The Home of the Paella (& SO much more…)

Valencia is a city I hold close to my heart. In my opinion, it’s a truly underrated city when compared to it’s neighbour Barcelona. Valencia is not only home of the paella, it is also a beautiful option for a city break with so much to do that’s not just food / drinks.

Visit the Old Town

Whilst many tourists opt to stay close to the beach, Valencia’s Old Town has so much to offer. We often found the beachfront unfortunately crowded with stag and hen parties due to the cheap airlines regular direct flights in Summer, whereas the Old Town holds a unique charm and is still close enough to the beach for days you want to visit.

2. Walk through Turia Park

The Park is incredible, wide and lush and uniquely runs directly through the centre of the city, allowing you to hire bikes or walk from the Old Town most of the way to the beach. Fascinatingly, the park actually used to be a river which dried up years ago, before it was made into a park.

3. See the Impressive La Ciudad De Las Artes y Ciencias

Valencia is also home to many notable buildings, which you absolutely must see when you are there. La Ciudad De Las Artes y Ciencias in the middle of city is by a world-renowned architect called Santiago Calatrava, it’s harsh angles and bold exterior are a spectacle worth walking through.

4. Spend the morning at The Mercato Centrale

A trip to a European city isn’t complete without a visit to the local market. Lined with stalls serving up fresh local produce, dishes, and delicacies, you can spend half a day hopping from stand to stand and soaking up everything it has to offer. It’s a sensory overload of vibrant colour, delicious smells, mouth watering flavour and the happy sound of locals doing their shopping and socialising.

5. Soak up Valencia’s impressive Street Art

Valencia also has an incredible amount of street art, and spending an afternoon wandering through the Old Town around Barrio Del Carmen soaking up the surroundings is a day well spent.

6. Try the local delicacies!

Horchata - a milk-y drink made from soaked, ground and sweetened tiger nuts. Usually enjoyed in the baking heat of Valencian summer, sweet and refreshing and likely made with a little added lemon and cinnamon for flavour.

Paella - an iconic dish the country over, paella originates in Valencia, and in fact if you love seafood paella like me, you’ll be in for a shock when you order the traditional paella valenciana. Made with chicken and rabbit, this dish is a far more meat-y version, but it’s excellently balanced. Don’t forget to scrape the crunchy bits of toasted rice from the bottom of the pan!

7. Go to La Pepica for Paella a la Playa

Although many of the beachfront restaurants can definitely fall into the category of “tourist trap”, this classic local on the beach is famous for it’s paella, super traditional and always a good time, especially for a Sunday lunch with a group!

8. Spend the afternoon at Marina Beach Club

If you’ve had enough of walking around, why not rent one of the day beds at Marina Beach Club and enjoy cosy-ing up in a cabana. They have a great menu of fresh sushi, cocktails and sometimes live music or DJ’s as the sun goes down!

Where to Eat

Canalla Bistro – Ricard Camarena is a local Michelin * chef, who has several Michelin * restaurants in the city, however this is his bistro style location which is not only much more afforable, but infinetely more relaxed with a deliciously simple but creative menu
San Tommaso – an excellent Italian restaurant with a cosy outdoor seating and a top selection of fresh pasta dishes
La Finestra – cute little restaurant with €1.50 small pizzas €1 small beers, this was a regular place we visited and always had a buzzy, fun vibe to it
La Pepica - although many of the beachfront restaurants can definitely fall into the category of “tourist trap”, this classic local on the beach is famous for it’s paella, super traditional and always a good time, especially for a Sunday lunch with a group
Gordon 10 - if you’re into steak, this might be your pick
Panorama - one of the more high end restaurants in Valencia, Panorama is a glass encased room built next to the ocean. It’s stunning both in exterior and interior, and the fine-dining menu is still approachable
Mama Racha Taberna - if you love tapas, here’s your choice!
El Guiño - a wine and cured meats bar, what more can you want?
Ricard Camarena, Vertical - both of these are Michelin * options from Ricard Camarena if you fancy something high-end

8 Things to do in Valencia