For those who prefer something more familiar, there are a number of large indoor shopping centres in the city. And if you’re looking a more exciting experience, visit the flea markets and test your bargaining skills!

The modern shopping streets of Valencia lie roughly within an area bounded by the busy streets of Colón, San Vicente Mártir, Játiva and Calle de la Paz. They include Don Juan de Austria, Barcas, Roger de Lauria and Correos. All these streets are within an easy walk of the main square, Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The shopping continues down Jorge Juan and around the Mercado de Colón and along the Gran Via Marques del Turia. Traditional craft shops are around the cathedral area and behind the Lonja.

Between the Plaza de la Virgen and El Carmen there is a shopping area for alternative souls, with cafes of a certain bohemian air, restaurants and shops with innovative design. In the old town you can find small individual peculiar 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 items.

If you’d like to buy some local products, you should know that Valencia has a long craft and artisan tradition with the ceramics industry being particularly important. Don’t miss the hand painted fans, decorated with ivory or exotic wood, and the incredible silk art which can be seen in ceremonial dress and the costumes during the Fallas festivals. 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 elegant store in the city centre on Calle Poeta Querol.

The flea markets, set up on public walkways, are only open in the morning and move from neighbourhood to neighbourhood during the week. We recommend a visit to the open-air flea market Plaza Redonda on Sunday mornings, where you can find paintings, books, plants, animals, leather goods and music. Its hustle and bustle take you back to 19th century Valencia.

Useful Info

• Opening times: Most shops open from 10.00 to 14.00 hours and from 17.00 to 20.30 hours. The shopping centres open from 10.00 to 21.30/22.00
• Sales: the winter sales generally begin in the second week of January and last until the end of February and the summer sales begin on 1st July and last until the end of August.
• How to pay: most people pay in cash or with a credit card, when you must show your passport or identity card.
• Tax Free: residents from outside the European Union may have their Value Added Tax (VAT) returned for purchases of more than 90.15€
• Valencia Card: this card can be bought in many hotels, tobacconists and newspaper stands, and it gives you interesting discounts in many shops, restaurants, shows and leisure centres. It also gives you free public transport in Valencia. Visit the website for further info www.valenciatouristcard.com