Write this on your “Must Do” list when you visit Valencia: Shop the Mercado Central (Central Market). The building itself is a gorgeous art nouveau showpiece worth seeing, but it also houses one of the largest public markets in Europe. It's like your local farmers market on steroids – inside a palace.
The grand entrance to the Central Market welcomes tourists from around the world.
The market covers an area of over 8,000 square meters (86,111 square feet). For comparison, a U.S. football field is 57,600 square feet including the end zones.
In the center of the magnificent structure is an intricate stained glass dome depicting the richness of Valencia’s fruit. The market is a symbol of the diversity of this region which produces internationally renowned fruits and vegetables.
The market is a gastronomic heaven with nearly a thousand market stalls offering fresh meats, fruit, vegetables, seafood, cheeses, baked goods, olives, and lots of wine. There’s even a snail stand and a stand dedicated to the spice saffron (signature spice in paella). You can also buy funky souvenirs and rather unusual snacks.
The Market is divided into sections for different produce. In the fish market, everything fishy is colorfully displayed on crushed ice. You can find all sorts of seafood including calamares (squid rings), sépias (cuttlefish), pulpo (squid tentacles), and – my personal favorite – shellfish of all types and sizes. You can even buy live eels. (Terrified Emoji here.)
If you're in the mood to try something unusual, take a look at the percebes. They are barnacles that look like tiny severed legs with the hoof attached. They are supposed to be delicious, but I think the texture would be too weird for me to handle. Especially the crunchy hoof part. (Another terrified Emoji here.)
Next stop is the cured ham section. Mind you, this is not one stand. This is an entire section of stands offering the finest hams. The Spanish take their jamón (ham) very seriously and you can find many types and qualities. Jamón ibérico is the celebrated ham made from Black Iberian pigs who graze on acorns. This specialty can cost you over €150/kilo ($68/lb). For the curious: yes, it does taste like acorns, in a good way.
In need of something to sustain you through the rest of your exploration of the Market? Try the gazpacho-to-go! This delight takes fast food to a whole new level. Or, if you prefer, you can have tapas with a nice glass of wine at the Central Bar.
Next stop: Fruits and Vegetables section. So many choices! So little time! You can pick up a glass of fresh-squeezed Valencia orange juice at one of many fruit stands. The flavor is out-of-this-world! Grab some fresh apples to snack on later, too.
Many of the beautiful, ripe fruit and vegetables are seasonal and locally grown. They are on the menus of restaurants across the city. Your farmers market back home would be jealous if it knew you were here.
Does cooking paella sound like fun to you? Indulge yourself with the perfect paella pan! The selection here boggles the mind. Sizes and styles to suit the most discerning taste.
Sometimes you need to take home a bit of memorabilia from your trip, or you might be looking for that perfect white-elephant gift for your brother's birthday. The Central Market is sure to have what you're looking for. I couldn't resist the Gaudi-inspired spoon rest as the perfect accent to my kitchen. A couple of fancy wine bottle stoppers also came home with me. Refrigerator magnets, handsome tiles, you-name-it. There are plenty of fun choices!
You don't want to miss Valencia's Central Market. It's open Monday – Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Closed Sundays. BYOB (bring your own bag) and have a shopping extravaganza!
Click here to read Everyday Street Scenes in Barcelona
You don't want to miss Valencia's Central Market. It's open Monday – Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Closed Sundays. BYOB (bring your own bag) and have a shopping extravaganza!
Click here to read Everyday Street Scenes in Barcelona
