Mercado del Este
A vibrant, revitalized market in Santander offering a diverse pintxos experience with great food and atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Mercado del Este
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, revitalized market in Santander offering a diverse pintxos experience with great food and atmosphere.
"Brilliant food on offer, great atmosphere, such a bargain."
Mix & Match Your Meal
Don't stick to one stall! Try pintxos from several places for a diverse culinary experience. 🍴
Great Value Wine
Enjoy surprisingly good vino tinto for a very reasonable price, often around 4 euros for two glasses. :wine_glass:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.2 · 9,811 reviews
Type
Market
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pintxos Hopping
Various food stalls
Sample a delightful array of small bites from different vendors, offering a taste of everything.
Beef Cheeks
Restaurant in the middle
A must-try dish, praised for its amazing flavor and excellent value.
Empanadas
Various stalls
Delicious and highly recommended, these pastries are a perfect snack or starter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Pintxos Culture
Timing is Key for Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Mix & Match Your Meal
Don't stick to one stall! Try pintxos from several places for a diverse culinary experience. 🍴
Great Value Wine
Enjoy surprisingly good vino tinto for a very reasonable price, often around 4 euros for two glasses. :wine_glass:
Explore All Stalls
Experiment with different food bars; reviewers haven't been disappointed by their choices. ⭐
Check for Offers
Look out for special deals, especially if visiting near the beginning of the month.
Tips
from all over the internet
Mix & Match Your Meal
Don't stick to one stall! Try pintxos from several places for a diverse culinary experience. 🍴
Great Value Wine
Enjoy surprisingly good vino tinto for a very reasonable price, often around 4 euros for two glasses. :wine_glass:
Explore All Stalls
Experiment with different food bars; reviewers haven't been disappointed by their choices. ⭐
Check for Offers
Look out for special deals, especially if visiting near the beginning of the month.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mercado del Este is widely praised for its brilliant food, great atmosphere, and excellent value, particularly its pintxos and affordable wine. Visitors love the concept of sampling from various stalls and the delicious offerings like beef cheeks and empanadas. Some note that the atmosphere can be quieter outside traditional meal times, but overall, it's considered a must-visit spot in Santander.
"This place really is awesome. Brilliant food on offer. Great atmosphere. Such a bargain. Two glasses of vino tinto, and really nice vino at that, for four euros. The restaurant in the middle is cracking as well. The beef cheeks were amazing and great value as well."
steven SPRUCE
"Really interesting transformation of the old market into an area with many tapas bars with a wide enough choice to keep everybody happy. It is a big plus that you can seat anywhere but choose what to eat from anywhere in the market. We experimented with most of the bars and we were not disappointed by any of our choices."
Mark Hamilton
"Great spot to sample pintxos, vermut, wine and more from several different food stalls. Nice vibe"
koen kostermans
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mercado del Este is conveniently located near the seafront in Santander, close to the Prehistoric local history museum. It's easily accessible by foot if you're staying in the city center, or you can use local buses that frequent the area. Parking can be challenging, so public transport or walking is often recommended.
Yes, it's situated right by the seafront and near the Prehistoric local history museum, making it a perfect stop during your exploration of Santander.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Mercado del Este is generally free. You pay for the food and drinks you consume at the individual stalls.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open throughout the day and into the evening, especially on weekends when it's livelier. It's best to check closer to your visit for specific times, as some stalls might have slightly different schedules.
Mercado del Este operates on a more casual, tapas-style system. While you can sit at any available spot, you typically order from different stalls. Reservations aren't usually necessary or offered for general seating.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a fantastic variety of pintxos (Cantabrian tapas), empanadas, beef cheeks, wine, cheese, coffee, and more from numerous specialized food stalls. +1
Absolutely! It's a prime spot to sample pintxos, which are the local version of tapas, and other regional delicacies. +1
While many pintxos feature seafood or meat, you can often find vegetable-based options like patatas bravas, salads, or vegetable empanadas. It's worth asking at individual stalls.
It's known for being a great bargain. You can enjoy multiple dishes and drinks for a very reasonable price, with some reviewers highlighting excellent value for money.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant displays of food, the lively atmosphere during peak hours, and the beautifully presented stalls offer great photo opportunities. Capture the colorful pintxos and the bustling energy.
Yes, it's generally fine to take photos of the food and the market environment. Many visitors share their culinary finds online.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit