Valencia Central Market (Mercado Central de Valencia)
The Basics
A must-visit for food lovers, the Valencia Central Market packs artisanal food producers, eateries, and local delicacies all under one roof. Home to around 1,000 stalls, the market specializes in fresh produce. Expect impressive displays of fresh-caught seafood, butchers slinging steaks and Iberian ham, vibrant towers of fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, exotic spices, and much more. Pick up gourmet picnic supplies, or head to the market’s Central Bar for prepared tapas and sandwiches alongside pours of Spanish wine.
Navigate the Valencia Central Market with confidence when you book a guided tour. Private tours will help you bypass any crowds, while family-friendly itineraries cater to visitors with kids, and cooking classes are a hands-on option for aspiring chefs.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Valencia Central Market isn’t just a stop for food lovers—as one of the finest examples of Valencian Art Nouveau style, it’s a big draw for architecture lovers, too.
Come prepared with cash, as not all vendors accept credit cards.
The market is accessible for wheelchair users, and its wide aisles make it possible to navigate the space comfortably.
Bring your camera along. With its iron-and-glass structure and photogenic food, the market is a perfect place for amateur photographers to practice their craft.
How to Get There
The Valencia Central Market is located in the heart of the city’s Old Town (Ciutat Vella). If using public transportation, take local bus lines 4, 7, 27, 28, 60, or 81. It’s also a 10-minute walk from several Metrovalencia stations, including Xàtiva and Colón (served by the 3, 5, and 9 lines) and Àngel Guimerà (served by the 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 9 lines).
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Valencia Central Market is open Monday–Saturday from 7:30am–3pm. Arrive earlier in the day for the widest selection or before closing to try and score a bargain.
Highlights of Valencia’s Old Town
After a delectable visit to the Valencia Central Market, continue your Old Town explorations to discover the neighborhood’s other landmarks. Begin at La Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchange), just minutes away; the UNESCO World Heritage Site dates to the 15th century. The medieval Valencia Cathedral, City Hall, and the bustling Plaça de la Reina are also worth exploring.
- Valencia Plaza del Mercado
- Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda)
- Plaza de la Reina
- Valencia Old Town
- Valencia Cathedral (Seu)
- Valencia Cruise Port
- Plaza del Ayuntamiento
- Admiral’s Baths (Baños Arabes del Almirante)
- House of San Vicente Ferrer
- Quart Towers (Torres de Quart)
- Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos)
- Barrio del Carmen
- Valencia Bullring (Plaza de Toros)
- Valencia City of the Arts & Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)
- Institut Valencià d'Art Modern (IVAM)