Shopping in Valencia
Valencia offers a bounty of shopping opportunities, from modern high-street fashion to vintage antique ware to classic tourist souvenirs.
Key areas
The main shopping street in Valencia is Calle Colón and its alleyways that branch off into smaller boutiques and high-end fashion houses. For the hippest fashion in town, check out Calle Poeta Querol for a myriad of designer stores. Those looking for antique souvenirs might find interesting curios such as bullfighting posters and vintage postcards around Plaza Merced.
Markets
You can almost find a market open every day of the week. Mercado Central in Valencia’s historic centre has over 1,000 stalls selling a myriad of local food products. It is the best place in town to pick up some jamón (ham) and cheese. The largest flea market opens every Sunday at Plaza Luis Casanova. The string of antique stalls and second-hall goods might not be as large as el Rastro in Madrid, but you might still stumble upon an occasional gem. Bargain clothes and accessories can be found in abundance on Thursdays at the Cabanyal Market.
Shopping centres
International chains, designer shops and modern department stores can be found in the area around Calle Colón and Plaza Merced. The most famous shop in Valencia is El Corte Inglés on Plaça de Catalunya - part of a national chain, considered to be Spain's leading department stores. The Mercado de Colón is a modernistic building housing a selection of boutiques.
Opening hours
Standard shopping hours in Valencia are Monday to Saturday 0900-2030, with many of them closed for lunch 1330-1700. Large department stores do not generally close for lunch.
Tax information
IVA (value added tax) of 21% is charged on most goods and services in Spain. Upon departure, visitors from outside the EU, who have been in the EU for less than 180 days, can get a VAT refund from the airport, on goods worth €90 or more.
