Nibbling Through Historic Boqueria Market in Barcelona, Spain
Inundate yourself at the Mercato de la Boqueria, one of the biggest, most emblematic markets in the world. You'll find piles of basil, crates of fresh duck eggs, loads of Catalan wild mushrooms, passels of baby squid, and an enduring sense of local pride among the merchants, most of whom are third and fourth generation vendors at the market. Sure, there's often a crush of tourists, but the compelling range of charcuterie, produce, seafood, frozen specialties, and restaurants make it a must for any foodie visiting Barcelona.
Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, or simply, La Boqueria, is a paradise for foodies, photographers, and people watchers. This sprawling market off La Rambla in the heart of Barcelona evolved from a few tables selling meat at the old city gate in 1217, to what it is today. It's a joy to stroll through this beautiful, colorful market, and the diversity of product here leaves nothing to be desired. Iberian ham, sea urchins, chocolate covered Marcona almonds, every variety of fruity drink you can imagine and much more, coexist here daily in a lively atmosphere filled with locals and tourists alike. Come hungry, and stroll up to one of the back stalls for a refreshing glass of cava and some fresh oysters or tapas. If you're lucky, and are renting an apartment instead of a hotel while visiting, shop for your dinner ingredients and cook up a Catalonian feast. Imagining and living like you are a local in Barcelona is an experience you will always treasure.
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Don't Put All of Your Eggs in One Basket
As they say, don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Here at the Boqueria Market, all of your five senses may go into overload as you discover new sights, smells, sounds, flavors and textures. From the smell of freshly caught fish to the perfect chewy, gummy confection, from smoothies in a rainbow of colors to earthy spices you may not find anywhere else. Bustling with locals and tourists alike, a walk through this vast marketplace will gave way to an array of languages from around the world. While you may not know what that interesting looking food is the next stall over, you do know that the Boqueria is no ordinary market. In fact there is so much to taste here, you'll need several baskets to carry all of your new found gastronomical delights and while you're at it, be sure to put a variety of eggs in each of your baskets.
Imagine you're in a huge hall, surrounded by stalls with the most glorious Spanish foods. As you walk around, you can see sides of tender Serrano ham, huge prawns that give Dublin Bay prawns a run for their money, chorizo of all shapes and sizes. The pungent smell of fresh spices is in the air. You can also smell fresh fruit and fish, there are vegetables that you don't recognise either by appearance or their Spanish name. Award-winning cheeses scent the air. Your nose sniffs the sticky smell of fudge as it wafts by. That perfumed aroma is flowers. You don't have to imagine this place - it exists. Viva La Boqueria.
Inundate yourself at the Mercato de la Boqueria, one of the biggest, most emblematic markets in the world. You'll find piles of basil, crates of fresh duck eggs, loads of Catalan wild mushrooms, passels of baby squid, and an enduring sense of local pride among the merchants, most of whom are third and fourth generation vendors at the market. Sure, there's often a crush of tourists, but the compelling range of charcuterie, produce, seafood, frozen specialties, and restaurants make it a must for any foodie visiting Barcelona.
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