One of the many challenges of being in a new city, whether as a tourist or expat, is knowing where to go when you need something.
And since you’re here, I assume you’re looking for spices. Sure, you could go to a large supermarket or a department store in the heart of town… but that misses the point. You want the authentic experience; the places the local foodies go when they want to buy the good stuff.
To help you in your search, we rounded up the best spice vendors in the city of Barcelona. To see their names, locations, and opening hours, read on below.
Mercado de La Boqueria
If you’re looking for not just dried fruits, nuts, and spices but an authentic Barcelonian shopping experience, visit the Mercado de La Boqueria on La Rambla.
The history of the market in Pla de la Boqueria dates back to 1217, when the first official documents confirmed the existence of meat stalls for the inhabitants of the old town. Today, it is home to some of the oldest food vendors in the city, where you can buy everything from spices to fruits to vegetables to fresh meat.
Not everyone who visits Barcelona knows that, in this period, Barcelona was a walled city consisting of El Raval and the Gothic Quarter. Barceloneta was built only around 1400 as a fishing village outside the walls, and the rest of Barcelona was planned and constructed on a grid with the industrialization of Spain in the 19th century.
Where to find it: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
When to go there: From Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm (closed on Sundays)
Casa Gispert
The family-owned Casa Gispert has been selling colonial products—tea, coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, and saffron, to name a few—in the heart of Barcelona since 1851.
Casa Gispert is in the old town, right next to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, within walking distance of the waterfront harbor Port Vell and the historic Barceloneta district (and not too far from the foot of La Rambla).
This store has the best saffron in Barcelona, as well as the most delicious dried fruits and nuts, roasted with oak wood in a wood oven right in the store, in strict accordance with the Gispert family’s centuries-old cooking techniques.
Where to find it: Sombrerers, 23, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
When to go there: From Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm (closed on Sundays)
Gra de Gràcia
Gra de Gracia is a shop that prides itself on selling organic, natural, and local (kilometer-zero) products, prepared by hand in a way that preserves their authentic aroma and flavor and retains their nutritional value.
Among the many products you will find at Gra de Gracia are dried fruits, vegetables, spices, coffee beans and cocoa powder, as well as nuts, grains, legumes, cereals, chips, pastas, and flours. The prices are reasonable for the quality of the products offered, and the variety is greater than in most other stores.
Where to find it: Carrer de Puigmartí, 11, 08012 Barcelona, Spain
When to go there: From Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (closed on Sundays)
Jaime J. Renobell
Across from the Mercat del Born, a former fruit and vegetable market (now a museum) in Barcelona, is the Jaime J. Renobell family business, which has been selling pantry staples to Barcelona residents since 1945.
At that time, the market was still open and this neighborhood was where most of the locals bought their groceries. The market moved to Mercabarna in 1972, but the family decided to keep their shop in the neighborhood, where it still is today.
From spices to dried fruits, chocolate bars, cocoa powder, grains, cereals, pastas, legumes, honey, jams, and Asian products, Jaime J. Renobell carries everything this city’s professional chefs and home cooks need to spice up their dishes, no matter the cuisine or recipe.
Where to find it: Paseo Picasso, 34, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
When to go there: From Monday to Friday from 9:15 am to 8:00 pm, on Saturdays from 9:15 am to 2:00 pm (closed on Sundays)
Casa Perris
On the other side of the Mercat del Born, facing the Plaça Comercial and tucked snugly between two tapas bars, is Casa Perris, a family-owned dry goods store in this location since the year 1940.
Casa Perris is a well-stocked store that sells salt, sugar, and spices (including quality saffron); grains, pastas, cereals, and legumes; chocolates, sweets, jams, and artisanal honey; as well as Asian foods.
Where to find it: Plaça Comercial, 2, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
When to go there: From Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm (closed Sundays)
Also check out: Where to Buy Yeast in Barcelona