La Boquería

La Boquería might be just one of Barcelona’s forty six fresh product markets but it has become one of the essential places to visit in this diversely captivating city.

Although it’s officially known as the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boquería, just about everyone in town knows this popular, bustling, atmospheric market simply as La Boquería and its 250 plus stalls, with an entrance from Las Ramblas, make it a fascinating place to wander around.

As well as being one of Europe’s foremost markets for fresh produce, La Boquería is also one of the oldest. Known to have been in existence since 1217, it has undergone a succession of incarnations. For a long time, from the beginning of the 18th century, the market was in the middle of Las Ramblas and then, in 1840, under the guidance of the architect Mas Vilá, the current development began. In 1861, the decision was made to restrict Las Ramblas to selling flowers and move all the other fresh produce to the new market, which was then roofed in 1914.

Now, most of the traders in La Boquería are third or fourth generation family members and the variety of produce on sale is a treat for all the senses. As well as fruit, vegetables, fish and meat – for each of which there are many stalls – you can also find fresh herbs, delicatessens, frozen and tinned foods, wine, chocolate and ice creams. There are ten bars, a thriving stall selling Greek produce and you can get some of the best home-made pasta in the whole of the city here as well. It’s little wonder that so many visitors to Barcelona wander down here to get their breakfast in the mornings.

It has been estimated that around 30,000 people visit La Boquería every day that it’s open and, although some of the locals hanker back for days when they had the place to themselves, most people appreciate the fact that the visitors to Barcelona love this part of the city’s culture just as much as they do.

If you want to visit La Boquería, simply wander down to Rambla de Sant Josep from Plaça de Catalunya, where you will find an entrance on your right hand side. If you get as far as the Liceu Opera House, you’ve missed it! In fact, it’s almost opposite the Museu de l’Eròtica. The nearest Metro station is at Liceu on Green Line 3 – the market is a couple of minutes walk north.

This thriving, lively part of Barcelona life is open from 8am until 8.30 pm daily except Sundays.

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