Mercat del Lleó, Girona

Market in Girona

Mercat del Lleó
Mercat del Lleó
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Zarateman

Mercat del Lleó is Girona's central municipal food market, a lively indoor hall where locals shop for everyday essentials and visitors get a delicious snapshot of Catalan food culture. You'll find stalls focused on fresh seafood, meats and charcuterie, cheeses, fruit and vegetables, breads and pastries, plus a few ready-to-eat options for a simple market breakfast or snack.

It sits just outside the Old Town core, making it an easy add-on to a walking tour that includes the Onyar River bridges, the Barri Vell lanes, and the cathedral area. If you're looking for one of the best places in Girona to see local life in action (and pick up picnic supplies), this is a smart, low-effort stop.

History and Significance of the Mercat del Lleó

Mercat del Lleó is more than a convenient place to shop; it's part of Girona's everyday rhythm. Municipal markets like this one have long served as neighborhood anchors in Catalonia, bringing small producers and specialist vendors together under one roof.

The market’s significance today is as much cultural as culinary: it’s where you can see what’s in season, learn what locals actually cook, and discover regional staples like cured meats, cheeses, olives, and fresh seafood sourced from nearby coastal areas.

Even if you're not buying much, a short walk-through helps you understand Girona beyond the postcard views. It's a practical, authentic counterpoint to the medieval streets of the Old Town.

Things to See and Do in the Mercat del Lleó

Start with a slow lap around the interior stalls to get your bearings, then zoom in on what interests you most: seafood counters, butcher and charcuterie specialists, and cheese stands are often the most visually impressive. If you’re staying in an apartment, this is a great place to build a simple meal from high-quality ingredients.

Look for local specialties you can pack easily, such as vacuum-sealed sliced ham or salami, nuts and dried fruit, and regional cheeses (ask vendors about travel-friendly options). Many travelers also enjoy browsing wine and cava selections for a bottle to share later.

If you want something ready to eat, aim for a quick, no-fuss bite like a tortilla-style snack or a simple ham sandwich, then continue your day toward the riverfront and the Old Town sights.

How to Get to the Mercat del Lleó

The nearest major airports are Barcelona El Prat (BCN) and Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Girona on Booking.com.

Girona is well connected by rail, and arriving by train is one of the easiest ways to start a day trip before walking or taking a short taxi/bus ride to the market. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you're traveling by car, Girona is straightforward to reach via regional highways, and you can combine the visit with a wider Costa Brava road trip. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Mercat del Lleó

  • Official website: https://www.mercatlleo.cat/
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 07:00–14:00. Saturday: 07:00–14:30. Closed on Sunday.
  • Best time to visit: Go early in the morning for the fullest selection and the most local atmosphere; Saturdays can feel busier.
  • How long to spend: 30–60 minutes is enough for browsing and a few purchases, longer if you plan to shop for a full meal.
  • Accessibility: The market is generally easy to navigate at ground level, but it can feel tight during peak shopping times.
  • Facilities: Expect food stalls plus nearby cafés and services in the surrounding streets; bring a reusable bag if you plan to buy produce.

Where to Stay Close to the Mercat del Lleó

Base yourself in central Girona so you can walk to the market, the Old Town, and the river bridges without relying on transport.

Hotel Gran Ultonia A reliable central pick with an easy walk to both the market and the Old Town, great if you want convenience and a straightforward, comfortable stay.

Hotel Ultonia A sister option in the same central complex, useful if you want a solid mid-range base close to transport links and everyday amenities.

Hotel Carlemany Girona Well placed for a practical Girona stay near the market area, with a classic full-service feel that suits travelers who like hotel comforts.

Hotel Nord 1901 A boutique-style choice closer to the historic center, ideal if you want charm and a walkable route that strings together market, river, and Barri Vell.

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona A characterful stay in the Old Town area, perfect if you want to pair market mornings with atmospheric evenings in Girona’s medieval streets.

Is the Mercat del Lleó Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy food-focused travel or want a quick, authentic slice of Girona that doesn't require a big time commitment. It's one of the easiest ways to experience local daily life, pick up picnic supplies, and taste regional specialties without booking anything in advance.

Honest Pivot: If you’re not interested in markets, don’t have a kitchen, and prefer sit-down dining or museums, you can skip it and spend that time in the Old Town instead. It’s a working market first, so the experience is more about real shopping energy than curated displays.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (3,552)

Reviews are strongly positive overall, with visitors praising the freshness and variety of produce, meats, seafood, bread, and local specialties. Many highlight the friendly vendors, good value compared with supermarkets, and the chance to grab simple bites or stock up if you have access to a kitchen; some also mention enjoyable weekend stalls outside and a solid wine selection. Common downsides are that it’s primarily a working local market (not a curated food hall), and it can feel busy or a bit tight to navigate at peak times.

Vickery Randall
2 months ago
"Lovely market full of beautiful products and great people. Good wine selection too. The weekend stands outside are good too. This is a must see ifyou are interested in local produce...."
Kevin
3 weeks ago
"An excellent fresh food market if you are a local or a tourist with access to a kitchen. If looking for a quick meal within the market, I recommendgoing to the restaurant for a tortilla de España or a jamon sandwich. Gracias!..."
Ivan Loh
3 years ago
"A really nice local market with fresh produce. Vegetable stalls are mostly on the outside of the market, and the rest of the stalls selling meats,seafood, bread, and cheese are located inside. The price is really cheap compared to supermarkets for food that is so fresh. There is a small Cafe at the side of the main entrance. We bought some really nice olives at 1.40 euros for 200g, and a piece of aged tuna for 10 euros. The market is just a 3 minute walk from our apartment, so we'll be going back to get some Jamon for sure...."

For Different Travelers

Mercat del Lleó works best as a flexible stop you can tailor to your style: a quick browse, a snack break, or a full shopping mission. It's also easy to combine with Girona's headline sights, so it rarely feels like a detour.

Families with Kids

Kids often enjoy the colors and variety, especially fruit stands, breads, and sweet treats. A short visit can be a fun sensory break between walking-heavy Old Town sightseeing.

Keep it simple: pick one or two stalls to visit, then head to a nearby park or riverside spot for a snack. Going earlier can help avoid crowds and make the walk-through smoother.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the market is a great way to build a casual picnic or aperitif moment with local cheese, cured meats, and a bottle of something Catalan. It adds a grounded, everyday counterbalance to Girona’s more cinematic medieval scenery.

Pair it with a stroll over the Onyar River bridges and a slow wander through Barri Vell afterward. It’s a low-pressure, high-reward stop that feels distinctly local.

Budget Travelers

Markets are naturally budget-friendly: you can assemble a filling meal from fresh ingredients and avoid tourist-priced menus. It’s also a good place to find small, portable edible souvenirs.

If you’re staying in a hostel or apartment, shopping here can noticeably cut food costs while upgrading quality. Focus on seasonal produce and simple staples for the best value.

FAQs for Visiting Mercat del Lleó

Getting There

Yes, it’s close enough to reach on foot from the central areas, and it fits naturally into a day of walking around Girona.
Yes, it works well as a morning stop before heading to the cathedral area, the riverfront, or a longer walk through Barri Vell.
Yes, it’s a short trip from the station area, either by walking or a quick local ride depending on your pace and luggage.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s a public market and you can walk in freely.
No, browsing is normal and you can buy as little or as much as you like.
Generally, prices reflect a local shopping market, though premium items like specialty cured meats can cost more.

Visiting Experience

Choose something Girona does well: local charcuterie, a good cheese, or seasonal fruit for an easy snack.
Yes, there are options for simple bites, but it’s primarily a shopping market rather than a food hall.
Yes, for the atmosphere and a quick snack, but it’s most rewarding if you plan to buy ingredients.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Some do, especially food-focused tours, but it’s also easy to add independently as a short detour.
Visit in the morning, then continue toward the Onyar River viewpoints and the Old Town for the rest of the day.
Yes, it’s one of the best places in Girona to pick up fresh, picnic-friendly ingredients.

Photography

Usually yes, but be respectful and ask before photographing vendors or close-ups of their displays.
Seafood and produce counters tend to be the most colorful, especially earlier in the day.
It can be, particularly on Saturdays, so earlier visits generally make photography easier.

Accessibility & Facilities

Generally yes, though it can feel narrow when busy, so timing matters.
Facilities vary by market; plan for a café stop nearby if you need guaranteed restrooms.
There are nearby cafés and places to pause in the surrounding streets, making it easy to build in a break.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Simple, classic options like a tortilla-style snack or a ham sandwich are easy and satisfying.
Yes, it’s ideal for assembling bread, cheese, cured meats, fruit, and something to drink.
Yes, the area around the market has convenient café options for coffee and a short rest.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it’s a normal local market; just keep an eye on your belongings in busier moments.
Late morning and Saturdays tend to be busier, while early mornings are calmer.
You may find fewer choices and some stalls closing up, so earlier is better if you want the full experience.

Nearby Attractions to the Mercat del Lleó

  • Onyar River and its bridges: A classic Girona walk with postcard views of colorful riverside buildings.
  • Barri Vell (Old Town): Medieval lanes, small squares, and some of the city's most atmospheric corners.
  • Girona Cathedral: A landmark hilltop cathedral area that anchors many walking routes through the historic center.
  • Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs): A compact historic site that adds context to Girona's layered past.
  • Parc de la Devesa: Girona's large green park, great for a breather after a morning of walking and shopping.

The Mercat del Lleó appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Girona!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday - Friday: 07:00-14:00.

Saturday: 07:00-14:30.

Closed on Sunday.

Price:

Free.

Address: Plaça Calvet i Rubalcaba, 15, 17002 Girona, Spain
Girona: 0 km
Telephone: +34 972 20 11 63
Official Website

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