Valencia Central Market: opening hours, what to buy and how to get there

Valencia

The facade of the Central Market. (Photo: Sea Olive, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Gabriela Peris November 02, 2026

If you visit Valencia, there's one gem you absolutely must see: the Central Market. Located in the heart of the city, this iconic modernist market of iron and glass is the perfect place to discover the most authentic flavors of Valencian cuisine, buy fresh produce, and soak up the local atmosphere.

In this guide I'll tell you what their opening hours are, what's worth buying and how to get there so you can make the most of your visit.

A cathedral of iron, glass and ceramics

The Central Market of Valencia opened its doors to the public on March 15, 1928, but its history began with a grand celebration a few weeks earlier. On January 23, a meal was organized, attended by around 1,400 people, where no fewer than 32 paellas were served (I wish I could have tried one!). After allocating the nearly 600 stalls that existed at the time, the Central Market began its journey, becoming one of the most emblematic places in Valencian life, as reported by Valencia Bonita .

The winning project was signed by Alexandre Soler March and Francesc Guàrdia Vial, graduates of the Barcelona School of Architecture, who collaborated with Lluís Domènech i Montaner. After disagreements, the direction of the works was passed to Enrique Viedma Vidal and Ángel Romaní Verdeguer, and they were completed in January 1928.

Before all that, the site hosted street markets. In 1839, the open-air Mercado Nuevo (New Market) was built there, but it eventually became too small due to Valencia's growth in the 19th century.

The demolition of the houses on the site began on October 24, 1910, when Alfonso XIII struck a wall in the Central Market Square several times with a silver pickaxe. The foundation stone was laid on December 30, 1915, according to the same source. The version of the project that shaped the current building was approved on May 18, 1914, although some publications place it in November of that year.

The management also has its own history. In 1987, the vendors' association proposed autonomous management to the City Council, and 369 of the 415 vendors voted in favor. The home delivery service was launched in October 1996.

Iron framework and glass dome inside the Central Market. (Photo: Miguel Hermoso Cuesta, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

The dome, the weathervanes, and the light from the stained-glass windows

The central dome, which reaches a height of about 30 meters, is one of the most recognizable features of the Central Market. But it's not the only detail that catches the eye from the outside: the roof also features two very curious weathervanes, one shaped like a parrot and the other like a swordfish, representing the fish market area.

The parrot also appears in the Visit Valencia description, which describes a wrought-iron structure decorated with tiles and stained glass. Inside, light streams in through the dome and stained glass, illuminating the colors of the Valencian flag.

The floor plan is an irregular fourteen-sided polygon, adapted to the available space. The ceramic decoration is by La Ceramo, the factory in Benicalap founded in 1889.

Two warehouses, a basement and a complete renovation

The complex totals 8,160 m² and is divided into two distinct spaces: a main building with an irregular floor plan, with 6,760 m², and another building intended for the fish market, with an octagonal floor plan and 1,400 m².

Just below lies a 7,690 m² basement that originally housed the fish auction. This space is now used as a parking garage.

The comprehensive renovation of the building has been underway since 2004, handled by the Madrid-based firm Fernández del Castillo Arquitectos, led by Horacio Fernández del Castillo. The work has included the restoration of the entire complex and the modernization of the commercial facilities.

What to buy among the stalls

If you enjoy good food, Valencia's Central Market is the place for you. Its stalls offer everything from fresh produce from the Valencian countryside to fish, seafood, cured meats, and typical local specialties. And if you get hungry during your visit, you'll also find options for a quick bite or something to take with you.

Variety is one of its great attractions.

The official directory of the Central Market divides the stalls into 16 sections, which include fruits, meat, fish, delicatessen, spices, bakery, gourmet products and international specialties, among others.

If you want to take home a taste of Valencian cuisine, there are several products worth seeking out. According to Gastronosfera, some of the most representative include rice, oranges, tomatoes from El Perelló, tiger nuts, eels from El Palmar, figatells (a type of sausage), and salted fish. You'll also find Valencian craft beers, snails, pickles, and cured meats.

Fish and seafood also play a prominent role. There are approximately 23 stalls dedicated to these products, with options such as sole, squid, cuttlefish, sea bass, and sea bream. At the meat stalls, you can find products like La Mancha beef, Duroc pork from Teruel, and cured meats with the Requena-Ontinyent Protected Designation of Origin.

Would you prefer to sample something while exploring the Central Market? There are also options for eating on the spot. Gastronosfera highlights Frutas Selectas Puchades, where you can buy local fruits and vegetables and juices to take away. Another interesting stop is Central Bar, by chef Ricard Camarena, which serves the traditional Valencian esmorzaret, a mid-morning snack deeply rooted in the local culinary culture. It's located among the fruit and vegetable stalls and, according to El Español, doesn't take reservations.

And if after your visit you're still looking to buy more products, there's no need to return to the Central Market. According to Mercasa, their home delivery service has been operating since October 1996. Currently, the official website allows you to place orders online, via WhatsApp, email, telephone, or through customer service.

Olive oils at a stall in the Central Market. (Photo: 19Tarrestnom65, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

What are the opening hours of the Central Market of Valencia?

The Central Market is open from Monday to Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., according to the official website, and is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Visit Valencia advises that a visit lasts between 45 minutes and one hour. On Sundays, from 10:00 to 13:00, there's a collectors' market between Plaza Ciudad de Brujas and Calle de las Calabazas, selling trading cards, coins, stamps, vinyl records, and books. A perfect Sunday outing for families with children, couples, or friends.

If you are traveling at Christmas or local holidays, check the schedule on the official website before you go.

Group visits are limited to 10 people. However, please confirm if you are traveling with a larger group.

How to get to the Central Market of Valencia: bus, car and parking

The Central Market is located in Plaza Ciudad de Brujas, next to the Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda) and separated from the Church of Santos Juanes by Calle Vieja de la Paja. It's a prime location for discovering Valencia one bite at a time, amidst historic buildings, charming squares, and traditional flavors.

By bus, lines 7 and 27 appear both in the Visit València information sheet and in a 2022 Valencia Plaza article. The other lines mentioned differ between the two sources, so I recommend checking the EMT website before you leave.

By car through the city center

You need to be careful here. According to the Visit Valencia traffic guide, the historic center is a Residential Priority Area, where only authorized vehicles or public transport are allowed. Entering without permission is punishable by law.

That website clarifies that you don't need an environmental sticker to enter Valencia by car. It does, however, remind you that the Low Emission Zone is being implemented gradually until 2028. In January 2027, access will be restricted to any vehicle without a sticker coming from outside the city.

For parking, the same website indicates the municipal parking garage in Plaça de la Cité de Bruges, next to the Central Market, which is open 24 hours a day. If you prefer street parking, the regulated parking zone (ORA) operates Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a maximum stay of two hours.

That guide does not detail parking rates: check them in the municipal information.

The Silk Exchange, next to the Central Market of Valencia

The Silk Exchange in Valencia, a masterpiece of civil Gothic architecture. (Photo: Visentico / Sento, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Directly opposite the Central Market stands the Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda ), one of Valencia's greatest architectural treasures. Its construction began in 1482 and continued until 1533, under the direction of master builders such as Pere Compte and Joan Ibarra. Its historical and artistic significance earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996 .

Inside, the highlight is the Contract Hall, also known as the Column Hall, an impressive space with eight helical stone columns and soaring vaults. General admission is €2, although entry is free on Sundays and public holidays. There is also a reduced rate of €1 for groups, students, pensioners, and large families.

The Lonja is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 14:00. If you want to visit both monuments on the same day, keep in mind that the Central Market closes at 15:00, while the Lonja remains open until 19:00. Entry to the Lonja is free on Sundays, but the Central Market will be closed.

Is it worth renting a car to go to the Central Market of Valencia?

If you're planning your trip to Valencia and aren't sure what to do, here are some ideas for exploring the city and its surroundings. To visit the Central Market and explore the historic center, the most convenient way is usually on foot or by public transport, as car access is restricted in some areas.

However, if you want to take advantage of the trip to explore other corners of the province, renting a car in Valencia will allow you to discover charming villages, take road trips and organize your excursions with total freedom.

Here are some ideas to help you prepare for your trip:

• If you want to find out how to get around the city, check out our guide on how to get around Valencia .
• If you fancy a road trip, get inspired by our best driving routes around Valencia .
• If you prefer to discover charming towns, take a look at the 8 most beautiful villages to visit in Valencia .
• If you're planning a getaway, I'll tell you what to see in Valencia in 3 days .

Additionally, you can consult our Valencia guide with all the articles to find more tips and ideas and organize your visit at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Central Market open on Sundays?

No, the Central Market is closed on Sundays and public holidays. On those days, from 10:00 to 13:00, there is a collectors' market between Bruges City Square and Pumpkin Street.

How long does it take to visit the Central Market?

It takes between 45 minutes and an hour. If you also want to try the Central Bar, keep in mind that it doesn't take reservations, according to El Español .

Is it possible to buy without going to the Central Market?

Yes. The official website of the Central Market allows you to buy online, via WhatsApp, by email, or by calling the stalls. The home delivery service has its own phone number: 963 829 101.

Who designed the Central Market of Valencia?

The project was designed by Alexandre Soler March and Francesc Guàrdia Vial. The construction was completed by Enrique Viedma Vidal and Ángel Romaní Verdeguer.

What's in front of the Central Market?

The Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) has been a World Heritage Site since 1996, according to Visit Valencia. Admission is free on Sundays and public holidays.