A true neighborhood market in the Eixample
Mercat del Ninot Barcelona: hours, restaurants, and visit
Mercat del Ninot is one of our favorite food markets in Barcelona. Located in the Eixample, away from the main tourist routes, it is primarily frequented by locals who come to buy fish, meats, fruits, vegetables, cold cuts, and fresh products. Completely renovated in 2015, it's an excellent alternative if you want to discover a market that's more local than La Boqueria.
An authentic neighborhood market in the Eixample, loved for its fresh products, counters, and local atmosphere.
- Free entry
- Neighborhood market
- Restaurants and counters
- Ideal in the morning or at noon
At a Glance
The Mercat del Ninot at a Glance
| Type of place | Covered food market, shops, and restaurants |
|---|---|
| Neighborhood | Esquerra de l'Eixample |
| Address | Carrer de Mallorca, 133-157, 08036 Barcelona |
| Food Market | Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 9 PM; Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM |
| Outdoor Stands | Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM; Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Entry | Free |
| Visit Duration | Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes with a meal |
| Must-See Attractions | Fishmongers, delicatessens, fruits and vegetables, bars |
| Best Time | In the morning or at lunchtime |
| Metro | L5 Hospital Clínic |
| Official Site | mercatdelninot.com |
| Good to Know | The market is much less touristy than La Boqueria and remains very popular with the locals. |
Not to be missed
What to See at Mercat del Ninot?
© Jordiferrer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Fish Markets
© Jordiferrer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cured Meats
© Jordiferrer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Fruits and Vegetables
© Jordiferrer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bars and Counters
Come to Ninot especially to eat and see a real market in action. Visit in the late morning, take a stroll among the fishmongers and butchers, then settle down at one of the counters for lunch.
It's a great alternative to La Boqueria if you're looking for fewer crowds and a distinctly more local atmosphere.
Why Go
Why Visit the Mercat del Ninot?
El Ninot may not have the fame of La Boqueria or the spectacular architecture of Santa Caterina. This is precisely what makes it interesting: it still primarily functions as a neighborhood market.
Fishmongers, butcher shops, poultry vendors, fruits and vegetables, delicatessens, salted cod, olives, and prepared dishes make up the core of the food offerings. Several bars and restaurants also allow you to extend your visit with a leisurely lunch.
Let's Eat
Where to Eat at Mercat del Ninot?
El Ninot is particularly delightful at lunchtime. Several bars and restaurants are directly integrated into the market, allowing you to enjoy fish, meats, tapas, and market cuisine just a few meters from the stalls.
Among the places we recommend, Tierra Brava is a great option to extend your visit with market cuisine.
© Tierra Brava
Tierra Brava
A Funny Story
Why Is It Called Mercat del Ninot?
The market's name comes from a wooden figurehead depicting a young cabin boy. At the end of the 19th century, this figurine adorned the entrance of a tavern in the neighborhood, known for selling wine at a good price.
The place became so popular that locals began referring to the area as "Ninot," which means the little figure or doll in Catalan. The nearby market adopted this nickname as well.
A replica of the character is now visible on the market's facade, while the original is preserved at the Maritime Museum of Barcelona.
© pere prlpz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
El Ninot
Over 130 Years of Market Tradition
The History of Mercat del Ninot
An open-air market existed at this location as early as 1893, when the area still belonged to the independent municipality of Les Corts. It was officially named Mercat del Porvenir, but locals already referred to it as Mercat del Ninot.
In 1933, the market was covered by a metal structure designed by architects Antoni de Falguera and Joaquim Vilaseca.
A major renovation began in 2009. The restored building reopened in 2015 with new commercial spaces, modernized facilities, and improved circulation, while preserving its historical structure.
© Jordiferrer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Renovated Market
In the district
The Mercat del Ninot and the Eixample
The market is located in Esquerra de l’Eixample, the more residential part of the famous Eixample district. It's a pleasant area for walking, dining, and experiencing a more everyday Barcelona, just a few streets away from the main tourist attractions.
Casa Batlló and Casa Milà – La Pedrera are about a fifteen to twenty-minute walk away. El Ninot can easily serve as a gourmet stop during a day dedicated to exploring the Eixample and Passeig de Gràcia.
To continue your day, check out our ideas for things to do in Barcelona.
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Mercat del Ninot in Eixample
Different Atmospheres
What Other Markets to Visit in Barcelona?
Each market has its own personality, from the highly touristy Boqueria to the neighborhood markets mainly visited by locals. To compare the different options, check out our complete guide to Barcelona's markets.
© Barcelona.com
Boqueria Market
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mercat de Sant Antoni
© Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mercat Santa Caterina
Getting there
Getting to Mercat del Ninot
Mercat del Ninot sits on Carrer de Mallorca in the left Eixample, beside the Hospital Clínic. Metro L5 stops at the hospital, six minutes from the doors.
Getting there
Nearby
Tàpies Museum
Domènech i Montaner's 1885 publishing house, topped by Tàpies' wire sculpture Cloud and Chair, now holds the artist's foundation.
Casa Batlló
Gaudí reworked an existing 1877 building between 1904 and 1906, giving it the bone-shaped balconies and scaled roof.
Museu Egipci de Barcelona
A private collection of about a thousand pieces assembled by Jordi Clos, from the pre-dynastic period to the Coptic era.
Passeig de Gràcia
The avenue was the old road to the village of Gràcia before the Eixample was built around it; its paving stones were designed by Gaudí.
La Concepció Market
The other Eixample market kept its 1888 iron hall and runs a flower stall open around the clock.
FAQ
FAQ, Mercat del Ninot Barcelona
The food market is open from Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 9 PM and on Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM. The outdoor shops close earlier, especially on Saturday at 2 PM. The market is closed on Sunday.
The market features several bars, counters, and restaurants where you can enjoy tapas, fish, meats, and market cuisine. The best time to visit is late morning or lunchtime.
Yes, especially if you're looking for a market that's much less touristy than La Boqueria. Its main appeal lies in its fresh products, counters where you can eat, and its neighborhood market atmosphere.
Its name comes from an old figurehead depicting a young cabin boy, which was once placed above a nearby tavern. A replica can be found on the market's facade, while the original is preserved at the Maritime Museum of Barcelona.