El Mercat Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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 which includes heritage architecture, a city and street scenes

Central Market

Find a wide selection of regional fruits, vegetables, cheese, seafood and cured meats at this traditional 20th-century food market, one of the oldest in Europe.

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

Silk Exchange

Once the heart of a medieval oil and silk trading centre, this late-Gothic neighbourhood is a testament to Valencia’s prosperous mercantile history.

Silk Exchange
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
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
Malvarrosa Beach showing outdoor eating, a beach and night scenes

Malvarrosa Beach

Relax on the golden Mediterranean sand, swim in warm waters and enjoy fine dining on an oceanfront promenade at this family-friendly city beach.

Malvarrosa Beach
City of Arts and Sciences which includes a city and modern architecture

City of Arts and Sciences

Experience 3-D movies, opera performances, science exhibits and an aquarium brimming with animals at this diverse arts and sciences complex.

City of Arts and Sciences

Activities

Intimate Candlelit Dining in 11th Century Historic Monument

Valencia Old Town Tour with Wine & Tapas in 11th Century Historic Monument

AU$139
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Valencia Old Town Tour with Wine & Tapas in 11th Century Historic Monument
Picture 4 for Activity Valencia: Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Option

Valencia: Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Option and DJ

AU$26
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Valencia: Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Option and DJ
Valencia: Cathedral, St Nicholas, and Lonja de la Seda Tour

Valencia: Cathedral, St Nicholas, and Lonja de la Seda Tour

AU$78
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Valencia: Cathedral, St Nicholas, and Lonja de la Seda Tour
Valencia's Historic Centre

From Albir, Altea, Benidorm & Calpe: Valencia City Excursion

AU$68
per adult
From Albir, Altea, Benidorm & Calpe: Valencia City Excursion
From Valencia: Official Albufera Tour with Boat & Barraca

From Valencia: Albufera Natural Park Eco Boat Tour & Sunset

AU$95
per adult
From Valencia: Albufera Natural Park Eco Boat Tour & Sunset
Valencia: 24 or 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket

Valencia: 24 or 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket

AU$45
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Valencia: 24 or 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket
See all activities in Valencia

Our pick of the best El Mercat Hotel Deals

Hotel Primus Valencia

Hotel Primus Valencia

4 out of 5
Calle Menorca 22 Valencia Valencia
The price is AU$166 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
AU$166
8 Feb - 9 Feb
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)
Clean quiet room. Spa undergoing renovation and closed

Reviewed on 15 Jan 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 AU$242 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
AU$242
25 Jan - 26 Jan
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
The beauty of this hotel and wonderful staff. Great Breakfast and the service.

Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026

Only YOU Hotel Valencia
Mythic Valencia Hotel

Mythic Valencia Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Carrer del Poeta Monmeneu Valencia Valencia
Stay at this B&B in Valencia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (526 reviews)
Loved our stay here. Good value for money and only a short walk to the old town. Staff are friendly and breakfast is great too. What’s not to like?

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

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Mythic Valencia Hotel
Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort

Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort

5 out of 5
Eugenia Vines 22-24 Valencia Valencia
The price is AU$279 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
AU$279
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Valencia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
The view of this resort is spectacular!

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort
Hotel Olympia Consul del Mar

Hotel Olympia Consul del Mar

3 out of 5
Avenida del Puerto, 39 Valencia Valencia
The price is AU$92 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
AU$92
25 Jan - 26 Jan
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! (871 reviews)
Clean and easy check in

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Hotel Olympia Consul del Mar
Novotel Valencia Lavant

Novotel Valencia Lavant

4 out of 5
Avenida Pio XII 4 Valencia Valencia
The price is AU$168 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
AU$168
8 Feb - 9 Feb
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! (348 reviews)
Clean room

Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025

Novotel Valencia Lavant
See all 2,331 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 showing a city, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Valencia City Centre

4.5/5(47 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 La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia to Silk Exchange – 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 Generalitat Valenciana 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
Plaza del Carmen which includes heritage elements

El Carme

El Carme is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Plaza del Carmen and Centre del Carme.

El Carme
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

El Mercat Travel Guide

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