El Mercat Travel Guide

Valencia

The primitive church of Sant Joan Mercat was erected in the suburb of the city known as the Boatella. From its old Gothic structure there is still the nave and the large blind oculus, known as "La O de Sant Joan", which was conceived as a large rosette on the façade of the feet. In 1592 the church suffered a spectacular fire that forced an almost total reconstruction throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It stands out for the infrequent the wide façade of the Market, conceived as a grandiose stone altarpiece on a terrace that dominates the square in front of the Lonja, forming a unique urban set. It is presided by the sculpture of the Virgin of the Rosary, work in stucco by Jacopo Bertesi, and on it stands the clock tower, flanked by the two Santos Juanes and crowned by the famous "Pardal de Sant Joan", the weather vane to which -according to tradition- was made to look at the children when their humble parents abandoned them in the square. In the lower part of the terrace there are "les covetes de Sant Joan", semi-basements in which once were junkyards and old shops, part of the living history of Valencia. The interior of the temple is an overflowing Baroque imagination, with statues of Bertesi representing characters of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and especially the set of frescoes that Antonio Palomino executed in the vault.
The primitive church of Sant Joan Mercat was erected in the suburb of the city known as the Boatella. From its old Gothic structure there is still the nave and the large blind oculus, known as "La O de Sant Joan", which was conceived as a large rosette on the façade of the feet. In 1592 the church suffered a spectacular fire that forced an almost total reconstruction throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It stands out for the infrequent the wide façade of the Market, conceived as a grandiose stone altarpiece on a terrace that dominates the square in front of the Lonja, forming a unique urban set. It is presided by the sculpture of the Virgin of the Rosary, work in stucco by Jacopo Bertesi, and on it stands the clock tower, flanked by the two Santos Juanes and crowned by the famous "Pardal de Sant Joan", the weather vane to which -according to tradition- was made to look at the children when their humble parents abandoned them in the square. In the lower part of the terrace there are "les covetes de Sant Joan", semi-basements in which once were junkyards and old shops, part of the living history of Valencia. The interior of the temple is an overflowing Baroque imagination, with statues of Bertesi representing characters of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and especially the set of frescoes that Antonio Palomino executed in the vault.
Every building has uniqueness in its own here.
With this endless summer we're having, any corner of the city seems a perfect place to rest and get your strength back! ☀️ ☀️☀️ What about this one?👆🏼👆🏼 The "Santos Juanes" church, in the market square. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Con este verano interminable que tenemos, cualquier rincón de la ciudad es perfecto para reponer fuerzas. ☀️☀️☀️ ¿Qué os parece este?👆🏼👆🏼 La Iglesia de los Santos Juanes, en la plaza del mercado.
All to be burned. Las Fallas de Valencia. Festival

Popular places to visit

Central Market featuring a city, street scenes and heritage architecture

Central Market

Shop for local fruits, vegetables, cheeses and cured meats, and watch local market traders at work in one of Europe’s oldest food markets.

Central Market
La Lonja showing a city and a church or cathedral

Silk Exchange

Admire the late-Gothic architecture of the buildings that were once the center of Valencia’s thriving oil and silk trade.

Silk Exchange
Plaza Redonda featuring markets and a fountain

Plaza Redonda

Experience the authentic character of Valencia at the handicraft shops, tapas bars and weekly market of this circular-shaped square.

Plaza Redonda
The "Lonja" was built in the 15th century in the Gothic style. 👆🏼Here👆🏼, the Trading Hall where merchants from all over the 🌎 closed their deals. They traded all sort of goods, but mainly silk, lots of silk!! It was conceived as a temple dedicated to the noble art of trading and symbolized paradise. The vaults represent the sky (they were even painted in blue with golden ⭐⭐️️). See all those columns? They are 17 mt high and do also have a meaning. Hint: 🌴. ✨BONUS✨: on Sundays and public holidays the entrance is FREE!! Yay! (Price: EUR 2) ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• La Lonja se construyó en el siglo XV y es de estilo gótico. 👆🏼Esta👆🏼, es la Sala de Contratación y aquí, comerciantes venidos de todo el 🌎 cerraban sus tratos. Intercambiaban todo tipo de productos, sobre todo seda, ¡mucha seda! Se diseñó como un templo al comercio que simbolizaba el paraíso. Las bóvedas representan el cielo (antes, hasta estaban pintadas de azul con ⭐️⭐️ doradas). Y, ¿veis todas esas columnas? Miden 17 metros y también tienen su significado. ¿A qué os recuerdan? Pista: 🌴. ✨BONUS✨: los domingos y festivos la entrada es ¡GRATIS!

La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia

Learn about the local history of Valencia with a stop at La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this culturally rich area.

La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
Malvarrosa Beach which includes a sandy beach, a city and night scenes

Malvarrosa Beach

Swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea, stroll along the promenade and dine along the waterfront at one of Valencia’s most popular urban beaches.

Malvarrosa Beach
City of Arts and Sciences showing modern architecture and a city

City of Arts and Sciences

Watch an opera performance, visit an interactive science museum and spot 500 species of marine life at this multipurpose cultural and entertainment complex.

City of Arts and Sciences

Top hotels in El Mercat

Vincci Mercat Hotel

Vincci Mercat Hotel

4 out of 5
C/ de la Llanterna, 31 Valencia Valencia
The price is ₹13,000 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
₹13,000
₹14,300 total
26 Feb - 27 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
Great location for the old town, nice rooms

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026

Vincci Mercat Hotel
Hotel Primus Valencia

Hotel Primus Valencia

4 out of 5
Calle Menorca 22 Valencia Valencia
The price is ₹9,431 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
₹9,431
₹10,374 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,024 reviews)
Very clean- the staff at the restaurant/ bar very friendly and helpful. We asked for late check out and card worked until 3hrs before check out/ we had to go to front desk to recharge for the remainder of time- was ok. Therefore 4 not 5. We understood as an event was happening making employees in ...

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Hotel Primus Valencia
Only YOU Hotel Valencia

Only YOU Hotel Valencia

5 out of 5
PLAZA RODRIGO BOTET,5 Valencia Valencian Community
The price is ₹16,668 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
₹16,668
₹18,335 total
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
Very helpful staff, beautiful rooms. Good location.

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

Only YOU Hotel Valencia
Kora Lluna

Kora Lluna

3 out of 5
C/ de l'Arquitecte Alfaro 44 València Valencia
The price is ₹6,085 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
₹6,085
₹6,694 total
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Malvarrosa Beach and Port of Valencia are located ...
Kora Lluna
Novotel Valencia Lavant

Novotel Valencia Lavant

4 out of 5
Avenida Pio XII 4 Valencia Valencia
The price is ₹11,209 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
₹11,209
₹12,330 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Central Market and Bioparc Valencia Zoo are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (359 reviews)
Room clean, reception staff very friendly and helpful.

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Novotel Valencia Lavant
Hotel Olympia Consul del Mar

Hotel Olympia Consul del Mar

3 out of 5
Avenida del Puerto, 39 Valencia Valencia
The price is ₹5,556 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
₹5,556
₹6,112 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (889 reviews)
It was good to stay at the hotel but something made me feel a bit itchy at times I suspected it was the detergent used on the bedding

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Hotel Olympia Consul del Mar
See all 2,356 properties in El Mercat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around El Mercat

Valencia City Centre which includes heritage architecture, château or palace and a city

Valencia City Centre

4.5/5(659 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Central Market to Silk Exchange – discover Valencia City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Valencia City Centre
Aerial overview of the old city

Ciutat Vella

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Plaza Redonda to La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia – discover Ciutat Vella, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Ciutat Vella
Placa de la Reina

La Seu

If you're spending some time in La Seu, Plaza de la Virgen and Plaza de la Reina are top sights worth seeing.

La Seu
Vue sur la Cathédrale Saint-Apollinaire depuis la Plaza de la Virgen

Sant Francesc

While you're in Sant Francesc, take in top sights like Plaza del Ayuntamiento and jump on the metro at Colon Station to see more of the city.

Sant Francesc
The exterior of the Ceramic Museum in Seville is gorgeous.

La Xerea

If you're spending some time in La Xerea, Puerta del Mar and Turia Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

La Xerea
Plaza de Toros bullring in Valencia, Spain; Shutterstock ID 474242068

Eixample

If you're spending time in Eixample, you might enjoy attractions like Ruzafa Market and Colón Market. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Xativa Station to see more of the city.

Eixample

El Mercat Travel Guide