Municipal markets in Valencia: Top 5 best places to visit

Municipal markets in Valencia are very important for the social and economic life of the city. 
Despite the growth of supermarkets, many people continue to prefer traditional indoor markets. After all, here you can buy the freshest products, fruits, vegetables and various delicacies. Not to mention sitting in one of the cafes and gossiping over a cup of coffee or something stronger and eating tapas.

The best municipal markets in Valencia

Of course, they are not few and each place is good in its own way, but we will consider where it will be interesting to go for a new experience for tourists. There are plenty of such markets in Valencia:

Mercado Central

Valencia Central Market is the largest fresh produce market in Europe and a true paradise for gastronomy lovers. It is one of Valencia's highlights and the city's main market at the same time. Like La Boqueria in Barcelona.
Here you will find about 300 stalls with a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, fish and cheeses. The architecture of the market is also very impressive, with iron columns and stained glass windows creating a unique atmosphere.

If you want to sample the produce, check out the Central Bar, which serves delicious tapas and a variety of sandwiches. This market attracts locals and tourists alike and is an important part of the city's culture.

Mercado de Colon

The Columbus Market in Valencia is a jewel of modernist architecture, created by architect Francisco Mora in 1916. With its unique metal structure and beautiful facades, this market has become a center of gastronomy and culture.

The Columbus Market in Valencia is a jewel of modernist architecture, created by architect Francisco Mora in 1916. With its unique metal structure and beautiful facades, this market has become a center of gastronomy and culture.After restoration in 2003, cafes and restaurants opened here and exhibitions and events continue. The place attracts attention with its colorful offerings and atmosphere.

Located next to the Gardens of Turia, it's a great place to relax and grab a bite to eat after your walk. Don't forget to check out the underground stores for fresh produce and fish!

Mercado Municipal del Cabañal

El Cabañal is Valencia's coastal quarter, historically associated with fishing. Here, the unique urban layout has been preserved, reflecting past times. The local market offers fresh seafood such as tuna, squid and a variety of other fish caught near the beaches. One of the most famous stalls is Pescados Bianca, which has been serving customers for four generations!

The market, built in 1958 and recently renovated, covers 3,500 m² and includes more than 150 stalls. It combines modern amenities with Spanish traditions. 

Mercado de Russafa

The Russafa Market (Mercat de Russafa) is located in the Baron de Cortes de Pallas square. It was designed by architect Julio Bellot Senet and opened in 1962. The market was created to meet the needs of the Russafa neighborhood and is located opposite the San Valero Church.

The building is made of reinforced concrete with distinctive colored facades, decorated in gradient shades after renovation in the 2000s. The market has a surface area of 4,780 m² with 160 stalls. Rusafa is the second largest market in the Valencian Community, offering a wide range of food and a bar for visitors. Incidentally, on Mondays the streets next to this building also turn into market streets. Valencia's street markets are some of the best!

Mercado de la Imprenta

The Mercado de la Imprenta gastronomic market has recently opened in Valencia, housed in an old print house. It is the city's largest gastronomic market with 21 stalls offering a wide variety of food and drinks, including Valencian specialties. It can even be compared to the gastronomic market Mercado de Platea in Madrid - also an interesting place, only bigger (but it is the capital), where there are many cafes and restaurants offering visitors drinks, snacks and delicious dishes.

Mercado de la Imprenta also has it all in an interesting, always lively atmosphere. The market is open without appointment and usually from lunch until late. It also offers a cultural program: master classes and exhibitions.