LA BOQUERIA MARKET IN BARCELONA
How to Get to the La Boqueria Market
La Boqueria market is right in the centre of Barcelona’s downtown, just steps away from the famous La Rambla. The market is easily reachable on foot from the city centre or by public transport.
Metro: Nearest stop is Liceu on the L3 (Green line). One of the exits takes you directly to the market entrance.
Plaça Catalunya is a few minutes’ walk away and serves the L3 (Green line) and L1 (Red line).
Bus: Routes 14 and 59 stop outside La Boqueria, as well as night buses N9 and N12.
Hop On Hop Off Bus: The closest stop is Plaça Catalunya.
What is La Boqueria Market?
We absolutely loved La Boqueria Market, one of Barcelona’s most famous food destinations. This time I (Malte) went with my friend Sebastian, and luckily he loves markets as much as I do. Our plan was simple: explore, eat, drink, and just soak it all in.
Dating back to the 13th century, La Boqueria has evolved from a simple open-air market into a central culinary hub of Barcelona. If you love food and local culture, this is a must-visit.
The market is compact, so it’s easy to walk around. La Boqueria is a food-only market, so no souvenirs or flowers. The over 300 stalls are packed with everything from fresh fruit and tapas to seafood, meats, empanadas, and sweets. Walking through the aisles, buying small portions, and just watching the vendors at work was such a fun experience.
During my travels with Vicky (you can read more about us, the founders of this blog, here), we love visiting local markets. Feel free to check out our guide to the Mercadão Municipal in São Paulo or the markets in Lima, Vicky’s hometown! Are you planning to visit Chicago? The food there is amazing, too!
What to Eat at La Boqueria Market
At La Boqueria Market in Barcelona, there’s so much food to try that it’s impossible to taste everything in one visit. In this section, we’ll share what to eat at La Boqueria Market, showing the full variety of dishes and even giving you an idea of the prices!
Salami – A Tasty Spanish Classic
Salami is one of the easiest and most delicious snacks to grab at La Boqueria Market in Barcelona. Many stalls sell ready-to-go mixes, often with five different types ranging from mild to spicy. It’s the perfect way to taste a variety without spending too much. We paid 5.00 USD for a portion with five kinds of salami, and it was the ideal snack while walking through the market. For salami, head to Especialitats Ramos.
Sausages at La Boqueria Market
If you like stronger flavors, the Spanish chorizo sausage is a must-try at La Boqueria Market in Barcelona. It’s rich, slightly smoky, and sometimes spicy. We paid around 3.00 USD for one sausage, which they quickly heat up in the microwave so you can enjoy it warm. For the more adventurous, you can also try the famous blood sausage. The texture might not be for everyone, but the taste is surprisingly good. For sausages, try Boket.
Filled Croquettes
They weren’t our favorite, but they’re definitely worth trying. The croquettes at La Boqueria Market are big, creamy on the inside, but not super crispy on the outside. We went for the Iberico ham and cheese filling, which makes them feel really special. Price was around 4.50 USD.
Empanadas – The Perfect Snack to Walk Around With
Empanadas are baked pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. They’re great if you want something filling but easy to eat while walking through the market. Most empanadas cost around 3.00 USD.
Fresh Smoothies & Juices – A Colorful Market Highlight
Sebastian had three of them, which is proof enough of how good they were! One of the most popular things to try at La Boqueria Market are the fresh fruit smoothies. Dozens of stalls display colorful drinks lined up in cups. Prices usually start at 2.50 USD per smoothie, making them the perfect refreshment on a hot day—or after a hard night out in Barcelona.
Seafood – From Oysters to Fried Fish
If you’re a seafood lover, this market will make you very happy. You can try fresh oysters, fried fish, or even octopus. Some stalls cook it right in front of you, which makes it even more fun. Prices vary a lot, but expect 5.00 –10.00 USD for small portions.
Eggs, Fruit, Spices, and Olive Oil
La Boqueria is not just about ready-to-eat snacks. You’ll also see stands full of colorful fruits, farm eggs, local spices, and olive oil. Even if you don’t buy them, it’s worth walking through these sections to enjoy the atmosphere.
Cheese – Don’t Miss Manchego
Spain is famous for its cheeses, and Manchego is the most famous one. At La Boqueria, you’ll find different ages of Manchego, from mild to strong. Some stalls give you small samples, or you can buy a portion for 3.00 –6.00 USD.
Strange Foods We Didn’t Dare to Try
La Boqueria Market also has some unusual things that might not be for everyone. You’ll see everything from animal parts you might not recognize to even a brain wrapped in plastic. Even if you don’t plan on eating them, it’s fascinating to see this side of the market.
Bar Boqueria
There are unfortunately no general seating options at the market, except at one of the many small bars. We decided on Bar Boqueria. The food is more expensive here but just as delicious. We enjoyed a fresh oxtail and pork belly dish. A beer costs around 4.50 USD and the dishes range from 12.00 to 30.00 USD.
There’s so much to try at La Boqueria Market that you’ll probably leave with a full belly and a big smile. Chorizo, croquettes, empanadas, smoothies, seafood and much more. Some things are a bit weird, but that’s part of the fun. Our advice? Grab a few small bites, walk through the aisles, and just enjoy all the flavors and impressions
Practical Tips for Visiting La Boqueria Market
Opening times: Monday – Saturday 8 am – 8:30 pm / Closed on Sundays
Best Times to Visit
We visited the market both at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and each time has its pros and cons. The earlier you go, the quieter it is and the fresher the food. Morning is also better if you want to take nice photos. Of course, not everyone wants a chorizo at 10 a.m., so that’s something to consider. On a Saturday evening, we noticed that some stalls were already closed, so keep that in mind if you plan a later visit.
How to Save Money
La Boqueria Market is generally a very affordable food option in Barcelona, but there are a few ways to get even more out of your visit without spending too much. Sharing food is a great idea. Ordering a few small portions between two or more people lets you try more dishes without filling up or overspending. If you visit later in the afternoon, some stalls have a happy hour to sell off the day’s food, which can save you money. You can also ask for samples before buying, and don’t worry about carrying cash—all stalls accepted card payments.
Beware of Crowds & Pickpockets
We felt very safe while visiting La Boqueria Market, but just like anywhere in Barcelona, it’s smart to take some precautions. The easiest way is to carry a waist bag and keep your valuables close. At one stall, we were told to place our camera and phones on the table in front of us to keep an eye on them. If you have a backpack and sit down, never leave it unattended and ideally put a foot through the shoulder strap so no one can snatch it.
Conclusion
FAQ
La Boqueria Market is full of delicious choices. Don’t miss salami, Spanish chorizo, empanadas, croquettes, Manchego cheese, fresh smoothies, and seafood like oysters and octopus. The best way to enjoy it is by trying small portions from different stalls.
The quietest time is early morning between 8–10 a.m. when stalls are fresh and less crowded. Late afternoon can also be good for discounts, but weekends are always busier.
Taking a taxi is the quickest and most convenient way, usually about 20 minutes and around 10.00 USD. For a cheaper option, the public bus costs about 1.60 USD but takes longer.
Food prices are very reasonable. Expect to pay around $3 for empanadas, $4–5 for croquettes or sausages, and $2.50 for smoothies. Sharing dishes is a smart way to try more food without overspending.
Yes. You’ll find fresh fruit, juices, pastries, cheeses, olives, and vegetarian empanadas or croquettes. With some exploring, you can easily enjoy a vegetarian or vegan-friendly visit.
The market is right on La Rambla, walking distance from Plaça Catalunya. Take the L3 Green Line to Liceu metro station, or buses 14 and 59. Hop-on-hop-off buses also stop nearby.
Thanks For Reading
We truly hope that our La Boqueria Market Guide helped you get an overview and sparked your interest in seeing it yourself.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We are always happy to help. We would also love to hear about your own experience in the comments below. If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing it to support our travel blog.
Vicky and Malte
