Mercat dels Encants

Market · el Fort Pienc ·

Mercat dels Encants

Market · el Fort Pienc ·

Vast flea market with unique vintage items, clothing, and trinkets.

Information

Carrer de los Castillejos, 158, Eixample, 08013 Barcelona, Spain Get directions

@cntraveler

41,698 Postcards · 5,568 Cities

28 Best Things to Do in Barcelona

"Els Encants is the flea market with the fabulous roof. That ceiling is over 80-feet high, built from undulating zinc and aluminum, and mirrored silver-gold to reflect a kaleidoscopic whirl of stalls below. This market of odds-and-sods has existed in Barcelona since around 1300; for years, as a nomad–goods laid out on ever-changing streets and squares around the city. That changed in 2013 when Els Encants’ sparkling new home opened in Poblenou. The design wizardry of architect b720 Fermín Vázquez (which is now modernizing the city’s iconic Camp Nou soccer stadium), it’s a visual stunner blessed with good-looking neighbors. On one side, the tin-foil-shiny Torre Glòries and Disseny Hub, the design museum. Turn 90 degrees, and there’s La Sagrada Familia saying hola in the background. There are two types of shoppers. Those with a practical list—for a tablecloth, DIY tools, low-cost sportswear, say. And those on a speculative hunt for gems. For the latter, you have to be prepared to wade through tat. But if that’s your vibe, you’ll find stealth members of your tribe here, too—interior and fashion designers, prop sourcers, decorators, and people with homes full of where-did-you-find-THAT pieces." - Gemma Askham

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-barcelona

Courtesy Els Encants

Mercat dels Encants

@julian

71 Postcards · 11 Cities

Spain, Madrid and Barcelona

Mercat dels Encants

Camille S.

Google

A panoramic open structure, reflective ceilings and multiple levels create an impressive setting for one of Barcelona’s most iconic markets. The atmosphere is busy and vibrant, with stalls arranged across different floors selling a wide mix of antiques, vintage pieces, textiles, books and everyday items. The layout encourages slow browsing, and from the upper terraces you get a clear view of the scale of the market and its constant movement. Prices vary widely, as expected in a large flea market, but the variety is remarkable. It’s easy to spend time exploring the different areas, from second-hand collections to more traditional stands. The reflective roof is a distinctive architectural feature and adds a unique dimension to the experience, especially when looking down at the activity below. Overall, it’s a lively stop for anyone interested in markets, local culture or urban architecture. Good to combine with a walk in the surrounding Glòries area. Recommended for the scale, atmosphere and the market’s unique design.

Jee M.

Google

So many second hand goods and some new too. They have everything from clothes, books, electronics, etc. They have a few floors and on the top floor there’s a food section if you get hungry. If you love vintage shopping or looking for a bargain, this is the place to go!

Let's G.

Google

A neat flea market in the middle of modern architecture around it. They sell daily necessities, household goods, antiques to everything between. We found many bargains. It's a great place to visit. We went back the next day but sadly it was closed because of the public holiday.

Cathy S.

Google

The bottom floor is where you will find the jumbles of items on tables and blankets. But you won't find any bargains. Prices are high and there was no haggling. I asked the price for a single small earring and a tiny thin ring, both pulled from a box full of random stuff, and he wanted 5 Euro! I said no and he just walked away. There was another girl there and he quoted a high price and he wouldn't go down at all. It was fun to look at stuff and walk around but not really to buy.

Yaniv O.

Google

A huge flea market, not only in size, but in the amount of shops, people and goods there. Those who love historical and vintage items, those who have collections, those who are looking for something that is not in regular stores - will find it there. Those who come to visit and be impressed, take a deep breath, it is simply too much, it is tough, it is massive and it is impossible to see everything. The amount of people is enormous. There is a metro nearby and the place is covered in case it rains. Watch your bags, the crowd there is at its peak

ItsJoelAnthxny

Google

Great little market if you’re into finding quirky bits and trinkets. The first stall you see when you go in is heaven for camera lovers — loads of cool old gear. You do need to enjoy the whole thrifting vibe though, as it’s very much about digging around for the good stuff. Best advice: wander the whole place before you buy anything… there’s always another gem hiding a few stalls down.

SY C.

Google

This it’s a unique market that has lots of little things. Some are vintage but some are probably not very useful. You can definitely get a few interesting items if you like used stuffs. Worth to check it out.

Theresa E.

Google

This is a huge, open air, flea market style market, that is only open a few days a week, so check the schedule before going. They sell anything from materials for sewing, to new jewelry, socks and clothing, to old used fans, cameras, books and watches. Be careful on the old items because if you show interest they raise the price and the junk seller have no interest in getting rid of their inventory but just gauging you. I was interested in an old lighter that didn't work and the seller wanted €40 and then raised it to €60. Be careful on used items, look for flaws, negotiate and argue if you want it but be willing to walk away. The market is huge but it's fun.