It’s 4 pm. As I walk through La Boqueria on a Tuesday afternoon, I’m met with a hectic mob of visitors snapping photos and locals browsing the produce. Hmm, maybe I should have come another day, I think to myself as I walk through the masses. I decide to embrace the chaos and continue navigating the maze of stalls.
La Boqueria – or the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria – is one of Barcelona’s oldest and most popular markets (the earliest mention of its existence dates back to the 13th century!). Located on the infamous La Rambla, it’s definitely worth the visit.
My stroll consists of passing through rows of rainbow-coloured fruits and vegetables, butchers proudly displaying their Iberico hams, and fishmongers with an air that will transport you to a fisherman’s village. At the very end of the market, I find myself at a quiet pizza stand.
The name of this hidden gem is Eslice Pizza. With two mushroom & cheese slices left, my travel partner and I snatch them up after they’re warmed in the oven (they close at 5 pm, before the rest of the market). The pizza is delicious – their generous portions are topped with the perfect amount of cheese and tons of mushrooms you just know come from the market.
As we begin walking back towards the entrance, the space has cleared up and several kiosks are closing up for the day. Before leaving, we buy fresh watermelon in a cup to wash the pizza down – it’s the perfect end to our impromptu tour.
What are my tips on exploring this tourist destination alternatively? Make your way to the back to avoid the crowds and to get your produce at a better price. Also, don’t forget to pay Eslice Pizza a visit.
Happy eating!
This is one of the best photo essays I’ve seen! I love your pictures!
Thank you so much! That’s so kind of you!
I love Barcelona. We’ve only been once but we’ve been dying to go back ever since. I also need to agree and say that your photos are GORGEOUS. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! Hopefully, you’ll visit again soon!
Looks lovely. My husband and I love browsing markets. We always make sure to go hungry 😉
Good idea 🙂
I love markets and this one surely looks amazing. All the photos are making me super hungry!
Wait until you see the market 🙂
Gorgeous pics! Refreshing and colorful… We have been to Barcelona but were not aware of this place. We will surely make it next time. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! You definitely need to visit the next time 🙂 Happy travels!
This is definitely a fun one. I decided on a couple cups of sliced fruit. Thanks for the brief trip back. 🙂
Thanks, Bob! Appreciate it 🙂
I love markets! So vibrant, so colourful, so much activity. But this one looks so much more orderly than the ones I am used to here in Cambodia. And there was ice!! What a novelty. I always make a point of visiting markets wherever I travel to. They seem to really get to the heart of a community.
Same here! I love visiting markets in cities I’m visiting – it’s the best way to explore alongside the locals!
Markets hold a special type of magic that can be found in every city, but is so unique to the location. With the colors, smells, and energy there is really nothing like it.
Yes, you can really discover a city through its markets. I always try to visit at least one when I travel to a new city!
I always like to check out local food joints and markets while exploring a new place. I make sure apart from the touristy stuff I take time for this. Lovely pictures.
Totally agree! Thank you 🙂