Real Estate Services

Inicio > Living in Barcelona > Living in barcelona & History and Architecture > Visit the Encants Market

Discover everything there is to see at the Mercat dels Encants

Barcelona is full of markets where you can find food and clothing. However, few are as iconic and well-known as the Encants market. This market, currently divided into two parts, offers everything from furniture to clothing. If you want to find out more about what you can discover at this market, keep reading!

History of the Encants Market

The origins of the market date back to around the year 1300 when used objects began to be sold regularly at the gates of Barcelona’s city wall. The tradition since then has been to place objects directly on the ground for sale, maintaining a nomadic, informal, and free-spirited essence in the market.

The location of the Encants market has varied over time, moving through different places such as outside the city wall, Drassanes, La Rambla de las Flores, or the Sant Antoni market. It finally settled in Plaça de les Glòries, where it remains to this day.

Today, the Encants market is divided into two parts: the Old Encants (which preserves the essence of the classic market) and the New Encants (more of a commercial hub than a traditional market).

How is the Old Encants Market?

The Old Encants market still occupies Plaça de les Glòries. Here, you’ll find a collection of shops along the sides and many individuals selling their goods in the center of the market, echoing its origins.

You can find just about anything at this market, so it’s truly fascinating to explore with an open mind and be amazed by the variety of objects. Antiques and second-hand items, many in good condition, are common finds here.

Another popular category in this market is vintage clothing, offering great finds at affordable prices. Additionally, in 2013, architects from b720 designed a new building that both reflects the market’s interior and provides shelter from rain, adding a modern touch. The Old Encants strike a perfect balance between modernism and tradition and are one of the best free things to experience in l’Eixample.

When can you visit the Encants Market?

The Old Encants market is open on Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, allowing ample time to browse each stall leisurely.

Explore the New Encants

While the Old Encants market is more renowned, the commercial hub of the New Encants also offers plenty to explore. Here, you’ll find a wide range of shops from food to clothing.

While it’s worth visiting the commercial hub and exploring all the shops, we recommend two in particular:

TANNHÄUSER: A must-visit for collectors, offering everything from unopened action figures to Soviet-era figurines.
Xarcuteria Tobella: For the best local cured meats, dishes, and other local gastronomic delights, this deli is a must-visit. They offer tasting packs ideal for sampling a bit of everything.

Opening Hours for the New Encants

The New Encants commercial hub is open Monday to Saturday with consistent hours: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Find your dream apartment in Barcelona

Don't miss out on what there is to do in Barcelona

Restaurants in Barcelona

Best Bars in Barcelona

Transports in Barcelona

What to do and see in Barcelona

Barcelona Festivals

Architecture in Barcelona

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have a question or would like to discuss your project.

Take a look at all the neighborhoods of Barcelona

Living in the Eixample

Living in Ciutat Vella

Living in Sants-Montjuïc

Living in Les Corts

Living in Sarriá
Sant Gervasi

Living in Grácia

Living in Horta Guinardó

Living in Nou Barris

Living in Sant Andreu

Living in Sant Martí