If there’s a place in Barcelona that has something new on offer every day, then that’s Sant Antoni Market. With renovations recently completed after a decade of works, this market is off the beaten ‘tourist track’, and always a great idea. Conveniently located just steps from Sant Antoni metro station, you can comfortably walk here from our boutique hotel in central Barcelona.
Despite being less well known than other markets, such as La Boquería, Mercado de Sant Antoni is totally unique in that it’s open 7 days a week. Opened in the year 1882, it is an architectural gem both inside and out.
Inside, visitors can wander around the dozens of food stalls, all offering fresh produce. For many Barcelonians, there’s nowhere better than here to stock up on fruit and veg, fish or meat. Food is thus one of the fundamental pillars of the Sant Antoni market, but by no means the only one.
The Encantos or Encants is another mainstay of the market. This is an area dedicated to fashion, fabrics and household products. As such, both areas complement one another and make the hours fly by when spend time inside. A walk around the various stalls—in search of the best bargains—is a must. But be warned—it is extremely difficult to leave the market empty handed.
Each Sunday is book day at the Mercado de Sant Antoni. So it comes as no surprise to find a multitude of booksellers outside, which makes a walk in the area much more entertaining.
The area around the market fills up with stalls selling books, magazines, postcards and stamps, attracting the attention of passers-by as well as avid readers. For many locals, browsing the stalls has become more like a ritual…not just a way to pass time on a Sunday.
El Mercado de Sant Antoni is open from Monday to Sunday. From Monday to Saturday, it’s open from 8am until 8pm, while the Sunday market is open on Sunday mornings.
Are you trying to decide what to do this Sunday? Sant Antoni Market is, without doubt, a wonderful place to discover. When you stay at our boutique hotel in Sant Antoni, Barcelona’s main attractions are all within reach.
Leave a Comment