When we planned our trip to Barcelona this summer, La Boqueria – one of the food markets in the city was on our list. We knew that we wanted to purchase some spices, cheese and wine before heading back home and so to the market we went! I usually enjoy the usual touristy stuff when on vacation – go to a museum, visit a landmark etc., but I always like to throw in an activity that connects me to the people and pulse of the city. Going to local markets is one such activity.
When we got to La Boqueria the smell, and sounds were the first thing we noticed. Smells of freshly cut fruit, cured meats and spices like saffron filled the air. The chatter from people haggling in English, Spanish and even Portuguese in some instances made me fall in love with this market. The sound was almost a hum with interrupted calls from nearby stall owners who were trying to get our attention. This is what I love experiencing when I travel: the life of the city. The visuals in this market were so captivating that we had to stop and snap away as we shopped.
On this particular day, we boldly walked in – each of us with our own shopping lists and were off to the races. I love haggling – I think it’s a way of getting to know people. I find that it’s also a challenge to see how low a ‘set’ price can go. Are the sellers giving you the ‘tourist price’ or are you able to break through and pay what the locals pay? I just love it when they say ‘oh no that’s too low’ and I start walking away only to get called back for additional negotiations. Ahhh the joys of a steal!
One of my goals for this summer trip was to satisfy all my senses and this market was doing just that! From tasting chocolates to smelling spices to even simply laughing over a joke that doesn’t translate into English quite as well … I was living during this trip!
Dress: Shein Wrap Floral & Stripes Dress, c/0 (here), Aquazzura dupes (here) and Cult Gaia dupe (here)
I wore this dress from Shein that perfectly worked for this market day. Yes – I was a tad overdressed for the local market but why wear boring clothes? The dress was perfect: light, vibrant, and how can anyone go wrong with a wrap dress? I already shared my love for them on this post here. Are there activities that you do when on vacation to connect with locals? Share with me in the comments below.
This vacation look is part of my vacation style series. Looking for some vacation style inspiration? Take a look at my favorite vacation maxi here.
