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When you move to a new city, one of the first things you need to figure out is where to shop. At the beginning, it is completely normal to feel a bit lost, unsure of where to find the best deals or the freshest products. That is why we have put together this guide to the best supermarkets in Barcelona, so all you have to do is grab your shopping cart and fill it up.

Barcelona offers a wide range of places to shop, from supermarkets and hypermarkets to traditional markets and small neighborhood stores that suit all kinds of budgets. In this guide we will compare them in terms of value for money, opening hours, availability, and their main pros and cons. Get your shopping list ready, we are just getting started!

best supermarkets in barcelona

What types of stores are there in Barcelona?

It really depends on what you need to buy. Sometimes a hypermarket will be the best option, while other times a small neighborhood shop will do the job. Barcelona has all kinds of supermarkets, and if you are already living here, you have probably come across more than a few while walking around the city.

Whether you are a digital nomad living in Barcelona, a student, or just spending some time in the city as a visitor and are not sure where to shop for good quality products or the best deals, here is a roundup of the main stores you should know about.

  • Hypermarkets: These are large stores usually located on the outskirts of the city or inside shopping centers, such as Carrefour or Alcampo. They offer a wide variety of products and plenty of deals, making them a great choice for stocking up.
  • Chain supermarkets: These are mid-sized supermarkets that you can find in most neighborhoods, such as Mercadona, Caprabo, Condis, Lidl, or Dia. They usually offer good prices, thanks to their own store brand products.
  • Convenience stores: These are small supermarkets, such as Carrefour Express or Supercor, located in central areas. They are very convenient because of their long opening hours, although they tend to be more expensive than neighborhood stores.
  • Municipal markets: Barcelona is well known for its traditional markets, such as La Boquería and Sant Antoni, where fresh products take center stage.
  • Neighborhood stores and grocery stores: Independent food shops and small grocery stores still offer a personal, friendly touch, with fresh produce, bread, local wine, and cured meats.
places barcelona
Districts of Barcelona where you can go shopping Source: Shutterstock.

The 5 most notable supermarkets in Barcelona

Living in Barcelona can be more expensive than in other Spanish cities, and that shows when you go grocery shopping. It helps to know all the options, from budget supermarkets to gourmet stores, so you can pick the ones that suit both your needs and your wallet.

1. Caprabo

Caprabo is a well-known supermarket chain in Barcelona and throughout the region. Part of the Eroski group, it was founded in 1959 and now has over 300 stores in Catalonia, many of them in the city, typically open from 9 am to 9 pm.

The chain stands out for its focus on sustainable fishing, animal welfare, food safety, and responsible consumption, offering fresh, locally sourced products. Prices are moderate, slightly higher than other supermarkets like Mercadona, but there are attractive deals such as three for two or 50 percent off the second item. For example, one liter of extra virgin olive oil costs around $7.50, and the second bottle would be about $3.75.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Catalan identity and support for local producersLess presence outside Catalonia
Fresh productsHigher prices
Loyalty offersSmaller stores than other chains
Advantages and disadvantages of Caprabo supermarkets.

2. Mercadona

Another well-known supermarket in Barcelona is Mercadona, founded in Valencia in 1977 by the Cárnicas Roig Group. It has a strong presence in the city with 170 stores, out of 1,600 nationwide, plus 63 locations in Portugal.

Its biggest strength is its own range of competitively priced brands: Hacendado for food, Deliplus for hygiene and cosmetics, and Bosque Verde for cleaning products. You can also find a fresh fish section and ready-to-eat meals. Stores are typically open from 9 am to 9:30 pm Monday through Saturday. Here are a few example prices:

  • Loaf of bread: $0.70 
  • Whole milk (1 L): $1.20 
  • Macaroni (1 kg): $1.40 
  • Rice (1 kg): $1.52 
  • Toilet paper (12 rolls): $5.27
AdvantagesDisadvantages
Cheaper own-brand productsClosed on Sundays
Online shopping with home deliveryNo fresh meat counter
Well-distributed stores throughout the cityDoes not have many international brands
Advantages and disadvantages of Mercadona supermarkets.

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3. Condis

Next on our list of top supermarkets in Barcelona is Condis, a Catalan chain based in Montcada i Reixac that opened its first store in 1980. It is known for offering fresh, high-quality products, often sourced locally.

Today it has 711 stores across Catalonia and Andorra, so you can practically find one in every neighborhood of Barcelona. Most are open from 9 am to 9:30 pm, with some locations open on Sundays. Here are a few of their current offers:

  • Aged sheep cheese (125 g): $3.48
  • Squid (400 g): $7.21
  • Iberian chorizo (90 g): $2.90
  • Ravioli (250 g): $2.99 
AdvantagesDisadvantages
Very convenient for quick neighborhood shoppingLess variety in international products
Good selection of fresh and seasonal produceHigher prices than Mercadona or Lidl
Well-located stores throughout the citySmaller stores
Advantages and disadvantages of Condis supermarkets.

4. Mercado de la Boquería

If you enjoy visiting traditional central markets, you cannot miss the Mercat de Sant Josep, better known as La Boquería. It is one of the city’s most iconic markets, popular with both locals and tourists. Founded in the 19th century, it is open from 8 am to 8:30 pm, Monday through Saturday, and is located on the famous Las Ramblas.

What can you find here? Numerous stalls selling fruit, vegetables, fish, seafood, meat, cured products, and spices, along with bars and restaurants inside the market itself. Prices are generally higher than at the supermarkets we looked at earlier. For example, a fresh juice costs around $3.30, and a plate of Iberian ham can go up to $16.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Fresh, high-quality productsHigher prices
Right in the heart of Las RamblasVery crowded with tourists
Traditional Catalan atmosphereNot practical for weekly shopping
Advantages and disadvantages of Mercado de la Boquería.

5. Colmado Quílez (local gourmet shop)

Beyond the supermarkets we have covered so far, Barcelona also has smaller specialty stores focused on gourmet products, such as Colmado Quílez. One of its shops, located at 63 Rambla de Catalunya, has been serving locals since 1908.

If you value high quality and exclusive products like wine, cava, spirits, preserves, oils or cured meats, this is the place to find the best from both Spain and abroad. As you might expect, prices are on the higher side. For example, a bottle of reserve wine runs around $22 and a gourmet tin of preserves about $11. The store is open from 10 am to 2 pm and 4:30 pm to 8: 30 pm Monday through Friday, and Saturday mornings only.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Exclusive gourmet productsHigh prices
A place with history and traditionFew stores, only three
Excellent customer serviceNot suitable for everyday shopping
Advantages and disadvantages of Colmado Quílez.

fresh produce
Types of shops and supermarkets in Barcelona. Source: Unsplash (Nrd, J. Lee, J. Coryn, C. Byron)

Other notable shops and stores in Barcelona

We have already covered some of the most popular and convenient supermarkets in Barcelona, but you will also need spots for clothes, shoes, or a new computer. That is why we have highlighted three stores from different sectors that could be useful to know about.

OMG BCN – Fashion by local designers

They describe themselves as Barcelona’s first independent design concept store, with two locations in the Born and Gótico neighborhoods. Since 2013, more than 100 local designers have showcased their creations here, including clothing, accessories, home décor, and artwork.

Since these are one-of-a-kind pieces, prices are a bit higher. For example, a sweatshirt might cost around $80 and a sweater about $128. The stores are open Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm and on Sundays from 12:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Original products from local designersHigher prices than other well-known fashion stores
10% off your first purchaseFocused on tourists
Central locationsUrban style only
Advantages and disadvantages of OMG BCN.

Tien21 – Home appliances

If you need to buy an appliance or a computer, you can find what you need at these stores located around the city, such as at 162 Carrer de la Constitució in Barcelona. This Spanish chain specializes in home electronics and appliances and has been in business for over 30 years.

Although prices may be slightly higher than other big chains like Mediamarkt, what sets it apart is the quality of customer service and personalized advice. The store is open Monday to Friday from 9:45 am to 1:45 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Friendly and personalized serviceMid-to-high prices
Financing and in-store pickupFewer products than other larger chains
Good after-sales servicePart-time hours, closing at midday
Advantages and disadvantages of Tien21.

Zapatería Casas – Barcelona footwear

This shoe store chain was founded in 1923 in Terrassa and today has 50 locations across Catalonia, Madrid, and Valencia, offering both national and international brands. You can find virtually any type of footwear here, including sneakers priced around $58.

The website also has a section with sales and special offers worth checking out. If you prefer visiting a physical store, they are open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and on Sundays from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Can be purchased onlineSome brands are expensive
High-quality productsLimited space in some stores
Wide variety of domestic and international shoe brandsDelays in deliveries or returns mentioned in reviews
Advantages and disadvantages of Zapatería Casas.

Frequently asked questions about the best supermarkets in Barcelona

Which supermarket in Barcelona is the cheapest?

Mercadona is one of the supermarkets in Barcelona with the lowest prices, but Carrefour, Alcampo, and Lidl are also inexpensive.

Are there supermarkets specializing in organic or gourmet products?

Yes, stores such as Colmado Quílez, located at La Rambla 63, specialize in gourmet products.

Where can I buy international products in Barcelona?

At the following supermarkets in Barcelona, you can find international brands like Carrefour or El Corte Inglés, as well as smaller neighborhood stores specializing in Latin American, Asian, or Middle Eastern products.

What is the difference between a supermarket and a grocery store in Barcelona?

Supermarkets in Barcelona are larger stores with competitive prices, while small neighborhood shops offer a more curated selection of products at higher prices.

How much does a person spend on average per month in supermarkets in Barcelona?

A monthly shopping trip can cost between $290 and $407, depending on the supermarket and the types of products chosen.

Paula Henderson

Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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