Els Encants Vells is one of Europe's oldest flea markets, trading in Barcelona since the 14th century. In 2013 it moved into a striking new structure near Plaça de les Glòries — an open-sided building topped with an enormous angled mirror canopy that reflects the market below and has become an architectural landmark in its own right.
The market sprawls across several levels. The upper floors tend toward antiques, furniture, and vintage clothing. The ground level is where you find the real chaos — household goods, electronics of uncertain provenance, books, tools, and miscellaneous stuff that defies categorization. Auction-style sales of unclaimed goods happen early on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings and draw serious bargain hunters.
Come early for the best selection. The market runs Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from around 9 am to 8 pm. It is right next to the Glòries metro station on L1.