Mercado de Colón is a former market hall in Valencia’s L’Eixample district, at Carrer de Jorge Juan, 19. Its Art Nouveau design is the main reason to step inside: look up at the ironwork and brick arches, then take in the colourful ceramic details. Today, the hall is home to cafés, bars, restaurants and shops, so you can pause for coffee or tapas. For a local taste, order horchata de chufa with fartons at Horchatería Daniel.
A market hall by Francisco Mora Berenguer
Francisco Mora Berenguer designed Mercado de Colón, and construction took place between 1914 and 1916. The hall opened in 1916 as a public market. Its iron structure, brick arches and colourful ceramic work give it the character of Valencian Art Nouveau, also known as Modernisme.
The building is in the L’Eixample district, at Carrer de Jorge Juan, 19. It is a short walk from Colón metro station and from Valencia’s downtown area.
Look up before choosing a café
The architecture is a reason to visit even if you are not planning a meal. Inside, notice the tall iron supports and the open, airy space beneath the roof. Red-brick arches and ceramic decoration add colour to the structure; some of the tiles depict local produce.
The hall is now a place to eat, drink and browse rather than a conventional fresh-produce market. Cafés, bars and restaurants sit alongside small shops and stalls, including vendors selling jewellery and souvenirs. There are also places to pause with a coffee or a drink.
Horchata, fartons and other stops
Horchatería Daniel is a place to find horchata de chufa, Valencia’s traditional tiger-nut drink. Pair it with fartons, sweet pastries made for dipping. For another local drink, Agua de Valencia combines cava, orange juice, vodka and gin; Café Berlin is one place mentioned for it.
The dining choices include tapas, paella and seafood, as well as cafés and bars. Business selection can change when parts of the market are being renovated, so check what is open if you have a particular venue in mind. Saturday is noted for a busier atmosphere and more activities.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Mercado de Colón?
It is at Carrer de Jorge Juan, 19, in Valencia’s L’Eixample district. Colón metro station is a short walk away.
What should I try at Mercado de Colón?
Try horchata de chufa with fartons at Horchatería Daniel. Agua de Valencia is another local drink to look for.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, entrance to the market is free.
What is Mercado de Colón known for?
It is known for its Valencian Art Nouveau architecture, with ironwork, brick arches and colourful ceramic details. The former market hall now has cafés, bars, restaurants and shops.
