Vamos a VALENCIA (Hidden Valencia)

24th September 2025

Vamos a Valencia

Valencia is Spain’s third city and well deserving of a few days of your time. It is close to the coast with its own beach and easy access to further beaches, just a short journey by car or public transport. One of its most famous features is the Túria, the old riverbed that was saved from being turned into a central city motorway and redeveloped as an urban green space, the green lung of the city.

There is culture, history and an abundance of good, fresh food and if you choose carefully, amazing places to find paella (which traditionally is not laced with chorizo!).

The futuristic City of Arts and Sciences is perhaps one of the iconic constructions that symbolise the city, a centre for learning and entertainment and more. The buildings are inspired by the sea and marine life, the fins rising toward the sky, anchored by lakes. It is at the southern end of the Turia.

There is València Cathedral and the Miguelete Tower, The Silk Exchange, and particularly stunning is the Iglesia de San Nicolás de San Pedro de Bari y San Pedro Martir de Valencia, which is often referred to as Valencia’s very own Sistine Chapel. It is accessed by an alleyway and is all it is cracked up to be.

The Mercat Central is a magnet for tourists, but a visit to Ricard Camarena’s Bar Central is absolutely worth it. Fantastic food and good prices enable visitors to dine at this Michelin-starred chef’s restaurant. And whilst at the market, why not pick up some tasty olives and a personal favourite is Olivas Alabau.

If you are looking for more restaurant recommendations, then head to Aladroc, which is great for fish dishes.

If you want a truly traditional paella, then it’s time to head out to El Palmar, where, for a few Euros, one can take a short tour on the waters of the Albufera. Along the waterway, there are innumerable restaurants that offer excursions (and if you are taking the bus 24 out of town, don’t make the mistake of getting off the bus a couple of stops too early, you want the last station, that is El Palmar). Maribel is a good place to start the paella adventure.

It is worth heading to the beach area via Valencia port, where you can see the Tinglados, storage buildings with the most beautiful mosaics of oranges and foliage.

Back in town, you should a visit the Fundación Hortensia Herrero Foundation, where you can discover some amazing modern art, housed within the most beautifully renovated historical building. Not far away is Horchateria Daniel at C. del Mar 4 for a timely, traditional refreshment.

As you walk around the city, keep looking up because you will discover beautiful architectural details and some tucked-away terraces that look stunning.

And, of course, if you are a cat lover, you need to visit the little cat door in the North of the city!

Enjoy your trip to the city! And if you want more eating inspiration in Valencia, check out the You Tube Video created by Spain Revealed suggested by Annie Thomas (who also recommends Taberna de la Sénia as a good place to eat – AND they produce their own olive oil)

Tina for the TripFiction Team

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