Opened in 1928, with around 300 stalls, hundreds of products, and over 8,000 square metres, Central Market in Valencia is truly incredible. In Spanish, it is known as ‘El Mercado Central de Valencia’. With stunning architectural designs around the outside, intricate stalls on the inside, and constantly bustling with people, you must experience ‘Central Market’ at least once during your stay in Valencia.
My first time in this market I was utterly astonished at its sheer size and the variety of products offered. I had never before seen freshly-caught fish, hand-picked vegetables, souvenirs, alcohol, spices, freshly squeezed fruit juices, and MORE all sold in such large quantities in the same place. Over the past few months, I have visited the market on several occasions, sometimes for investigative purposes, sometimes for fun, and sometimes because I wanted to grab a quick bite! This market is enormous, and its vendors are sure to have something to satisfy your every need, and at fairly reasonable prices too.
The first thing that caught my eye in this market was the vibrantly-coloured fresh fruit and juices to choose from. Multiple stalls offer this, each putting their own spin on the display and plating of their fruits. As for fish and meats, there is no small amount in this market. Anything from shrimp to octopus, to gourmet pork and beef. The fishmongers and butchers at these stalls are constantly conversing with customers to help them find exactly what they need, and some even offer free samples before purchase.
Other stalls to keep an eye out for: speciality coffee, specialized chocolate and desserts, takeaway paella, authentic local olive oil and liquors, fresh-baked pastries, and anything else that looks unique and interesting!
Whether you’re stopping in for a few quick minutes on a lunch break or you have an hour to kill, try to explore as much of this market as possible; you are sure to find something new every time that you haven’t noticed before. Many of the vendors speak English as well, so don’t let the language barrier stop you from visiting – they are used to tourists and locals alike in the market. To round out your visit to the market, you can sit down at one of the many restaurants outside and take in the beautiful views of Mercado Central and the other impressive buildings surrounding it.
Report by Anna Willerer
Article Copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’
All photos copyright Anna Willerer/ ’24/7 Valencia’
Mercat Central – Ciutat Vella, 46001 Valencia
Hours: Monday to Saturday 07.30h – 15.00h
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