Mercado de Colon, Valencia

Historic Building and Market in Valencia

Mercado de Colon
Mercado de Colon
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Francesco Bini

Mercado de Colon (Mercat de Colón) is one of Valencia's most photogenic market buildings: a restored modernist hall in the Eixample district, a short stroll from the city's central shopping streets and the Turia Gardens. Today it's less of a traditional produce market and more of a stylish food-and-drink hub, where locals meet for coffee, tapas, and a classic horchata break.

It's an easy add-on to a walking tour of central Valencia, especially if you're linking sights like Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the Colón area shopping streets, and a wander toward the old town. Even if you don't plan to eat, it's worth stepping inside to admire the ironwork, arches, and decorative details that make the building the star.

History and Significance of the Mercado de Colon

Mercado de Colon was built in the early 20th century as Valencia expanded beyond its historic core, and it's a standout example of the city's modernist architecture. The structure was designed as a grand civic market space, with a light-filled central hall and ornate façades that signaled prosperity and progress.

Over time, as shopping habits changed and newer retail options spread across the city, the building’s role evolved. Rather than disappearing, it was restored and repurposed, preserving its architectural character while turning it into a contemporary meeting point.

That mix of heritage and everyday life is what makes Mercado de Colon feel so “Valencia”: you're not visiting a museum piece, you're stepping into a living landmark where people actually linger.

Things to See and Do in the Mercado de Colon

Start with the architecture. Walk the perimeter to take in the decorative entrances, then head inside to look up at the airy roofline and the elegant metal-and-stone structure. If you enjoy urban photography, you’ll find plenty of symmetry, textures, and details without needing a long visit.

Next, do what locals do: plan a snack stop. Mercado de Colon is especially known for horchaterías, where you can try horchata (the chilled Valencian tiger-nut drink) with a sweet pastry on the side. It's a simple ritual, but it's one of the most “regional” tastes you can fit into a short itinerary.

Finally, treat it as a flexible base. You can drop in for a coffee, a glass of wine, or a casual meal, then continue on foot toward the old town, the Turia Gardens, or the nearby shopping streets around Calle Colón.

How to Get to the Mercado de Colon

Valencia Airport (VLC) is the closest airport for most travelers, with frequent connections to major Spanish and European cities. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Valencia on Booking.com.

If you're arriving by rail, Valencia's main stations (Estació del Nord and Joaquín Sorolla for high-speed services) connect the city with Madrid, Barcelona, and beyond, and from there you can continue by metro, bus, or taxi. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

By car, Valencia is well connected by major highways, but driving into the center can be slower than expected due to traffic and restricted zones, so consider parking once and exploring on foot. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Mercado de Colon

  • Official website: https://mercadocolon.es/
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Monday – Thursday: 07:30–02:00. Friday – Saturday: 07:30–03:00. Sunday: 07:30–02:00.
  • Best time to visit: Late morning for a relaxed look at the building, or early evening if you want more atmosphere with drinks and dinner.
  • How long to spend: 20–40 minutes for a quick architectural stop; 60–90 minutes if you’re sitting down for horchata or a meal.
  • Accessibility: The market hall is generally step-free and easy to navigate, with wide walkways suited to strollers and wheelchairs.
  • Facilities: You’ll find multiple cafés and restaurants inside, plus nearby ATMs, shops, and public transport options in the surrounding streets.

Where to Stay Close to the Mercado de Colon

Base yourself in central Valencia (Eixample or the edge of the Old Town) for the easiest walking access to Mercado de Colon, restaurants, and the city's main sights.

Hospes Palau de la Mar A polished, upscale option in a prime location between Eixample and the Turia Gardens, ideal if you want a quieter, more refined stay while still being walkable to everything.

Only YOU Hotel Valencia A design-forward city hotel that's great for travelers who want a stylish base with an easy walk to Mercado de Colon and the shopping streets around Calle Colón.

Caro Hotel A boutique pick in the Old Town with a strong sense of place, perfect if you want historic ambience and a memorable “Valencia” feel after your market visit.

Vincci Lys A reliable mid-range choice with comfortable rooms and a central location, convenient for travelers balancing value, comfort, and walkability.

NH Collection Valencia Colón A smart option for shoppers and transit-minded travelers, placing you close to major retail streets and within an easy stroll of Mercado de Colon.

Is the Mercado de Colon Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you like architecture, local food traditions, or quick “micro-stops” that add texture to a city walk. Mercado de Colon is beautiful, easy to fit into a day, and one of the simplest places in Valencia to try horchata in a setting that feels special.

Honest Pivot: if you're expecting a bustling, produce-heavy market like Mercado Central, you may find this one more limited and more focused on cafés and restaurants. In that case, treat it as an architectural stop and do your main market shopping elsewhere.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (45,941)

Travelers rate Mercado de Colon very highly overall, with many praising the striking modernist architecture and the enjoyable atmosphere for a relaxed stop. Common highlights include horchata and other Valencian treats, a good mix of cafés and restaurants, and attractive seasonal decorations. A recurring downside is that it can feel less like a traditional Spanish market, with fewer stalls and less variety than larger mercados—more of a dining and leisure space than a full produce market.

Divzee
a month ago
"Beautiful architecture around(Gaudi like) lovely market with some nice shops. But beat of all is the Horchaterias and other traditional Valenciantreats Horchatería Daniel. Must have nutritious naturally vegan and nut free friendly drink and Fatron with it...."
Dominika Nosková
a month ago
"Such a great place, the architecture is stu ing. They also had pretty Christmas decorations. It is mostly restaurants and bars and a few posh shopswith meats, dairy products and wine. Also some small stalls with jewelry and some small art...."
Avirup Das
a month ago
"A lovely market with some touch of Gaudi style designs. This is a huge market with a broad entrance and plenty of space on the open pavilion. Thereare 2/3 entry to the space and the entrances are elaborately decorated. Also, being open pavilion, there is plenty of space for people to go around...."

For Different Travelers

Mercado de Colon works best as a flexible stop: you can keep it quick and visual, or turn it into a longer break with drinks and dessert. It's also conveniently placed for combining with shopping streets and a walk toward the Turia Gardens.

Families with Kids

This is a low-stress visit for families because it’s compact, easy to navigate, and doesn’t require a long attention span. You can pop in, look around, and reward everyone with a snack without committing to a full sit-down meal.

If you’re traveling with younger kids, aim for off-peak times so you can move around comfortably. It’s also a handy “reset stop” between bigger sightseeing blocks.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Mercado de Colon is a great place to slow down: a pretty setting, good people-watching, and an easy transition from daytime exploring to an evening drink. The building's details and warm lighting later in the day make it feel a little more special than a standard café stop.

Pair it with a stroll through Eixample’s elegant streets or a walk to the Turia Gardens for a relaxed, romantic mini-itinerary that doesn’t feel overplanned.

Budget Travelers

You can enjoy Mercado de Colon on a budget by treating it as a free architectural visit and choosing one small local specialty (like horchata) instead of a full meal. It's also a good place to take a break without needing a ticketed attraction.

If you’re prioritizing value, combine it with other free experiences nearby: walking the Turia Gardens, browsing central streets, and exploring the Old Town on foot.

FAQs for Visiting Mercado de Colon

Getting There

Yes, it’s an easy walk from the city center and a natural stop if you’re already exploring the Colón shopping area. If you’re staying in the Old Town, plan on a pleasant 15–25 minute walk depending on your starting point.
Metro and city buses both serve the surrounding area, and taxis are quick if you’re coming from the train stations. Once you arrive, the neighborhood is best explored on foot.
Yes, it fits neatly between the shopping streets, the Turia Gardens, and routes heading toward the Old Town. It’s ideal as a mid-walk break.

Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the building is generally free since it functions as a public market and dining space. You only pay for what you eat or buy.
Some city walking tours may include a brief stop for context and photos. If you want deeper architectural background, look for a modernist-architecture themed tour.
Some places can get busy at peak meal times, especially on weekends. If you have a specific spot in mind, reserving ahead is a good idea.

Visiting Experience

Not really; it’s more of a dining-and-leisure market with fewer classic produce stalls. Go for the building, the atmosphere, and a snack or drink.
Horchata is the signature choice, especially if you want something distinctly Valencian. Pair it with a small sweet pastry for the classic experience.
It often feels calmer than larger, more tourist-heavy markets. Peak times are typically lunch and dinner, when tables fill up.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Use it as a mid-morning or late-afternoon break between the Old Town and the Turia Gardens. It’s also an easy add-on after shopping around Calle Colón.
Yes, the atmosphere shifts toward bars and dinner, and the building looks great under evening lighting. It’s a nice start to a night out without committing to a full itinerary.
Combine it with a walk through Eixample to spot more early-20th-century façades. Then continue toward the Turia Gardens for a different side of Valencia.

Photography

Try the main entrances for symmetry, then shoot upward inside to capture the structure and light. A slow lap around the interior helps you find cleaner compositions.
Casual photography is typically fine in public areas. Be considerate around diners and avoid disrupting businesses.
Late morning and late afternoon tend to be most flattering for both exterior details and interior glow. Evening can be great for moodier shots.

Accessibility & Facilities

The interior is generally accessible with wide pathways and step-free circulation in most areas. If you have specific needs, it’s worth checking with individual venues inside.
Many cafés and restaurants have restrooms for customers. If you’re just passing through, plan a quick drink or snack stop.
Yes, the open layout makes it easier than tighter, stall-packed markets. Off-peak times are the most comfortable.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, it’s one of its strengths: you can do coffee, horchata, or a small bite without a long sit-down. It’s a convenient “pause button” during sightseeing.
Usually yes, especially across cafés and international menus, though options vary by venue. Horchata is a good non-dairy-friendly choice.
You’ll find some gourmet-style products and drinks, but it’s not the best place for a huge variety of market goods. For broader edible shopping, pair it with Mercado Central.

Safety & Timing

This is a well-trafficked central neighborhood with plenty of evening activity. Use normal city precautions, especially late at night.
Late morning on weekdays is usually calmer. If you go at dinner time, expect a livelier scene and fuller tables.
Yes, it typically operates on Sundays, though the vibe may be more leisure-focused than shopping-focused. Check hours if you’re planning a late visit.

Nearby Attractions to the Mercado de Colon

  • Jardín del Turia: Valencia’s long, green park corridor, perfect for a scenic walk or bike ride after your market stop.
  • Puerta de la Mar: A landmark gateway area that's a natural waypoint between central streets and the Turia Gardens.
  • Plaza del Ayuntamiento: The city's main square, great for architecture, photos, and connecting to shopping streets.
  • Estació del Nord: A beautiful historic train station building that’s worth a quick look even if you’re not traveling by rail.
  • Mercado Central: Valencia's classic, bustling food market for a more traditional market experience and serious browsing.

The Mercado de Colon appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valencia!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 07:30-02:00.

Friday - Saturday: 07:30-03:00.

Sunday: 07:30-02:00.

Price:

Free.

Address: Carrer de Jorge Juan, 19, L'Eixample, 46004 València, Valencia, Spain
Valencia: 3 km
Telephone: +34 963 37 11 01
Official Website

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