Updated: 28 October 2026
Valencia has more than 35 municipal markets, and most food markets open Monday to Saturday from 7:30 to 15:00 and close on Sundays. The five that expats use most are the Mercado Central in the old town, Russafa, El Cabanyal by the sea, the restored Mercado del Grau and the modernist Mercado de Colón. Living within walking distance of one of them is one of the easiest ways to feel at home in Valencia, and it is a good starting point when you choose your neighbourhood.
Valencia's main markets at a glance
| Market | Neighbourhood | Opening hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercado Central | Ciutat Vella (old town) | Mon–Sat 7:30–15:00 | The full choice of fresh food in a landmark modernist hall |
| Mercado de Russafa | Russafa (Eixample) | Mon–Fri 7:30–14:00, Sat 7:30–15:00 (temporary schedule during renovation works since 22 June 2026) | Everyday neighbourhood shopping, more than 600 stalls |
| Mercado del Cabanyal | El Cabanyal, near the beach | Mon–Sat 7:30–15:00; street market Thu 9:00–14:00 | Fish and local produce in the old fishermen's quarter |
| Mercado del Grau | El Grau, by the port | Also open in the afternoon | The city's oldest market, reopened in 2023 |
| Mercado de Colón | Eixample (Pla del Remei) | Building 7:00–1:30; each café and shop sets its own hours | Coffee, lunch and drinks in a modernist building |
| Benimaclet street market | Benimaclet | Fri 9:00–14:00 | A relaxed weekly market in a student-friendly area |
Hours come from the City of Valencia and the markets' own websites and can change on public holidays. Check the municipal markets page of the Ayuntamiento de València before you go.
Mercado Central: the old town's food hall
The Mercado Central at Plaça Ciutat de Bruges is the market most visitors know, with more than 250 stalls of fresh produce in a landmark modernist building. It is open Monday to Saturday from 7:30 to 15:00, according to the Mercado Central website. Go early for the best choice and fewer crowds.
Living nearby: the old town puts you within walking distance of the market, monuments and the Turia gardens. Read our guide to Ciutat Vella and Eixample.
Mercado de Russafa: the everyday market of a lively district
Russafa's municipal market on Barón de Cortés has more than 600 stalls, according to the City of Valencia, and many stalls deliver to your home. During the energy-efficiency works that started on 22 June 2026 it opens Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 14:00 and on Saturday until 15:00. On Mondays there is also an outdoor market from 9:00 to 14:00.
