Tarragona Market

Tarragona Market, known locally as the Mercat Central, is an indoor municipal market at Plaça de Corsini in central Tarragona, open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 9pm. The modernist building dates from 1915, and the carillon clock on the façade sends six figures dancing to a pasodoble at noon each day. Inside, 25 stalls cover fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, bread and pastries, cheese and dairy, and prepared foods.

History and architecture

The Mercat Central was inaugurated in December 1915, designed by local architect Josep Maria Pujol de Barberà. He built a large three-nave hall in reinforced concrete, then an innovative material for Tarragona, and set large semicircular arches and windows into the façade. The market was comprehensively renovated and reopened in 2017, updating the interior while preserving the modernist exterior.

What to buy at Tarragona Market

The 25 stalls split between the main food counters: fresh meat and poultry, seasonal fruit and vegetables, a bakery for bread and pastries, and cheese and dairy. Prepared food stalls make it easy to put a meal together without cooking. Carry cash, since the market lists cash and mobile payment rather than cards. Among the municipal markets in Tarragona, this is the main year-round option in the city centre.

How to get to Tarragona Market

The market is at Pl. de Corsini, 43001 Tarragona, an easy walk from the historic quarter and the main shopping streets. The hall is wheelchair accessible, so getting in and around the counters is step-free, and there is parking nearby. Local bus routes stop close to the plaza, and most people arrive on foot. The city's street markets trade on their own separate days.

Where to stay in Tarragona

Staying in the Old Town puts you close to the market and within easy walking distance of the Roman ruins and seafront. The Hotel Plaça de la Font sits right on one of the city's most lively squares and is a solid choice for a central base.

If you prefer something with more comfort, SB Express Tarragona offers good value a short walk from the centre.

What time does Tarragona Market open?

Tarragona Market opens at 8:30am Monday to Saturday and trades until 9pm, and it is closed on Sundays. The hours are the same on every trading day, including Saturday, so there is no shortened weekend session to plan around. All 25 stalls are indoors, under one roof at Plaça de Corsini.

What is Tarragona Market famous for?

Tarragona Market is best known for its 1915 modernist building and the carillon clock on the façade, whose six figures dance to the pasodoble Amparito Roca at noon. The 25 stalls inside cover fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, cheese and dairy, bread and pastries, and prepared foods.

Where is Tarragona Market located?

Tarragona Market stands on Plaça de Corsini, at Pl. de Corsini, 43001 Tarragona, a few minutes' walk from the old town and the city's Roman heritage sites. The hall is indoors and wheelchair accessible, there is parking nearby, and local bus routes stop close to the square.

Can you eat at Tarragona Market?

Tarragona Market has prepared food stalls, so you can buy something ready to eat, but it is a fresh food market rather than a food hall with bar seating. Most people come here for ingredients: meat and poultry, fruit and vegetables, cheese and dairy, and bread from the bakery counter.