The central market (Mercado Central) of Alicante is one of the most popular places in the city, where life is constantly in full swing.
Mercado Central is the largest market in the city.
The market is indoor, so it works in any weather. The market is located in one of the most beautiful and ancient buildings in the city. The market building is an architectural heritage with stone bas-reliefs, mosaics and stucco in the form of plants and animals.
By the way, the market building is included in the list of the main attractions of the city.
The market is located on Alfonso El Sabio Avenue (Avenida Alfonso X el Sabio) and occupies an entire block between two streets - Capitan Segarra and Carrer Calderon dela Barca. Above its main entrance from Capitan Segarra Street stands a large Mercado Central sign, which is hard to miss. You will definitely notice this market from afar; it is simply impossible to make a mistake.
At the western entrance to the market (from Carrer Calderon dela Barca) there is a small square with a cafeteria and a row of flower stalls. There is also a glass entrance to the underground train stop.
The market square is a stopping place for almost everything in the city. public transport, so the market serves as a kind of reference point for gathering tourists. If you don’t know how to get or walk to the Mercado public market, ask any driver or passer-by: - “Mercado Central” and they will immediately tell you and show you where to go.
Mercado Central is open to visitors from Monday to Friday - from 07:00 to 14:30, Saturday and holiday eves - from 07:00 to 15:00. Sunday is a day off.
A little advice : If you come to the market at closing time, you can get a discount on your purchases. And if you constantly buy from the same merchants, they will remember you and give you small gifts.
From anywhere in the center of Alicante the market can be reached on foot. The distance from the historical part of the city to the market is about one kilometer. The best way to get to the market is on foot through the narrow and colorful streets of the city, filled with noisy tourists and an endless variety of cafes, restaurants and small shops.
The market is two-story, has two entrances. Entering it from any entrance, you find yourself on the first floor.
The entire first floor is filled with meat departments. There is meat and poultry for every taste. The freshest cuts of pork, beef, veal; chicken, duck and turkey; domestic rabbits, pork ribs and a variety of semi-finished products.
The freshest meat is cut right in front of you. And if you like a piece that turns out to be heavy, then they will cut off the necessary part for you, carefully pack everything and hand it over with a smile and gratitude.
On the ground floor you will also find canned food, sausages and other delicacies from meat and poultry, dried and dried fish, and of course the Spanish national delicacy - dry-cured raw ham Jamon.
Here, at the exit, there is a free toilet and drinking fountain.
A wide staircase and escalator lead to the lower floor.
This floor is heavenly. There are rows of fish and seafood on it. Everything is exceptionally fresh.
There are shrimps of various shapes, sizes and shades; clams and mussels; squid, octopus and lobster; spiny lobsters, lobsters, live crabs and a variety of other inhabitants of the deep sea, the names of which we do not even know. The price ranges from 10 EUR (euro) to 70 per kilogram.
Fish is also sold here, not only from the Mediterranean Sea, but also oceanic: perch, tuna, devil fish, bachelor, mackerel, flounder, swordfish and other varieties that we have not seen before. All this is sold both whole and in purified form.
All fish will be cleaned and cut here at your request.
All these seafood delicacies lie before your eyes on the ice.
By the way, the market does not have the specific fishy smell inherent in our fish stores, probably because the fish is very fresh.
Advice!
To prepare and taste Mediterranean delicacies, you need a kitchen, so when going on holiday to Spain, rent not a hotel, but a guest house with a shared kitchen or an apartment. Then the rest will be truly complete.
On the same floor there are rows of vegetables, herbs and fruits. And what is there, the choice is amazing, ripe and juicy mangoes, papaya, watermelons, melons, grapes, oranges, peaches, nectarines, pears, apples and other strange fruits. How many types of mushrooms...
We made sure to go to the market for fruit a couple of times a week. We always bought a mango and half a papaya. The mango is so ripe and juicy that when you bite it, sweet juice flows over your face and hands, and the spoon penetrates into the papaya pulp on its own.
Enjoying a mango, you can’t help but remember the taste of the fruit so accurately described in the 1977 best-selling novel by Australian writer Colleen McCullough, “The Thorn Birds,” in the episode when one of the main characters Maggie is vacationing on the island.
A kilogram of mango costs 6.20 euros, and a kilogram of papaya costs 3 euros. We took four mangoes and half a papaya, all of which cost us about 6 euros.
Our purchases. Only two mangoes survived to the photo shoot, since we couldn’t resist eating the other two right at the market.
Also on the market you can find Spanish wines, olives of all sizes, types and colors, nuts, honey, eggs, cheeses, spices, a variety of pickles and sweets, and much more interesting things. Come and see everything for yourself. Believe me, there will be something to remember.
There are other small markets in Alicante, but there is no point in wasting time on them. The Central Market is both a historical delight for the eyes and gastronomic abundance for the stomach. It is here that you will find all the delights of the coastal countries.
The capital, Santo Domingo, is also a shopping destination. You will discover the unique Mercado Modelo market, founded in 1942 by dictator Trujillo. The Model Market is located in the center of Santo Domingo near Calle de El Conde, on the way to Avenida Mella. It is housed in an aging two-story building north of the Zona Colonial near a neighborhood of Chinese restaurants and shops. This square contains not only historical monuments, but also markets and shops within a short drive.
It is impossible to say that the bazaar has an approximate system, but based on the consideration that it is possible to buy everything you want here, Mercado Modelo justifies its name.
A shopaholic's paradise
This frantic shopping location is largest market crafts in the capital. It is surrounded by food stalls that serve local shoppers and was once a popular local market. Today, its products and prices are aimed at tourists, although Dominicans also come here to buy some things. Mercado Modelo in Santo Domingo consists of several dozen similar shops selling typical art, local paintings (many of them Haitian), CDs, Dominican and Cuban cigars, liqueurs, souvenirs and jewelry, Mamajuana (a bottle filled with roots and spices that used for seasonal rum), faceless dolls that represent the blending cultural background of the Dominicans. Along with souvenirs, you will find household items, fruits and vegetables, as well as typical culinary ingredients such as vanilla and spices. Meat and fish stalls are located on the ground floor. If you are looking for something special to hang on the walls of your home, then this is the perfect place to find it. There is a wide variety of arts and crafts to choose from. Wood carving is also a popular specialty in Dominican culture.
While many of the items may seem mass-produced, the market hosts artists such as Giovanni Infante, who created his original painting in the market's narrow corridor more than 20 years ago.
This is truly considered the ultimate shopping stop for all your souvenir shopping and needs. Here you will find excellent jewelry made of amber and a piquant liqueur which is supposed to have seductive qualities. It's also worth visiting the shops that sell impressive carnival masks.
Since the market is built for tourists, who will pay the most high price, sellers are known to strive to obtain more money what their product costs. Prices shown prices are noticeably higher at Mercado Modelo than at other markets, but they are subject to negotiation. Salespeople can be pushy and should not be trusted, they will agree to most offers for the sake of selling products. The problem is that this market is a magnet for tourists and sellers are constantly inviting visitors. It's best to move quickly through it and out to the other end of the market, where you'll be immersed in the real Dominican way of life among the many stalls selling tropical fruits and cabbage choppers, a real feast of flavors and colors.
What's around?
The area around Mercado Modelo is not the best in Santo Domingo, so it is better to take a taxi to the market, although walking during daylight hours is considered safe.
Older Dominicans remember the market as a place to buy groceries, prepared meals, and other necessities, and although the bazaar is no longer a true city market, it remains a good shopping stop on a Dominican vacation. Even if the market is large and a little overwhelming, it is still considered a place to buy gifts for friends and family.
Outside the market are local vendors selling drinks and snacks to bazaar-goers and passers-by. Be careful as this area is one of the more vibrant areas of the city and is hustle and bustle and is also home to pickpockets.
While shopping at Mercado Modelo, you might want to visit nearby shops such as La Sirena, the Munecas Elisa souvenir stall, book Shop Libreria Pichardo.
Working hours
The Mercado Modelo market is open from Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.30 pm to 7 pm.
How to get there
The bazaar is located in close proximity to Independence Park, on the famous Malecón Avenue, which stretches along the coast for 15 kilometers.
Food markets in Madrid have long moved from the status of just markets to real centers of gastronomic culture, where you can not only buy fresh and high-quality products, try traditional cuisine, relax in a cozy cafe or restaurant, but also attend a food festival, culinary seminars, and admire the unique architecture building.
Mercado San Miguel is one of the most famous markets in Madrid
The San Miguel market in Madrid is a real center of culinary culture, which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary. The market first opened its doors to visitors on May 13, 1916.
Mercado San Miguel boasts not only good cuisine and fresh products, which we will discuss below, but also a good location. The market is located in the heart of Madrid, close to the Plaza Mayor and the main square of Puerta del Sol. Separately, it is worth mentioning the Mercado San Miguel building, which is the only architectural monument in the city made of iron. So, in addition to the gastronomic market, the market is also of cultural interest.
At the market you can find a lot of delicious products, there are ready-made traditional snacks, fresh vegetables, fruits and sweets, and meat products. Separately, it is worth mentioning the large selection of fish and seafood - the counters are simply bursting with such abundance.
On the territory of the market there are many bars and small restaurants that offer visitors to enjoy traditional dishes: paella, all kinds of tapas, croquettes and traditional patatas bravas. The menu is updated every day.
Be prepared for the market to be always busy and popular with both tourists and locals.
- Address: Plaza de San Miguel, s/n, 28005 Madrid.
Mercado San Antón – a market where you can prepare the product you just bought
Mercado San Anton is a place with a rich history, originally it was a street market, which subsequently grew and became so famous that it was mentioned in the book “Fortunata and Jacinta” by the Spanish writer, representative of critical realism Benito Perez Galdos.
The San Anton market in Madrid has retained its original concept: the ground floor of the building is a classic market with many trading platforms, where you can choose and buy fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, as well as meat products, fish, cheeses and smoked meats, delicious desserts and traditional sweets, spices and much more.
On the second floor of the building there is a food court, where anyone can order traditional cuisine, accompanying lunch with a glass of fine wine or a traditional wine drink - sangria.
The third floor of the market is a terrace on which there is an open-air restaurant, offering its visitors to treat themselves to delicious dishes from the chef. The concept of the restaurant is very interesting; in addition to dishes from the menu, visitors can choose any product they like on the counter, and the chefs of the establishment will prepare it to your taste with the addition of side dishes and sauces. High Quality. This service is called “Cooking de la cocina de San Antón”.
While visiting Madrid's San Anton food market, stop by a special place called Murua Oleoteca, where you can find the best varieties olive oils that can only be found in the city, at good prices.
- Address: Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 24, 28004 Madrid.
Mercado de la Cebada is one of the oldest markets in Madrid
At the end of the 18th century, the rapid population growth in Madrid contributed to the creation of a market that could provide citizens with fresh food. Thus, on June 11, 1875, by order of King Alfonso II, the Mercado de la Cebada food market was created, which until the 20th century was one of the most important shopping areas in Madrid.
On the vast territory of the market there are fish and butcher shops, shops with fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as cafeterias and bars for every taste. In total there are about 200 retail outlets.
The Mercado de la Cebada hosts many exciting gastronomic events. Valid on certain dates Special offers and discounts in restaurants and bars of the market.
- Address: Plaza de la Cebada, s/n, 28005 Madrid.
Mercado San Ildefonso – for connoisseurs of simple and tasty dishes and snacks
Mercado San Ildefonso in Madrid has a unique and colorful street market atmosphere with small food stalls selling freshly prepared delicacies.
On each of the three floors of the market there is a bar where you can relax in a pleasant atmosphere, and there are also two terraces with magnificent views of the city.
The San Ildefonso market is a real paradise for lovers of delicious and varied food! It is also pleasantly surprising that the menu is often updated, so each time you can discover more and more new dishes.
A place called Mi Taco is very popular, where everyone can taste traditional Mexican cuisine. They serve delicious tacos here! For a light snack, you can stop by Strip Papas and try their original recipe potatoes with a variety of sauces to suit your taste.
You can enjoy a traditional Spanish breakfast at Granja Malasaña, which serves excellent egg dishes. We recommend trying tortilla or soft-boiled eggs with a side dish of potatoes and tartar sauce.
The concept of the Boqueat croqueteria is interesting (croquettes are deep-fried round or oval crispy balls of thick bechamel sauce with various fillings), where anyone can buy a box of croquettes with different fillings and individual sauces.
Every year, the Mercado San Ildefonso in Madrid hosts the Street Food Fest, where you can try dishes from different cities around the world. Between the end of May and June, the festival hosts weeks dedicated to the cuisine of one of the cities.
- Address: Calle de Fuencarral, 57, 28004 Madrid.
Mercado San Fernando – organic products
In addition to gastronomic events, various seminars are held in the market premises, entertainment activities, concerts and shows.
On the territory of the market you can get coffee from one of the coffee shops. And in the evening, drink a glass of wine or taste local beers in bars located on the territory of the Madrid gastronomic market. Local restaurants serve dishes from various cuisines of the world: traditional Mediterranean, Greek, Japanese and many others.
- Address: Calle de Embajadores, 41, 28012 Madrid.
Mercado de la Paz – a market with a unique atmosphere
One of the oldest markets in Madrid, which was founded back in 1882, has been offering its visitors for many centuries a wide range of products of the highest quality.
A real paradise for croquet lovers! On the territory of the Mercado de la Paz market there is the famous and beloved croqueteria Le Croquette, where you can try real homemade croquettes prepared according to a traditional recipe.
You can satisfy your hunger by tasting a tasty and juicy hamburger at Hamburguesa Nostra. The restaurant offers a choice of 30 variations of burger patties made from high-quality natural products.
- Address: Centro Comercial La Paz, Calle de Ayala, 28, 28001 Madrid.
Mercado de Platea – a place for real gourmets
The Mercado de Platea market is a real gastronomic market shopping mall, where at 6000 sq. m there are many gourmet and fresh food shops, as well as bars and restaurants. This is a real paradise for gourmets and lovers of haute cuisine.
There are many restaurants open on the market territory that offer their visitors high-quality service, dishes from various cuisines of the world, from traditional Mediterranean cuisine to Japanese, Chinese and Peruvian.
For those with a sweet tooth, we recommend checking out Mama Framboise, an exquisite confectionery with a large selection of pastries, cakes, sweets and other haute cuisine from maestro Alejandro Montes, who prepares signature sweets from high-quality products with the addition of a secret ingredient - love.
At Mercado de Platea you can try dishes from famous chefs. For example, the Arriba restaurant serves dishes from Ramon Freij, who received two stars from Michelin, as well as three suns from the Spanish guide Repsol.
In this article, you will not only learn where to buy fresh food, you will discover the taste and history of the best Spanish markets, which have long become favorite attractions for many tourists.
1 Boqueria (Mercado de la Boquería), Barcelona
It is said that people come to this market not only to shop, but also to eat, gossip and enjoy a sense of kinship and unity. This is a classic municipal market, opened in 1840 on La Rambla in Barcelona. IN Lately people started visiting the market great amount tourists. The Boqueria occupies 2,583 square meters, with more than 300 outlets offering a huge variety of local and exotic products, both for private buyers and for the city's restaurants. This is the largest and most beloved market in Catalonia, with the most varied offer of food products.
2 Mercado de la Paz, Madrid
Opened in 1878 in the Salamanca district of Madrid, this market was the last municipal market built in the capital in the 19th century. It is designed in the modernist style; the facade was updated in the 40s, and the iron structures and frame were restored in the 80s.
The main idea of this market is “global shopping”. That is, it offers customers a huge selection of products and services: fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, gourmet shops, hairdressers, watch shops, dry cleaners, pharmacies... This allows you to make all the necessary purchases without leaving the market.
Despite numerous changes, the Market de La Paz remains the oldest market in operation in Madrid.
3 Mercado de La Esperanza, Santander
A true architectural gem of Cantabria, designed by Eduardo Reynals and Juan Moya in 1897, a rare example of 19th century architecture.
The food market was completely renovated in 2010 and consists of 2 floors with more than 160 stalls mainly selling meat and fish. It is the largest market in Cantabria and was declared a historical and cultural monument in 1977.
4 Central Market (Mercado Central), Valencia
The Valencian Central Market was opened on January 23, 1928 and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Now this is not just a place where you can buy fresh products, it is a huge cultural and tourist centre, both for city guests and for its residents.
The market occupies 8,160 meters and is divided into zones: the first has an irregular shape, its area is 6,760 square meters, and the second, octagonal, is intended for fish stores and occupies 1,400 square meters. The 7,690 square meter basement is used as parking.
The market houses approximately 1,219 retail outlets and is considered Europe's largest center for the sale of fresh vegetables, and is the first market in the world to offer home delivery.
5 Santiago Food Market (Mercado de Abastos de Santiago), Galicia
The Santiago Food Market is one of the five most important markets in Spain and the second most visited architectural landmark of the city by tourists after the Cathedral.
The modern market was built in 1941 on the site of the old market, built back in 1870. In addition to standard shops and stores, the market area includes jewelry and haberdashery stores, shoe repair shops, gift shops and two restaurants. In one of them, dishes are prepared from products that visitors buy at the market and bring with them.
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