Barcelona's La Boqueria: One of the Best Food Markets in the World

The world-famous La Boqueria Market can trace its roots back to the 13th century. The spot where it now stands used to the home of the city's main open-air market, which welcomed the busy stream of people passing through Barcelona's main gates.

In the 15th century, the area around the market saw the gradual building of the Raval district, lying west of Barcelona just outside the walls, between town and country.

The market was the logical place for the local farmers, with their harvests in tow, to meet and offer their produce to the city's hungry residents.

The building changed ownership several times over the following decades, from private owners to an insurance company to its current owners.

Despite the ever changing ebb and flow of Barcelona's outer gates, the market has stubbornly remained in what is now the heart of the Old City.

The market is located next to Barcelona's busy Las Ramblas which has turned La Boqueria into a favorite attraction for visitors.

Today, the La Boqueria market is the largest, most competitive and most comprehensive of Barcelona's food markets, offering the freshest produce. Its privileged location just off Las Ramblas, the Barcelona's main tourist thoroughfare, is an important meeting place.

You could easily spend an entire afternoon strolling under its enormous iron roof amid its varied and well-stocked stalls.

You'll find strawberries long after they disappear elsewhere, the freshest seafood, tropical fruit, sausages, Iberian ham, countless cheeses, meats, dried fruits, nuts, sweets with hidden delights, bread and pastries, the freshest vegetables and just about anything that you might or might not be looking for.

The stalls are a visual and sensual feast as well. Fruit is displayed in a fantastic mix of flair and color, with a visual appeal that makes it difficult to resist stopping for a ripe peach, some fresh juice or a bowl of fruit salad.

Rows of Iberian cured hams hang from stainless iron hooks alongside a huge assortment of sausages. The buzz of the crowd is punctuated by the shouts of vendors announcing the day's specials.

The crowd is a mix of fascinated visitors in search of a snack and local shoppers buying the day's ingredients. There are many places to stop for a snack, a beer or a cup of coffee.

Dotted throughout the market are small, intimate bars - just a few barstools and a counter - where each day's menu offers the freshest food you can find in the city. There is something for everyone under the iron canopy of the La Boqueria market.

• In the 19th century, vendors often gave customers a flower along with their purchase.
• Gas lights glowed in the market for the first time in the late 19th century.
• In 2005, the World Congress of Public Markets voted La Boqueria the world's best market.
• The market includes a cooking classroom, where residents can learn new culinary skills and recipes.

a. Opening Times for La Boqueria Market:

Boqueria Market Location & Contact Information:

• La Boqueria address: Rambla, 91 08001 Barcelona
• How to get to La Boqueria: You can take the green metro line to "Liceu". Take the "La Boqueria" exit. From there, it is a short walk.
• La Boqueria Market's telephone number: +34 93 318 25 84