Food. Not only is it necessary for our survival as a living species – it also brings joy to long workdays, creates an excuse to socialise with the people we live with and comforts the most devastating breakups. Many of us spend time agonising over culinary choices – was that third macaroon really necessary? Should I get a pizza instead of a salad? Is 20 servings of hummus considered a meal? The answer is usually no. Unless you are on holiday. Then the answer is always yes.  Bring on the hummus.

Generally, people love 2 things. Travelling and eating. Preferably at the same time. With a bottle of wine or two. In Paris you will find yourself elbowing tourists out of your way to buy a baguette, in Rome you will see lines around the colosseum for gelato and in Barcelona you will be trampled by crowds desperate to obtain the freshest juices and cows heads. But don’t be put-off by the confronting culinary delights because a visit to Barcelona’s Mercat de La Boqueria is an absolute must-do.

After a spontaneous decision to fly to the vibrant city I spend long day overdosing on the fresh foods I had been so deprived of during my time near the arctic circle.

Directly off of the main dray, ‘La Rambla’, the markets are congested by hungry locals and tourists in pursuit of fine produce. With a huge selection of fresh fruit stalls – each selling fresh juice and smoothies, or fruit cups overflowing with colourful slices of watermelon, cherries and mango for a mere euro or two, it is the perfect pitstop for a fresh pick-me-up while sweating it out in the sunny city.

But don’t stress carnivorous foodies, because there is no shortage of meat in this city. With legs of ham hanging between fruit stands, and cabinets of cow brains and faces up for grabs, you will not doubt the freshness of these mammals. Head deeper and you will find seafood so fresh it seems as though it is still moving.

Not up for frying the brains or slaughtering your own lobsters? Just take a eat at one of the tapas bars inside the market and grab a serve of paella with a jug of sangria on the side.

The market is an explosion of colour, delectable (and questionable) aromas, and eccentric characters keen to convince you to purchase their goods. Absorb the fantastic foodie vibes and keep you valuables safe. Tourist have been known to become distracted by atmosphere and find themselves with an eluding camera or wallet…

Mercat de La Boqueria

Adress:
Rambla, 91 08001 Barcelona 

Telephone:
93 318 25 84 

Timetable: 
Monday to Saturday from 08:00 – 20:30