Valencia Spain, A Mini Guide
After spending a week exploring Barcelona, we took a train along the coast and arrived in Valencia. We planned to be here for a week, to go to La Tomatina Festival in nearby Buñol along with some extra time to explore this lesser visited Spanish city. With brightly colored buildings, winding cobblestoned streets and old world charm Valencia stole our hearts in a way we weren’t expecting. A and I actually both decided that we liked the small, quaint feel of Valencia a bit more than Barcelona! So if you are planning a trip here (which I think everyone should!) keep reading for all my recommendations.
Where to Eat
Mercat Central - This is the biggest market in Valencia, where you’ll find a bounty of different stands featuring jamón ibérico sliced to order, a variety of fruits and veggies, fresh seafood, and plenty of other sweet treats. It’s the perfect place to stop for snacks or to pick up some groceries during your stay. The market is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
Horchateria de Santa Catalina - Also known as Orxateria Santa Catalina, this is one of the oldest horchata cafes in the city. Horchata in this region dates back to 1835, and unlike its Central American cousin typically made with rice, Valencian horchata is made with tiger nuts and packs a surprising amount of vitamins and nutrients. Pop in for a refreshing (and healthy!) drink, or indulge in some of their other specialties like churros with hot chocolate, Fartons (long thin pastries glazed with sugar), or artisanal ice creams.
Arrocería La Valenciana - Valencia is the origin place of paella, and this is one of the best arrocerías to try it. We did the Valenciana Menu Experience, which serves several courses of local products, so you better come hungry! They serve the popular seafood paella, along with traditional Valencian paella which is made with chicken, rabbit and snails. I was very excited about this one as I’m not a huge fan of shrimp. You’ll need to make a reservation for dinner here, or if you’ve got the time consider taking one of their authentic paella cooking classes!
Menos Lobos - We found Menos Lobos on a night when we decided to just wander around until we found a cute place for dinner. This spot fit the bill with gorgeous outdoor seating along the cobblestones, and so we checked the menu and sat down. We had a bottle of wine and some tapas, but what makes this place truly notable as one of the best restaurants of the trip is their pulpo a la gallega, or Spanish octopus! We still talk about their octopus today, so fresh straight from the Mediterranean, and cannot wait to go back here one day.
El Mercat Central
Horchateria de Santa Catalina
What to Do
Plaça de la Reina
Plaça de la Reina is one of the bigger squares in Valencia’s old town. It’s filled with gelato shops, cafes and restaurants with plenty of outdoor seating where you can have a drink and enjoy the day. Take a moment here to relax and get a glass (or pitcher!) of Agua de Valencia, a delicious local cocktail made of gin, cava, vodka and fresh orange juice.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
The City of Arts and Sciences is a setting straight out of a sci-fi movie! Designed by architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, it is home to several museums including L’Hemisfèric Planetarium designed to resemble an eye, El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe, L’Umbracle that houses native plants and contemporary sculptures, El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía Opera House, and L’Oceanogràfic Aquarium. You can also rent clear boats or zorb balls to float in the surrounding pools.
El Oceanogràfic
L’Oceanogràfic is the largest aquarium in Europe, and the home to many different species of marine life. They also have the best dolphin show I’ve ever seen, and do a lot to educate and promote the protection of our oceans.
Russafa
Russafa is a hip little neighborhood with plenty of shopping and cafes to fill an afternoon. They also have a market similar to El Mercat Central with a striking architectural design featuring brightly painted panels that seem to shift from different vantage points!
Catedral de Valencia
The Catedral de Valencia, located at the north end of Plaça de la Reina, is home to the suspected holy grail. There is a self-guided audio tour to learn the history of the ornate art and architecture, along with the story behind the holy grail, on display in a guilded altar.
El Miguelete
El Miguelete is a tower connected to the cathedral, but can be visited separately if desired. I definitely recommend a visit because once you make it to the top of the tower you will be rewarded with amazing panoramic views of the city!
Recommended Day Trips
Montanejos
Montanejos is a small town about an hour and a half north of Valencia. Here you can find waterfalls and Fuente de los Baños, a large hot spring within the gorges. It’s best to plan this day trip with a guide, check out my Montanejos post for more info!
Barcelona
Barcelona is an amazing city home to Gaudí architecture, museums, shopping, and amazing food. It is a romantic city with so much history and culture, making it absolutely worth a visit. Be sure to check my full guide for the low down on everything to do while you’re in the city.
Montanejos
Barcelona
