Like every market in the world, La Boqueria revolves around people. Market stalls run by third and fourth generation marketeers, attract visitors from around the globe who take time out from Las Ramblas to ogle the produce, sample the tapas and fresh fruit juice, and rub shoulders with everyday Barcelonans.
Fresh and salted fish and sea food; tinned delicacies; meat and offal; birds; game and eggs; fruits and vegetables; herbs; delicatessen; breads and pastries; restaurants; frozen items; artisan products; charcuterie; farmers’ shops; wine; and even a Greek and an Italian hand made pasta stall, all come together under the metal roof that was added in 1914. Incredibly the market originated back in 1836.
When in the Barri Gotic quarter of Barcelona enjoying the spectacle that is Las Ramblas, remember to detour through La Boqueria, sample the produce, pick up some ingredients for a memorable Catalan meal, or grab a photo for your memoirs, you won’t regret it. Click on the link to Budget Travelers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday for more travel photo fun.
Budget Jan
Bad Luck comes in Threes
We visited Barcelona, and this market just before I fell pregnant with my first child. For me this photo evokes memories of youths and freedom.
Hi Danielle, Yes travel pre-children was a wonderful thing. It was all about us back then! I never got to Spain pre-children as there was some diplomatic crisis when we were in Europe in our youth that prevented Aussies going to Spain. I am so glad we got to go after children have grown. Jan
Beautiful Jan! Great, inspiring pics.Can’t wait to get back there.
~Josie
Hi Josie, Thanks – Spain is certainly one country that I would visit again and again. Jan
I so love markets – they are my all time favorite thing to visit. The food, the smells, the culture – normally we end up buying fresh bread/fresh produce and having the most yummiest lunch!
Hi Lisa, I also love them. It is one way to see the local produce and prepare some great fresh food. Jan
I love this place but I didn’t get any nice pictures like yours. I always get distracted at markets and miss all the good shots. Thanks for sharing yours!
Gosh, I am glad I am not the only one who gets carried away and totally forgets to photograph things!
I took a cooking class in Barcelona which started with a walk around this fabulous market, meeting the stall holders and having them talk about some of their produce. It was a highlight of the trip.Thanks for reminding me about it!
That would have been wonderful Jenny. Glad to oblige with the memories. Jan
Looks like a place full of sensory input!
I didn’t realize that the market goes back to 1836. That really is incredible! I was just there last month – such a busy, wonderful place!
I wish Penang’s wet markets were more like this. I want to jump in that picture with that man and his prepared food. What I would give for some jamon right now!
Hi Michele, I love markets all over the world. I have not been to Penang’s but I would love to. Jan
I love checking out the public markets of the cities I visit for this primary reason: seeing all the people there and the produce. Nice shots!
Your photos make it look so wonderful. I’d love to go back one day 🙂
Thanks Johanna, There are so many beautiful photos out there – it makes me want to go everywhere! Jan
Hi Jan,
Hope you are having fun in New Zealand 🙂
I nominated you for a Liebster blog award which is given to inspiring blogs – you can read more about it over on our blog!
Looking forward to reading your answers to the questions and to seeing who you tag 🙂
Love reading your blog.
Cheers
Lisa
Thanks Lisa, That is wonderful. We have had no internet connection for 8 days, and are at Christchurch Airport now waiting for our flight back to Melbourne. Had a great time catching up with friends. Will pop over to your post. Cheers. Jan