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Mercado de La Arena

4.3
·3k reviews·Gijón, Spain

A vibrant market showcasing Asturian delicacies, from exceptional cheeses to fresh produce and seafood. A must-visit for food lovers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Freshest goods & lively buzz

CrowdMedium
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Mercado de El Coto - Image 1

Mercado de La Arena

Best Time

Morning

Freshest goods & lively buzz

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant market showcasing Asturian delicacies, from exceptional cheeses to fresh produce and seafood. A must-visit for food lovers.

4.3
(3k reviews)

"Discover the delicious Asturian products, especially the huge variety of high quality cheeses."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Cash! 💶

Many vendors are cash-only. Come prepared to avoid missing out on delicious finds.

Explore the Delicacies 🧀

Don't miss the amazing Asturian cheeses and charcuterie. Perfect for souvenirs!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Asturian Cheese Paradise

Asturian Cheese Paradise

Dairy Stalls

Indulge in an incredible variety of high-quality Asturian cheeses. A must-try for any cheese lover!

Reddit
Vibrant Produce Displays

Vibrant Produce Displays

Fruit & Vegetable Stalls

Be dazzled by the colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, showcasing the region's bounty.

Reddit
Premium Meats & Seafood

Premium Meats & Seafood

Butcher & Fishmonger Stalls

Discover top-notch cuts of meat and the freshest seafood, perfect for bringing home a taste of Spain.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Cash is King (Mostly)

While some vendors accept cards, many at Mercado de La Arena prefer or only accept cash. Come prepared with enough euros to snag those delicious local finds, especially for smaller purchases. Reddit

Timing is Everything

For the freshest produce and a vibrant atmosphere, aim for a morning visit. Some sections of the market can be closed or less active later in the day, so an early start ensures you see it at its best. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Freshest goods & lively buzz
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Buffet Samo Sushi en Gijón: más de 200 platos por 23€ por persona con mucha variedad de Nigiris, Uramakis, Tartares y platos de Cocina Asiática. Reservad porque se pone hasta arriba e id con mucha hambre como fui yo 🤣 #gijon #restaurantesgijon (invitación)
@cenandoconpablo
33.6K likes • 704.5K views

Bring Cash! 💶

Many vendors are cash-only. Come prepared to avoid missing out on delicious finds. Reddit

Explore the Delicacies 🧀

Don't miss the amazing Asturian cheeses and charcuterie. Perfect for souvenirs! Reddit

El mejor plan en Gijón por tan solo 6’80€ (precio de la burger más cara) #asturias #gijon #viajes #comida #restaurante
@senen98_
13.6K likes • 274.5K views
🌽Regresa el mercadito de Fundidora, en un acceso que estaba cerrado desde la pandemia, se encuentra a lado de la arena Monterrey. Viernes, sábado y domingo de 1pm a 10pm. #Fundidora #ParqueFundidora #Monterrey #Mty #NuevoLeon
markandosendero
37.1K likes • 2.2M views

Morning is Best ☀️

Visit in the morning for the widest selection and most vibrant atmosphere. Reddit

Check Opening Hours ⏰

Some sections may be closed or less active later in the day. Reddit

Vida surfista no lo entenderias #gijon #surf #asturias #argentina🇦🇷
@martistuder
5.9K likes • 145.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Cash! 💶

Many vendors are cash-only. Come prepared to avoid missing out on delicious finds. Reddit

Explore the Delicacies 🧀

Don't miss the amazing Asturian cheeses and charcuterie. Perfect for souvenirs! Reddit

Morning is Best ☀️

Visit in the morning for the widest selection and most vibrant atmosphere. Reddit

Check Opening Hours ⏰

Some sections may be closed or less active later in the day. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Mercado de La Arena for its high-quality, diverse products, especially its renowned Asturian cheeses and fresh produce. While some note that parts of the market are underutilized, the core offerings remain a significant draw for those seeking authentic local flavors. A morning visit is recommended for the best experience.

"Traditional market with vendor stalls offering a wide variety of high quality products. The cheese and charcuterie stands are a highlight, and the fruit and vegetable shops add great color. I enjoyed the morning shopping trip."

David Knutson

"25% market.
All of the second floor is closed and half of the first floor.
Not much to see really.
And its chash only for some reason."

Ted G

"I just wish they had more selection. It should be a buzzing spot for the city instead it's just an average place more. Food has good quality, you can buy amazing fish and cheese and meat but you can do the same thing in many other places minus the queue... It feels a bit sad to see the place half deserted too. The city should promote and help small businesses to get on to the market to turn it into what deserves to be"

Eduardo Skinner

What People Like

High-quality Asturian cheese
Fresh produce and seafood
Vibrant market atmosphere

What People Dislike

Underutilized sections
Cash-only vendors

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mercado de La Arena is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors find it convenient to walk if staying nearby. Check local bus routes for the most direct options. Reddit

Parking can be challenging in the city center. It's advisable to use public transportation or consider a taxi if you're not familiar with the area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Mercado de La Arena is free. You only pay for the delicious products you choose to purchase from the vendors. Reddit

The market is typically open in the mornings, but it's best to check specific hours as some sections might have different timings or close earlier. Reddit

While some vendors may accept cards, many at Mercado de La Arena operate on a cash-only basis. It's highly recommended to carry sufficient cash to ensure you can make purchases. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find a fantastic variety of high-quality products, including fresh fish, meat, dairy (especially Asturian cheeses), fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It's a great place for food shopping. Reddit+1

The market can get busy, especially during peak morning hours. For a more relaxed experience, try to visit earlier in the day. Reddit

While primarily a market for purchasing ingredients, some stalls might offer prepared items or small tasting opportunities. It's more about buying fresh goods to cook or enjoy later. Reddit

Its specialty lies in offering a wide selection of high-quality local Asturian products, particularly its renowned cheeses and fresh produce. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Mercado de La Arena is more of a place to buy fresh ingredients than to sit down for a full meal. You can find amazing produce to cook with, but dedicated dining spots are limited. Reddit

The Asturian cheeses are a major highlight, alongside excellent quality fish, meat, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Reddit

Yes, the abundant fruit and vegetable stalls offer plenty of fresh, vegetarian-friendly options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Absolutely! The vibrant colors of the produce, the diverse array of products, and the bustling market atmosphere make it a very photogenic spot. Reddit

Focus on the colorful fruit and vegetable displays, the impressive cheese selections, and the lively interactions between vendors and shoppers. Reddit+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mercado de La Arena can be an engaging outing for families, offering a sensory experience with its colorful produce and diverse offerings. It's a great opportunity to introduce children to fresh, local foods. Encourage them to pick out their favorite fruits or vegetables. Remember to bring cash as many vendors prefer it, which can be a good lesson for kids about managing money. Reddit Visiting in the morning ensures a more lively atmosphere and better selection, which can keep younger ones interested. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Mercado de La Arena offers a chance to buy high-quality local ingredients at reasonable prices, especially compared to pre-packaged goods. You can assemble a delicious picnic or ingredients for a home-cooked meal. Bring cash to take advantage of potentially better prices from smaller vendors. Reddit Focus on seasonal fruits and vegetables for the best value. While not a place for cheap eats, it's excellent for stocking up on quality provisions. Reddit

foodie Travelers

Foodies will find Mercado de La Arena a treasure trove of Asturian specialties. The exceptional quality of cheeses is a major draw, with a vast selection to explore. Reddit Don't overlook the fresh seafood and prime cuts of meat, which are perfect for culinary enthusiasts looking to cook with authentic local ingredients. Reddit Engage with the vendors; they are often passionate about their products and can offer insights and recommendations. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Asturian Flavors

Mercado de La Arena is a cornerstone for experiencing the authentic flavors of Asturias. It's a place where local producers showcase their finest goods, from the sea to the farm. Visitors consistently rave about the exceptional quality of products, particularly the renowned Asturian cheeses, which are a must-try for any dairy enthusiast. Reddit Beyond cheese, the market offers a vibrant selection of fresh fish, prime cuts of meat, and colorful fruits and vegetables, making it an ideal destination for food lovers and those looking to source ingredients for a delicious meal. Reddit

While the market is celebrated for its quality, some reviews note that parts of the market are underutilized or closed, leading to a less bustling atmosphere than one might expect from a major city market. Reddit Despite this, the core offerings remain strong, and a morning visit is highly recommended to witness the market at its most active and to secure the freshest items. The emphasis on cash transactions for many vendors is a practical point to remember for a smooth shopping experience. Reddit

Navigating the Market Experience

When visiting Mercado de La Arena, understanding the local shopping customs can enhance your experience. As highlighted by travelers, cash is often preferred, so coming prepared with euros is essential for seamless transactions, especially at smaller stalls. Reddit The market is best enjoyed during the morning hours when vendors are fully stocked and the atmosphere is most vibrant. Reddit This timing also increases your chances of finding the widest variety of fresh produce and artisanal goods.

While the market is a fantastic place to discover local delicacies, it's important to manage expectations regarding its current state. Some visitors have observed that not all sections are fully operational, which can affect the overall buzz. Reddit However, the quality of the products available, particularly the famous Asturian cheeses and fresh seafood, remains a significant draw. Reddit For those interested in photography, the colorful displays and lively scenes offer ample opportunities to capture the essence of local market life. Reddit

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