A summer excursion to Spain promises warm temperatures to enjoy, delicious food to try, and a rich culture to discover. That’s exactly what Jalen and I were looking for when we decided to visit Valencia – a beautiful Mediterranean city on the east coast of Spain. Though we first moved to France in 2019, we hadn’t prioritized traveling elsewhere in Europe until this summer. Between living through a pandemic, taking on challenging master’s degrees, and wanting to explore the many alluring corners of our country of residence, we didn’t vacation anywhere other than France or the United States for nearly five years! After considering Jalen’s desire to put his Spanish skills to use and my love of relaxing by the sea, we landed on spending a week in Valencia, and we certainly do not regret our choice! We’re excited to share our recommendations on what to do, see, and eat in Valencia – no matter what you’re looking to get out of your stay.

As travelers that prefer to leave no stone unturned, we can’t believe that so many travel blogs suggest staying in Valencia for only three or four days – there’s so much to uncover that we barely fit it all into a week! From iconic monuments, to gorgeous museums, to awe-inspiring churches, you won’t be bored in Valencia. Here’s what we suggest if…

You want to see the icons of Valencia

La Lonja de la Seda

La Lonja de la Seda, or the Silk Exchange in English, is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll get to learn about the building’s history, marvel at its gothic architecture, and even tour its luscious courtyard.

More about La Lonja de la Seda: https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/what-to-do-valencia/valencian-culture/monuments-in-valencia/lonja-silk-exchange
Visit La Lonja de la Seda: C/ de la Llotja, 2, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, España

Mercado Central

The Mercado Central is the emblematic market in the heart of the city where patrons can purchase all sorts of food, desserts, and even souvenirs. We picked up some Crema Narancello de Cassalla (orange cream liqueur) and two made-in-Spain chocolate bars.

More about the Mercado Central: https://www.mercadocentralvalencia.es/
Visit the Mercado Central: Pl. Ciutat de Bruges, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, España

Oceanogràfic

The Oceanogràfic is the largest aquarium in Europe, though we think it’s more accurately described as a half-aquarium-half-zoo experience. Our favorite sections were the aquarium tunnels where you can admire the sea creatures from all angles.

More about the Oceanogràfic: https://www.oceanografic.org/en/
Visit the Oceanogràfic: C/ d’Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1B, Quatre Carreres, 46013 València, España

You’re interested in history and religious tradition

Catedral de Valencia

The Catedral de Valencia boasts a few items that are worth going out of your way to see – including the purported Holy Grail and Saint Vincent of Saragossa’s left arm! You won’t regret exploring the church as well as the museum located inside.

More about the Catedral de Valencia: https://catedraldevalencia.es/
Visit the Catedral de Valencia: Pl. de l’Almoina, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, España

Iglesia de San Nicolás

The Iglesia de San Nicolás, also known as the Sistine Chapel of Valencia, has an ornate interior worthy of its nickname. The detailed frescoes and shining main altar are a sight to behold, and we found that the audio tour included in the entrance fee was particularly well-done.

More about the Iglesia de San Nicolás: https://www.sannicolasvalencia.com/
Visit the Iglesia de San Nicolás: C/ dels Cavallers, 35, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, España

You love monuments and aerial views

Torres de Serranos

The Torres de Serranos date back to the 14th century and make up one of two remaining gates of the medieval walls of Valencia. We loved climbing the stairs and standing atop one of the city’s most iconic monuments.

More about the Torres de Serranos: https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/what-to-do-valencia/valencian-culture/monuments-in-valencia/serranos-towers
Visit the Torres de Serranos: Plaça dels Furs, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, España

Torres de Quart

The Torres de Quart, constructed in the 15th century, provide modern-day guests a bird’s-eye view of the city they were constructed to protect. Both the Torres de Quart and the Torres de Serranos are free to visit on Sundays and holidays!

More about the Torres de Quart: https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/what-to-do-valencia/valencian-culture/monuments-in-valencia/quart-towers
Visit the Torres de Quart: Plaça de Santa Úrsula, 1, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, España

You’re an art enthusiast

Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia

The Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia has an enthralling collection of 14th-to-17th-century fine art for visitors to relish. We loved admiring the diverse works of art and spending time in the museum’s two courtyards.

More about the Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia: https://museobellasartesvalencia.gva.es/es
Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia: C/ de Sant Pius V, 9, La Saïdia, 46010 València, España

Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno (IVAM)

The IVAM houses eight distinct galleries of modern art that will both entertain you and get you thinking. It was a real treat to see exhibitions based on photography, video, installations, drawings, sculptures, and more all under one roof.

More about the IVAM: https://ivam.es/en/
Visit the IVAM: C/ de Guillem de Castro, 118, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, España

You’re ready to relax by the sea

Playa del Cabanyal

Playa del Cabanyal, accessible from the city center in around 40 minutes by public transit, offers beachgoers access to sandy shores, the Mediterranean sea, and plenty of beach chairs with umbrellas for hire.

More about Playa del Cabanyal: https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/what-to-see-valencia/beaches-in-Valencia/city-beaches/las-arenas-beach
Visit Playa del Cabanyal : Passeig de Neptú, 3, Poblats Marítims, 46011 València, España

Playa de la Malvarrosa

Playa de la Malvarrosa is located just north of Playa del Cabanyal, and offers a very similar atmosphere. On crowded days, we found it was slightly easier to find open beach chairs and umbrellas here, but that was the only noticeable difference!

More about Playa de la Malvarrosa: https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/what-to-see-valencia/beaches-in-Valencia/city-beaches/la-malvarrosa-beach
Visit Playa de la Malvarrosa: Carrer d’Isabel de Villena, 16 València, España

Spanish cuisine is famous for bold flavors and regional specialties, and while we knew we would enjoy trying out new dishes on vacation, we weren’t prepared for just how delectable the food in Valencia turned out to be! Whether you’re looking for an upscale rooftop experience or a laid-back tapas spot, Valencia’s got you covered. Here’s where to go if…

You’re looking for a trendy atmosphere

Atenea

Atenea is a rooftop bar and restaurant that overlooks Valencia’s historical city center. We delighted in a gorgeous view of the town hall at sunset. Our favorite bite of the evening was the buñuelo de bacalao (homemade cod fritter).

More about Atena: https://ateneasky.com/en/
Visit Atenea: C/ de Moratín, 12, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, España

La Diva

La Diva’s unique decor and international menu make it a hip place to grab a meal. Plus, the restaurant turns into a club on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings if you’re looking to dance after dinner. Try the vegan burger with crunchy falafel and dried tomatoes pâté.

More about La Diva: https://ladivavalencia.com/en/welcome-to-la-diva/
Visit La Diva: C/ de Sorní, 42, L’Eixample, 46004 València, España

You want to try Valencian Cuisine

Aladroc Taverna de Peix

Aladroc Taverna de Peix, located in the Ruzafa neighborhood of Valencia, is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that serves up traditional foods. Don’t visit without trying the pulpo a la brasa (grilled octopus), it was the best we’ve ever tasted!

More about Aladroc Taverna de Peix: https://www.instagram.com/aladrocfishbar/
Visit Aladroc Taverna de Peix: Carrer del Literat Azorín, 26, L’Eixample, 46006 València, España

Horchatería Santa Catalina

The Horchatería Santa Catalina is a must-visit if you want to taste some famous Valencian specialties. We tried horchata de chufa (tiger nut milk) and fartons (Valencian pastries) for the first time, and we suggest testing both!

More about Horchatería Santa Catalina: https://www.horchateriasantacatalina.com/en/
Visit Horchatería Santa Catalina: Pl. de Santa Caterina, 6, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, España

La Pepica

Situated on the Playa del Cabanyal, La Pepica is a paella restaurant loved by tourists and locals alike. From the tinto de verano La Casera (red wine cocktail available with or without alcohol), the traditional patatas bravas (Valencian-style potatoes with garlic mayonnaise, hazelnuts and paprika oil), to the paella Pepica (paella with fish and peeled seafood), everything that passed our lips was so incredible, we couldn’t choose just one item to recommend!

More about La Pepica: https://lapepica.com/
Visit La Pepica: Passeig de Neptú, 6, BAJO;DUP 6-8, Poblados Marítimos, 46011 València, España

You’re craving a good brunch

Bastard Coffee & Kitchen

Bastard Coffee & Kitchen impressed us with a fun brunch menu and lightning-fast table service. The huevos Benedict con aguacate (eggs Benedict with avocado) with holandesa chipotle (chipotle hollandaise sauce) was spicy and delectable.

More about Bastard Coffee & Kitchen: https://bastardcoffeekitchen.com/en/
Visit Bastard Coffee & Kitchen: Av. del Regne de València, 2, L’Eixample, 46005 València, España

DDL Boutique

Mountains of pastries and an array of beverages await at DDL Boutique. Jalen tried their café bombón, a drink made of layered espresso and sweetened condensed milk that originated in Valencia, and suggests you do too (if you like your coffee sweet!).

More about DDL Boutique: https://www.ddlboutique.com/
Visit DDL Boutique: Carrer del Pintor Gisbert, 2, L’Eixample, 46006 València, España

You’re hoping to savor some seafood

Central Bar

Central Bar, located in the famous Mercado Central, is a no-fuss bar that serves mouth-watering Valencian dishes. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line – they don’t take reservations, but once you’ve tasted the Bocadillo Mary (cuttlefish and aioli sandwich), you’ll understand the queue!

More about Central Bar: https://m.centralbar.es/english
Visit Central Bar: Mercat Central de València, Pl. de la Ciutat de Bruges, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, España

El Trompo

After a day at the beach, El Trompo is the perfect place to grab a bite of seafood. Though they’re a paella house, our favorite part of our meal was the calamares (fried squid). We recommend eating outside on their cozy, breezy patio.

More about El Trompo: https://eltrompovalencia.com/
Visit El Trompo: Paseo Maritimo de la Malvarrosa, modulo 10, 46011, 46011 València, España

Puerta del Mar

Puerta del Mar was recommended to us by Jalen’s Spanish class peers, and we’re more than happy to pass on the recommendation to you! This restaurant is slightly upscale with a menu full of seafood. Try the zamburiñas a la brasa (grilled scallops with fried peppers and tuna flakes)!

More about Puerta del Mar: https://www.restaurantepuertadelmar.com/
Visit Puerta del Mar: Carrer dels Transits, 4, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, España

You love a plant-based meal

Begin

It’s hard to say whether we were more entranced by Begin’s fresh, flexitarian menu or their tasteful, modern decor! Jalen loved the tataki de atún salvaje, or the seared tuna and lime causa puree with sliced avocado and soy mayonnaise.

More about Begin: https://beginrestaurante.com/en/
Visit Begin: Av. de les Corts Valencianes, 50, Benicalap, 46015 València, España

Margarito

Vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free eaters will love Margarito. This restaurant was simultaneously relaxing and classy, and we were impressed by the freshness of the ingredients. Order the gyozas de morcilla vegana (vegan “blackpudding” gyozas made with mushrooms).

More about Margarito: https://margaritorestaurant.com/
Visit Margarito: Carrer de Félix Pizcueta, 6, L’Eixample, 46004 València, España

You’re in the mood for some international eats

El Huey

As Americans living in France, we are constantly looking for our next Mexican food fix. El Huey had everything we were looking for, including Mexican beer and spicy fare. The enchiladas rojas vegetarianas (vegetarian enchiladas) were unreal!

More about El Huey: https://elhuey.es/
Visit El Huey: C/ de Sant Francesc de Borja, 6, Extramurs, 46007 València, España

Sushi Kory

All-you-can-eat sushi brought straight to the table at a restaurant in the center of Valencia? Sign us up! Sushi Kory’s colorful menu is a feast for the eyes and the mouth. We especially enjoyed the nigiri pulpo (octopus nigiri).

More about Sushi Kory: https://www.sushikory.com/
Visit Sushi Kory: C/ del Convent de Sta. Clara, 13, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, España

Voltereta Kioto

Voltereta Kioto is a choose-your-own-adventure restaurant – your experience totally depends on which dining area you select! We went with “future Kyoto” (as opposed to “past Kyoto”) and were served our Japanese-inspired dinner through a window at our table via conveyor belt.

More about Voltereta Kioto: https://www.volteretarestaurante.com/en/restaurante/valencia/kioto
Visit Voltereta Kioto: Pg. de l’Albereda, 51, Camins al Grau, 46023 València, España

If your ideal vacation includes a salty sea breeze, learning about art, history, and culture, and eating all sorts of appetizing foods, look no further than Valencia. We were more than satisfied with the week we spent on the east coast of Spain, and hope that sharing what we did during our vacation helps you plan your trip! Have questions about our trip to Valencia or recommendations to add to the list? Let us know in a comment!