The Central Market of Valencia is strategically located in the heart of Ciutat Vella and is a crucial tourist attraction in the city.
It is not only one of the largest, oldest, and most famous markets in Europe but also a jewel of Valencian modernism and the backbone of the city and its neighborhoods.
20% of the people who visit the Central Market of Valencia are residents, making it a place for social and cultural interaction.
It covers an area of 8,200 m² mainly dedicated to selling fresh products.
This iconic building is not only the most iconic in the city but also the largest retail market in Europe. It is popularly known as «the cathedral of the senses» due to its ability to offer a unique experience through colors, flavors, and aromas.
And beware.
The BBC considers it one of the most beautiful markets on the planet—and there is no doubt about that—it is gorgeous!
The Central Market of Valencia represents the perfect fusion of architectural value and commercial functionality.
The tremendous architectural value of Valencia’s Central Market
The origin of Valencia’s Central Market dates back to 1839 when it served the same purpose.
It covered the commercial and social needs of the time but as an open-air market.
It was inaugurated in 1928 under the direction of architects Alejandro Soler March and Francisco Guardia Vial, both greatly influenced by Gaudí.
The exterior aesthetics perfectly complement its neighbors, the Silk Exchange —a UNESCO World Heritage Site— and the Church of Saints John.
But undoubtedly, what is most surprising is its interior.
Its modernist structure combines metal, glass, and ceramics, allowing natural light to flood the interior.
The layout is, to say the least, curious.
There are two large pavilions built in exposed brick, with applications of stone and ceramic —modernist— and an annex building, where fish and seafood are located, with purely twentieth-century architecture.
The central dome reaches over 30 meters tall and offers a typical Valencian architectural panorama.
The entire market is distributed in streets with perfectly organized stalls, making it very easy to navigate.
In addition, it has many entrances. Not one, not two, not three… Thirteen!
The main entrances are in Plaza del Mercado, Plaza de Brujas, and Avenida del Oeste, tho, where the customer service point is.
Stalls and shops in the Central Market of Valencia with the best gastronomic offer
The market is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is only closed on Sundays and holidays.
Inside the market, there are more than 200 stalls —259 to be precise— that offer a wide range of products: fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, seafood, cheeses, bread, sweets, spices, gifts, plants, and much more.
It is the perfect place to discover Valencia’s gastronomic richness and enjoy its typical local delights, such as horchata with fartons or Easter longaniza.
Several bars and small restaurants also serve traditional Valencian dishes, such as paella, fideuás, and rice dishes, as well as various tapas and drinks.
And is there quality, objectively speaking?
Ricard Camarena, a Michelin-starred chef, runs Bar Central, where delicious tapas and sandwiches are served.
And something unexpected?
At the Central Market of Valencia, they also sell the best panettone in the world.
Curiosities and Extra Services of the Central Market of Valencia
Despite being a traditional market, Valencia’s Central Market has adapted to the new times exceptionally well.
It has introduced technological improvements and various services to enhance the experience of its visitors without sacrificing any of its essence.
Activities at the Valencia’s Central Market
The Central Market of Valencia is a very dynamic space where activities are regularly organized.
Many of them include tastings, workshops, raffles, and cultural events.
It perfectly adapts to all festivities: Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Holy Week, etc., and offers all kinds of entertainment.
The breastfeeding room
Is there a baby in the group? Well, they also have their space.
This room is conditioned, spacious, and intimate, and it can accommodate several families at once to feed the little ones.
The refrigerated storage
A more than revolutionary service.
Is it hot? Don’t feel like carrying bags during the visit?
The Central Market has thought of everything and offers refrigerated storage so your group can leave all their purchases.
We said that the market is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but the storage has extended hours until 9:00 p.m. so that the group can continue enjoying Valencia without carrying bags and more bags.
The re-weighing service
There is no room for small scams in Valencia’s Central Market.
It is a place where, for the most part, fresh products are sold by weight.
So, if you have doubts and want to be sure, there is a free re-weighing service.
And that’s all you need to know about the Central Market of Valencia
After a quick overview of the history, impressive architecture, and culinary diversity that the Central Market of Valencia offers, who wouldn’t be amazed to get to know it well?
The good news is that it is a stop on the guided tour of Valencia’s historic center, and you can customize it as you wish.
