Here are a few of my favourite places to eat and drink, and cool things to see and do in Valencia.
Cool Spots/Things To Do
- Silk Scarf Painting Workshop with local artist Eva: I did this on my last trip to Valencia and loved it, you get to spend 2 hours sat in Eva’s atelier and paint your own silk scarf. FYI, you need to be available to come back to collect the scarf 1-2 days later once it is dried and Eva has steamed it etc, so I would recommend taking this workshop near the beginning of your trip. If you can’t make the workshop it’s worth popping into Eva’s shop Ensedarte Silk Atelier in Valencia’s Old Town.
- Visit Montanejos hot springs and waterfall (link to tour on Get Your Guide): This is on my bucket list for my next trip to Valencia, a day trip to one of Valencia’s tallest waterfalls and then swimming in Montanejos’ natural pools
- Visit the San Jose Caves (link to tour I booked on Get Your Guide): This is a great half-day trip if you are short on time in Valencia and you get to take a boat along the river inside Europe’s largest underground caves!
- Climb to the top of El Micalet (the Bell tower of Valencia’s cathedral): I have a dodgy knee, and still made it to the top! The view from the top is worth it, and it’s only 3 EUROS to climb to the top.
I vlogged my whole experience at the San Jose caves here, if you want to have a look.
Valencia’s Beaches
Visiting the beach is a must in Valencia! It does get busy though so I always avoid peak times and visit after 3/4pm and stay until the sunsets at 9pm – as beach is slightly quieter, there are more locals and the UV rays are less intense.
If you want to treat yourself to a sunbed, there are lots of those available along the beach and cost 10 euros for a chair/umbrella, so if there are two of you have 30 euros available for two chairs and an umbrella. All of these sites accept card, and have a little kiosk selling soft drinks.
Brunch:
- Cult Cafe: My favourite brunch spot in Valencia. FYI they are quite small (so you might have to wait for a table) and they are laptop free so it’s a ‘enjoy your meal, read your book and go’ place, rather than a ‘sit here with your laptop for hours place’. Their pan con tomate y aguacate (bread with tomato and avocado) is delicious
- Brunch Corner: This is a great spot right off Plaza de la Virgen square by Valencia’s cathedral. I sat with an iced chai latte and read my book, the waiters in here are all very friendly too.
- Honest Greens: This is a chain across Spain/Portugal but is a great spot for a health brunch or dinner. I have had both breakfast and dinner here and loved it. You order at the front, get given a buzzer and then they come back with your food.
Horchata
Horchata is a MUST try on your visit to Valencia. It is a traditional tiger nut drink which is a regional delicacy. It’s not for everyone! I find it super refreshing especially in Valencia’s heat, but it can be quite sweet, so if you don’t have too much of a sweet tooth ask for a sell sugar-free version.
- Horchateria Subies: My favourite horchateria in Valencia! They serve ice cream too (they have a horchata flavour) and do a great horchata float with either horchata ice cream, or chocolate ice cream. PLUS it’s a great place to try a farton ( a traditional Valencian pastry).
- Horchateria de Santa Catalina: This is one of the oldest, and (probably!) most famous horchata shop in Valencia. It’s worth a visit, but can get super busy/have a queue out the door during peak periods.
Valencia’s Old Town:
- El Raconet de la Ceramica – a beautiful hand-made ceramic shop where inside you will probably find the owner sitting in the shade working on a commission. Magnets and ornaments are slightly more expensive here, but they are all handmade. Cash only!
- Street Markets in Russafa and Old Town: Throughout the week especially on Monday and Tuesdays there are market stalls throughout the winding streets selling souvenirs, fans, clothes etc. They are definitely worth stopping by, as prices are affordable and there are bargains to be had! I got a 2.50 EURO fan which came in handy in the scorching heat!
- Central Market: a must-visit is the main food market in Valencia. I always like to grab myself a ración of paella or tortilla de patatas (6 EUROS) to take to the beach, or buying myself fresh fruit + all stalls accept card.
To see more videos of my recommendations, subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the button below:
