Central Market of Valencia

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Valencia

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https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/unique-black-friday-experiences

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"The site of the Central Market of Valencia (Mercat Central) was used as an open-air market starting in 1839, but by the end of the 19th century, city authorities were looking to build an indoor market space at the spot. What they got was a magnificent tribute to the architectural use of steel and glass. After a number of architectural competitions, the winning design was a stunning example of the modernist style known as Valencian Art Nouveau. From a distance, the structure looks more like a cathedral than a covered market: The roof’s domes, in particular the one with the large cupola at the center of the building, give the exterior an appearance very much like an Italian duomo. The domes and unique slopes of the roof admit pools of light inside that complement the ornate and varied interior decoration, adorned with iron columns, colorful ceramic tile, and stained glass. Completed in 1928 after 14 years of construction, the market covers over 86,000 square feet in two floors. Inside it mainly sells food, which is highly diverse and produces a fantastic smell. There are also a number of stalls selling touristic wares plus restaurants and bars, including the “central” bar, which is very popular with tourists and locals alike." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

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https://www.afar.com/magazine/a-spanish-chefs-quest-to-bring-the-denia-prawn-to-the-us

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A Spanish Chef's Quest to Bring the Dénia Prawn to the U.S. - AFAR

"At the main market in Valencia, Spain, the seafood section overwhelms the senses with the briny smell of the sea and glistening piles of fish and clams on beds of ice. A patch of palm-length red gambas roja de Dénia—each with a luminous shell, burgundy head and fiery, sunset-colored tail—served as a bright, attention-grabbing beacon; a small sign identified them as coming from the fishing town of Dénia. Vendors draw crowds around these vivid prawns, and their eye-popping price—about US$40 apiece in high summer—has led them to be described as the most expensive prawns in the world." - La Carmina

https://www.travelandleisure.com/valencia-spain-old-town-futuristic-complex-beaches-8681289

Mark H.

Google

What a wonderful spectacle... Certainly one of THE finest markets in all of Europe....hours of fun wandering around admiring the beautiful displays of carefully sourced fresh meat, top quality jamon and cheeses.... fish mongers with their colorful catches packed onto ice, mountains of Valencian oranges and tomatoes ...what's not to like ? ....A MUST. when visiting this lovely city...

T. V.

Google

The Mercat Central de València is one of the most impressive food markets in Europe and an absolute must-visit when in the city. The architecture alone is stunning — bright, spacious, and full of detail — but what really makes the market special is the quality and variety of produce on display. Fresh seafood, meats, fruits, vegetables, spices, and local specialties are presented with pride and remarkable freshness. Walking through the market is both lively and enjoyable. It’s busy and vibrant without feeling chaotic, and you get a genuine sense of local daily life alongside visitors exploring the stalls. Many vendors are knowledgeable and happy to explain their products, even if you’re just browsing. It’s a wonderful place to spend time, soak up the atmosphere, and understand Valencia’s food culture. Whether you come to shop, eat something simple, or just wander, the Mercat Central is an experience in itself and well worth the visit.

Tomasz

Google

This place is simply great, but be prepared to spend a considerable amount of money. We started with a glass of cava with hibiscus flower and a shot of a wonderful, creamy liqueur. Then I highly recommend visiting the fish and seafood section of the market. We tried fresh oysters, scallops, sea urchins, and shrimp served raw with lemon juice and chili. Everything was fresh and very tasty. We did a little shopping for vegetables and meats and drank Aqua di Valencia at two different stands, before finishing with empanadas and a roll with jamon and queso. The market itself is very large, with interesting architecture both inside and outside.

Niki N.

Google

One of the largest and most beautiful markets in Europe! The place is extremely clean, well organized, and vibrant. You get everything here — from fresh pastries, fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, to ingredients for paella and local specialties. It’s a paradise for food lovers and a must-visit in Valencia. Even just walking inside is an experience on its own!

R K

Google

Central Market of Valencia is an amazing place for food, meats, confections, household items, curios, souvenirs, fruits and vegetables etc. it is open from 7-3pm, but if you want to take it all in, go earlier than 2pm. The shops start to close at 2:15ish and by the time is 2;30-2:45, only a few remain open. It is closed on Sundays. It’s a great place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, and there are a lot of other edibles available. There’s no place to sit me eat, though, so I don’t know why they’re serving food when there’s no place to sit, but I guess that’s the whole experience. We took our empanadas and pizza outside the market where there are benches around and shared our pizza with the pigeons, and then went back in again. We had the most amazing horchata drink, which is made from some local nuts. It tasted excellent! We went back for some more before the market closed. Overall, great experience and the market is in such a beautiful building. An experience you must have if you’re visiting Valencia!

Paul H.

Google

This market is incredible - just as you would expect in a major Spanish city! Beware… the market closes at 3pm (we were there on a Saturday) so be sure to give yourself enough time to explore and sample all the incredible offerings.

zayn A.

Google

Great experience inside the market. Lots of options to eat. Some great economic options to try paella. Unfortunately there isn't any place to sit down and eat, but that's part of the experience I guess. A definite must see on your trip to València. Try the cheesecake and have a coffee right outside to start off your day

Vladyslav K.

Google

Pretty nice market with great architecture in and out of the building. Enormous variety of food choices, but most of them are clearly meant for tourists, with overpriced stuff. Even tho you can find something that you would like for a reasonable pricing.

Cassie V.

Yelp

Hands down the best place to get fresh foods! There is a little coffee place inside that offers some of the best cappuccinos I had in Spain no sugar needed it's on the left hand side if you walking in the main doors. Great candy offerings on the right hand side. Strawberry here are the sweetest I have ever had ! I have been to all 4 major city markets in Spain and hands down this is the best one super clean, sweet people and just super cozy!

Dan A.

Yelp

Tough not to compare Mercados but this one is bigger (surprisingly) than the ones I've experienced in Madrid/Barcelona. Crowded on a rainy Monday late morning. A good mix of food stands, butchers, Bakeries, produce and speciality shops. Of course plenty of Iberico Ham stands as well Paella. Picked up a couple of T-Shirts and a Valencia shopping bag. Although it was early, couldn't resist stopping at Benvolgut-Artisan Vermouth. I ordered the semi-sweet and it was excellent! Cocktail presentation along with the upbeat service was impressive. Tried the Pastilos at Paco Roig-one was with Carne and the other with fish wrapped in a crunchy dough. Both were delicious. Picked up a Jambon and cheese sandwich which was also tasty. So many stands, it's overwhelming in a good way. Friendly people behind the counters. Better to go early as they Market closes early at 3 and is also closed on Sunday. Must stop when in Valencia!

Ryan R.

Yelp

This place contains an eatery, city information desk, a market with fresh seafood and vegetables, and trinket shops all under one roof. It's touristy, yet a ton of locals frequent it too. With restaurants surrounding it as well as historical buildings, this is a perfect central spot to begin your tour of Valencia. Enjoy the journey!

Marcus D.

Yelp

Just spent the last week in Valencia and surrounding areas. I believe I averaged about 18k steps a day just from all the walking. I noticed that the closer you get towards the center of town, the cafes and restaurants and bars become more abundant. Top it off with a wonderful market such as this place, and you may have found a place to live for the rest of your life. Inside, brace yourself to be hit with vendors of all types: fresh meats, dried meats, cheeses, olives, oils, vegetables, fruits, candies, pastries, trinkets, seafood, collectibles, drinks, shall I go on? I think you get the picture. At one vendor I bought some delicious dried cured ham, as well as some truffle infused cheese that he let me taste test. Another vendor sold me some tasty paella and this potato omelet tortilla that blew my mind. I would love to download photos of my fare but unfortunately my phone got destroyed during my long transit home. Note: do not leave your phone next to your reclining seat only to have it slide down and get crushed by the mechanisms. Anyways, I had a blast walking around all the aisles, being pleasantly surprised at each turn of my head. The market was kept clean, and the vendors were very friendly and helpful, and definitely grateful for your purchase. I already want to go back. And who knows, maybe even live there.

Eddie J.

Yelp

The Valencia Central Market in the heart of Barrio El Carmen is a must see for travelers. It's the largest covered market in Europe with beautiful architectural design. Filled with local fruit & vegetables, nuts, meat (jamon was my favorite), and seafood! Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds if you'd like to take photos. Recommendations: 1) Try both the Serrano & Iberico Jamon! So good! 2) Buy some Bomba Paella Rice & Paella Seasoning to take home!

Travis M.

Yelp

Great place for fresh fish, meats, veggies, cheese, fruits, etc.... Everyone is super friendly and helpful... Tips: the fish stalls close earlier than the others so get there early for fish... Tip: The market closes at 3pm but really starts winding down at 2pm, so go in the morning for the best selection.... The ambience is busy with a lot of people in the aisles... Part of the experience!!

Ann G.

Yelp

First and last place to visit when in Valencia. Come for the fresh produce, excellent meat and poultry, and grab some food at Central Bar.

Robert S.

Yelp

This a a nice true people's market. You can buy fresh fish, eel, pork, chicken, vegetables, cheeses, baked good, dry goods, etc. It's one of the largest markets in Europe and it has 14 sides....The parrot is the "mascot" for the market since it is said that you can go in and hear or say whatever you want about politics, city life, etc. Spend some time walking around the different stalls and enjoy the smells and the colors of all the stuff for sale....it's just wonderful. There are some restaurants inside and around the market for affordable prepared food. Enjoy ! They usually close by 3pm, so arrive early.

Tanja N.

Yelp

Originally built as an open market middle of 19th century, was turned into indoor market at the beginning of the 20th century. Built in Art Nouveau style, it resembles more to a church than a market. We were surprised it was open during covid summer of 2021. Any food you can think of will be displayed for you to try and buy. Pata Negra was a must for us. The market is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.,

Sarah M.

Yelp

The paella was delish and there was a great selection of foods for cheap prices but it is a bit crowded

Lauren C.

Yelp

Un Mercado muy fascinante para visitar! On a bustling Saturday morning in Valencia we unfortunately had to leave this awesome town to go to our next stop but decided to visit the market to get some goodies for our road trip The market is similar to the one in Barcelona but I liked it better here as it's indoors and more clean/organized. It is truly a feast for the senses here. Plenty of fresh meat, seafood, fruits, veggies, spreads, breads and sweet treats. All at reasonable prices We got some delicious cherries and pastries to go. If I was a local here, I'd come to this market all the time. A must see in Valencia

James H.

Yelp

Similar to other mercados like Boqueria in Barcelona or San Miguel in Madrid. This one is definitely smaller in size but has a decent selection of drinks/foods. They do have the siesta time for shutdown so do plan around that. They have some restaurants outside that aren't bad. Also, if you need a money exchange there is one walking distance that had great rates. I just don't recall the name of it. The aseos/bathrooms are downstairs and it's ,50€ to use.

Matt S.

Yelp

Come early and be treated to a great experience. walk up and down the aisles checking out the vendors selling every conceivable part of an animal, prepared and many different ways. Veggies and breads and desserts and wine - oh my! there are even a few restaurant stalls. restrooms are on the lower level and require a receipt to use for free, otherwise you need to pay. spend a couple hours and treat yourself to a fun time exploring the local market!

Monica E.

Yelp

I love this place I can spend hours there walking and tasting things.... So fresh and cheap!!!

Jennifer K.

Yelp

Mercat Central might not be the "best" market but definitely worth visiting if you are in Valencia. Here you can pick up everything you need for a picnic or a cookout with local produces. And of course some wine and beers too to go with your meal! I like how it feels so non touristy but maybe we were there during non tourist season. I highly recommend staying in a condo with a kitchen while visiting Valencia, so you can pick up some fresh seafood, meat, bread, veggie and really experience what the city offers!

Floe D.

Yelp

This place has everything. For the adventurous they even sold horse meat. Friendly merchants throughout

Michael U.

Yelp

Easily Valencia's most recognizable historic landmark, the Aquarium and Arts Pavilion setting a more recent standard for design, it was on day two in the city that a visit was paid to Mercado Central, everything about the space assuredly tourist but the products available nonetheless high quality including some of the best hams and cheeses one is likely to find in the city. Points off for parking, which is not only expensive but hard to come by, but otherwise a worthy destination whether shopping or just looking around.

Abbie O.

Yelp

I love Spanish markets so much that I will go out of my way to find them. Luckily, Mercat Central is renowned and gorgeous and easy to find. My parents and I had a glorious lunch at Central Bar, then we wandered around for hours, drinking wine samples and gazing lovingly legs upon legs of the Iberian ham. What a perfect afternoon.

Ricardo R.

Yelp

One of the oldest and biggest covered markets in Europe. The building itself is impressive and is built in the Modernist style. I can spend hours wandering in this market without a worry in the world; just taking in the atmosphere and searching for inspiration. I was always under the impression that because it is a tourist spot, the produce would be expensive but that is not the case at all. Some of my favourite stalls are: 1 Herbasana: I normally go here to buy mangoes, avocado, tamarind, scotch bonnets, plantain and other latino ingredients. They also have some American products such as Aunt Jemima Syrup and Reeses. 2 Dyonis (under the main dome): Greek/Turkish stall where I normally buy khubz lubnaani (Lebanese bread). They also have hummus, taramosalata, kalamata, baklava, kataifi, feta etc. 3 Hierbas Frescas Rafa y Mª Jose: fresh seaweed, edible flowers, lemongrass and lots of different fresh herbs. 4 Frutas Salvador: Fresh and dried mushrooms such as boletus, shiitake, St. George's, Horn of Plenty. 5 Salazones y Ahumados: Dried salted cod (bacalao) and cured tuna (mojama). The fish market is a feast for the eyes (and stomach) but make sure you are prompt as it closes early, much before the rest of the market.

Derek W.

Yelp

This market if fantastic. You will find lots and lots of vendors with fantastic food, everything from cheeses to meats, wines, etc. We were only there for a brief time, but after discovering it, if we had stayed across the street, it would have made a stay fantastic since for most of the time we were in Europe, we tried to eat in allot. The vendors were very friendly and the architecture of the place adds to its charm. If you are in the area, it would be worth checking out and supporting local produce vendors. Wish I had one this close to home!

Rozan D.

Yelp

Nice and big market in the city center of Valencia. Fruits, vegetables, "jamón", fish, local pastries everything is fresh and not expensive. Is possible to eat at the bar central. Only open until 2:00PM

WaYnE c.

Yelp

Oranges, aceitunas, cerveza, tomate, sardinas, jamon, cheese, bacalao, arroz bomba and so much more. I saw a bunch of people swarming the orange stall so I scanned the perimeters and when the timing was just right, I went and I conquered. Later on during the trip, I found that oranges grew all around the city. Nothing better than delicious oranges. It was not nearly as crowded as La Boqueria at Barcelona which meant I had more room to breath rather than having to evade the hoards. I can't really tell you if the items on sale here are priced correctly but the locals weren't shy to pick a few things up. Not two hands full but an item or two. My friend there spend a good half hour at Cervezas del Mercado and I don't blame her, who knew there was a craft beer scene in Spain if you didn't see all these local beers side-by-side-by-side. I myself was more intrigued with the produce and pastries since I've already seen plenty of seafood in Barcelona. I got what I wanted and that makes me a happy Jamon eating Orange drinking man.

Vicki G.

Yelp

We love this market. It's the main market in Valencia. The market has a huge selection of spices, vegetables, condiments, fruits, food, wine, oils, etc. There is something for everyone at this market. We went here a couple of times when we were in Valencia. It's definitely worth a visit.

Minh Quan H.

Yelp

A huge market in the old town of Valencia. It has a wide range of different meat, dried fruits, fruits, jamón. I saw ostrich eggs also!!!! All is very new and fresh. This is a must see for all foodie. They have a good place for horchata and paella too. The building itself is beautiful.

Kim N.

Yelp

A outstanding market. If only the Farmers market near my house were any where close to this level of good vendors. Id probably actually wake up early for it. The cured meats, seafood, cheeses, produce.....any of those one types of food are worth going for. Pick any two aisles and i could spend hours there. It is quite overwhelming. To boot chef Ricard Camarena has a tapas bar right inside and is also worth going for. A tremendous amount of food that requires hours to graze through.

Charlie A.

Yelp

Cool place with lots of fresh food. The seafood market is impressive. The assortment of ham and cheeses is great. The fresh fruit is also great. I tried the Horchata and didn't care for the bland taste. If you like coconut milk you'll like Horchata. Good place to buy fresh bread, jamon iberico and manchego cheese and walk to the park for a picnic.

Christopher W.

Yelp

Okay, I am a huge fan of the fresh food experience here in Spain. I was hugely impressed by the Mercado Central, and go there occasionally for specialty items that are unavailable in my local grocery. However, the experience can be a little overwhelming and disorienting. Go first thing in the morning before the tourists arrive to avoid getting frazzled, grab breakfast at one of the bakeries, and pick up veggies for lunch or dinner. For the most part, the salespeople were very friendly and, with a little patience and luck, you can find wonderful options for fruits and vegetables, spices, Latino foods, and cheeses!

Justin L.

Yelp

Totally in agreement with the previous reviewer! For what it's known for, it's just not all that impressive. There are definitely more active markets in Europe, Asia, etc... that will all impress you more, but if you're in Valencia, I think it's worth the trip. What's inside... when I went there were some tango dancers showing their skills in the center so it's always nice to have some music and entertainment. The majority of the shops will be food related (so it's a must if you love food). Since I was only buying things to take back to the US, I stuck to olive oil and saffron (which is much cheaper than the US -- approximately 9.5 euro for 2.5g). You'll also find a mash of other stores mixed in (leather goods, tailors, a key makers, etc...) What's outside... well the building itself is pretty amazing (inside and out), but on Sundays the streets around the market become of market of their own. These shops sell most anything: tourist goods, ceramics, birds, purses, etc... And across the street at La Lonja are some old currency and coin sellers (nice if you're a collector -- I found some old currency from Taiwan here). When to go... the market is only open till about 1:30PM, so go early. I would also recommend going on Sundays so you can do the other things around the market, and not just the market.

Lesley G.

Yelp

I was very anxious to visit the mercado central de Valencia because of how impressive la boqueria in Barcelona was. Although it does not nearly measure up, it is still a sight to see in order to experience the culture and try some fresh local food. Its not nearly as touristy as the market in Barcelona, so you might feel a little out of place not being a local. Therefore, the vendors are not as patient with Americans. However, I will say it is quite an experience to buy a Valencia orange right from the source...just make sure you ask which ones are for eating!

Mai S.

Yelp

Stop by this mercado if you're ever visiting Valencia/around the area. But make sure you know what time they close and open because I arrived there as vendors were cleaning up (rookie mistake, I know :( ). From what I saw it was your typical central mercado that you see around the big cities of Spain, nothing too fancy. Get your hands on some Valencia oranges!!!! You will never look at oranges the same way... EVER (but you can find them anywhere around valencia).

Jennifer N.

Yelp

Definitely stop at the Market when you're in Valencia. It's like the Mercado in Triana (Sevilla) but times 500 and in a stunning building. Like most Spanish markets, they sell everything here - fruit, veggies, meat, cheese - but unlike, say, the market in Madrid, it's not packed with restaurants (and, thus, with tourists). There are a few spots that offer sit-down food service, and a few restaurants tucked away inside, but this is mostly Valencianos finishing their shopping. A real slice of life experience.

Barry W.

Yelp

great place for hot mushroom soup and it's allowed to smoke inside !

Diane Z.

Yelp

Another amazing market with lots of stalls to buy ready to eat food to make your own picnic!

Victor G.

Yelp

This place is awesome, not touristy at all. Great variety of Olives, Olive Oil, Hamon Serrano, Seafood, Wines, Sangria, Cheese. You can walk around sipping a glass of wine or beer while you shop. I wish Farmers Market was like Mercado Central.

Plamen P.

Yelp

One of the best if not the best market I've been to. One stop place - wine, meat, fish, produce, bakery...Not as touristy as Barcelona's La Boqueria.

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This Underrated European City Has One of the Largest Old Towns, a Futuristic Complex, and 12 Miles of Beaches

https://europeancoffeetrip.com/valencia/

4,550 Postcards · 574 Cities

Valencia

EUROPEAN_COFFEE_TRIP

https://europeancoffeetrip.com/spain/

4,550 Postcards · 574 Cities

Spain

EUROPEAN_COFFEE_TRIP

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/unique-black-friday-experiences

@atlasobscura

4,908 Postcards · 2,019 Cities

14 Unusual, Spectacular Shopping Experiences Around the World

Stefano Politi Markovina / Alamy

https://www.afar.com/magazine/a-spanish-chefs-quest-to-bring-the-denia-prawn-to-the-us

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

A Spanish Chef's Quest to Bring the Dénia Prawn to the U.S. - AFAR