Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants)
The Mercat dels Encants Vells, also known as the Fira de Bellcaire, is Barcelona’s largest and oldest street market, currently located at 158 Carrer dels Castillejos, next to Plaça de les Glories. With nearly 500 stalls spread across a three-story building covered by a spectacular aluminum and zinc pergola with a mirrored roof, the Mercat dels Encants is one of the great architectural icons of Barcelona’s Eixample district and of the city itself. The Mercat dels Encants Vells is held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and serves as a major gathering place for collectors, bargain hunters, interior decorators, designers, and curious visitors to the city. It’s a must-see stop on any tour of Barcelona’s markets for discovering antiques, vintage items, secondhand clothing, and all kinds of objects with a story behind them, attracting thousands of visitors every week.
What will I find at this market?
General, Food, Fruits and Vegetables
Everything You Need to Know
Get to Know the Market
A little background
he origins of the Mercat dels Encants Vells date back to the year 1300, when vendors of used goods would regularly set up shop near the gates of Barcelona’s city walls, operating in an essentially nomadic, informal, and free manner, with their merchandise laid out directly on the ground. Its popular name, Fira de Bellcaire, refers to this centuries-old tradition of secondhand trade and bartering in the city.
The market has changed locations numerous times over the centuries: beyond the city walls, at Placa Nova, at the Drassanes, on the Rambla de les Flors, next to the Mercat de Sant Antoni, and, finally, at Placa de les Glories. In September 2013, it moved to its current location under the spectacular mirrored pergola designed by b720 Fermin Vazquez Arquitectos, a structure that is now a must-see on Barcelona’s contemporary architecture tour.
How to Find the Market
Address
Who's in the market?
There are currently no vendors with valid authorization in this market.
Coming Soon
The list of vendors will appear here as soon as the first valid authorizations are granted.
A unique experience
Tradition and Experience
A historic market, organized by the City Council with all the necessary safeguards.
Wide variety
Dozens of street vendors selling local products, handicrafts, and more.
Unique Setting
Enjoy the town's atmosphere and get to know the local shopkeepers.
Easy access
Well-connected and with a parking area nearby.
How to Get There and Park
Parking, public transportation, and services near the market.
⏱ Estimated time: 60–120 min
Where can I park?
How do I get there by public transportation?
You can park at BSM Ona Glòries (4 min on foot, 338 m away) or take bus from Glòries - Meridiana (the stop is 2 min on foot, 177 m away).
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♿ Accessibility for People with Limited Mobility
Market status regarding accessible ramps, restrooms, and parking.
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Upcoming Dates
Calculated automatically based on market trends and the holiday calendar.
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Wed7OctNext
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Fri9Oct
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Sat10Oct
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Wed14Oct
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Fri16Oct
Holidays are automatically excluded.
Nearby markets
Other markets located near this one due to their geographical proximity.
How to Get a Stall at the Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants)
Would you like to set up a stall at the Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants) market, located at Barcelona? To sell as a street vendor, you need a municipal street vending permit or license: this is issued by the town council, not the market itself, and typically requires that you be registered as a self-employed individual or a business, be in good standing with the tax authorities and Social Security, and have liability insurance that covers the stall.
Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants) is held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The exact fee is set by the Barcelona town council; please check it before submitting your application.
Applications are submitted to the town council, usually online or in person, and may be granted directly (if there are open stalls) or through a public call for stall applications with a waiting list when demand exceeds the number of available stalls. You can download the municipal ordinance on street vending from Barcelona (check the town council’s official website to make sure it’s still in effect, in case it has been updated).
Contact the Commerce or Markets Department of the town council of Barcelona to find out the exact procedure.
- Contact the town council's commerce or markets department
- Gather the necessary documentation: registration as a self-employed individual or business, proof of being up to date with the tax authorities and Social Security, and liability insurance
- Submit the application for a street vending permit (through the online portal or at the registry office)
- Pay the applicable municipal fee, if required by the town council
- Pick up your authorization and bring it with you on market day
Frequently Asked Questions for Merchants
What do I need to set up a stall at the Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants) market?
How much is the fee for the stall?
Where and when do I apply for the permit?
Who should I contact at the Barcelona town council?
Are you interested in this market? Write to us
Leave us your contact information, and we'll forward it to the town council so they can let you know how to get your stall.
Documents and Resources
All official market documentation in one place.
Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants) — street market in the municipality of Barcelona
The "Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants)" is one of the most popular street markets in the municipality of Barcelona (Cataluña). Its stalls offer a variety of items, including “textile products, footwear, fresh food, handicrafts, accessories, and household goods,” in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere that makes it a regular destination for locals and visitors alike. The municipality has 1,731,649 inhabitants.
Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants) opens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from Monday 09:00–20:00 · Wednesday 09:00–20:00 · Friday 09:00–20:00 · Saturday 09:00–20:00.
The "Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants)" has been part of the commercial and social fabric of the municipality of Barcelona for decades. Street markets have a long tradition in the province of Barcelona, and this one is a must-see for anyone looking for fresh produce, local crafts, and market prices.
To get to the Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants) by public transportation, the closest stop on the bus is “Glòries - Meridiana,” which is 177 meters away. For those traveling by car, BSM Ona Glòries is 338 meters away.
If the Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants) is too far away, or if you want to plan a route through several markets in the area, here are the closest street markets by geographical proximity:
- Plaza de la Oca (4º sábado del mes) Street Market (Barcelona) 521 m
- Sagrada Família Street Market (Barcelona) 712 m
- Agricultores de Sagrada Família Market (Barcelona) 910 m
- Fort Pienc Street Market (Barcelona) 972 m
See also all the practical information about the market: interactive map of the market · vendor directory · Colectivo de Artesanos de Alimentación (Plaça del Pi) Fair · Barceloneta Craft Market · Palau del Mar Craft Market.
The street market is located in the neighborhood of el Fort Pienc, one of the districts or areas of the municipality of Barcelona.
Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants) FAQs
Where is the "Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants)"? Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants) is located in the municipality of Barcelona (Cataluña).
What can you buy at the "Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants)"? At Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants), you'll find textile products, footwear, fresh food, handicrafts, accessories, and household goods, among other typical items from street markets.
On which days is the "Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants)" open? Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants) opens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from Monday 09:00–20:00 · Wednesday 09:00–20:00 · Friday 09:00–20:00 · Saturday 09:00–20:00.
What time does the "Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants)" open and close? Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants) is open from Monday 09:00–20:00 · Wednesday 09:00–20:00 · Friday 09:00–20:00 · Saturday 09:00–20:00. We recommend arriving early to find the best stalls.
Market Calendar
Is the "Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants)" open today? No, Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants) is not open today, 6 October. The next market day will be Wednesday 7 October.
Is the "Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants)" open tomorrow? Yes, the "Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants)" opens tomorrow on 7 October. The schedule is available at from 09:00 to 20:00.
Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants)—when is it open next? Els Encants Vells (Mercat dels Encants) is once again hosting Wednesday 7 October 2026 (tomorrow). The schedule is available at from 09:00 to 20:00.