Barcelona’s Most Famous Market
Mercat de la Boqueria, St. Joseph’s Meat Market
On my first night in Barcelona, I met up with three other travel bloggers and we wandered around, what is arguably the most famous street in Barcelona, La Rambla. This large outdoor mall like boulevard is very popular and the street is buzzing with energy, and not just from the faulty light posts above. The flower sellers were all out, displaying big bright bulbs and potted plants. There were hundreds of people walking, shopping, catching up with friends at outdoor cafes and grabbing dinner at one of the dozen tapas shops.
Even though I had heard that La Rambla was a prime area for pick-pocketing, I braved the famous street with my new friends and I’m glad I did. (A little quick hiding of my money under several layers of clothing and only having my camera, I felt pretty secure.) We spotted the Mercat de la Boqueria and weaved our way through the stalls filled with seafood (some of which was still moving), meats, nuts, chocolates and breads. Even at 7pm, this place was super active. I could imagine myself living in Barcelona and shopping in the market. It was the perfect spot to discover with my new friends.
The Boqueria market, like most markets in Europe, has a very long and interesting history. The location has been one type of market or “peddlers of meat” since the 13th century. Even today, some of the vendors are third or fourth generation sellers and, comprise the largest and most varied selection of produce and meat of any market in Barcelona.
The history adds a more complete story to the market and makes it that much more special. If you get the chance to walk around La Rambla, make sure not to miss this unique market.
Where: La Rambla, 89 bis – Plaza de la Boqueria Hours: until 8:30pm.
This post is submitted to Budget Travelers Sandbox, Thursday Travel Photo. Make sure to check out the other bloggers too!
I love markets, and this one looks fantastic. Nice shots!
I loved that market in Barcelona! I went there every day and had a fresh smoothie, and sometimes a nice container of fresh fruit. All kinds of deliciousness!
Interesting place to visit, I like markets too…
The photos made me hungry!
I love food markets around the world!
Looks like such a fun, active place!
Markets are so much fun. I’m always happy if we can find one when we travel and try to buy something. Last thing I bought were insanely pricey raspberries in Rouen. But they were delicious
I love European markets like these – one look at some of that seafood would send my daughters screaming for the door though!
I’m completely in love with Barcelona and I haven’t even been there yet. Posts like this are responsible. Even the still-moving seafood sounds appealing (kind of).
I went there nearly every morning of my trip for fresh juice
Markets are awesome photographic subjects!! I was at this market in 1999 (yes, I’m old) I love that it look basically the same 13 years later.
Sadly i think i missed that market when i was last in Barcelona (although it was many years now ago). Looks great however. I love the seafood photos especially.
Nice shots!, I love this market too, I recommend some of the bars to have some tapas like the Pinotxo or Quim de la Boqueria.
I love the Mercat de la Boqueria! One more reason why Barcelona is my favorite city in the world.
I’m with Cathy Sweeney – I too am in love with Bar
celona!Thanks for the fun post!
Yeah, for sure Spain has great markets and this one is very special. Great pics!
Thanks for another informative site. The place else may
I get that type of info written in such a perfect manner? I have a challenge that I am just now
working on, and I’ve been on the glance out for such information.