As you may already know, there are lot of opportunities in Barcelona to do the groceries. More or less all of them are selling the same products (from various brands) but the prices vary too! Some of the shops are really great pocket-savers but some of the shops try to rip you off because of their high prices. After reading this article we hope you will understand the differences and you will find your own shop which will meet with your expectations and fit the best to your needs!

First, let’s cover the different types of shops in Barcelona:

  • Corner stores/convenience stores
  • Supermarkets
  • Marketplaces
  • Local shops (like fisheries, fruits and vegetables, butchers, etc.)

Corner Stores


Firstly, I would like to introduce the corner shops. Usually you have to avoid these stores if you find yourself on a strict budget. Due to their smaller and more “exclusive” selection they are generally more expensive than the others. But on the bright side they are more or less open 24 hours a day (also on Sundays) and there isn’t any queue there! So they are a great backup option for those tight situations!

Supermarkets


Secondly, I want to emphasize why you need to choose supermarkets to do the daily groceries. They are everywhere. In the centre you will often find “express” versions of each major brand, and only a few metro stops outside the centre you will find huge depot versions. Their product ranges are usually vast and you can find products from groceries, hygiene till the cleaning products!

Fresh Markets


Thirdly, I would like to introduce the local marketplaces. That is your place if you like fresh and high quality products. The prices are bit higher than in the supermarkets but the good conditions of products are more appreciated. If you want to get more integrated into your local neighbourhood life then head down to the closest farmers market!

Greengrocer


Last but not least, the local shops like greengrocers, fishmongers and butchers. This alternative is for people who prefer quality to low prices, who want to know the local eating habits and typical produce and who prefer fresh products! If you go often enough, you’ll probably get to know the staff enough that they will get to know exactly the kind of products that you need!

Where to Shop


Dia:
 Usually smaller than an average supermarket it is known for being very cheap as well as being a great for supermarket staples and dry goods.

Mercadona: The Spanish equivalent of a Lidl/Aldi, this enormous supermarket offers a selection of Spanish products and well-known brand names. Mercadona is a great option for buying in bulk.

CarrefourIn these stores you can find French and English products also and it has a great pharmacy and cosmetics section. You can find the biggest store on Las Ramblas but there are smaller ones other places in the city.

El Corte Inglés: Here you can find products which hare more expensive but these supermarkets are home to a wide selection of organic, gluten-free products. They have also a fantastic wine selection and its fish counter is great.

Mercat de la Boqueria: The best-known market in Barcelona, here you’ll find a huge variety of food, from salads and sandwiches to snack cones filled with ham or shrimp.

Mercat de Santa Caterina:  The stalls sell a beautiful assortment of fresh produce including meat, fish, cheese, fruit and vegetables

Mercat de Sant Andreu: There are more stalls, shops and bars beneath the colonnade itself, including florists and bakeries, chocolatiers.

 

– Viki

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