La Boquería Market

Located in the heart of the city, on Barcelona's La Rambla, it's the perfect place to buy fresh produce, and its central location is a big draw for tourists.

The market is frequented by locals from the neighborhood and elsewhere in the city, and from other towns in Catalonia. Its location in the city's historic center also means a lot of tourists take the opportunity to go in and have a look around while they are visiting.

The colorful market is a labyrinth of almost 27,000 square feet, housing over 200 market stalls offering all kinds of products.

Eggs, meats, sausages, candy, fruit juices—it's hard to think of a product that isn't sold in La Boquería.

It is Catalonia's largest market and the one that sells the widest variety of foods. Most of the city's restaurants get their produce there.

There's also plenty of international food on offer, with stalls selling fresh and packaged produce from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and various European countries.

Among the stalls are 10 bars where you can sample local cuisine made with fresh produce from the market.

The market first officially opened in 1840, but its origins date back to medieval times, when there was an open-air market in front of one of the city gates, in the flat, open area known as Pla de la Boquería.

The site on which the market stands was previously home to the Convent of Sant Josep, founded in 1586.

Over time, La Rambla became popular with the public and, following an arson attack on the convent, the decision was made to move the market to where the convent had previously stood.

La Boquería's stalls offer 13 different categories of foods, from groceries and legumes to salted fish, charcuterie, and offal.

There are a dozen or so stalls that have been in the market for over a century, and many others have been there for over 50 years. They are all family businesses passed down through the generations.

The current metal roof was added in 1914. The most recent architectural modification to the market was in 2015, when the new rear facade overlooking Plaça de la Gardunya was built.

Over the years, La Boquería has become Barcelona's most iconic market. The market traders, the building itself, and its location make it a must-see for tourists and shoppers alike.