Valencia’s markets are a great opportunity to shop like a local, explore gorgeous architecture, and support family-owned businesses. Here are the best markets in Valencia, from the largest fresh produce market in Europe and a gastro market that looks inspired by a fairytale to a street market where you’ll find the best bargains in the city.
In This Article
3. Mercado de Colón – elegant gastro market in the city center
4. Mercado de la Imprenta – the largest gastro market in Valencia
5. Mercabañal – casual gastro market in the El Cabañal neighborhood
6. Mercader – the newest gastro market in the El Cabañal neighborhood
8. El Rastro aka Valencia’s Sunday market – the best flea market in Valencia
Best fresh produce markets in Valencia
Each of Valencia’s neighborhoods used to have its own fresh produce market. But in recent years, consumer habits have shifted and many local markets fell into despair and closed. Out of the ones still remaining, these two are a must-visit.
1. Mercado Central – the most popular market in Valencia
Mercado Central was inaugurated in 1928 and today is the largest fresh produce market in Europe, packing almost 300 vendors in an 8,200 square meter space.
This market is hosted inside an imposing iron and glass building, a masterpiece of Modernista architecture, and is without a doubt, one of the top places to visit in Valencia.
The Central Market is divided into the main hall and a smaller hall for fish and seafood. The main hall has an incredible array of stalls selling anything from fresh produce to souvenirs and takeaway Valencian dishes, as well as a tapas bar run by Michelin-starred chef Ricard Camarena.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday closed.
2. Mercado de Ruzafa – local fresh produce market
This colorful market designed in brutalist style is located in the cool Ruzafa neighborhood, one of the best areas to stay in Valencia on a short visit. It was inaugurated in 1962 and it’s the second-largest market in the Valencian Community – roughly half the size of Mercado Central.
Less busy and touristy, this traditional market continues to cater mainly to locals. As you walk along its aisles, you will find an incredible array of fruits, vegetables, pickled olives, spices, dried fruits, cheeses, cured meats, and even algae at affordable prices.
The most unique stall you’ll find here is Insectum. Located on the outside of the market, this little shop sells edible insects and flowers.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday closed.
Best gastro markets in Valencia
Valencia’s gastro markets draw inspiration from famed gastro markets such as San Miguel in Madrid and De Hallen in Amsterdam. Not every single attempt was successful, but these four stood the test of time and for good reason.
3. Mercado de Colón – elegant gastro market in the city center
Mercado de Colón is one of the oldest markets in Valencia. It’s a Modernista market with impressive iron columns and red brick facades inaugurated in 1916. Initially, it hosted a fresh produce market of which only a few stalls remain.
This market is located in the Eixample district, an affluent area that boasts some of the best shopping in Valencia. In 2003 it underwent extensive rehabilitation works and today it’s one of the most atmospheric gastro markets in Valencia.
Here you’ll find some of the prettiest terraces in the city, as well as several indoor restaurants and bars. The culinary offerings go from local craft beer and horchata to paella and other traditional Spanish dishes. An artisan fair is organized on the premises several times a year.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 a.m.
4. Mercado de la Imprenta – the largest gastro market in Valencia
Valencia’s largest gastro market, Mercado de la Imprenta, opened its doors in 2023 in the Arrancapins neighborhood. Conveniently located close to the Joaquín Sorolla high-speed train station and Plaza de España, this market is Valencia’s response to Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid.
Mercado de la Imprenta is housed in the former building of Imprenta Vila, a family-owned printing house founded in 1908 which ceased operation in 2009. The imposing building preserves a lot of its old charm with vintage tiles, wrought ironwork, and exposed brick walls.
Although completely surrounded by residential buildings, Valencia’s new hidden gem is just a brief stroll away from the city center. The market offers a variety of local dishes, including tapas and paella, as well as craft beer and vermouth. The best part? You can order from different food stands and curate your own meal.
Opening hours: Wednesday & Thursday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday from 12 p.m. to 0:30 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 0:30 a.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., Monday & Tuesday closed
5. Mercabañal – casual gastro market in the El Cabañal neighborhood
Mercabañal is one of the newest and coolest gastro markets in Valencia. It occupies a 1,200 square meters eclectic space, bright and airy, with al fresco terraces and sea views. It opened in 2019, in El Cabanyal, a former fishing village full of charm, that was named one of the coolest neighborhoods in Europe. These days, El Cabanyal is a magnet for expats living in Valencia.
Mercabañal was built using recycled materials and ship containers while respecting the neighborhood’s architecture and this sat very well with locals and visitors alike.
The gastronomic offer ranges from hamburgers and tapas to steamed bao buns and unusual pizzas (such as pizza with pumpkin sauce).
Opening hours: Monday & Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday & Saturday from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.
6. Mercader – the newest gastro market in the El Cabañal neighborhood
Mercader is the new kid on the block. Situated in the El Cabañal neighborhood, this fun gastro market has the charm of a small, picturesque village enticing you to explore its quaint cobbled streets. It opened in May 2023 within a former cooperage that operated from the 1930s to the 1990s and has both indoor and outdoor areas.
Mercader pays homage to the city’s industrial heritage by seamlessly blending the rustic allure of the place with the freshness of contemporary design. During the restoration project, special emphasis was put on repurposing the original structures, machinery, and furniture.
With nine restaurants offering anything from fresh oysters and tapas to burgers and pizza, Mercader is definitely one of the best markets in Valencia. On top of that, beer lovers should not miss the opportunity to try the El Águila Dorada beer served fresh from the tank.
Opening hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Best pop-up markets in Valencia
7. Mercado de Tapineria – best pop-up market in Valencia
Mercado de Tapineria is a creative multitasking space that hosts two pop-up stores and two restaurants – one serving traditional Valencian cuisine and the other homemade international dishes.
This unique place is organized around two pedestrian squares in the Old Town, not far from Valencia’s majestic cathedral and the popular El Carmen neighborhood. The large terraces take up pretty much the whole outdoor space.
The indoor shops, on the other hand, change every few days keeping things fresh and exciting. One week you might find an artisan fair, the next you might stumble upon a fashion or antique boutique.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Best flea and street markets in Valencia
Street markets are well-engrained in the local culture. So no matter the day of the week, you’ll always find a flea market somewhere in Valencia. These two are the most popular, but you might come across other flea markets while exploring Valencia’s neighborhoods.
8. El Rastro aka Valencia’s Sunday market – the best flea market in Valencia
El Rastro is the biggest and most popular flea market in Valencia. It has more than 300 stalls selling almost anything imaginable, from collectibles and antiques to all kinds of pre-loved trinkets.
Generally speaking, this boisterous and chaotic flea market is nothing but row upon row of small objects placed on a cloth on the pavement. But occasionally a piece of vintage furniture or an intriguing-looking musical instrument makes an appearance and that’s when things get exciting.
El Rastro is organized every Sunday morning next to Amelia Chiner Park, at the junction between Avenida de Los Naranjos and Calle de Luis Peixó. This market is a mere 15-minute walk from Playa de la Malvarrosa, one of the best beaches in Valencia.
Opening hours: Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
9. Mercadillo de Jerusalén – best street market in Valencia
Valencia organizes a different street market every day of the week, but Mercadillo de Jerusalén, near the North Train Station, is one of the best. This centrally located street market takes place on Tuesday mornings and spreads along Calle Convento Jerusalén and the nearby streets. It is also known as Mercadillo de Martes.
Mercadillo de Jerusalén is super popular with the locals and it tends to get a bit crowded in the late morning. So if you can, it’s best to arrive early as there’s a lot to browse from clothes, footwear, and bags to bed linen, towels, and potted plants.
This street market has dozens of stalls selling new fashion items at bargain prices. But the biggest draw is the mountains of pre-loved clothes, some as cheap as €1 a piece. With a bit of patience, you can find anything from fast fashion brands to designer scarves, cocktail dresses, and even Levi’s jeans.
Opening hours: Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Map of the best markets in Valencia
Have a look at this map of the best markets in Valencia to see where each is located. Simply click on a pin to see the name of the market or click on the top left arrow to see a list of all the markets mentioned in this article.
