city, but what they don’t know is: there’s a market in the area! Mercat de Santa Caterina is not as popular as La Boqueria but it deserves a spot on your list of Barcelona food markets.
Locals frequently shop here, achieving a “regular” status with vendors so you can trust this market has products worth coming back for.
Bar Joan is famous for their lunch sets like the Cap i Pota (calf or lamb stew) and Bacalao a la Llauna (fried and baked salt cod). If you’re looking to fill up your grazing platter, Queviures Lamiel has exquisite cheeses, nuts, and pork slices to take back to your hotel. Plus, keep an eye out for fresh-cut fruits and more Iberian ham!
If exploring on your own is too daunting, go on a Barcelona food tour that will take you to memorable food markets and restaurants, including a stop at Santa Caterina.
3. Mercat de Sant Antoni
Have a relaxing time trying Catalan cuisine | Photo from Wikimedia Commons
Go on a tapas crawl tour and you’ll find yourself at this food market in Barcelona, away from Spain’s touristy areas! Mercat de Sant Antoni has a calm atmosphere with small crowds.
Grab a stool at the decades-old Pinotxo Bar and enjoy pintxos, tapas, and pastries! Casablanca is also a well-known restaurant where you can feast on fresh seafood and wash it down with cocktails. And while you’re there get yourself some Xuixos, Catalan cream-filled croissant-like pastries.
Klook Tip: It’s wise to do two rounds while you’re in a food market: once for canvassing the food options, and second for purchasing your preferred meals or items. This way, you get the yummiest deals!
4. Mercat de la Sagrada Família
Take a look at the market near Gaudi’s masterpiece | Photo from Mercat de la Sagrada Família
Sagrada Familia is one of the most popular destinations in the city. But did you know that just a short walk away is a food spot sharing its name? Mercat de la Sagrada Familia is a noteworthy market with stores specialized in recipes passed down from generations.
Visiting in the morning is good for filling meals like El Racó del Mercat’s Albóndigas con Sepia (meatballs with cuttlefish) and Callos (beef tripe stew). Meanwhile, afternoons are suitable for snacks like Cansaladeria i Embotits’ artisanal cured meats. Peixateries Manero’s fresh catches are perfect for grazing in the market or even for cooking in your bnb.
5. Mercat de la Libertat
You can find anything in Barcelona’s food markets | Photo by Digitaldreamer on Wikimedia Commons
Some Barcelona food markets can be small yet packed, known to locals but a hidden gem for tourists. One of them is Mercat de la Libertat in Gràcia. It’s full of fresh produce, seafood, and more!
The standout is Hermos Bar de Peix with their squid paella and seared scallops paired with white wine. If you want some fresh ingredients, Antolin is the go-to for high quality fruits and vegetables. After shopping, relax at the nearby Cafè Reunió for a coffee and pastries.
Klook Tip: While markets accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards and mobile apps, it’s always good to carry cash as some stores only accommodate traditional payments.
6. Time Out Market
Great food, great music, great company | Photo from Time Out
You can take a walk on the beach or go on a tapas tour in La Barceloneta. But just close by is a place you should check out, a bit of a wild card on our list of Barcelona food markets. Time Out Market is located in Port Vella, on the top floor of Maremagnum Mall. It’s curated with the best of the city’s flavors.
Café de Indias’ artisanal coffee, Can Ros Barceloneta’s specialty paella, and Darvaza’s flame-grilled bites are some of our top picks. Go here with a big group, order from different restaurants, and eat them together! There’s an abundance of tables you can use, as this food market also serves as a food court. Plus enjoy the port view from the terrace!
FAQs
1. What are the most popular food markets in Barcelona?
La Boqueria is on top, while Sant Antoni and Santa Caterina are frequently recommended. You can also check out del Ninot and de la Barceloneta if you’re looking for more food markets outside our list.
2. Which street food should I look out for?
You should definitely get your hands on Jamón Ibérico, patatas bravas, bocadillos (Spanish sandwiches), and for dessert, churros con chocolate!
3. Where should I stay to enjoy the food markets?
Gràcia and Eixample are neighborhoods where tourists generally feel safe, and with their own food markets like de la Libertat and de la Sagrada Família, respectively. The other spots are easily accessible thanks to Barcelona’s transport system.
4. What are popular restaurants in Barcelona?
La Cova Fumada, Bodega Biarritz 1881, and Can Culleretes are some of the city’s best restaurants that attract many tourists. You can discover more through our blog!
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It’s time to start your food adventure!
Barcelona’s delicacies await you | Photo by Chait Goli on Pexels
Barcelona food markets are really something else so we hope we’ve given you a good picture of why you should try them out on your next visit. It’s a separate culture from restaurants, a unique experience by itself. Get your tastebuds and public transport cards ready! Let’s go on a food trip!
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