Central Market

Visiting Valencia’s Central Market is a multisensory gastronomic experience, as well as an immersion in local culture.

Do you see the parakeet crowning the magnificent modernist building, the symbol of the Market? It’s a playful nod to the lively buzz of sellers and shoppers echoing inside. Aromas from the Huerta and the Mediterranean waft through its more than 250 stalls selling fresh produce. And the vibrant colours of the fruit, vegetables, meat and fish on display rival those of its tiles and stained-glass windows.

But above all, the Central Market is where you’ll find the flavour of Valencia. Take your turn at one of the stalls and taste the juiciest fruit you’ve ever had. Or treat yourself to sampling more local products and traditional dishes at its bar.

Why visit the Central Market 

✓ Its impressive modernist architecture: a wrought-iron structure decorated with striking tiles and stained glass

✓ The variety and abundance of fresh produce on sale at its more than 250 stalls

✓ The chance to enjoy delicious tapas, sharing plates and sandwiches by renowned chef Ricard Camarena at his Central Bar

✓ The lively atmosphere of a meeting point where Valencians have been coming to shop for centuries

What to do at the Central Market

✓ Buy typical Valencian products

This is your chance to buy the ingredients to make a paella at home, discover the flavour of tigernuts, pick up artisan nougat or take home a bottle of local wine. At the Central Market, local produce reigns supreme, and you’ll even find food and wines from the Valencian Community with Protected Designation of Origin.

✓ Take home tasteful gifts

Inside the Market you’ll also find a few stalls selling Valencian souvenirs, including ceramic pieces and, of course, paella pans in all sizes (the pan, not the dish). Spices such as saffron make an easy-to-carry and much-appreciated gift. Salt-cured products, serrano ham and olives are among the most typical items and can be vacuum-packed. In addition, Valencian wines, horchata, Agua de València or mistela are highly recommended drinks to give as gifts. And of course, we can’t forget Valencian rice in its three varieties (Senia, Bomba and Albufera) and Valencia tigernuts.

✓ Stop for lunch

Central Bar, the Market’s bar now run by Ricard Camarena, is an ideal spot to enjoy a good esmorzaret, the traditional Valencian mid-morning snack. Delicious sandwiches in a truly special setting — what more could you ask for?

✓ Show respect

Remember that you’re in a living market that, in one way or another, feeds thousands of Valencians. Respect the activity of the stalls and don’t block access. Many vendors will be happy to explain what each product is and let you take photos, but always ask first.

Responsible practices for visiting the Central Market

By following these guidelines and enjoying local products, your visit will be a 10-out-of-10 experience. Valencia, its vendors and everyday shoppers will thank you!

✓ Always listen to your official tour guide’s explanations and do so outside the market.

✓ Inside the market, don’t touch the products or block the aisles while taking photos, especially the narrower ones.

✓ Respect the activity of the stalls and the vendors’ instructions, such as no-photo requests.

✓ Don’t sit on the market’s access steps, as they are passageways for local shoppers; there are benches and cafés nearby if you need to rest or grab a drink.

✓ Take care of the architecture and don’t litter.

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