La Boqueria

Advantages: The best market in the world? ...Probably.
Disadvantages: You will loathe the sight of shrink-wrapped vegetables when you come back...

...day were not to visit la Boqueria, but having got off the metro at the wrong station, there it was, right in front of us, so we decided to have a quick look. We ended up spending most of the morning there, and even went back another day to buy a few things. This busy Barcelona market is really a must-see. ~Las Ramblas~ ************* The market is situated off La Rambla de les Flors, one of 5 Ramblas, which are basically wide pedestrian avenues. ...
...really quite good. On la Rambla de les Flors, you will see dozens of flower-sellers, creating a glowing display. And right across from the metro station Liceu (line 3), the Modernista iron and glass structure that houses the market can be seen to the side of the main thoroughfare. Let's enter… ~La Boqueria~ ************ This market will grab every one of your senses. It is a visual feast, a riot of colours as your eyes are attracted by piles of ... Read review

Advantages: In the immortal words of Homer Simpson: "Food..."
Disadvantages: Language barrier; Petty crime

...As one wanders down La Rambla, one reaches the section appropriately named "Rambla de les Flors" for the beautiful flower stalls lining the street. Here, opposite the Museum of Erotica and beside the Liceu Metro station (L3 Green), the gentle fragrances of daffodils and roses mingle with the fresh aromas wafting out from the Boqueria. Although Barcelona is blessed with numerous food markets, at least one in each district, the Boqueria has acquired ...
...further than the Boqueria on La Rambla de les Flors. NB. This is the 8th instalment of my BS series. For the introduction, please kindly turn to "BS Uno - The Odyssey Begins"; general information on Barcelona is scattered throughout the series. Thanks for reading! PS The Ciao management has informed me that none of my travel ops may be considered for the latest competition, because I'm not old enough :( It's very disappointing, but I'm enjoying ... Read review

Advantages: Variety, Value, Central
Disadvantages: None

...complete without a walk down La Ramblas, which runs from the centre at Placa de Catalunya to Port Vell. This long straight tree lined avenue is alive day and night. The pedestrian strip in the centre is lined on one side with stalls selling small birds, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and tropical fish and on the other side flower stalls. Dotted between the two are kiosks selling newspapers and small items. As you reach halfway down on the right slightly ...
...large stained glass arches of the oldest market in Barcelona where you are taken into foodie heaven. A food market might not be on your 'to do' list but make an exception with this one. You won’t be disappointed. As I entered the covered market I was hit by the colour and the displays of vegetables, not just heaped into sections but also beautifully displayed. Cauliflowers are proudly displayed in baskets lined with leaves. Oranges and apples ... Read review

Advantages: Amazing range of fresh produce, cheap prices, chance to practice Spanish
Disadvantages: None

Situated on La Rambla, the busy main drag in the heart of Barcelona, this wonderful market was like an oasis when I visited early one morning! My boyfriend and I were staying in a small apartment just off of La Rambla (with a great company called Loving Barcelona - who I would review if they were listed but really recommend anyway!). Having arrived on Sunday afternoon ready for a cosy night in our apartment with bottle of wine and tasty local cusine, ...
...far more noisy atmosphere of La Rambla, we decided to make the market our first stop the next day, and I am soooo glad that we did. Firstly this place is huge! There are various other markets in the various areas of Barcelona (including one set up specially for Brits apparently), but this one by far exceeds anything I have seen there or elsewhere. Open from roughly 8 in the morning until late (depending on when most of the produce is sold, earlier ... Read review

Advantages: Very "real"
Disadvantages: None

The history of this place is the following. There was this noble who had promised he would help the King of Castilla to regain the city of Almeira, which had fallen in the hands of the arabs. It was not an easy task, but at the end Alemira was again under Castillan control, and, just as a souvenir, since at that time there were scarcity of postcards, this noble decided to take the most beautiful door which the arabs had put in Almeira at the entrance ...
...product of the arabesque art and when local folks in Barcelona went to view it, they all remained with their mouths open. "Boca" is the Spanish and Catalan word for mouth, hence the name Boqueria. The place were this door was shown to the locals was, guess what (!), the actual market of Boqueria! Nice eh! ... Read review