Best Local Markets to Cover When in Barcelona

Art and craft, vegetables and meat, trinkets and souvenirs, the markets of Barcelona boast of having the most delicious produce, the most intricate art, dynamic people and energetic atmosphere. Plan your vacation in such a way that you can include all of the wonderful things that the city markets have to offer.

For a true foodie, Barcelona is nothing less than a shrine. Meat, seafood, vegetables and fruits all collected fresh in the morning is a lovely sight to behold. Team it up with local chefs working their magic, the aroma of the fresh spices, and you have the best gastronomic experience one can ever have! For all those looking to take back memories in the form of trinkets, you will find here a number of antique shops giving you precious delicates that will forever be special to you. And for an art lover, adding to the beauty of this ancient city are the modern artists spreading the joy of colours.

Take a look at our list of the best local markets to cover when in Barcelona and plan your trip soon!

Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria

Often called as La Boqueria, this market is the most famous market of Barcelona. A tourist magnet, you will see people flooding the streets of the market to get the best foodie experience of the city. Famous for the fresh produce that it offers, it prides in selling fruits, vegetables, meat, flowers, spices and everything that would tickle your senses.

Mercat de la Concepció

Photo credits: Gerhidt

Famed to be the best “social” market in the city, Mercat de la Concepció aims to bring people together. With excellent food options, this market organises events and activities for people to get to know the city and one another better. A delight to be a part of, this is shopping, dining and mingling at its best!

Mercat de Santa Caterina

The most significant part of this market is its roof. Not as large as the others, but definitely not less diverse, you will be attracted to its atmosphere like a bee is to a flower! Mercat de Santa Caterina flaunts a vibrant design, a work of art by Enric Miralles, Benedetta Tagliabue and the artist Toni Comella. Mosaic art flashing hues of fresh produce, you will not be disappointed by the offerings of this market.

Mercat del Ninot

Photo credits: Jordiferrer

An authentic experience of Barcelona food, this is the market where the locals shop! Fresh produce of vegetables, fruits and meat fill the trays early in the morning, and the fresh aroma is tantalising. A hidden gem in the city, a casual morning shopping tour will only do you good.

Mercadillo de la Plaça de Sant Josep

Mercadillo de la Plaça de Sant Josep is an artist’s haven. Opened as a tradition every week, this market features 15 artists who come to showcase their talents. The hues, the strokes and the emotions that flow through the air are surreal and mesmerising. Also boasting of a fun side to it, artists are more than happy to discuss art, and caricatures can be enjoyed at every other stall!

Mercat de Sant Antoni

Photo credits: Valugi

One place that has it all, Mercat de Sant Antoni showcases to its visitors, clothes, souvenirs, and trinkets, as well as fresh fruits, meat and vegetables. One of the largest markets in the city, it is frequented by locals. To get an exotic shopping experience, don’t forget to include it in your itinerary!

Culture to Cuisine: Where to Go When Planning a Vacation to Spain

Spain offers something for everyone. Whether you love cultural breaks, foodie experiences or simply relaxing on a beach, there is a destination waiting for you in the passionate, sophisticated country. Find out where to go when planning a vacation to Spain.

A Cultural Break

If you want to experience mesmerizing architectures, famous art, and interesting museums, you should make Barcelona your first choice. The cosmopolitan city is easily one of the most culturally rich cities in all of Spain, making it the ultimate destination for those who appreciate unforgettable scenery and delicious cuisine. It’s also located in the Mediterranean’s busiest port, so it’s ideal for those hoping to travel via Europe cruises.

A Sunny Experience

Spain is certainly not short of sunny weather and beautiful beaches, which can provide a relaxing vacation in Europe. If you want to spend most of your time on a sandy beach, Andalusia is certainly worth a consideration, which offers beautiful weather throughout the year. Yet, temperatures can soar to an uncomfortable temperature during the height of summer – so time your trip well.

Foodies’ Paradise

Spanish cuisine offers a concoction of delicious flavors that will linger on your tongue throughout your vacation. People who appreciate good food should make their way to Granada, which offers an authentic Spanish experience complemented with delicious tapas. It’s one of few cities that will provide free food with every drink, so you can experience different dishes with every order. You may also love a trip to either Seville or San Sebastian, as both offer internationally acclaimed tapas. Foodies will never want to return home.

Wine Experiences

Spain is world renowned for exceptional wines, such as a Rioja, Cava, and Ribera del Duero. Those who want to experience wine from the best regions should consider taking a trip to Bilbao and/or San Sebastian, which are in the Basque Country and a stone’s throw away from the Rioja wine region. Yet, the destinations also offer their own homegrown wine: Txakoli. To experience the best wine in Spain, you should look no further than the capital city of Madrid.

Outdoor Adventures

Are you a fan of outdoor activities? You might be surprised to learn you can go skiing in Spain. Of course, the best place to visit to hit the slopes is Barcelona, as it is within proximity of the Pyrenees. You can also participate in The Tomatina Festival, also known as the Tomato Battle, which takes place in the small town of Buñol every August. Locals prepare every year for the epic tomato event by adorning their homes with plastic sheeting. Both its residents and tourists will then begin throwing tomatoes at each other for fun. It’s a unique outdoor experience you won’t find anywhere else in Spain or beyond.

Have you got any top tips for planning a trip to Spain? Have you visited any of the destinations listed above? Share your advice and stories to help others enjoy the ultimate Spanish vacation.

7 Best Pro Wedding Photographers in Barcelona

Documenting your wedding, one of the main events in your life, putting it on record be it digitally or on film is something that we don't want to lay in the hands of an improvised amateur that will spoil our memories forever. With this I don't mean that amateurs lack the talent of an artist but maybe they falter in the technicalities or in something as simple as knowing how to solve last minute complications efficiently without ruining the client's ceremony.

Today I want to give you a list of the best pro wedding photographers in Barcelona which I am sure might make you feel happy about the results and rest assure that your money is well invested. Of course this is a personal selection and there are lots of creative and professional photographers out there. If you know other experts drop me a line so I can make an update later.

As you know there are different styles in wedding photography:

Classic or traditional wedding photography:

Remember those tedious weddings where guests are having a great time while the bride and the groom are tortured with a set of precooked classic poses in classic scenarios? Well, you still have a lot of that nowadays although other options are changing the way we approach the nuptial event. Classic style can be very appropriate if mixed with other styles. We are used to being directed by the master of ceremonies that the wedding photographer has always been but that is changing. Thanks God!

Photojournalism:

The attempt to break with stereotypes and the need to be in tune with modern times paves the way to a sort of subjective narration, more like a documentary executed by these professional artists who frame the truth of the scene as it is happening. It is not strange to hear comments like: the photographer was fantastic, we didn't even know she (or he) was there. Inside this style you can talk about documentary wedding photographers or reportage wedding photographers but in the end is all about narrating a story with images, the photographer as a storyteller.

Editorial wedding photography:

Editorial wedding photography is similar to photojournalism in the sense that they both tell a story, but it does not have limitations, as the scene can be staged there no need to always concentrate on capturing the moment.

Fine art wedding photography:

As the name suggests this style is about the artistic side of the image, the lights, the composition and the post processing. No need to get a LaChapelle striking artistic result to be regarded as a fine art wedding photographer but more or less you get the idea.

Fashion wedding photography:

A style that borrows from the fashion industry, especially the use of off camera lighting, model poses and  daring backgrounds as well as the display of fashion consumer articles.

Studio wedding photography:

As the word says, this is all in-studio, so I imagine is worse than the classic style!

And now, after the long introduction let's go with the...

List of best pro wedding photographers in Barcelona:

By Cesc Giralt

I start with one of my favorites, Cesc Giralt. He does Wedding Photography and Engagement (Pre Wedding) and Honeymoon (Post Wedding) Photo Shoots in Barcelona and Spain.  If I were to get married again which I won't I'd hire his services to remind me of such big incongruity.

By Carla Aymat

Carla Aymat is a Fine art wedding photographer with a very close and natural style. A young photographer with a lot of experience. Discreet and nice person according to her clients comments.
 

By Martina Zancan

Martina Zancan describes herself as 'a brunch addicted, lifeaholic, Italian fashion photographer living the dream in Barcelona and traveling the world to tell stories. She mainly does wedding reportage.

By Raquel Benito

Raquel Benito, captures the details, the essence of the subjects in the photograph in a very natural way. She loves to narrate a story in every image.

By Santi Roman

Santi Roman, an expert in documentary style photography filled with romance and emotion, Santi Roman is a true craftsman.

By Veronica Hansen

Veronica Hansen studied Photojournalism and History. Making artistic portraits of women was her creative outlet while she traveled the world. A real pro with a good background in photography.

By Xavi Guirola

Xavi Guirola, young millennial photographer and video maker with an obsession for new trends in technology, Japan and Netflix. He is a perfectionist in his field.