The Central Market is a total sensory party — colourful, loud, a little chaotic (in a charming way), and filled with more tempting goodies than a toddler’s birthday buffet.

We went in “just for a look” and ended up there for nearly three hours.

I may or may not have adopted an olive oil I now refer to as my fourth child.

The smells? Think: fresh bread, sweet pastries, strong coffee, and that magical spice stall that made me briefly consider quitting my job to become a paella chef.

The kids were totally fascinated — one asked if a giant cheese wheel was “a dinosaur egg” while I tried to discreetly inhale a mini empanada behind a fruit stall.

There’s also fresh fruit, colourful spices, beautiful cheeses, and loads of stalls selling trinkets and souvenirs.

Basically, it’s a snack-fuelled treasure hunt for all ages.

Surrounding the market are about a million little cafés and bakeries.

So, when your kids turn their noses up at some perfectly lovely roasted vegetables and demand a “croissant emergency,” you’ll have backup.

Lots of it.

Like, next-level snack options on every corner.

Pro tip: Bring cash, stretchy trousers, and zero shame.

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