El Rastro, Valencia

El Rastro de Valencia, one of Spain's largest weekly flea markets, boasts a staggering number of over 500 vendors every week. This historical market, also known as the Rastro de Mestalla, holds roots as ancient as the city itself, as local chronicles suggest. Its earliest records trace back to a time when it resided near Valencia's Central Market, which served as the bustling commercial hub during that era.

The market would attract scrap dealers, book merchants, ragpickers, and antique traders, who would gather around the Santos Juanes church to set up their stalls. Back then, the city's economy differed greatly from what it is today, with the sale of antiques and second-hand goods being a prevalent means of subsistence.

Even today, El Rastro shines with undiminished allure. It has become a customary destination for many Valencians on Sundays. Despite the bustling crowds, the market manages to maintain its laid-back atmosphere, offering visitors an ideal setting for a leisurely Sunday morning excursion.

Consequently, the range of items available at El Rastro de Valencia is astonishingly diverse. Visitors can find picture frames, vintage books, decorative ornaments, toys, household goods, jewelry, tools, 1980s vinyl records, affordable vintage clothing, farming implements, ceramics, and much more. The stallholders are friendly and open to conversation and bargaining, and it is evident that many of the market's visitors are regulars who come not only for shopping but also for the social experience.