Alcalá de Henares Market

The hours are the same on all six trading days, 9am to 2pm from Monday to Saturday, with the market closed on Sundays. Everything sits under one roof, so weather makes no difference to a shopping trip, and the building is wheelchair accessible. Stalls take cash, cards and mobile payments, so there is no need to plan the visit around an ATM.

The stalls cover daily essentials: fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, cheese and dairy, and freshly baked bread. This is a municipal food hall rather than a farmers market, so the counters are permanent and held by the same traders six days a week. It is a straightforward local market where you can pick up quality fresh produce at everyday prices.

Staying in the historic centre puts you within easy walking distance of the market and Alcalá's beautiful university quarter. The Casco Histórico is your best bet, with several well-placed hotels right in the heart of things.

If you want a reliable, comfortable option, Hotel El Bedel sits just off the main square and is hard to beat for location. The Parador de Alcalá de Henares is a step up in character, set in a restored historic building if you want something a little more special.

The market sits at Calle Mercado, 1 in the historic centre. From Madrid, take Cercanías lines C-2 or C-7 to Alcalá de Henares station, then walk about 15 minutes into the old town. The market is easily combined with a visit to the cathedral and the surrounding historic streets. For other indoor options nearby, see municipal markets in Alcalá de Henares.