10 Best Places to Shop in Barcelona, Spain

Though one of Europe's oldest flea markets, Els Encants has a new home—a stunning, glittering metal canopy that protects the rag-and-bone merchants (and their keen customers) from the elements. Stalls, and a handful of stand-up bars, have become a bit more upscale, too, although you'll still find plenty of oddities to barter over in the central plaza. It's open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday—the latter is the busiest day so if you want a more relaxed rummage, go during the week. 

Just across the Ronda Sant Pau, a street dividing El Raval from Sant Antoni, sits this market, designed in 1882 by Antoni Rovira i Trias and considered the city's finest example of wrought-iron architecture. The Greek-cross-shaped building covers an entire block, and some of the best Moderniste stall facades in Barcelona distinguish this exceptional space. A painstaking decade-long restoration incorporated the medieval archaeological remains underneath. The market is a foodie paradise of fruit, vegetables, fish, cheeses, and more, as well as counters for dining. On Sunday, when the interior is closed, you can wander the outdoor stalls of the weekly morning flea market searching for stamps and coins, comic books and trading cards, VHS, CDs, vinyl, and vintage clothing.

Viewed from the sky, the undulating roof of the Santa Caterina Market with its flamboyant hexagonal mosaic tiles reflects the treasures contained within it: fresh fruit, veg, meat, fish and other delights. The current iteration was designed in 1997 by architects Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, while the roof by artist Toni Comella was a colorful addition to what was then a run-down food market originally built in 1845 to serve the neighborhood's blue-collar workers. Unlike the fabled La Boquería in La Rambla, this is a place where locals still go for their daily produce, even though its setting in one of the most tourist-heavy parts of city means many of the stall-keepers are also accustomed to conversing in English. While you're here, stock up on extra virgin olive oil from Olisoliva or try some Iberian jamón (ham) from Xarcuteria Carles, a local favorite.

This sprawling 19th-century factory complex—with its gorgeous brick architecture, towering chimney, multiple courtyards, and verdant garden—now serves as a creative studio space for designers and artists. On the first weekend of every month, the Palo Market Fest invites the public to step inside the gates and experience the vast, very cool space. There's live music and DJs, street-food trucks, and dozens upon dozens of stalls selling a range of goods, from crafts to clothing.

The Mercado de San Vicente, a Moderniste gem built in 1911, with an ornamental brick facade, wrought-iron girders, and stained glass windows, is worth a quick visit, if only to pick up a bit of picnic fare before or after a walk to the Monestir de Pedralbes.

Unlike tourist-heavy La Boquería that has been all but abandoned by local shoppers, newly reopened Sant Antoni Market is where grannies from the neighborhood still go to buy the eggs and potatoes for their tortilla de patatas. The fact that this market, designed by Antoni Rovira i Trias in 1882 and reopened prepandemic following a painstaking nine-year renovation, is one of Barcelona's most striking pieces of early Moderniste eye candy certainly doesn't make it any less appealing. Add the recent addition of one of the city's most legendary market stalls, El Pinotxo (previously of La Boquería), famous for its hearty breakfasts of chick peas with butifarra sausage, or tripe, and you'll know why this spot is worth a visit. 

The days for the natural-produce market are a bit unpredictable—usually the first and third weekends of every month beginning on Fridays—but when it happens, the little square fills with interesting tastes and aromas (look for local honey and cheese); the neighboring Plaça Sant Josep Oriol holds an art market every weekend.

A browser's bonanza, this interesting if somewhat pricey market held several times a month (check their website for exact days) for antique clothing, jewelry, and art occupies the plaza in front of the cathedral. In December, a Christmas market takes over the space. Most stalls aren't open during the vacation month of August.

On Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, this centuries-old market takes over Plaça Reial. Vendors selling everything from coins and stamps from around the world to other collectibles like coasters and champagne caps.

The small Tuesday flea market/antiques fair in Sarrià's town square is another good reason to explore this charming once-outlying village in the upper part of the city.