Boqueria Market

The Boqueria Market, one of the oldest markets in Barcelona, is no longer in the news, its name being mentioned as early as 1217. Criticized by some for being too crowded, adulated by others for the quality of its products and its small bars. It remains a must on Las Ramblas, a stone's throw from the Liceu and the Plaça de Catalunya.

 

 

 

The entrance porch, with its Art Nouveau stained glass window, is already an invitation to a gourmet journey. A dream that becomes reality in front of all the colourful stalls presented with great care by the many shopkeepers proud of their stands.

La Boquería market renovation: new roof and modernization

Barcelona City Council has approved the renovation of the Boquería market, with work scheduled from 2025 to 2027 and a budget of 12 million euros. The changes will include a new roof, wider aisles, and aim to modernize while preserving the local character of the market, which will remain open during the works. The market will remain open during the works.

A visit to Boqueria Market in video:

 

What can you find in La Boqueria? 

You can find everything in La Boqueria: fish, meat, sausages, spices, cheese, vegetables, fruit and fruit juices, pastries, flowers... Fresh and local products that appeal to restaurateurs and locals alike. Many Catalans come here to do their daily shopping. Even more people come to have breakfast or lunch because there are many restaurants, cafés, and tapas bars that have been established in La Boqueria for a long time (a dozen bars for example).

>> In total, La Boqueria has more than 300 stands. With its surface area of 2583 m², it is the largest market in Catalonia.

 

Tip: If you're travelling light, we suggest you simply buy some chillies, Jabugo, chorizo and a few pieces of cheese before you leave.

If you are hungry, take a break at El Quim bar, our favourite tapas bar.

What does Boqueria mean?

Boqueria (also known as La Boqueria) is the term for this market whose official name is "Mercat de Sant Josep". The name "Boqueria" is derived from the Catalan word "boc", which means "goat", and refers to the area where the market was originally established in the 13th century as a place for goat traders.

The history of the Boqueria market

The first mention of La Boqueria market in Barcelona dates from 1217, when tables were set up near the old city gate to sell meat. From December 1470 onwards, a market for the sale of pigs was held there. At that time, the market was called Mercat Bornet or (until 1794) simply known as Mercat de la Palla (Straw Market).

In the beginning, the market was not fenced in and had no official status; it was considered to be a simple extension of the Plaça Nova market, which then extended to the Plaça del Pi.
Later, the authorities decided to build a separate market on the Rambla, housing mainly fishmongers and butchers. It was not until 1826 that the market was legally recognised and a convention held in 1835 decided to build an official square.
Work began on 19 March 1840 under the direction of the architect Mas Vilà. The market was officially opened the same year, but the plans for the building were modified several times. The official inauguration of the structure finally took place in 1853. In 1911 the new fish market was opened and in 1914 the metal roof that still exists today was built.

 

>>> Do you have a sweet tooth? Find all the markets in Barcelona

Boqueria Market

Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Area: Ciutat Vella
Website: la Boqueria Market Barcelona
Opening hours: Everyday from 8am to 8:30pm. Closed on Sundays
Prices: Free entrance
Phone: + 34 93 318 20 17
Phone 2 : Fax: 00 34 93 301 25 90
Metro/Bus: Liceu
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Hotels: Find your hotel in Barcelona in this area.
Last comment
@sam
Barcelona.com (3 Oct 2024 - 07:42)
Hello sam,
According to the Town Hall, the market will continue to operate throughout the renovation, with the possibility of occasional or partial closures.
Best,
Add a new comment View comments

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Your questions > Our answers!

Barcelona.com - 12 Oct 2024 - 10:18
@Illy
Hello Illy, You're asking whether El Corte Inglés, a popular shopping mall in Barcelona, will be open tomorrow, Saturday, October 12th. Typically, El Corte Inglés follows regular shopping hours on Saturdays, but the specific date you've mentioned, October 12th, is Día de la Hispanidad (Spain's National Day), which is a public holiday. While many shops close on public holidays in Spain, El Corte Inglés in central locations like Plaça de Catalunya often remains open during such holidays, todya from 9am to 9pm. Best,
Illy - 12 Oct 2024 - 10:14
Oct 12
Is the mall open tomorrow Saturday October 12?
Barcelona.com - 3 Oct 2024 - 07:42
@CC
Hello CC, To travel from Sitges to Barcelona Airport (specifically Terminal 2), you can take a train but there is no direct train service. Here's how you can do it: Take the R2 Sud train from Sitges: This line runs directly to El Prat de Llobregat station. The train departs frequently from Sitges, and the trip to El Prat de Llobregat takes about 30-35 minutes. Transfer at El Prat de Llobregat: Once you arrive at this station, you need to switch to the R2 Nord train heading to Barcelona Airport (Aeroport T2). This is a short ride of around 6-7 minutes. The overall journey from Sitges to Terminal 2 at Barcelona Airport takes roughly 50-60 minutes, depending on wait times between connections. The trains are generally punctual and frequent, so it’s a convenient option. Best,
Barcelona.com - 3 Oct 2024 - 07:42
@sam
Hello sam, According to the Town Hall, the market will continue to operate throughout the renovation, with the possibility of occasional or partial closures. Best,
CC - 3 Oct 2024 - 07:32
Sitges train to Barceona airport
Sitges to Terminal 2 by train.is there a direct train?
BrandaK - 3 Oct 2024 - 07:30
Manifesta 24
Manifesta is always very interesting; I'm sure Manifesta 24 is a must-see. cya
sam - 3 Oct 2024 - 07:30
works
The Boqueria market will remain open during the construction work in 2025?
Anthony - 2 Oct 2024 - 12:08
great
Bar del Pla is one of my favorite tapas bars in Barcelona. it's really delicious and i can't thank the owners enough for their warm welcome.

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35 comments

  1. @sam - Barcelona.com (3 Oct 2024 - 07:42)

    Hello sam,
    According to the Town Hall, the market will continue to operate throughout the renovation, with the possibility of occasional or partial closures.
    Best,

  2. works - sam (3 Oct 2024 - 07:30)

    The Boqueria market will remain open during the construction work in 2025?

  3. I loved it, even though it was very busy - Lina (16 Sep 2023 - 09:54)

    Great market to visit on your way to Barcelona. There are various shops inside and you can stroll around tasting a variety of sweet and savoury foods.

  4. too many tour groups - raul espinosa (16 Jan 2018 - 09:30)

    The Boqueria is sublime, but it has one huge problem...too many tour groups. They clog the passages, take pictures of themselves and crash into you. These foreign groups don't buy much of anything. Thus the vendors aren't crazy about them. Supposedly the size of these groups is to be kept at a certain number, however I have never seen enforcement. It is no grand surprise that many locals won't come into the Boqueria after 10 a.m.

  5. Open hour on Easter - Duong Mai (13 Apr 2017 - 09:34)

    Hi, I'm planning to go to Barcelona in 2 days.Does the market open on Easter or the Saturday before? Thanks!

  6. market - joydellavita (4 Apr 2017 - 08:02)

    what a lovely place!

  7. love it! - eda (28 Oct 2015 - 09:18)

    best fruits market in Barcelona.. could stay there a whole day..

  8. The market - Ann (9 Aug 2015 - 11:36)

    Wow... What a fab place.

  9. La mercat - Jan (16 Jul 2015 - 08:40)

    Will the market be open on Oct. 12, 2015.

  10. real cool - FE (2 Mar 2015 - 09:00)

    love this market, for sure one of the place to visit while in Barcelona. To eat, to see, to buy, to feel. Make a break there.

  11. New site for Boqueria market provide information on food & culinary - Joel (7 Apr 2013 - 10:00)

    All Boqueria lovers are invited to our new magnificent site dedicated entirely to this wonderful and amazing market. We developed the site with true admiration to the market and it's colorful vendors and invite you to this special place in Barcelona!
    <link rel="Boqueria food tours" href="http://www.boqueriabites.com">

  12. La Boqueria, un mondo di profumi e colori - Il Gusto di Viaggiare (16 Nov 2012 - 12:45)

    Visitate questo mercato, non solo per mangiare, bensì per gustare la vera anima spagnola di Barcellona.
    Nutritevi di profumi e colori, guardate i banchi, le persone, l'atmosfera.. In questo luogo conoscerete la vera città! Visitatelo assolutamente!
    Se poi siete curiosi di leggere la nostra esperienza, potete leggere la pagina dedicata nel nostro blog, Il Gusto di Viaggiare

    http://ilgustodiviaggiare.wordpress.com/2012/10/02/barcellona-spagna-la-boqueria/

  13. Immergersi nel mercato - Il Gusto di Viaggiare (3 Oct 2012 - 09:00)

    Non si può non fare due passi nella Boqueria se si va a Barcellona.. è uno spettacolo di colori e profumi stupendo.
    Non è necessario che compriate qualcosa, ma immergetevici.. ne vale la pena!

    Per leggere la mia esperienza, potete anche visitare questa pagina

    http://ilgustodiviaggiare.wordpress.com/2012/10/02/barcellona-spagna-la-boqueria/

  14. La Boquería - José Esteban (21 Jul 2012 - 10:15)

    Comparto los comentarios que destacan lo emblemático de este mercado donde puede apreciarse la riqueza de la tierra ibérica en frutos, verduras; de sus mares y la exquisitez de su cocina. Realmente imperdible.

  15. mercado de la boqueria - fabrizi italiano (26 Aug 2011 - 11:15)

    son appena rientrato da barcelona,il mercado de la boqueria lascia encatado,dai suoi mille profumi,la gente,le jammon,il queso,rimarra nel mi corason,andate a barcelona

  16. Gran mercado - Anabella (12 Jun 2011 - 11:30)

    Es una exquisitez. Tiene muchísima variedad de productos, y todos de gran calidad. Destaca tanto en colorido como en precio, pudiendo probar muchas cosas de manera asequible pero sin perder por ello calidad y sabor.
    Os recomiendo que no os vayais sin pasar por este sitio tan emblemático

  17. Marta - Argentina (8 Dec 2010 - 09:15)

    Recomiendo a todas las personas que pasen por Barcelona no perderse la oportunidad de conocer el mercado, exelente calidad de productos y la mejor atencion inperdible

  18. boqueria market - lena (30 Nov 2010 - 20:30)

    a ne pas manquer à barcelone ;c'est genial!!!!!!

  19. marché de la boquéria - lenaikrozo@yahoo.fr (30 Nov 2010 - 18:45)

    a ne pas manquer a barcelone; c'est génial!!!!!!!!
    à déguster sans modération.

  20. La Boqueria - Luigi Monico - Italia (23 Nov 2010 - 02:55)

    La Boqueria e' il piu' bel mercato coperto che io abbia mai visto. Ogni banco o esposizione di frutta, verdura, carne o pesce è paragonabile ad un quadro. Alla Boqueria ho mangiato buono, tenero e gustoso stufado de ternero della mia lunga vita!
    Non si può andarsene da Barcellona senza aver visitato la Boqueria.

  21. Boqueria - Brunella (14 Jan 2010 - 12:45)

    Sorprendente ed inaspettato trionfo di profumi e colori, per i golosi e non, siamo entrati con curiosità ma da scettici.
    Non lasciate Barcellona senza vedere questa meraviglia !!

  22. Boqueria Market Barcelona - kiwi (9 Sep 2009 - 15:45)

    Boqueria Market in Barcelona.. my best souvenir... great!!

  23. Marché de la Boqueria - np (26 Mar 2009 - 18:33)

    Marché de la Boqueria est superbre!! à voir et y manger quelques tapas....

  24. Boqueria market - up (3 Dec 2008 - 09:15)

    Boqueria market don't miss this market..; go to el quim for tapas... hummm

  25. Boqurio Market - Neil Poole (1 Sep 2008 - 11:31)

    First visited the market in May this year, stunning place. The Tapas bars are amazing , you WILL have to wait to get a seat, but well worth the wait. My Fiancee proposed to me in Barcelona and we are returningback in two weeks time after our wedding.

    Cannot wait to have breakfast there. far better than Bolton market accoring to my wife to be, she is a Bolton Babe and knows here markets

  26. la boqueria - una viaggiatrice italiana (17 Jul 2008 - 10:15)

    E' STATA UNA BELLISSIMA ESPERIENZA GIRARE PER BARCELLONA NELLA BOQUERIA MI HA COLPITO LA VARIETA'
    DEI PRODOTTI ,I COLORI, LA GENTE CHE GIRA INCURIOSITA ATTIRATA DALLA VOGLIA DI COMPRARE PRODOTTI CHE GIA'
    MANGI CON GLI OCCHI.VISITATE LA BOQUERIA E NON DOMENTICATE LE FOTO VI PORTATE UN PO' DI BARCELLONA CASA.

  27. La Boqueria Market - Annie - Melbourne Australia (18 Jun 2008 - 07:59)

    Was at the market 18 mths ago and had a fantastic time discovering foods/nuts/fruit etc I had never seen before in Australia. A Cooks paradise - I loved it. We stayed just off the Ramblas so shopped there every morning for our breakfast. Great atmosphere. Saw Rick Stein's program on Lifestyle last night where he visited the market. Great stuff.

  28. La Boqueria Market - Wendy C (21 Feb 2008 - 18:46)

    I had breakfast in one of the cafes - gambas y sardinas - prawns and sardines, on the grill with bread and a glass of champagne (cava). That's the way to start your visit to La Boqueria. The best market on the planet. The hams, cheeses, fish, vegetables, fruit of the area, or from other parts of Spain. Fabulous.

  29. La Boqueria - Kate Howe Gower South Wales (20 Feb 2008 - 13:34)

    THe market is fantastic, try to have a meal at one of the Tapas bars serving the freshest fish, look for the busiest ones and be patient, its worth the wait!

  30. the market!!!! - shannon and haymish (29 Nov 2007 - 15:19)

    woah
    gorgeous babes
    lovely lovely place
    us two went there and spent days viewing the exciting colours and being enticed by the fragrances of the fresh fruit
    better than anywhere else ever in the world ever, just ever! Ooh and the herbs too.
    Wed just like to say
    "visit the market"
    "its the best place ever"
    "we swear"



    delicious.

  31. pistachio nuts - donna (27 Sep 2007 - 23:48)

    oh how i wish i had bought pounds and pounds of the pistachio nuts from Spain. It's been 4 years since being there in Barcelona and I want them!!! Any ideas?

  32. Boquera Market - Ken of Bolton U.K. (25 Aug 2007 - 20:09)

    Really enjoy having look round this market and having a glass of cava at Bar Pinoxto, will be there in September. It just about beats Bolton Fish Market.

  33. Barcelona Market - Shirley (25 Aug 2007 - 19:56)

    Barcelona market is well worth a visit, we love going in December, mixing with the Spanish and Catalan people, who sure know how to live life to the full

  34. when to go - chef Doreen (29 Mar 2007 - 07:48)

    The market's phenomenal, but so are the crowds. Any day it's open is great to go and shop, eat there except for Sat, the busiest day when whole families, baby carriages, etc. go as well. Be patient, it's worth it!!

  35. boqueria market - lesley smith (13 Sep 2006 - 21:39)

    well worth the visit fabulous fresh fruit amazing to see and wonderful smells of herbs and spices would definatley visit again

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