Mercado de la Merced Malaga

Málaga's Gourmet Market

Mercado de la Merced sits on one of Málaga's most famous squares, Plaza de la Merced, where Picasso was born. But this isn't a museum piece.

Remodelled in 2015, it's now a modern mercado gourmet that balances traditional market stalls with prepared foods and tapas.

The location is unbeatable: historic centre, tourist footfall, locals stopping for lunch. The format is designed for eating, not just shopping.

Location and History

Plaza de la Merced has been a market square since at least the 15th century.

Also known as Plaza del Mercado (Market Square), it's one of Málaga's largest public spaces, dominated by the Monument to Torrijos obelisk.

The square's most famous resident: Pablo Picasso, born at number 15 in 1881. His birthplace is now a museum, and a bronze statue (installed 2008) shows him sitting on a bench, sketching.

The current market building was remodelled in October 2015, transforming it from a standard municipal market into a gourmet destination.

What to Buy and Eat

This is a market designed for consumption on-site:

Gourmet Stalls

The defining feature - prepared foods, tapas, fusion dishes:

• Ready-to-eat dishes
• Artisan products
• International and local flavours
• Good lighting, clean presentation

Fresh Produce

Traditional market offerings remain:

• Seasonal fruits and vegetables
• Fish and seafood
• Meat and charcutería

Eating In

Seating areas throughout encourage lingering. This isn't a quick grocery stop - it's a dining destination.

First Sunday Artisan Market

Plaza de la Merced hosts an artisan market on the first Sunday of each month:

• Emerging artists and designers
• Unique, handmade items
• Jewellery, crafts, art

Combine with the food market (closed Sunday) the day before.

Getting There

The market is on Calle la Merced, steps from Plaza de la Merced:

• On foot: Central location, 5 minutes from the Cathedral
• By bus: Multiple lines serve the historic centre
• Parking: Underground at Plaza de la Marina (10 min walk)

For traditional market experience, visit Atarazanas. For all options, see our Málaga markets guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours of Mercado de la Merced?

The market is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 2pm. Closed Sundays.

Is Mercado de la Merced near Picasso's birthplace?

Yes, directly across Plaza de la Merced. Picasso was born at number 15 (now a museum). A bronze statue of him sits on a bench in the square.

What type of market is Mercado de la Merced?

It's a gourmet market (mercado gourmet) remodelled in 2015. While it has traditional produce stalls, the focus is on prepared foods, tapas, and artisan products designed for eating on-site.

When is the Plaza de la Merced artisan market?

The artisan market takes place on the first Sunday of every month in Plaza de la Merced, featuring handmade crafts, jewellery, and art from emerging designers.

Is Mercado de la Merced good for tourists?

Yes, it's designed for visitors - central location, gourmet food, seating areas, and the Picasso connection. Good for a meal or snack while exploring the historic centre.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and services that we have personally used or thoroughly researched. Your support helps us continue to provide free travel guides and tips. Thank you for your support!