Valencia's shopping scene splits neatly between the historic markets in the old centre and the upscale streets of the Eixample.
The Mercado Central, on Plaça del Mercat, is one of Europe's largest covered markets and a Modernista landmark in its own right — domes, stained glass, and tiled façades wrapping nearly 1,000 stalls. Go in the morning for fresh produce, jamón, and an ice-cold horchata at the bar. Just opposite, the Mercado de Colón is a smaller but even more striking modernist building that now houses upmarket cafés and tapas spots rather than meat and fish stalls.
For shopping streets, head to Calle Colón and the surrounding Eixample for Spanish brands like Zara, Mango, and Massimo Dutti. The boutiques along Calle Cirilo Amorós and around Mercado de Colón skew toward independent designers and lifestyle goods. The Ruzafa neighbourhood is the place for vintage clothes, small galleries, and design shops.
The Plaza Redonda is a small circular square in the old city — despite its name — ringed with stalls selling lace, embroidery, ribbons, and traditional Valencian textiles. Good for genuine local souvenirs rather than fridge magnets.