No visit to Barcelona would be complete without a visit to La Boquería, one of Europe’s most famous and oldest markets, with the first documented reference dating back to 1217. For centuries the market was not enclosed and didn’t have an official location, as it was considered an extension of some other local markets. The existing structure was designed as an open-air market and was inaugurated in 1840, with the metal roof we see on the building today added in 1914.
The location of La Boquería is on the Ramblas, right in the heart of the Old Quarter of Barcelona, just a block from the historic Liceu opera house. When you step inside you will find over 270 stalls offering a huge variety of products, such as fish, seafood, meat, poultry, game, dry and fresh fruit and vegetables, olives, cheese, pastries, and sweets, to name a few. In addition to the fresh ingredients, you will also find bars and restaurants offering prepared food and drinks.
Whether you go in the morning, when you will no doubt find the locals buying the ingredients that will be become their lunch or dinner that day, or later in the day, when the market swells with locals and visitors, you will enjoy this unique experience. Strolling around the stalls you will get a full sensory experience, with the visual beauty of the displays accompanied by the smells of the fresh ingredients, all punctuated by the cacophony of voices that surround you. There is no better place to feel the pulse and vibe of this enchanting city.
La Boquería is open from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8:30pm. For more information, click here.
Photo credit: © Christopher Pappas • All rights reserved.
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