Bretxa market in San Sebastian

Just when you think you know all the secrets of San Sebastian, this city surprises you with a hidden gem. This time, the gem you probably don’t know about is the bretxa market , a meeting point for both locals and tourists, which faithfully reflects the gastronomy and culture of Donostia. In this article, you will learn a little more about this market, its history, the stalls that the bretxa houses, when you can visit it… and everything you need to know before visiting it.

History of Bretxa Market

The Mercado de la Bretxa has its roots in the history of San Sebastián. Its name comes from the breaches (in Basque, ” bretxa “) that were opened in the city walls during the attacks of the troops of the Duke of Berwick in 1719 and later by the Anglo-Portuguese forces in 1813. This historic place was chosen to establish the market in 1870, quickly becoming an epicentre of the city’s commercial and social activity.

Although there are currently two buildings, the traditional one, which is located outside, and the shopping center, the original market building was designed by architect Antonio Cortázar and has undergone several renovations over the years. In its current structure, the market combines elements of its historical architecture with a modern interior design, offering a functional and attractive space for visitors.

Location and schedule

The Bretxa market is located in the centre of San Sebastián, in the Old Town of the city. As for the opening hours, the traditional market is from 8:00 to 14:00 from Monday to Saturday , while the one in the shopping centre is from 8:00 to 21:00 on the same days, so you can visit the tradition of the original market in the morning, and if you prefer to visit the shopping centre, it has extended opening hours for all audiences.

Positions

With over 40 stalls, the market offers a wide range of fresh and local products including fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, cheeses and gourmet products. Here are some of the standouts:

• Etxebeste (Butcher Shop) : Specializing in high-quality meats. Ask for Andoni Etxebeste for recommendations on the best cuts of meat.
• Amaia (Fish Market) : Offers a fresh selection of local fish and seafood. Ideal for seafood lovers.
• Uranzu Codfish : Known for its top quality codfish. An essential product in Basque cuisine.
• Kristina Belar Denda (Herbalist) : Perfect for those looking for natural products and herbal remedies.
• Oianeder (Fish Market) : Another excellent fish market, run by Ion Sarriegi, where you can find a variety of fresh seafood.

These are just some of the stalls, but as we have already said, there are more than 40 stalls where you can find all kinds of products, so we invite you to discover them on your own and let yourself be delighted by the quality and freshness that characterizes them.

To finish the article, I’ll give you a tip for when you visit the Gap Market. Visit it early, when the products are fresher and there are fewer people, and don’t hesitate to interact with the vendors; most are passionate about their products and will be happy to share their knowledge with you.

Don’t hesitate to visit this market if you find yourself in this city, and enjoy the fresh products, learn about the local culture and enjoy a traditional and welcoming atmosphere. One of the best options is to rent a bike to explore San Sebastian, even after visiting the market, take one of our tourist bike tours due to the proximity of our office to the market itself, about two minutes walk from the area.