Valencia Plaza del Mercado

Valencia’s huge modernist-style central market is one of the highlights of any trip to the city. Foodie visitors should make a beeline for the Plaza del Mercado (Plaça del Mercat in Valencian) to explore the market and marvel at the many unusual items available here, from enormous ostrich eggs to canned lamprey fish and alien-like goose finger barnacles. When you need a break from all the tempting (and extraordinary) sights on offer, you can head to a café in the square for the traditional Valencian snack of horchata (a cold, sweet milk-like drink made from tiger nuts) and fartons (sweet bread fingers covered in icing).

Also on the square is the 15th-century former Lonja de la Seda, or silk market. With unique twisted columns in the huge trading hall, a shaded orange tree courtyard, and opulent rooms on the first floor, the silk market offers a fascinating look into Valencia as a thriving commercial hub 500 years ago. The top floor was once used as a prison for residents of the city who could not pay their debts. You can learn more about Valencia’s fascinating historic center by joining a guided walking or bike tour.