For a truly unique shopping experience in Barcelona, none is quite like that of the Encants Vells market. If you want to take home a more unusual souvenir as opposed to the typical FC Barcelona football shirt or fridge magnet, then be sure to visit this historic flea market. You never know what you might find in this market full of knick-knacks and all sorts of bric-a-brac in a great atmosphere.
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The Encants Vells Market is one of the oldest markets in Europe dating back to the 14th century and is today visited by over 100,000 customers a week. About 500 traders and stalls sell a huge variety of antiquities, curiosities and second hand goods. This includes everything from furniture to books, jewellery to clothing and collectibles to old LPs. The market offers a huge eclectic mix of the bizarre and collectible antique goods.
It has recently moved from its old site of 80 years to a brand new market place. A gleaming metal ´canopy´ provides shelter over the stalls but still retains a very large and open space. There is now double the space for all the traders and the new building also includes offices, restaurants and underground parking. It is part of the redevelopment plan of Les Glòries and coincides with the designs of other buildings in the area. Now this impressive market can finally be matched by its impressive setting in its ultramodern and spectacular new home.
Its a good idea to keep one eye on your belongings as, busy, noisy places are always prime places for pickpockets because everyone is being distracted all the time by what’s on offer.
Opening times:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 9am – 8pm.
Public auction:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7am – 9:30am
The public auction is a sight to behold in itself. Anyone can join in and individual lots are sold as a whole with a massive array of diverse items to be found in just one lot. This is the only market in Europe where this type of selling takes place and should not be missed!
How to get there:
Address: Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, 18 08020 Barcelona, Spain.
Located between Gran Via and Avinguida Meridiana in the old “Bosquet dels Encants”, opposite the Centro Commercial Les Glóries.
Metro: L1 Glòries
Bus: 7, H12, N7
Tram: Line T4, T5, T6 stop Glòries
If you need help in finding your ideal accommodation during your stay in Barcelona then visit www.barcelona-home.com.