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La Boquería Market in Barcelona
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La Boquería market is the most famous in Barcelona for purchasing fresh products. This emblematic market is located in La Rambla, the most commercial street in the city, so getting there is very easy. It is not surprising that this market is one of the most visited places in Barcelona. Officially known as the Sant Josep Market, La Boquería was built between 1840 and 1914.
Nowadays it is a huge market which covers 2.583 m² and contains over 300 stalls. If you want to prepare a special dinner, La Boquería is the perfect market to purchase the ingredients because it offers a variety of: fish, fruit, vegetables, and meat – all fresh and of good quality!
La Boquería market also makes a good stop in your planned itinerary around Barcelona as some stalls offer salads and fresh fruits which can help bear with the heat. You will also find some bars and restaurants inside the market which are worth visiting.
Located in La Rambla and very close to the Gothic district, La Boquería is one of the most visited attractions in Barcelona
La Boquería Market in Barcelona
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History of La Boquería market
There are many theories about the name “La Boquería” but nobody knows for certain why it is called La Boqueria. We like this theory: Boca (mouth) could be the origin of boquería and people may stare with hungry-looking faces (and mouths) at all the fantastic food in the stands… This is just a theory! Another theory connects boc, goat in Catalan, with the market as the place where goats were sold. We prefer the first theory though.
The market dates back to 1840 but since this location was outside the city walls, the market was located where ancient food stands may have been located for centuries and its origins have been traced back to 1217!
There are 300 stands inside La Boqueria variety is huge and there are food specialties from every corner of the world. If you do not find something to cook for dinner at La Boquería you may need to seriously consider your diet!
When you approach the huge metal arch at the entrance with its iconic, Gaudi-style stained glasses, you get a feeling you enter a different world. And you actually do!
Tapas in la Boqueria market
There are some bars inside the market where you will be able to enjoy tapas and a drink:
Pinotxo bar
The most famous one is probably Pinotxo (stalls 466 to 470) , with queues of people to enjoy their Spanish omelets and fried fish dishes. The Pinotxo bar is located very close to the entrance. This is a no-frills bar. Do not expect complex recipes. Flavour, is however king! Having said that, bear in mind that the bars inside la Boqueria are expensive. They know the market is a perfect place to make customers feel thirsty and hungry, there is too much food all around!
There are more bars beside Pinotxo so in case you find this one is too busy simply go on and you will find other options with similar quality dotted around the market. No bar here accepts bookings, that is simply not an option. If you can find a place in Pinotxo we recommend you order a tortilla (omelet) or their beans and sausage dish). The owner, Juanito, is a very well-known face to everybody in La Boqueria.
El Quim
Located in stall 582the Quim is another very famous restaurant inside La Boqueria. It started as a stall with 5 chairs and has now evolved and occupies a counter of 16 meters. If it did not grow much more it is probably due to the fact that many businesses inside La Boqueria are family-owned, and standing the fourth or fifth generation at the moment. Their most famous dish at El Quim is the fried eggs with baby squid. Web. http://elquimdelaboqueria.com
Kiosko Universal
If you feel like enjoying fish or seafood we recommend you opt for Kiosko Universal (stall 691) Large sizes of grilled fish platters are served while you enjoy the activity of cooks at work.
Bar Ramblero
This bar is another good option. This is also a good option to enjoy a seafood platter. Ramblero is “the new kid on the block” when compared to other bars and restaurants in La Boqueria, but they have gained a reputation as one of the best options in the market.
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