The Boqueria market
Every day, hundreds of tourists invade the Boqueria market in search of the colours, tastes and smells of one of Barcelona’s must-see tourist attractions.
Contrary to what many people think, this is not a central market but the market in the Raval district. In Barcelona every district has a market, La Boqueria is the most famous. It is the first municipal market in Barcelona, located in the grounds of the Convent of San José. However, since the Middle Ages, the area was already frequented by a street market that preferred to sell products outside the walls and avoid paying the medieval city tax.
If for tourists, La Boqueria still has its charm, for the residents, the market has already lost its original characteristic. From year to year we see how the fruit and vegetable stalls give way to chocolates, colourful juices and cut fruit stalls. Prices have increased as the market has gained international fame. Carts have been exchanged for cameras and former buyers for tourists looking for the best angle. The only part that is kept intact is the fish market. There is no way to change the activity for something more touristy. Despite regrets, La Boqueria is still the place where you can find a special cut of meat, mushrooms of all kinds and exotic spices and fruits. The mangoes found here are still the best in the city.
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Even with so many changes, it is undeniable that the Boqueria is making itself desired. The colourful juices and fruit ordered at the entrance hypnotize you and convince you, without much effort, to come in. Inside, the eyes get lost in different colours, while the nose tries to identify the smells that stimulate it. It is forbidden to touch, but the mouth asks you to smell the flavours. Inside the Boqueria, we are children and our senses begin to desire everything they see and feel. It is difficult to leave without drinking, eating or shopping.
Here are 5 tips :
- Go to the market early. From 10 o’clock on, it starts to fill up with tourists.
- Enter through the side doors, it will be less stressful.
- If you want to eat at the Boqueria posts, arrange to arrive between 12.30 and 1.00 pm.
- From 6pm onwards, the prices of juice cups and cut fruit jars will drop and you will find promotions.
- Please be very careful with your belongings. Inside the Boqueria there are pickpockets.
How to get there :
Address: Rambla San Josep, 91
Metro L3 – Liceu station
Metro L1 – Plaza Catalunya Station
Schedule: from 8am to 8.30pm
Open from Monday to Saturday Closed: Sundays and public holidays
http://www.boqueria.barcelona/home
https://g.page/la-boqueria-barcelona
