Top 3 markets in Barcelona

In any city, the market is a neural center and all social life is largely articulated around it. The markets have represented an element of prestige for any town or any neighborhood. Besides having connected regions, tastes and people of all kinds, they have also shaped the calendar and the pace of life of centuries of civilization.

Barcelona, in this respect, can boast of having a varied network of markets that are also illustrious pieces of the architectural treasure of Barcelona. Among the several active markets in Barcelona, we highlight 3 markets: the Sant Antoni market, La Boquería market and Santa Caterina market. BusPlana recommends visiting these three markets to any foodie-lover or modern architecture enthusiast.

Despite the nearness of the three markets, visitors will make a journey through time via the architecture of Barcelona: from a moderate modernism to the most recognizable Catalan modernism and an example of contemporary architecture.

Sant Antoni Market dates from 1882 and was designed by the architect Antoni Rovira i Trias. It is built on a Greek cross plan and is mostly crafted in wood (that is why degradation was greater). It was closed in 2009 because of its restoration and reopened impressively in 2018.

La Boquería Market, the largest and most varied in Catalonia, was built before the market in Sant Antoni. However, its hallmark (its frontal arc and its metallic roof) was completed in 1913, in full modernist boom. La Boquería is a must for the visitor in the center of the city because it is 5 minutes from Plaza Cataluña and Las Ramblas. In addition to finding local and exotic products, many shop offer the possibility to eat and taste the wide variety of foods offered.

A few minutes away, in the Gothic Quarter, you will find Santa Caterina market. This colorful market also dates from the mid-nineteenth century, but did not have as much sucess as the other two. In 1988 it was partially restored, as it was in poor condition, and in 2002 the new roof was built. It reproduces natural undulating forms using colored ceramic pieces. A tribute to Gaudí’s technique and the colors and shapes in the old building.