Mercat dels Encants

The Encants market: The most famous flea market in Barcelona

Completely renovated in 2013, now set on a magnificent reflective roof, the Mercat dels Encants is the largest and best-known flea market in Barcelona.

Mind you, it really is a flea market in the sense of a flea market with the best and the worst. For the worst, it's from rusty bicycles to old cosmetics to adult videos...

For the best, there is beautiful furniture, clothes, vintage objects, books, real stands... In short, a joyful bric-a-brac that delights professional antique dealers as well as second-hand enthusiasts and informed bargain hunters.

A must-see place, just a 15-minute walk from the Sagrada Família, and here the entrance is free!

Saturday is the most visited day: avoid it if you are just going for a walk. On the other hand, come early if you are looking for bargains.

Be careful, many stalls close in August...

The particularity of this flea market of Barcelona, antiques auctions take place on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 07:00 to 09:00, when all the dealers are there. Then again at 12:00 for the unsold items that go for a knock-down price. See also the furniture in the main hall. The market continues "normally" in the afternoon but many vendors prefer to close.

A long history of over 800 years and a beautiful renovation in 2013

The Mercat dels Encants, also known as the Mercat Fira de Bellcaire, has existed for more than 800 years, making it one of the oldest markets in Europe. It was first mentioned in 1300 and was mainly a barter market where people exchanged their goods. Over the centuries, the market was moved several times to different parts of Barcelona. It was finally relocated to its current location near the Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes in 1928.

In 2013, the Mercat dels Encants was completely renovated by the British architect b720 Fermín Vázquez in collaboration with the engineering company RCR Arquitectes and a brand new modern building was inaugurated. The new diamond-shaped building has a reflective roof that offers panoramic views of the city from its terrace.

The Encants also hosts cultural events, exhibitions, concerts and artistic activities. It is a dynamic space that encourages interaction between visitors and traders!

Finally, you can have lunch there, with many bars and street food stands and their terraces welcoming you on site!