Best markets in Barcelona

Major European cities such as Barcelona are famed for their shopping experiences, however instead of visiting the city's high streets and stores, a cheaper, and arguably, more exhilarating experience is visiting the local markets. Whether you're after clothes, food or handcrafted items, Barcelona has a market to suit you and a bargain for every budget. Below are some of the best in and around the city;

Mercat Del Encants

Also known as Barcelona's largest flea market, the Mercat Del Encants has everything you could possibly want, from antique coins to clothes to DIY tools. As you'd expect Saturday is the busiest day, so unless you are a fan of crowds, it is best to go during the week. The market is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday as well with the stalls opening at 8.30am.

Sant Antoni Market

One of Barcelona's largest food markets, Sant Antoni Market is the non-tourist equivalent to La Boqueria, another popular food market in the city. Full of local wares and cuisine, Sant Antoni Market is extremely busy on Sunday (the sole day it is held), with locals and foreigners alike sampling the deli products as well as buying other products such as books and magazines. It should be noted that, like all markets in Spain, it is not open during August.

Mercadillo de la Plaça de Sant Josep

If you are looking for a bit of local culture to take home with you, then this art market is just the thing for you. Populated by local artists, the market showcases every type of style you could be after. If you are after a piece of art, you may have to negotiate in the native tongue as all the artists will be from the Catalonia region.