Mercat de santa caterina: Santa Caterina Market – Visit Barcelona

Santa Caterina Market – Food market in Barcelona

Welcome to the Santa Caterina Market!

Built in 1848 on the site that the Convent of Santa Caterina had occupied, and was remodeled in 2005, it represents of a very special form this tradition, so ingrained in the Mediterranean, of the municipal markets. Its unique architectural structure also stars in the architectural singularity of the Sant Pere, Santa Caterina and La Ribera neighborhoods of Barcelona.

These new doors, which we now open to you through the showcase that the Internet allows us, to offer more information and insight to help you get to know it in a deeper way.

On these pages we bring you a complete view of the products and services we offer, because through this means of modernity that is the network, we want to go from being the oldest covered market in the city, to the most modern in all its aspects. .

ALWAYS THE BEST PRICES

In our stalls you will always find the best prices, the quality of our fresh products are undoubtedly very different from what you can find in large stores. And above all with the confidence, advice, personal attention and service that you will not find in other stores. In addition to the guarantee of professionals with experience, in many cases, of generations of stall holders at your service.

The Best Choice

The best produce for a healthy diet

With fresh and local products.

The Best Choice

High quality raw materials and variety

that will enrich your table and meals

THE BEST PURCHASE

The philosophy of the Santa Caterina market is that you can make your best purchase, offering you a wide gastronomic offer, of fresh and local products that allows you to fill your pantry with healthy food and with competitive prices, since we offer you a range of possibilities that allow you to make the most appropriate choice.

OUR BEST PRODUCTS AT YOUR DISPOSAL

Both for day to day and for family celebrations or with friends we always want to have the best product and the best variety to be the best for our guests. Food is undoubtedly one of the most important socializing elements that we have in our relationships with others. The raw materials and the elaborated dishes are a fundamental element in many occasions an element with which we communicate with others, looking for a way to entertain our guests with products and elaborations of a level. Apart from all this, the increasing search for health and above all the philosophy that since we dedicate many hours a day to eating we must do it in the healthiest way on one hand and more satisfactory on the other, they make gastronomy a part essential of our lives. In the Santa Caterina Market you will find all the elements to make this philosophy a reality and also the professionals who will advise you to have the best results.

FRESH PRODUCE DAILY

Every day there is fresh produce made by us or from our central market

View Stalls

Santa Caterina Market (Mercat de Santa Caterina) – What To Know BEFORE You Go

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Get a taste of local Spanish cuisine and local delicacies with a visit to Santa Caterina Market, where vendors hawk everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to olive oil and ham (jamón). Come to grab a quick snack, take a seat and enjoy a drink, or take a guided food tour through the tantalizing stalls. Most tours include an informative walk through the market plus a stroll around the nearby Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) to visit top attractions such as the Barcelona Cathedral and the Picasso Museum.

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View all 22 experiences

Boqueria and Santa Caterina Markets with Food and Tapas Small Group Walking Tour

star-4.5

16 Reviews

€90.57 per adult

Traveler Favorite

Live, laugh, love Montse !

My friend and I went on this tour with the lovely Montse! She showed us around 2 markets, recommended really great food and gave us a rich history of the city and region. She was an absolute pleasure to spend the afternoon with!

kaitlyn_p, Apr 2023

View all 22 experiences

Recent reviews from experiences in Barcelona

star-5

Short break

Tim_W, Mar 2023

Boqueria and Santa Caterina Markets with Food and Tapas Small Group Walking Tour

Montse gave us a private tour which was full of info and great food. Lots of local knowledge and recommendations which gave us a good insight for the rest of the stay. Great value and lots of fun

star-5

Food tour

Shawn_A, May 2022

Boqueria and Santa Caterina Markets with Food and Tapas Private Walking Tour

We enjoyed our food tour and good tasting.
Daniel did a great job!
The food was enjoyable.

Thank you!

star-5

Great tour!

Leslie_H, Feb 2022

Boqueria and Santa Caterina Markets with Food and Tapas Small Group Walking Tour

Olga, our tour guide, did an incredible job showing us around the old town and markets of Barcelona. She was so knowledgeable of the history of the city and the area, we learned so much! The best part of the trip was at the end when we stopped for chocolate and churros. Thanks Olga for making our tour special!

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Things to Know Before You Go

The Santa Caterina Market is a must-visit for architecture and food lovers.
Book a tasting tour of Barcelona and experience some of the best food the city has to offer.
The market is accessible to wheelchair users.

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How to Get There

The market is located in the La Ribera district, a short walk from many top Barcelona attractions, such as the Picasso Museum. Take the L4 metro line to Jaume I station or bus 17, 19, 40, or 45 to Santa Caterina Market.

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When to Get There

Santa Caterina Market is open from 7:30am to 3:30pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and to 8:30pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Get there early in the day to avoid long lines and to sample some of the freshest foods.

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Barcelona’s First Covered Market

Since its opening in 1848, the Santa Caterina Market has been a covered market. After more than 150 years, the market underwent extensive renovations, designed by Benedetta Tagliabue and Enric Miralles, including a brand-new roof with more than 325,000 ceramic tiles in more than 60 colors, representing the various fruits and vegetables sold inside. The original facade of the Catalan market remains to keep with tradition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

What are the nearest attractions to Santa Caterina Market (Mercat de Santa Caterina)?

Attractions near Santa Caterina Market (Mercat de Santa Caterina):

Mosaiccos
Frederic Mares Museum (Museu Frederic Mares)
European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM)

What else should I know about attractions in Barcelona?

As well as visiting the Santa Caterina Market (Mercat de Santa Caterina), check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit:

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Mosaiccos
Frederic Mares Museum (Museu Frederic Mares)
European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM)
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House of Silk (La Casa de la Seda)
Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de la Música Catalana)
Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso)
Barcelona La Ribera
Temple of Augustus (Temple d’August)
Chocolate Museum (Museu de la Xocolata)
St. James Square (Plaça de Sant Jaume)
Els Quatre Gats
Placa de Sant Felip Neri
Catalan Regional Government Building (Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya)

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Santa Caterina Market in Barcelona

1.
The history of the construction of Mercat Santa Caterina

2.
What you need to know about Santa Caterina Market

3.
Santa Caterina market on the map of Barcelona

Santa Caterina Market is very close to the Cathedral. Mostly locals come here, appreciating the place for guaranteeing the quality of products and a special atmosphere.

It should be noted that in terms of the last parameter, the more famous Boqueria market is even inferior to the hero of today’s story.

The history of the construction of Mercat Santa Caterina

The Santa Caterina market was built on the site where the monastery of St. Catherine used to be, which was later destroyed. The opening took place in 1845, and it was the first covered market in Barcelona. Initially, locals believed that the point would be focused on workers living in areas nearby. The civil war of the 30s made significant adjustments to the life of the Catalans, also affecting the food supply. Fortunately, the new market has become part of the solution to the problem of food shortages.

Mercat de Santa Caterina during the carnival

In 2005, the major renovation of the market came to an end, the main result of which was a very beautiful wave-shaped roof, visible even from afar. The mosaic is arranged in a way that resembles fruit, and the tree-trunk-like wooden ceilings have become an unmistakable constructive solution, elegantly joining the main part of the market and the roof.

Enric Miralles Moya and Benedetta Tagliabue are the architects responsible for the design of the Santa Caterina Market. As time has shown, they coped with their task perfectly well.

Santa Caterina Market is currently a popular outlet selling the freshest products. Barcelona residents come here, who previously purchased at the Born market, whose history ended with the transformation into an archeological museum.

Santa Caterina market at the moment

The advantage of Mercat Santa Caterina over Boqueria is that there are fewer tourists here. This is reflected in the price level, and in a more pleasant direction for the buyer.

What you need to know about Santa Caterina Market

Are you going to Barcelona? Don’t forget to buy tickets for local attractions in advance. You can do this online at the link on the official ticket platform.

Location

The market is located within the Born quarter, very close to the Gothic Quarter Cathedral and the Pablo Picasso Museum. Av. de Francesc Cambo, 16 – the address of the object.

If you are nearby, be sure to visit the Picasso Museum. Don’t forget to book ticket to visit online in advance.

Location of Santa Caterina Market

How to get there

The way to the market by public transport is not difficult. You need to choose one of the available options:

st. metro Jaume I on L4 (yellow)
bus number 120 to Francesc Cambó-Gral Alvarez de Castro
bus number 45 to Via Laietana 32-34
tourist bus to Barri Gòtic on the red line

How does Mercat Santa Caterina work?

Thursday-Friday: 07:30 – 20:30

Santa Caterina Market on the map of Barcelona

How to avoid queues at Barcelona attractions. Tickets for Sagrada Familia and Park Güell skip the line.
How not to be deceived by local taxi drivers. Order a taxi in advance with fixed rates online. The most reliable service for ordering a taxi – KiwiTaxi .
Excursions in Barcelona with locals will help you to get to know this city for real. The best way to get comfortable in an unfamiliar city is to walk around it with a person who has lived here for many years.
We advise you to take out travel insurance so that there are no unpleasant surprises while traveling to Barcelona.

Barcelona City Pass is a one-stop card that makes organizing your holiday in Barcelona easier and saves you a lot of time and money.
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Bus Turistic is a tourist bus and a great way to get to all the necessary monuments of Barcelona quickly, with a breeze and comfort.
Drimsim is a universal international SIM card and a free travel application. Best prices, fast internet and worldwide calls.

Where to stay in Barcelona: an overview of the areas

Barcelona is one of the most dynamic and beautiful cities in the world. The rich historical heritage is constantly replenished with new masterpieces – from the works of the famous Gaudí to modern architecture, romantic atmosphere and innovative mix of styles.

This is one of the most interesting and vibrant cities in Spain and throughout Europe. It will be interesting: Where to go in Spain: top 10 main tourist cities and restaurants. You can come here endlessly – and each time discover something new. Barcelona never ceases to amaze, and the busy life will capture you so much that you will definitely want to return here.

The city is filled with tourists at any time of the year. Both in winter and in summer, there are always a lot of people walking on the streets, and there are always long queues at the sights. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, head to Barcelona during the winter months of January and February. Despite the fact that it will be cold for swimming, you can fully enjoy the city rest, and the prices for accommodation will pleasantly please.

However, it is still better to book hotels in advance. In addition, visits to attractions such as the Sagrada Familia will also have to plan . There are always huge queues outside this iconic place, but if you book your visit in advance, you can skip all this crowd and even get a discount!

In addition, to make a trip to this wonderful city, you do not have to spend much money. And all because in Barcelona there are many places that you can see for free or visit them for a very modest fee!

So, where to stay in Barcelona. This city is very diverse and lively. He never sleeps and0034 there is always a noisy place for nightlife . Therefore, if you are traveling here with children or just like a calm and quiet holiday, then you should avoid places like La Rambla or Barceloneta. Of course, there are quiet hotels in these areas, however, as a rule, they are 4 or 5 stars. If you are saving money, it will be better to stay a little further away from noisy places.

La Rambla

This is just an endless series of entertainment, interesting cafes, noisy restaurants, kiosks, stalls and shops. Here you can buy everything – from clothes to souvenirs and try food and drinks for every taste. There are several expensive hotels along this street, however, you can also find very budget hostels and guesthouses – you just have to search and book everything in advance. Read the reviews carefully – after all many of the buildings are very old and therefore not very comfortable to live in.

In addition, this place is very, very touristy. Life is always in full swing here, the music does not stop, and cafes and restaurants are filled with guests. La Rambla is also popular among locals. Whole families come here to relax in order to walk along the cobbled streets in the evening, reaching the Barcelona embankment.

Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)

The Barrio Gotico or Gothic Quarter, which extends east from La Rambla, is the heart of old Barcelona. It is also a popular place for walking – during the day people come here to see the cathedrals and the museum, and in the evening noisy companies gather here. There are several bars and nightlife spots in the area where young people are constantly gathering.

This is a very photogenic area not to be missed – the 14th and 15th century buildings are just perfect for photo ops. Local restaurants fit perfectly into the overall flavor and even complement it. Stylish boutiques, trendy galleries, narrow lanes – all this looks very romantic.

In addition to if you are looking for budget hotels, many of them are in the Gothic Quarter . However, be careful with the choice, because this area is still very popular for walking and parties, therefore, it is always quite noisy here. Also, in the evenings in this area it can be quite dangerous, so you should be careful. If you are looking for a quieter place, then focus on the southern part of the Barrio Gotico.

Gràcia District

This bohemian area has been popular since the 19th century. Here all the cream of society gathered and the most noisy and famous evenings were held. Since then, this area is famous for its nightlife – here are some of the best hotels and restaurants , bars and expensive clubs. However, this area is considered one of the most expensive and best in the city. A tranquil atmosphere that combines the “soul” of Barcelona with the convenience of modernity.

If you are looking for comfort, quietness and a great location, Gracia is the place to be. Here you can feel like a part of the elite culture and walk along the most beautiful passages of Barcelona.

Plaza del Sol (Plaça del Sol), located in the Gracia district, is where most of the nightclubs are located. Head here late at night for a thrilling experience, and during the day, visit the best roof-top restaurants and cafes.

Eixample

Just north of Plaça Catalunya, Barcelona’s large and wonderful district of Eixample is located. This is an extensive network of streets, most of which was built in the 19th century. This is the main shopping and business district of the city.

You may notice that local architecture belongs to a colorful and original trend – Catalan Art Nouveau . These are stunning modernist buildings that can only be found here. The area is home to many high-end boutiques, high art galleries, trendy hotels and restaurants.

It is also in this area that some of the masterpieces of Antonio Gaudí i Cornet, Luis Domènech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch are located. This area can be called a real open-air museum. However, accommodation prices here are quite high, so if you are saving money, then come here during the low season, or you can always stay in hostels, which are also present in Eixample.

El Raval

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Order a transfer, rent a car for a few hours or all day with a driver, cheap and reliable – Gettransfer

Reliable premium insurance that covers even Covid-19, chronic diseases and active life-threatening tourism – Tripinsurance

The old town, west of La Rambla, is known as El Raval. This city acquired its name due to Arab influence, literally the name is translated as “suburb”.

In medieval times, hospitals, churches and monasteries were located here. In the 20th century, the area became better known as the “red light district”. Then, he also gained fame as Kitay-gorod, thanks to migrants from Asia arriving here.

Nowadays, this area is a real corner of Bohemia and high art. The Museum of Modern Art of Barcelona is located here, as well as all the cutting-edge galleries, designer restaurants and trendy bars.

This area is not the best place to stay , however, it is pleasant to walk here during the day and evening. For all its glamor, El Ravale can be a bit unsafe at night, so if you’re heading here for fun, be on the lookout, especially in the southern neighborhoods.

Barceloneta

18th century harbor with a magnificent beach and the famous sail-shaped view of the hotel. This is Barcelona’s calling card and a real symbol of a free and beautiful life.