Mercat Central de Valencia

Valencia’s central market is the premier market for meats, seafood, produce and other food items. It is as big and as famous as La Boqueria in Barcelona and Mercado San Miguel in Madrid. The latter two have unfortunately become overrun with tourists, and while Mercat Central is heading the same way, since the vendors recognize that it is a international attraction, there is still a window of opportunity early in the morning before, say 10am, when you can still browse the myriad stalls at your leisure. Opened in 1928 by King Alphonse XIII , and at more than 86,000 square feet (8000 square metres), the building occupies land once used as an open-air market in the mid-19th century.

One of the oldest food markets in Europe, Mercado Central  is adorned with Valencian-style mosaics and filled with residents purchasing local foods ( and tourists gawking) from more than 1,200 trusted vendors selling everything from meat and vegetables to pastries and take-away items, including the famous Iberico hams (jamon), and olives.

Since this is Valencia, the home of Paella, you can be sure to find that too.

Coming from the USA, the meats and fish are surprisingly affordably priced (although they are even cheaper at the local groceries) and the selection is unparalleled.

Best of all, the food is locally sourced and supremely fresh. It is also a masterpiece of Modernist architecture, with high vaulted domes and stained glass windows. The BBC has called it the most beautiful indoor market in the world.

MERCAT CENTRAL DE VALÈNCIA

Plaça de la Ciutat de Bruges s/n,
Valencia, Spain