Amy Davies

Barcelona: La Boqueria


This is the first blogpost I’ll be uploading containing photos from my recent trip to Barcelona. We visited La Boqueria on the last day, which you may think is an odd place to start. Well, I am odd, and it was one of my favourite places to photograph, despite the grumpy stallholders.

La Boqueria is a huge indoor market just off the famous La Rambla in the centre of Barcelona. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations and is usually pretty crowded.

It’s also one of Europe’s oldest markets, with mentions of it going back as far as 1217. And you thought Cardiff market was old, huh?

The actual building it’s currently housed in is a little younger, with construction beginning in 1840. The fish market in the centre of the market opened in 1911, and the roof which is still in place today was added in 1914.

Walking around La Boqueria is an interesting experience. Tourists probably match locals 1:1, some of the stallholders seem to be very annoyed that tourists show up and take pictures – one shouted “Senora! Senora! NO PHOTO NO PHOTO!” at me, which seems so odd. This is one of the top tourist destinations in Barcelona, so you would assume that the stallholders would be used to it by now. Other stalls clearly cater entirely for tourists, with pre-packed fruits in English language packet.

The colours, amount of produce, freshness and beauty of it makes it a dream for photographers, especially someone such as myself who is absolutely in love with food photography.

I only spent about 45 minutes in here, but I took stacks of photos, some of which I present below. I hope you like them, and look out for more photos from Barcelona very soon.

































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317 comments

  5. Heather

    Absolutely gorgeous colorful photos of all types of beautiful foods! I can’t wait to stop at the market and find something to cook for the evening. I have to admit, it was the figs that caught my eye first.

    Reply
  8. michaelchernoff

    I’ve been there too and it’s a stream of color and texture produced by candy and meat…a strage market where eclecticism, commercialism, and poverty converge into a mini global food and tourist spot.

    Reply
    • amydavies

      Yes, it is a most intriguing place – I can see why they get a little annoyed with the tourists, but at the same time, anything that encourages people to come and have a look around and hopefully spend has to be good, right?

      Reply
  9. DoF@theinfill

    Beautiful colours and amazing photos – exceptional effect of them all ‘listed’ down together like this. Love it. Am worried about those pears tho; do they look like they’re lined up as offensive weapons to you? :) Many thanks for posting

    Reply
    • amydavies

      I wish there was something like this everywhere! :D There is a local market near me which is quite good, but I would feel scared to take photos in the – the attitude to photographers in Britain is pretty terrible right now…

      Reply

  26. Pingback: Barcelona’s Bustling La Boqueria | Marina Chetner

  32. classicconfusion

    I never understood some “NO PHOTO” policies. Even in the malls in Canada, the salespeople will throw a fit if you take a picture of your friend trying on a silly hat.
    Oh well, I’m glad you got some great photos anyway! Looks beautiful. :)

    Reply
    • amydavies

      No me either – so silly! BUT that said, the attitude here in Britain is so much worse than this, I would be too scared to take photos like this at all in my local market, which is incredibly sad :(

      Reply
  39. needtotaste

    I went here in 2009 and took similar photos! I remember thinking it was the brightest, most colorful market ever–and we returned twice for those beautiful fresh-blended juices! Cheers!

    Reply
  46. Ro

    I am a professional food photographer and I’ll tell you that you have a calling that needs to be answered. Food is one of the hardest things to shoot and you have the knack for it. Brilliant work!

    Reply
    • amydavies

      Thankyou very much, that is an amazingly kind thing to say! I used to have a food blog, but other projects and so on got in the way – perhaps I need to get back into it a bit more :)

      Reply
  51. PK

    Nice work!

    Ask the stall (or boat or house etc.) owner for permission before you shoot – that makes them feel like at least they are part of the process. If you don’t know the local language just point to your camera and give a thumbs up. They’ll get the hint.

    Reply
    • amydavies

      That is a good tip – at first I didn’t realise it would be a problem because there were so many other photographers taking pictures… but after I got shouted at, I tried to get eye contact each time! :)

      Reply
  55. kelvintan88

    Superb post! It reminds me of my visit to Barcelona with my family during my teens. We had lunch at one of the stool-side stalls, serving all fresh seafood. Man was it the most simplistic but yet oh so delicious lunch ever. Dad got a bit of a shock as bill came with a bit of a bite, however we did eat enough food to keep us going all day and he always said “You pay for good food”. Your pictures are beautiful & nostalgic, thank you.

    Reply
  61. Summer626

    Wow, great photos. It’s amazing how artists see things this way, I walked through this marker and while it was interesting to look at, you were able to really capture the variety, colors, and interest of the place.

    Reply
  64. Sean Kingston

    Really great photos…you must have a nice camera? My canon snapshot is not getting it done. I may be heading back to Spain and Europe as a whole for some writing and travel, I will definitely check out this market. Suerte.

    Reply
  65. Learn To DJ

    When I was in Spain, We went to the South (Marbella, Mallaga, etc.)
    The food did not look any thing like that at all, as a matter of fact it was horrendous.
    Makes me jealous, unless you are that good of a photographer?
    Cheers
    -Ron

    Reply
  68. Molly Media Studios

    Omigawd — these are wonderful! I too love food photos, thought I haven’t been able to shoot a market in many years. When I lived in Montreal during my early 20s and was in photography school, i used to love to walk to the Atwater market from my flat and shoot the food. I was working mostly in black and white then, and color adds so much more to food photography. But it was lovely in black and white back then, too.

    There’s a very small farmers market where I now live in Sault Ste. Marie in Northern Ontario, but not much to shoot. I may one day next summer drive into town on a Saturday morning and take some shots of the thing, now that I’m so inspired by your work.

    Great stuff. Loved that you’re Freshly Pressed because it enabled me to find you. Keep up the great work, and I’ll check back often…

    ~darren.

    Reply
  69. Molly Media Studios

    And I agree, as a professional image maker myself (I’m the Creative Director/Owner of my own commercial video production company, you certainly have a knack for doing food photography. There’s certainly a market out there for someone as talented as yourself!

    Reply
  73. sarahnsh

    I don’t understand why they wouldn’t want you taking pictures… especially of food, that doesn’t really make any sense. I’m glad you took them anyways, because they turned out great and the colors are just amazing! The candies look especially yummy!

    Reply
    • amydavies

      I guess they are just a bit fed up of tourists taking pictures but not buying anything – after all, a tourist isn’t really going to be buying a giant raw fish! But at the same time, I think, anything that encourages visitors and potential customers should be welcomed :)

      Reply
  80. soyaletorro

    Beautiful and colorful pictures. I would also add that if you’re going there try to eat some tapas at the restaurant/stall called PInoccio, keep in mind it will be crowded so get there early or be patient. Patience usually enjoys a glass of wine or beer – just sayin’!

    Reply
  81. joehoover

    Great photos, I’m always too scared to take any there, the women of the fish stalls in the middle are especially scary! I’ve been 7 times to Barcelona, usually to coincide with the Primavera music festival but always renting an apartment for the weekend so we can take advantage of the markets to cook for ourselves, it’s not the cheapest market but it’s worth it for the experience.

    Reply
    • amydavies

      Yes I agree – it was one of the women from the fish stall that shouted at me, since there were so many people taking photos I hadn’t realised it would be a problem – I was a bit more cautious from then on, looking for approval most of the time. :)

      Reply
  84. Patricia Pastor

    It’s one of the most colourful and amazing markets of Spain, but if you go to a little town you can find little markets with the same charm: always fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and meat everywhere. It’s really nice buy there more than in a supermarket. And the merchants aren’t usually grumpy but focus in their work ;)

    Reply
    • amydavies

      Fair point Patricia – I’d love to see some more markets. There’s a market close to my house, but I’d be a little frightened to take pictures there, the attitudes in Britain are not very free.

      Reply
  85. barcelonaonarolltours

    If you walk until the back door of the Boqueria, where there are not sooooo many tourists you’ll find some great line in bars and restaurants. It’s not a place for a full meal, rather for a tapas selection. Also the products selling there are a little cheaper and it is easier to shop! ;)

    Reply
  88. Intentionally Poor

    Wow those are some beautiful photo’s amy! I can’t believe I missed this when I was in Barcelona. But hey, just another reason to return there one day!
    Also, I don’t get why he told you not to take photos! It’s fruit, not prototype robots…

    Reply
  93. germanintern

    Hola Amy,
    Wow, extraordinary pictures! Wonderful coulours, too! Have a look at our Oh-Barcelona blog and our article about La Boqueria: http://www.oh-barcelona.com/en/blog/2011/things-to-do/shopping/la-boqueria-10406.
    If you like we could even consider changing our pictures and put yours there instead (of course with your name and all)! What do you think? Just write a comment underneath and we’ll get back to you. Thank you.
    Bethula
    for Oh-Barcelona.com

    Reply
    • amydavies

      Thankyou! :) It’s kinda hidden in plain sight to be honest, you have to be looking for it to find it – it’s just off La Ramblas, but it’s not hugely obvious what it is, or what wonders lie beyond the entrance gate! :) Glad you like the pictures – hope you get to go back and explore one day!

      Reply
  97. Bill Davis

    Wow… amazing post. Beautiful pictures. I studied Spanish for 5 years and have always wanted to get to Barcelona. You make me feel like I just did! Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!

    Reply
    • amydavies

      Thanks Bill – make sure you add in a bit of Catalonian when you go, they really appreciate that (most of the Catalonians don’t see themselves as Spanish and only speak it out of necessity…. ;-) Glad you liked the photos, hope you get to go one day!

      Reply
    • amydavies

      I’d love to visit the Philippines to see these markets – so many beautiful colours I should imagine, the candies, yes they really are a decadence, but so much skill and so much craft goes into them, the photographer’s dream!

      Reply
    • amydavies

      Oh wow – amazing, I’m incredibly jealous! I have a lot more pictures still to come – did you check out La Sagrada pictures I posted? If you feel like subscribing, go ahead, if not – no worries! Have fun in that amazing city…

      Reply
    • amydavies

      Thankyou :) The vendors weren’t so bad in the end – I feel like I’ve done them a disservice, I hadn’t realised so many people would be reading the blog :D Let’s just say, we have far grumpier ones here in the UK! :D

      Reply
    • amydavies

      Maybe after a while you get so used to the colours that you just get on with it? I saw lots of people buying stuff… .lots of tourists too though! Lots of the restaurants around here proudly claim that they buy all of their fresh ingredients from this market :)

      Reply
  108. thewandererfl

    I went to Barcelona last year around this time and saw some of these same places/items in the market. It is such a beautiful city and I will never forget the experience. What did you think of the Gaudi architecture? I made that my main goal while I was there, to see them all. And eventually made my way to parc guell. The architectural and aesthetic ingenuity is almost unreal. Like I said, I’ll never forget that city… and I backpacked all throughout the Spanish interior.
    -Ricky
    The Wanderer
    http://www.thewandererfl.wordpress.com
    http://www.facebook.com/thewandererfl

    Reply
    • amydavies

      I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE Gaudi! If you check out the other post on my blog I posted recently, you’ll see pictures from La Sagrada Familia. I have lots more Gaudi pictures to come, from Casa Battlo, La Pedrera and Parc Guell – I just need to find the time to post them – please do feel free to subscribe if you want to see more (but no worries if not of course!).

      Reply
  113. lubylou12

    I went to this market earlier this year, such an amazing place, I love the little pinox bars (I think that’s what you call them : ) )The photo’s are amazing, really pick out all the gorgeous vibrant colours in that place.

    Reply
  114. Hearten Soul

    Hi Amy, I love your pictures. I’m just wondering if there’s a difference between people objecting to you photographing their stall (which being in public, seems a bit grumpy and profit motivated) or objecting to you photographing them (which I think is a general issue for photographers). I think the point a previous poster made about asking permission is general good practice if people are involved. Not wanting to stereotype but I guess for some market traders there may be issues to do with immigration status or religious objections?

    Congrats on being Freshly Pressed.

    Reply
    • amydavies

      Thanks very much – it’s an interesting question. Technically, this is probably private land, belonging to whoever owns the market. I got shouted at for taking a picture of fish – not the woman selling them, maybe she thought I was pointing the camera at her though – difficult to tell really.

      At first I didn’t realise there would be an issue with photographing – perhaps a little naive I don’t know – but I saw so many tourists with cameras that I didn’t think about it to be honest. After the woman shouted at me, I preceded a bit more cautiously, looking to get approval first, or snapping and moving on quickly so as not to be in the way. That didn’t stop one of the stallholders physically pushing me out of the way on one occasion though – but it’s hard for me to judge them based on just a few minutes in their presence, maybe they are fed up with all the tourists not buying anything… obviously not many tourists are going to be buying a big raw fish!

      Amy

      Reply
  118. E. He

    La Boqueria was one of my favorite places in Barcelona as well! I especially loved stopping in for those hopefully freshly squeezed fruit juices. mmmmmm I love your photographs! They’re so beautiful and colorful!

    Reply
  121. Heather Antonelli

    Really beautiful images! Nicely done. What kind of camera/lens do you use? I just got a Nikon D90 with macro lens and have been experimenting with food photography in a more serious way than my normal attempts. You are inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • amydavies

      Hi Heather,

      Thanks for the comment. For this set I used my Canon EOS 60D and a combination of my macro 60mm lens (mainly), my Sigma 30mm and a few shots with a Sigma 10-20mm lens. It sounds like with your D90 and macro lens you have a pretty similar setup. The 60mm is a good focal length to still get nice and close on the food without having to get physically close!

      Glad you liked the pictures :)

      Reply
  125. indiraadams

    One of my top dreams is to visit Spain. The photos were beautiful. My favorite were the ones of seafood (nothing like fresh fish, crabs,and shrimp!), and also the sweets. I bet everything was delicious. And don’t be surprised at how blunt the vendor was. Most Europeans (I’m one myself) tend to be sort of rushed, and come off as rude. I hope you enjoyed the trip! Sounds amazing!

    http://indiraadams.wordpress.com
    http://handreachedout.wordpress.com

    Reply
    • amydavies

      Oh don’t worry – I count myself as European too (I’m British) and the attitude here is 10x as bad – I am far too scared to take photos in my own local market for fear of being chased out!!

      Reply
    • amydavies

      Thanks – it’s been a challenge catching up with them all, but I think I’ve managed it now! Thankyou for taking the time to comment, it really means a lot to me. I’ll check out your post about Barcelona a bit later, I have a few links sent to me that I need to catch up with :)

      Amy

      Reply
  127. Romantic Asian Guy

    Ohh Barcelona’s such a beautiful place! Thanks for posting the history about it and all those photos! I love the colorful markets and the rich history of the area. It’s utterly fascinating!

    Do you have any one favorite moment or memory that stands above the rest? Any light-bulb moment of discovery?

    Reply
    • amydavies

      Hi!

      Thanks for your comment – glad you liked the post :)

      I suppose my favourite moment was going in La Sagrada and seeing the inside finished, the last time I went there it was just a building site inside, so it was really wonderful, and almost breathtaking even to see it – make sure you to have a look at my post about it! :)

      Reply
  128. snapitstitchitstickit: Sarah

    Nice shots, and AREN’T the stall-holders SUPER grumpy. We were there on a bad day I think, as we eventually got driven out of the markets alltogether! Which as a photographer is very distressing and down-right aggravating….bUt I get it. It would be like if all the toursits went to Tescos and stood around all day taking photo’s, getting in the way and annoying people!! ♥

    Reply
    • amydavies

      I would totally get grumpy too, at the “gawkers” and “happy snappers”, but I purposefully went out of my way to be as quick and efficient as possible, stopping for around 5-10 seconds each time to compose and take the shot and then get out of the way as quickly as possible, always looking around to make sure I wasn’t in anyone’s way – I think that’s the best anyone could do, hopefully, for them it’s paid off this time to let me take the photos as more than one person has commented on this blogpost that they are hoping to visit La Boqueria after seeing the photos :)

      Reply
  134. Lisette van de Graaf

    A lovely post on La Boqueria! And congratulations for being on freshly pressed!

    I live close to La Boqueria, and shop there whenever I can, but often it is too crowded to be able to move around with my grocery bags, when the aisles are full of people taking photographs and gawking at all the gorgeous produce that is on offer, and honestly, that takes away some of the enjoyment of shopping there…

    Imagine if you will: if it is stressful for a local to do their groceries at this wonderful market, imagine how it must be to work there from 8am to 8pm, being photographed from every angle, all day long, and barely being able to cart in more produce because the aisles are jam packed with tourists (you say the tourists vs locals was about 1:1? You were there at a quiet time; it is usually about 5:1) – that is stressful enough to make anyone grumpy!
    ;)

    Reply
    • amydavies

      Oh I totally agree – and I tried my best to keep my visit short and sweet, I was in there only 45 minutes, with each photo pretty much composed and shot within just a few seconds so as to avoid getting in the way. I went at lunchtime and it was quiet – probably because it was October maybe? But yes, I can fully understand how grumpy it must be, and so, people who are becoming a nuisance of themselves, standing in the way of real shoppers should be shouted at. But on the flip side of the fence, a lot of people have said on this post that they had not known about La Boqueria before, and now they do – we might find that lots of these people visit the market and spend some of their money there, so hopefully it will have helped in some way.

      I also don’t agree with people getting really close to the food to take photos – that’s unhygenic, I kept my distance and did my best to avoid being a nuisance!

      Thanks for your comments on the blog, I hope you liked the pictures, and thankyou for joining in the debate ;)

      Reply

  139. Pingback: Barcelona: La Pedrera | Amy Davies

  144. eradley

    It’s overwhelming isn’t it? I live here and I still get swept away by that market!
    And I wouldn’t worry about the No-Photos man – I think after years of having people crowd your stall and not actually buy anything just grates on the nerves of market sellers.

    Reply
    • amydavies

      Oh yeah, I totally agree – I just think they don’t need to be *so* rude about it… or they should put up signs at the entrance saying you can’t do it… there’s no where that says you can’t take them, and, when I was there lots of people were taking them so I assumed they were fine with it… after I was “told off” I trod a lot more carefully =) Ridiculously jealous that you live there though, my dream city!!

      Reply

  150. Pingback: Barcelona: Casa Batlló | Amy Davies

    • amydavies

      Aw thankyou very much for your very kind comments! Glad you like them, have you checked out the other posts I did about Barcelona? If not, just type in “Barcelona” in the search box and it should bring up everything. I have one more post to upload, which I should do today ready for tomorrow! :)

      Reply
  161. HT

    Whoa, enjoy your pictures very much. They are truly colorful. One can get a real feeling about the market and the food. Thank you for posting them.

    Reply

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