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

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Try some of Valencia’s great local produce, including fruits, cheese, meats and offal, all found under this historic market roof.

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

Silk Exchange

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Get a feel for Valencia’s past within the medieval architecture and historic halls at this collection of buildings that once saw merchants exchange their wares.

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

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Calm waters, ocean breezes and restaurant terraces provide relaxation during the day, while bars and music rule the night at Valencia’s popular urban beachfront.

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

City of Arts and Sciences

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Explore this modern cultural centre and enjoy a range of entertainment, with an expansive aquarium, science centre and concert hall.

City of Arts and Sciences

Activities

Valencia's Historic Centre

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

NZ$79
per adult
From Albir, Altea, Benidorm & Calpe: Valencia City Excursion
Picture 4 for Activity Valencia: Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Option

Valencia: Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Option and DJ

NZ$30
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Valencia: Sailing Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Option and DJ
Intimate Candlelit Dining in 11th Century Historic Monument

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

NZ$161
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Valencia Old Town Tour with Wine & Tapas in 11th Century Historic Monument
Valencia: Cathedral, St Nicholas, and Lonja de la Seda Tour

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

NZ$91
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Valencia: Cathedral, St Nicholas, and Lonja de la Seda Tour
From Valencia: Official Albufera Tour with Boat & Barraca

From Valencia: Albufera Natural Park Eco Boat Tour & Sunset

NZ$111
per adult
From Valencia: Albufera Natural Park Eco Boat Tour & Sunset
Valencia: 2-Hour Private Boat Cruise

Valencia: 2-Hour Private Boat Cruise

NZ$60
per traveller
Valencia: 2-Hour Private Boat Cruise
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 NZ$192 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
NZ$192
15 Feb - 16 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! (1,025 reviews)
Yes. Service was very good

Reviewed on 28 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 NZ$336 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
NZ$336
1 Mar - 2 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
Always great - my favorite hotel in Valencia - service location and rooms are exceptional - time and time again - no comparison

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

Only YOU Hotel Valencia
Kora Lluna

Kora Lluna

3 out of 5
C/ de l'Arquitecte Alfaro 44 València Valencia
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$134 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
NZ$134
8 Mar - 9 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
Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort

Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort

5 out of 5
Eugenia Vines 22-24 Valencia Valencia
The price is NZ$354 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
NZ$354
15 Feb - 16 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! (1,001 reviews)
Fantastic hotel, great room, amazing location

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort
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! (533 reviews)
This was a great choice in stay for me. It was not far from the bridge that led you into the city center. Also, I was on a long travel period so the receptionist was able to give me directions to the nearest laundromat.

Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026

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Mythic Valencia Hotel
Hotel Olympia Consul del Mar

Hotel Olympia Consul del Mar

3 out of 5
Avenida del Puerto, 39 Valencia Valencia
The price is NZ$113 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
NZ$113
16 Feb - 17 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! (872 reviews)
Clean and easy check in

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Hotel Olympia Consul del Mar
See all 2,366 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 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

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