La Boqueria Market
Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria
A century-old food market beside La Rambla. Behind the cast-iron and coloured-glass entrance, there are more than 200 stalls. Fresh juice, Iberian ham and bar-style snack counters are the signature draws.
The history of La Boqueria goes back to the 13th century, when an open-air market stood beside La Rambla. The market officially opened in 1840 on the site of a former monastery of Sant Josep. The current cast-iron roof and coloured-glass gates date from 1914. It is one of the best-known and most visited food markets in Europe. Stalls near the entrance tempt visitors with cut fruit cups, freshly squeezed juice (€1–2) and sweets. Further in, you will find the fish, meat, mushroom and spice stalls used by local shoppers. The central fish market is the most spectacular area. Several legendary bar counters are inside the market: Pinotxo Bar, which moved out after its owner retired in 2023 but remains a symbol of the market’s food culture, El Quim de la Boqueria, and Bar Central, among others. Standing at the counter to order fried eggs with baby squid, a few pintxos and a glass of cava is a classic Barcelona brunch experience. Expect a queue. You can also buy a box of sliced Iberian ham and some Catalan sweets resembling cannoli to eat as you wander. Getting there: the exit of Liceu station on metro line L3 leads directly to the market. Photography is allowed, but do not get in the way of vendors, and ask before touching fruit. The tour-group hours (11:00–14:00) are extremely crowded, and pickpockets are active. The market is closed on Sundays and public holidays. The nearby Mercat de Sant Antoni sees fewer tourists and has a more local feel.
Opening hours
Mon–Sat 08:00–20:30; closed Sundays
Nearby sights
- Palau Güell
- Barcelona Cathedral
- Gothic Quarter & La Rambla
- Palau de la Música Catalana
- Columbus Monument & Port Vell
- Museu Picasso
- Santa Maria del Mar
- Casa Batlló