The Best Markets to Visit in Valencia
In Valencia, shopping for fresh produce at the market is a must. Locals know that the food bought here tastes better, and Spanish cooking is all about flavor. Valencia is situated next to the Mediterranean and surrounded by acres of market gardens, so your fruit, veg and seafood is sure to be fresh. There’s even an annual festival in September celebrating the fantastic city markets. Here are Culture Trip’s must-visit markets.
1. The Central Market
Market, Spanish, Vegetarian, Vegan
A visit to this market is one of the top food experiences in the city, and the impressive art nouveau building itself is worth checking out, too. Colorful Mediterranean fruit and veg is piled high in stunning displays, countless rows of jamons hang above the heads of stallholders, and the aroma of fresh bread, coffee and oranges hangs in the air. With over 1,000 stalls it’s near-impossible to navigate, but wandering around and not quite knowing what you’ll find next is part of the fun. Every day from Monday-Saturday the market is packed with locals armed with shopping carts beneath the market’s ceramic tiles and its stunning high-dome centrepiece.
2. Ruzafa Market
Charcuterie, Market
To the south of the Old City you’ll find the trendy Ruzafa neighborhood. You can’t miss the curious market building – once a drab concrete rectangle, now decorated in all the colors of the rainbow. Inside there’s plenty of color, too. Though this market is much smaller than the central market, it’s said to have a more traditional feel. You’ll find the same excellent-quality fruit, seafood, charcuterie and much more. Make time to stop for a café con leche at one of the many independent café-bars on the surrounding streets and squares.
Mercat de Ruzafa, 11, Plaça del Baró de Cortés, 9, Valencia, Spain, +34 963 74 40 25
3. Rojas Clemente Market
Market
4. El Cabanyal Market
Market
5. El Rastro
Store
6. Colón Market
Charcuterie, Deli, Market
Fans of architecture and fancy food will love this spot. This beautiful market building south of the Old City district is no longer a working food market; the old stalls have been replaced with rows of chic cafés, craft stalls and a pop-up event space hosting bands or photo exhibitions. Downstairs you’ll find an upmarket deli selling all kinds of amazing charcuterie, cheese, wine and olive oil. Soak up the architecture and atmosphere, enjoy a coffee, pick up some gifts, and if you’re lucky there might be live music, too.
Mercado Colón, Carrer de Jorge Juan, 19, Valencia, Spain, +34 963 37 11 01
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