Markets everywhere in the world are a delight for the senses. A visit to a local market is certainly one of my favourite ways of getting acquainted with local customs. One of the most delightful markets I recently visited is the La Boqueria market in downtown Barcelona, just off the famous Ramblas boulevard. This market is home to some of the freshest food products in Barcelona and it’s no wonder that many of the city’s top chefs shop here for their ingredients. From the king crab that waved its claw at me to the scowling tuna, and from the gleaming vegetables to the heavenly scent of fresh white truffles, La Boqueria is a true feast for the senses.
The market may initially seem like a gigantic maze but in fact, it’s very well organised into specific sections for seafood, meats, vegetables, fruits, candy, dairy, organic produce, etc.. If you’re visiting Barcelona, I can certainly recommend a leisurely stroll around La Boqueria. The products are the biggest attraction but pay special attention to the social interaction: the friendly chatter between the sellers and their customers or the connaisseurs (it’s easy to spot the chefs!) and how they choose the freshest products. Stop for a simple yet delicious lunch at one of the tapas bars – Pinotxo and El Quim de la Boqueria come highly recommended. Enjoy typical Catalonian specialities and the highly-entertaining banter at the bar. 
Click on the thumbnails below to see some of the sights of this fabulous market.
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Our visit to the La Boqueria market in Barcelona was part of a sponsored travel bloggers trip organised by the Department of Tourism of Catalonia with the collaboration of the Department of Tourism of Barcelona.
Even though Barcelona has many other markets, La Boqueria is my favourite. It has everything! And I love the pulpitos (baby octopus) at Bar Boqueria towards the back of the market. Succulent!
La Boquerìa is one of my favorite places in Barcelona. I love the colors, the flavors, the gorgeous way food is displayed. And I was amazed by the prices, far lower than in Italy… Boquerìa is an awesome tribute to foodies. I wish I had something similar in Milan…