Market shopping in Spain
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A
Mercat de la Boqueria
Shop in the Mercat de la Boqueria, one of the world’s great produce markets, and complement with any other necessities from a local supermarket.
reviewed
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B
Mercado Central
The Plaza de Topete adjoins the large, animated Mercado Central, built in 1837, the oldest covered market in Spain.
reviewed
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Mercantic
Antique collectors could set aside a Sunday morning for a trip to Mercantic, a collection of gaily painted timber huts occupied by antique and bric-a-brac dealers selling everything from restored furniture to dusty old telephones. The first Sunday of the month is delivery day, when the stall-holders take delivery of a new wave of old stuff. The permanent market, with some 80 stall holders, is open during the week too (9.30am to 8pm Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 3pm Sunday). There’s also an activities and play area for children. A date to watch is the Antiquaris Barcelona antiques fair usually held between late March and the first week of April.
reviewed
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C
Mercat de Santa Caterina
A 19th-century market, built on the site of a 15th-century monastery, made way in 2005 for this original, colourful version designed by the adventurous Catalan architect Enric Miralles. The outstanding element is the bright, ceramic-covered, wavy roof – a splash of pastel loopiness. Out the back, remnants of the monastery, known as the Espai Santa Caterina, uncovered during excavations, are on public show with explanatory panels. Heading towards the waterfront along Via Laietana, the market is off to the left on Avinguda de Francesc Cambó.
reviewed
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D
Mercat de la Llibertat
Barcelona is bursting with bustling markets, which for the most part are tourist-free: try Mercat de la Llibertat. Markets generally open from Monday to Saturday from around 8am to 8pm (although some close around 2pm on Saturday). They are all at their animated best in the morning.La Boqueria is not the only market in Barcelona. Try the Mercat de la Llibertat open from Monday to Saturday from around 8am to 8pm.
reviewed
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E
El Jueves Market
For a different kind of religious experience – shopping! – check out El Jueves Market, east of Alameda de Hércules, where you can find everything from hatstands to antiquated household appliances. It’s as interesting for those who like people-watching as it is for those with an eye for a bargain.
reviewed
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F
Mercado de la Encarnación
Mercado de la Encarnación along with Mercado del Arenal are central Seville’s two food markets. The Encarnación, which mainly sells fruit, vegies and fish, has been in its current ‘temporary’ quarters, awaiting construction of a new permanent building, since 1973!
reviewed
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Fira de Santa Llúcia
The Fira de Santa Llúcia, on and around Avinguda de la Catedral, is held from 28 November to 23 December. You can buy figurines, including many models of that infamous Catalan Christmas character, the caganer (crapper), to make your own Nativity scene.
reviewed
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G
Els Encants Vells
The sprawling Els Encants Vells, also known as the Fira de Bellcaire, is the city’s principal flea market. There is an awful lot of junk, but you can turn up interesting items if you hunt around.
reviewed
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Fira Alimentació
Once a fortnight, gourmands can poke about the homemade honeys, sweets, cheeses and other edible delights at the Fira Alimentació from Friday to Sunday.
reviewed
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H
Mercat de Sant Antoni
Just beyond the western edge of El Raval, the punters at the Mercat de Sant Antoni dedicate Sunday morning to old maps, stamps, books and cards.
reviewed
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I
Mercado del Arenal
Mercado del Arenal along with the Mercado de la Encarnación are central Seville’s two food markets.
reviewed
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J
Mercado Central San Agustín
For fresh fruit and veg, head for the large covered Mercado Central San Agustín, a block north of the cathedral.
reviewed
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K
Plaza Nueva
The Plaza Nueva area is awash with jewellery vendors, selling from rugs laid out on the pavement, and ethnic-clothing shops.
reviewed
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L
El Postigo
A covered arts and crafts market housing a few shops selling everything from pottery and textiles to silverware.
reviewed
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M
Mercado de la Ribera
For self-catering, try this market. Drifting round the fish section is a marvellous experience in itself.
reviewed
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Food Market
Self-caterers can ferret out plenty of delights in Mérida's busy food market.
reviewed
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Art and Crafts Market
The Barri Gòtic is enlivened by an art and crafts market on Saturday and Sunday.
reviewed
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Mercat de L’abaceria Central
Mercat de l’Abaceria Central is open from Monday to Saturday between 8am to 8pm.
reviewed
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Mercadillo
Just outside the Puerta Nueva de Bisagra is a shady park that hosts the mercadillo every Tuesday.
reviewed
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N
Mercat de la Concepció
Mercat de la Concepció; is open from Monday to Saturday from around 8am to 8pm.
reviewed
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O
Mercat del Ninot
Mercat del Ninot generally opens from Monday to Saturday between 8am to 8pm.
reviewed
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P
Mercado
For fresh food and a pleasant wander, this a wonderful food hall with all manner of stalls.
reviewed
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Q
Fruit & Vegetable Market
Plaza Mayor is home to a bustling fruit and vegetable market on Wednesday and Saturday.
reviewed
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Coin and Stamp Collectors’ Market
The coin and stamp collectors’ market is present on Sunday morning.
reviewed
