St. Joseph Market is one of, if not the most popular markets in town. It is best known as Mercat de la Boqueria. Opened originally in 1836, it is a roofed Catalan market with interesting architecture and atmosphere, not to mention a wonderful variety of products to choose from. Here you will find reasonably priced food, flowers and handmade stuff.
If you’re traveling with children, be sure to hit up the central sidewalk of Las Ramblas Ave, almost in front of La Boqueria market. Walk around the Old Town (Gotic-Ribera-Born) and you will find a less known but equally interesting market. Mercat de Santa Caterina, which was closed for many years, was re-opened in 2005. The most interesting feature of this less crowded market is the colorful and wavy ceramic roof. Walk towards the steps of the Santiago and you will come across small craft shops that appear to be old homes. Go inside and drink in all the wonderful handmade items, from silver jewelry and handmade toys to flamenco fans, paper-mache masks, textiles, beads, glass plates and mosaics. If you love chocolate, stop by Cacao Sampaka. Only here can you find friend corn with bitter chocolate, salted sunflower seeds with bitter chocolate, lemon peels covered in chocolate, chocolate sauces, jams and spreads.
Caelum is the Latin word for Heaven and the folks that opened Caelum Shop/Cafe knew exactly what they were offering. Everything in this shop has been created by monks and nuns from several monestaries and nunneries throughout Spain; jams and preserves, cakes and biscuits, marzipan and liquors. Pick up cute things from around the world including matchboxes adorned with rhinestones from India or woven technicolor plastic floormats, lanterns and chests made rom soda cans from Africa. When in Barcelona, shop as the locals do. Visit and enjoy the outdoor markets and the crafty little shops and bring something unique home for everyone on your shopping list!
