La Boqueria Food Market in Barcelona

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About two thirds of the way up the Ramblas, on the left, you will see one of Europe's largest and most famous food markets. This is a place where I love to spend an hour or so feasting the senses.

The Boqueria's grand iron entrance leads to a fully functioning world of food that throngs with both tourists and locals. The floors are slippy with melted ice and fruit skins and the stall holders are loud, but this all adds to the charm of the experience. You will find foods of all varieties and nationalities under one roof.

Fresh fruit at La Boqueria

It is worth aiming to get to the Boqueria in the morning - preferably before 14:00, as this is when the market is really in full swing. I enjoy walking around the market before lunchtime.

Restaurant in Boqueria market

Dotted around the market there are bars selling both food and drink. They are most popular for lunches but are also an option for a lighter snack.

The most famous of these bars is El Pinotxo, just to the right of the entrance. However, if you struggle to find one of the coveted high-stools here, rest assured that the bars further towards the back of the market are of equal quality. Foods are priced similarly to a quality restaurant. This can seem absurd, as a man carrying a pig carcass passes right underneath your nose, but it also serves to remind you of the freshness of the produce on offer.

The fruit stalls throughout the market sell freshly squeezed fruit juices of many different varieties - a healthy and refreshing treat in the middle of the mayhem.

If you are in search of a quick, cheap and quality snack during your visit to the Boqueria, head down the centre of the market to just behind the fish sections. You will find a small stall manned by an Italian man with a wood fired oven selling pizzas by the slice - a favourite of El Bulli's founder Ferran Adria.

Dried hams or Jamon as it is known here.

The Boqueria Food Market is a must-see during a trip to Barcelona. Specialist stalls selling many and varied options of olives, seafood, fruit, meats, cheeses and much more are all on offer. Whether you buy some picnic ingredients, feast at one of the tapas bars or simply take a look, you are guaranteed to have a memorable experience.

La Boqueria Market
Rambla, 91
08001 Barcelona, España.

Metro: Liceu (Green Line, L3)

Car parking near La Boqueria Market

Opening Times:
Monday - Saturday: 08:00 - 20:30
Sunday: Closed

Eggs galore at Boqueria market.

Stage 3 of my walking tour around Barcelona City Centre: The next stop on my tour was the area of Raval in the old town. More information on what makes Raval one of Barcelona's most popular hang-outs.

The Boqueria is just one of the whole array of sights to see in Barcelona's city centre. I spent a day walking around the whole area, taking in some of the places that are slightly more off the beaten track. Overview to my tour in the city centre.

Map showing location of La Boqueria Food Market