If you are exploring the waterfront area on a Saturday or Sunday, then this market is an interesting diversion. The nice thing about it is that it’s not tourist tat. It is genuinely a collectibles/antique market, with some bric-a-brac. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but we enjoyed having a browse and wondering at the things that people collect and keep.
It is easy to find. You can’t really miss it. It’s right behind the Colombus monument along the waterfront. From memory, there were about 15-20 different stalls and you’ll easily spot the white awnings and bright blue stall cloths.
I spent a while leafing through old-world advertisements and posters and we were almost tempted by some antique corkscrews and wine paraphernalia.
Most stalls had commonly collected items such as Lladro china, jewellery, silverware, badges, ornaments, hats, coins, maps and nautical themed items.
Items didn’t seem overly expensive, although many things were not priced which makes it difficult to know. I didn't buy anything myself so I’m not sure what sort of bargaining the stallholders might be open to (although I could hear some bargaining going on).
If you wanted a quirky or different sort of souvenir, then you might easily find something here.
The rest of the Port Vell area is a very attractive spot. We easily spent a few hours here one Sunday enjoying the sun and waterfront. Past the Colombus monument, there's the Las Ramblas De Mar walkway and bridge that takes you across the water to the big, modern Maremagnum shopping and restaurant centre. There's a lovely boardwalk promenade and the Maritime Museum is free after 3pm on Sundays.