Few cities in the world rival the love and appreciation for food markets like Barcelona. It’s no secret that food is an integral part of Spanish culture. From the dynamic two-hour lunch break and siesta duo to the delicate craft of nursing the same glass of wine while gossiping for four hours, when it comes to food in Spain, it’s all about savouring the moment. 

But food in Barcelona is more than nibbling on tapas and wandering through La Boqueria on a quest for the best jamón ibérico. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of our all-time favourite food markets in Barcelona for 2026 for every type of traveller.

Classic and Iconic Food Markets in Barcelona

If you're short on time, here are the must-visit markets in Barcelona.

Mercat de La Boqueria

Neighbourhood: Gothic

Address: La Rambla, 91

Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00-20:30

Known as “one of the best food markets in the world,” La Boqueria is one of the city’s top attractions for foodies and culture seekers alike and is the biggest food market in the city with the most variety.

This colourful market dates back to 1217, when it was open-air; however, the gorgeous cast-iron building is now one of the most recognisable landmarks on La Rambla.

But don't let its location fool you, it's not a tourist trap; La Boqueria is a top-tier market for professional chefs who come early for the best pick of produce. It features over 300 stalls sprawling with fruit and veggie vendors, fishmongers, meat, and charcuterie. If you’re craving a ready-to-eat meal or fancy sharing some tapas, you’ll also find plenty of bars and restaurants. Once you visit La Boqueria, you’ll understand why it’s put Barcelona on the gastronomic tourist destination map. 

What to try:

• Rare tropical fruits and pressed fruit juice
• Fried eggs and mushrooms at El Quim (made famous by Anthony Bourdain)
• Tasting menu at Direkte (7 dishes, 2 desserts)
• Fresh oysters and razor clams (navajas)

What to buy: 

• Vacuum-sealed Jamón Ibérico
• Saffron (it’s cheaper here than in most of Europe)
• Smoked paprika (pimentón de La Vera)
• Premium tinned seafood (conservas from Galicia)

Mercat de Santa Caterina

Neighbourhood: El Born

Address: Avinguda de Francesc Cambó 16

Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays 7:30- 15:30, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 7:30-20:30

Santa Caterina Market was the first covered market in Barcelona, located just off Via Laietana. It’s easily recognisable for its quirky, curved roof, adorned with colourful tiles meant to mimic the mosaic techniques of Antoni Gaudí and the fruits and vegetables serving as the market’s centrepiece. With only 60 food stalls, it’s modest in size compared to La Boqueria, but it’s no less historic, authentic, or delicious. It is less crowded, though, making it an ideal market for travellers who want a more relaxed atmosphere. From fresh fish and cold meats to home-cooked meals and groceries, you’ll find anything and everything your foodie heart desires.

What to try:

• Bar Joan (a budget-friendly fixed price lunch menu)
• Catalan cheeses like Garrotxa
• Butifarra sausage

What to buy: 

• Local honey
• Romesco sauce
• Arbequina olives

Local & Community Markets

For travellers who couldn't care less about trends and prefer a more relaxed experience, these markets are for you.

Mercat de Sant Antoni

Neighbourhood: Sant Antoni

Address: Comte d'Urgell, 1

Hours: Mondays-Saturdays 8:00-20:00

For an authentic, local atmosphere, head to Mercat de Sant Antoni. Sure, it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of La Boqueria, but what it lacks in options it makes up for in quality and fair prices. There’s a myriad of tapas spots where you’ll find jamón, sausages, tortilla, and takeaway options like pre-cut fruit or Catalan specialities like espinacs amb panses i pinyons, aka cooked spinach with raisins. Oh, and not to mention that the recently restored turn-of-the-century building is absolutely stunning, so you can admire the architecture as you eat!

Mercat del Ninot

Neighbourhood: Eixample

Address: Mallorca, 135

Hours: Mondays-Fridays 8:00-21:00, Saturdays 8:00-18:00

The recently renovated Mercat del Ninot is a historic hidden gem in Barcelona’s Eixample neighbourhood. Due to its high ceilings and straight thoroughfares, it’s much easier to navigate than the labyrinths of other food markets and is less crowded, too, making for a much more relaxing dining experience. With 41 food stalls decorated with fresh fruit, vegetables, and no less than eight charcuterie shops, you’ll be spoilt for choice. In addition, there are 15 tapas bars, and the market goes beyond food with 18 stalls dedicated to everything else from jewellery and fashion to books.

Mercat de la Llibertat

Neighbourhood: Gràcia

Address: Plaça de la Llibertat, 27

Hours: Mondays-Fridays 8:00-20:30 Saturdays 8:00-15:00

You can’t come to Barcelona without a visit to Gràcia, a must-see neighbourhood that boasts village vibes and an authentic taste of Catalan culture and tradition. Mercat de La Llibertat, or “Freedom Market”, is the most important food market in the neighbourhood, serving the locals for the past 120 years. In its conception, it was a place where farmers and fishmongers would sell meat, poultry, produce, and fish, and it still retains that community atmosphere to this day. If you’re looking for a taste of Catalan cuisine, you can buy mongetes amb botifarra (white beans with sausage) or mandonguilles amb salsa (meatballs with sauce) by weight.

Speciality Food Markets

For a unique and unparalleled culinary experience in the city, look no further than these markets.

Time Out Market

Neighbourhood: Ciutat Vella 

Address: Moll d'Espanya, 5 2nd floor

Hours: Daily 10-midnight

Time Out Market opened in Lisbon in 2014, and as the first curated food and cultural market of its kind, it was an instant hit and one of the most sought-after destinations in the city. Lisbon’s success sparked the market’s expansion across 12 other destinations, including Barcelona, which features 14 kitchens run by award-winning chefs and up-and-comers in the restaurant industry, one full-service restaurant, and four bars. 

Mercat de la Terra

Neighbourhood: Poble Sec

Address:  Av. del Paral·lel 49 Barcelona

Hours: Saturdays 9-13:00

Unlike the other markets on this list, Mercat de la Terra is the only eco-friendly and sustainable food market in Barcelona. This open-air farmer’s market is organised by Slow Food Barcelona and held every Saturday in Parc de les Tres Xemeneies, featuring seasonal and ethically sourced products and food such as produce, meat, and dairy sold directly from the producer. 

If you want to skip the long queues, you can place an order online from Sunday until Thursday and arrange a time for in-person pick-up at the market or opt for home delivery for orders of €25 or more. 

Tips for visiting food markets in Barcelona

Braving crowds, heaps of hangry tourists, and locals going about their daily shopping can be a bit intimidating. Here are some tips for navigating food markets in Barcelona like a pro.

• Go early: The ancient saying, “The early bird gets the worm”, exists for a reason. The best time to visit Barcelona's food markets is between 9 and 11 am, before the tour group and cruise crowd rush at noon.
• Bring cash: Most vendors accept cards, but having cash on hand is always recommended, as some stalls have minimum card limits.
• Sit at the counter: This is where the magic happens. Sure, it’s nice to sample and roam, but take a moment to stop, grab a stool and a glass of wine and soak in the atmosphere.
• Avoid Sundays: Most markets are closed on Sundays anyway, but even if they are open, selection will be limited except for Sant Antoni market, which has a second-hand book and collectables market on Sundays.
• Try before you buy: Many vendors offer samples, especially cheese and cured meats. A simple “¿Puedo probar?” goes a long way. If you sample, it’s good etiquette to buy something small.
• Watch your belongings: The rumours about Barcelona are true. Pickpockets are everywhere, especially in crowded food markets. Don’t get distracted by colourful fruit displays and keep bags in front of you, and you’ll be fine. For more safety tips, check out our blog about safety in Barcelona.
• Order like a local: Instead of sangria, order a class of vermouth or cava.

Still hungry? Join a food tour of Barcelona

If there’s one thing Catalans love more than lying on the beach, it’s sitting on a terrace, sharing a bite, and sipping on a glass of vermouth while they socialise for five hours. If you’re not sure where to eat outside of food markets in Barcelona, we got you.

Join an award-winning tapas tour in Barcelona and eat like a local. With a pre-planned itinerary and curated menu, you’ll taste nine traditional and modern tapas at four hotspots and hidden gems. Our tours are not only led by locals, but by people with a passion for food who will treat your taste buds with care. You’ll steer clear of tourist traps, meet quality vendors, and learn the history and tradition behind Catalan cuisine.