The Mercado Central is not to be missed (see Key Attractions) though Calle Colón is the place for international and Spanish brand name shops such as El Corte Inglés, Zara and Mango, plus lots of more expensive designer names. Off Calle Colón, look in at the beautiful Mercado de Colón, built in moderniste style in 1914, housing a small selection of boutique shops.

In the Old Town you can find small individual quirky shops such as El Atril at Plaza Merced, stocking giant (original) bullfighting posters dating back to the early 1800s, amongst a whole treasure trove of genuine local, Spanish and international ephemera.

Lladró porcelain is made on the outskirts of Valencia at Taverna Blanques where there is an exhibition centre and museum. There is also a huge collection in the flagship store in the city centre on Calle Poeta Querol.

Plaza Redonda is the site of a popular open-air flea market on Sunday morning.

Shop opening hours are usually Monday to Saturday 1000-1330 and 1600-1900/2000. Shopping centres open throughout the siesta and a few shops, notably El Corte Inglés, stay open later (until 2200).