The history of the Rastro de Valencia (also known as the Rastro de Mestalla) is almost as old as the city itself, at least according to local chronicles. The earliest mentions of this market date back to the time when it was located near the Central Market of Valencia, which was the commercial centre of the city at that time.
Scrap dealers, booksellers, ragpickers and antique dealers would gather there to set up their stalls between the Avenida Tarongers and the calle Lluis Peixo. At that time, the city's economy was not like today's, and the sale of antiques and second-hand goods was very common as a means of subsistence.
Nowadays, el Rastro de Valencia hasn't lost any of its lustre. In fact, it is common for many Valencians to go there on Sundays. Despite the crowds, the market retains its relaxed atmosphere, and a visit is the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday morning.
With more than 500 vendors, el Rastro de Valencia is one of the largest weekly flea markets in Spain. This flea market is like a trunk full of souvenirs and memories, filled with all sorts of things that one day got lost in the boxes, crates and cupboards and whose owners have found them again to make the most of their vintage essence.
As a result, the items for sale at el Rastro de Valencia are extremely varied. There are picture frames, old books (some vintage), ornaments, toys, household items, jewellery, tools, vinyls from the heyday of the 1980s, lots of vintage clothing at rock-bottom prices, farming tools, ceramics and much more. The stallholders are happy to chat and haggle, and you get the feeling that many of the visitors are regulars who come as much for the socialising as the shopping.
As well as the more organised stallholders, who take particular care in arranging their wares, there are also a large number of blankets on the floor, the contents of which look suspiciously like they might be destined for the bin. So filter through to find the fantastic stalls and pick up whatever you fancy.
El Rastro de Valencia's opening hours are fairly short, and the earlier you get there, the better your chances of avoiding the biggest crowds, but it is always a busy place. The hustle and bustle brings with it a fair amount of pickpocketing, and although this market is well policed, it is of course advisable to be very careful with your valuables. All in all, it is a fun market not to be missed.
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