7 Best Places to Shop in Barcelona, Spain

Though one of Europe's oldest flea markets, Els Encants has a new home—a stunning, glittering metal canopy that protects the rag-and-bone merchants (and their keen customers) from the elements. Stalls, and a handful of stand-up bars, have become a bit more upscale, too, although you'll still find plenty of oddities to barter over in the central plaza. It's open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday—the latter is the busiest day so if you want a more relaxed rummage, go during the week. 

Just across the Ronda Sant Pau, a street dividing El Raval from Sant Antoni, sits this market, designed in 1882 by Antoni Rovira i Trias and considered the city's finest example of wrought-iron architecture. The Greek-cross-shaped building covers an entire block, and some of the best Moderniste stall facades in Barcelona distinguish this exceptional space. A painstaking decade-long restoration incorporated the medieval archaeological remains underneath. The market is a foodie paradise of fruit, vegetables, fish, cheeses, and more, as well as counters for dining. On Sunday, when the interior is closed, you can wander the outdoor stalls of the weekly morning flea market searching for stamps and coins, comic books and trading cards, VHS, CDs, vinyl, and vintage clothing.

This sprawling 19th-century factory complex—with its gorgeous brick architecture, towering chimney, multiple courtyards, and verdant garden—now serves as creative studio space for designers and artists. On the first weekend of every month, the Palo Alto Market invites the public to step inside the gates and experience the vast, very cool space. There's live music and DJs, street food trucks, and dozens upon dozens of stalls selling a range of goods, from crafts to clothing. 

The Mercado de San Vicente, a Moderniste gem built in 1911, with an ornamental brick facade, wrought-iron girders, and stained glass windows, is worth a quick visit, if only to pick up a bit of picnic fare before or after a walk to the Monestir de Pedralbes.

A browser's bonanza, this interesting if somewhat pricey Thursday market (10 am–8 pm) for antique clothing, jewelry, and art occupies the plaza in front of the cathedral. In December, a Christmas market takes over the space. Most stalls aren't open during the vacation month of August.

The days for the natural-produce market are a bit unpredictable—usually the first and third Friday of the month—but when it happens, the little square fills with interesting tastes and aromas (look for local honey and cheese); the neighboring Plaça Sant Josep Oriol holds an art market every weekend.

The small Tuesday flea market/antiques fair in Sarrià's town square is another good reason to explore this charming once-outlying village in the upper part of the city.