Celebrate Barcelona’s title as the European Capital of Local Commerce by exploring its iconic markets. We’ve put together two easy public‑transport routes so you can discover some of the very best markets in the city. Hola Barcelona takes you there!
Barcelona has been named the European Capital of Local Commerce, a recognition that highlights the strength and diversity of its neighbourhood shops. And there’s no better way to experience this spirit than by visiting the city’s markets: lively spaces full of fresh produce, local character, and everyday life.
Here you’ll find two suggested routes to explore some of Barcelona’s best markets: one using the Barcelona Bus Turístic and another with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card.
Route 1: Must‑See Markets with the Barcelona Bus Turístic
Hop on and off the Barcelona Bus Turístic at your own pace while enjoying a comfortable ride that links together some of the city’s most iconic markets.
Mercat de Sant Antoni
Fully renovated, this is one of the Eixample’s flagship local markets. And if you’re looking for something a little different to do in Barcelona, every Sunday it hosts the city’s traditional book and collectors’ market.
How to get there:
Barcelona Bus Turístic (blue route) - Sant Antoni
The stop is practically next door, you won’t even need a three‑minute walk.
With your Barcelona Bus Turístic ticket, you can switch between the Blue and Red routes for free, making it easy to connect all these markets and many other iconic spots around the city.
La parada està practicament al costat, no hauràs de caminar ni 3 minuts!
Mercat de la Boqueria
Located right on La Rambla, it’s the most famous market in the County City, and for good reason. Bursting with colour, history, and fresh produce, it has become an essential part of Barcelona’s identity.
How to get there:
Barcelona Bus Turístic (Red route) - La Rambla - Colom
Once you hop off the bus, walk about five minutes up La Rambla until you reach Carrer del Carme, where you’ll find the main entrance.
Mercat de Santa Caterina
In the heart of El Born, this market stands out for its colourful, undulating roof, a tribute to Antoni Gaudí. If you want to combine striking architecture with local shopping, Santa Caterina market is a must‑visit.
How to get there:
Barcelona Bus Turístic (red route): Barceloneta - Museu d'Història de Catalunya
Hop off the bus and walk about 10 minutes to reach the Santa Caterina Market
Mercat de la Barceloneta
As you’d expect, fish and seafood take centre stage in this market with a strong seafaring spirit. If you want to surprise your friends or family with a traditional Catalan dish, this stop is essential.
How to get there:
Barcelona Bus Turístic (Red route) - Barceloneta - Museu d'Història de Catalunya
If you’re doing the full route, you can also walk from Santa Caterina Market, it’s a pleasant 15‑minute stroll.
Ruta 2: Route 2: Neighbourhood Barcelona's Markets with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card
If you want to go beyond the city’s big icons and rediscover a more local side of Barcelona, this route is for you. With the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, you can enjoy unlimited travel on the metro and bus for 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours.
Mercat de la Llibertat
Mercat de la Llibertat is one of Gràcia’s landmarks and one of the city’s lesser‑known Art Nouveau gems.
Tip: grab a snack inside the market and enjoy it while wandering through Gràcia’s charming narrow streets.
How to get there:
Metro: L3 - Fontana
Bus: Lines 22, 24, N24 i V17 - Gran de Gràcia - Travessera de Gràcia
If you take the bus, it’s just a 3‑minute walk. From the metro, it’s around 10 minutes on foot.
Mercat de Sants
With more than 100 years of history, Mercat de Sants has long been at the heart of the neighbourhood. Will it win you over too?
How to get there:
Metro: L1 / L5 - Plaça de Sants
Bus: Lines 52, D20, N2, N14 i N28 - Plaça de Sants
In just a 5‑minute walk, you’ll be standing right at the market’s entrance.
Mercat del Clot
If you’re looking for authentic, less crowded markets in Barcelona, Mercat del Clot will win you over. We recommend visiting around midday and enjoying a vermouth on its terrace.
How to get there:
Metro: L1 / L2 - Clot
Bus: Lines 192, N3, N23, V25 - Meridiana - Aragó
With the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, you can combine metro and bus as many times as you like and explore these markets with total flexibility.
Mercat d’Hostafrancs
This market is a key meeting point in the neighbourhood, not only for its commercial role but also because, for generations, it has been a gathering place for locals from Creu Coberta and Hostafrancs.
How to get there:
Metro: L1 - Hostafrancs
Bus: Lines 52, N2, D20, N14 i N28 - Metro Hostafrancs
Both the metro and bus stops drop you right at the entrance, so you won’t have to walk at all.
The key to exploring Barcelona’s markets without a worry
Visiting Barcelona’s most iconic markets is also a journey through its neighbourhoods, its food culture and its everyday rhythm. With the Barcelona Bus Turístic and the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, you can reach every market in the city with total ease. Hola Barcelona takes you there!
