Shopping in Barcelona

The History of the markets in Barcelona 2.

Shopping in Barcelona

The history of the markets we know nowadays is, indeed, quite recent. This is because they had to develop new areas in the city in order for the markets to be able to exist, thus knocking down other places, but like they say, "for there to be creation there has to be destruction" and that was how the Boqueria arose. La Boquería was discussed most extensively because it is a market that sets the standard for everywhere else, and because it is still the most important thing in Barcelona. Still a few years later, having continued along this path of development and expansion the market in Santa Caterina was born. The Universal Expositions was also another important milestone in the history of barcelonian markets, as it was so great that the markets of Concepcion, Hostafrancs and Llibertat started, then opened the markets of Clot and of Sant Martí. Years later the markets in Abacería and Ninot were opened.

The most modern market that Barcelona had was The Born, followed by Galvany, Sant Antoni and Barceloneta. Eixample also began their days with a design that completely changed the layout of the typical traditional market, and this was certainly well received by locals and visitors, even though Barcelona was very small.

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The History of the markets in Barcelona

Shopping in Barcelona

Before telling you about the markets is in Barcelona, you should know briefly about their history and gestation. The markets emerged in social history as a way of quickly and economically sourcing food, clothing and household goods. Markets, in the beginning were quite humble, but over time they have matured and improved their facilities, whilst preserving the ultimate goal which they had early on: to make life easier for people.

In Barcelona there are many markets, these are sites that tradition has not allowed out of the running and that is why stil in the 21st century, we will continue to see so many of these sorts of places scattered around the city. Each market has its own stamp and personality, as if it were a place with its own life.

Some markets have already been in the city for years, like the Ramblas, where a long time ago they had street shops until they found more profitable sites where they could operate their businesses, and thus gradually built a life story there. On the Ramblas today there is the Boqueria market, which is now a standard of local and international cuisine. In the Boqueria there are specialty food shops, such as fruit or seafood, there are even meat, chocolates, nuts and vegetable shops.

 

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La Boquería market

Shopping in Barcelona

Strolling down the Ramblas there are lots of things to see, flower stalls, street artists, emblematic buildings, but one of the most rewarding is the Boqueria market.

Even though how it came to be there is not exactly clear, what is certain is that is started off as a street market on the Ramblas.

With the years, la Boquería has converted into the most emblematic market of the whole city. The structure, its location and the market holders themseles have ensured that the market is on the to-do list of most of the tourists who visit Barcelona.

Through the variety of stalls you can get a real sense of the identity of the city, as most of the stall holders are the third or fourth generation to do so. The perfect fusion between past and present, a cultural, economic and social meeting place.

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Shopping in Portal del Angel

Shopping in Barcelona

Portal del Ángel,  located in the center of the city, is a large commercial street starting at Plaza Catalunya, end ending at the Cathedral.

Walking down the street towards the south, your eyes are greeted with muliticoloured swathes of people moving from one side to the other, distractedly looking in the shop windows or chatting with friends on the square benches.

Portal del Ángel is recommended for those looking for the “cosmopolitan fauna” of the city, whilst picking up bargains in the fashionable clothes shops.

The bustle of the shoppers and tourists share the street with the relaxed atmosphere provided by street artists intent on demonstrating their abilities. Hip hop dancers, opera singers, jazz bands... they can all be found in this large avenue, entertaining the drifting crowds all day long.

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