A beautifully restored 1882 iron market just outside the old town, beloved by locals for food shopping. The star is the Sunday morning book-and-collectibles market wrapping the building: secondhand books, comics, vinyl, and postcards.
Key facts
| Hours | Food market: Mon-Sat 08:00-20:30 Food market: Sun closed Sunday book market: Sun 08:30-14:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Metro Sant Antoni (L2), right at the entrance |
| Time needed | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Sunday morning for the book market; weekday morning for the food hall |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.9/10- Value8.0
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.2
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity8.8
- Accessibility8.5
Frequently asked questions
- How is Sant Antoni different from La Boqueria?
- Sant Antoni is far less touristy and feels genuinely local. It's a working neighborhood food market in a gorgeous restored building, without the tour-group crush. If you want the real Barcelona market experience, come here.
- Is it good for families or browsers?
- The Sunday market is great for browsers, collectors, and anyone who loves rummaging. Kids may tire of it, but comic and postcard stalls can hold interest. The food market on weekdays is fun for tasting.
- Is the food market open on Sundays?
- No, the indoor food market runs Monday to Saturday, roughly 8am to 8:30pm, and closes Sunday. On Sundays it's the outdoor book-and-collectibles market that takes over the surrounding streets, not the food stalls.
- Is the building itself worth seeing?
- Yes. The 19th-century iron-and-glass structure was restored over a long renovation and even has visible Roman and medieval remains in the basement. The architecture alone justifies a look, food shopping aside.
- Do I need cash for the book market?
- Yes, bring cash. The Sunday stallholders are individual sellers and many won't take cards. Small notes and coins are ideal for haggling over a stack of secondhand books or a vinyl record.
- What should I do around the market?
- The surrounding Sant Antoni neighborhood has become one of the city's best areas for cafes, vermuterias, and tapas. Browse the market, then graze the nearby bars. It's a great, less-touristy base for a morning.
- What is the Sunday market at Sant Antoni?
- Every Sunday morning, roughly 8:30am to 2pm, dozens of stalls wrap the market building selling secondhand books, comics, magazines, vinyl, postcards, and collectibles. It's the largest market of its kind in the area and a lovely, low-key local ritual.
- What are the food market highlights?
- It's a full neighborhood market with excellent produce, seafood, cured meats, and cheese, plus some bar counters. Come hungry on a weekday morning, shop for a picnic, or grab a bite at one of the counters.
Nearby in Ask Barcelona
- Bar CaldersRestaurant0.3 km · 4 min walk
- El RavalNeighborhood0.46 km · 6 min walk
- Two SchmucksBar0.48 km · 6 min walk
- Departure Coffee Co.Café0.52 km · 7 min walk
- Lodetto CaféCafé0.53 km · 7 min walk
Where to stay near Mercat de Sant Antoni
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