Shopping/markets
Opened in 1848 as Barcelona's first covered market, Mercat de Santa Caterina underwent a dramatic redevelopment that gave it its now-iconic wave-shaped roof of colorful ceramic tiles, while the market beneath continues to function much as it always has. Stalls sell fresh produce, seafood, meat, and prepared foods, with several small tapas counters offering a place to eat on the spot. With a 4.4 rating from over 18,000 reviews and very high culture and aesthetic scores, it's considered one of the city's most attractive working markets, appealing to visitors seeking an authentic food market experience alongside striking architecture.
✨ Reasons to go
💡 Good to know
⏱️ Typical visit
1h
🕰️ Best time
early morning, morning, lunchtime or afternoon
🚶 Walking intensity
Moderate walking
Booking
What people say
"Opened in 1848, the market is considered Barcelona’s first covered market. After more than a century of operation, the complex underwent an extensive redevelopment beginning in 1997 and reopened in its present form in 2005. The renovation was designed by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, who transformed the historic market while preserving its role in the surrounding neighborhood. Its most recognizable feature is the spectacular undulating roof, covered with hundreds of thousands of hexagonal ceramic tiles arranged into a colorful mosaic inspired by the fruits and vegetables sold inside the market. During the reconstruction, archaeological remains of the medieval Convent of Santa Caterina, which once occupied the site, were uncovered. Some of these remains have been preserved and can still be seen as part of the market complex. Alongside stalls selling fresh produce, meat, seafood, and other everyday ingredients, there are bars and restaurants where visitors can enjoy dishes prepared with fresh local products."
— Seokjin Ham
