If you want a delicious place to learn about the culture and cuisine of Barcelona, head on over to the famous La Boqueria, located off Las Ramblas, and be prepared for all your senses to go into overdrive! As you pass through the iron entrance, you will head into a world full of tempting aromas, colorful treats, and mouthwatering sights. I would recommend coming with an empty stomach because there is lots to experience. I admit that it can be a bit overwhelming, so here are 10 tips for visiting La Boqueria.
GET AN EARLY START
The market draws a crowd every day, so if possible, head there early to avoid the mobs of tourists that show up at around 11:00. The market is open from 8:00 am until 8:30 pm, Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Sundays. Some people suggest going later in the day, but I think the vendors are sometimes too busy cleaning up and putting things away that they will not pay much attention to you. Early morning is best!
LOOK FOR THE BEST PRICE
Don’t buy the first thing you see. Lots of vendors sell the same items and there can be a big price difference. Walk around the market and look for the best quality and the best value before buying something.
DON’T SHOP AT THE FRONT OF THE MARKET
Vendors at the front of the market have a higher rent than those in the back, so they will most likely sell their food at a higher price. Head deeper inside to find a good deal.
BE POLITE TO VENDORS
Keep in mind that this is their business and they are not here to entertain you. Be polite and say hello (hola), please (por favor), and thank you (gracias). They have set prices and this is not the place to try to negotiate a lower price. They appreciate it if you bring your own bags, so you may want to carry a large tote.
BE PATIENT
The market is going to be busy…yes, always…so you are going to have to wait in line. Be patient and wait your turn.
BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS
As with anywhere in Barcelona, when you are in large crowds, make sure you are aware of your belongings and keep an eye out for anything that looks suspicious. Do not keep all your money in one place and keep you purse or backpack in front of you. They sell backpacks such as this one that will make sure your stuff is safe.
SAMPLE THE FOOD
It would be a sin to walk around this market and not try any of the food! Our favorite thing was jamon iberico, which is a delicious ham that tastes like prosciutto. You’ll see it all over the market.
Another thing everyone was buying was fruit juices. We didn’t try them (I was saving room for sangria), but there were long lines at all these stalls.
SIT AND ENJOY SOME TAPAS
There are several tapas bars in the market and there is usually a long wait at them, but it is worth it. Do some research before heading there to see which one you want to eat at.
GRAB EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A PICNIC
We decided to grab some delicious sandwiches and leave the marketplace to have lunch. There’s everything you could possible want…fruit, cheese, wine, bread, sweets…the options are endless. We enjoyed our lunch in a piazza right outside of the market.
VISIT THE ATM FIRST
Some vendors accept credit cards, but most of them will be annoyed if you don’t use cash. There are no ATM machines inside the market so make sure you get some cash before you go there. There are several ATM machines on Las Ramblas.
La Boqueria
Rambla, 91
08001 Barcelona, Spain
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