Valencia

Valencia (València in Valencian, pronounced [vaˈlensia], vahl-EHN-see-ah; baˈlenθja [bahl-EHN-thyah] in Spanish) is a charming old city and the capital of the Valencian Community. With just over 830,000 inhabitants in 2023, it is Spain’s third-largest city and, after Barcelona, the most significant cultural centre along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. It is the capital of the autonomous Valencian Community, and is known for tourism and cuisine. In March visitors flock to the city for the annual UNESCO-listed Falles celebration, but the city is worth visiting at other times of year for its paella, ultramodern architecture, and good beaches.

See: 66
Do: 36
Eat: 42
Drink: 32
Buy: 21

21 places match

Buy

Aqua Multispacio

Along with the usual chain shops and restaurants, this large complex has two hotels, a cinema, a bowling centre, and a large gym and pool. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, and there is a taxi stand outside.

Shops: Mon-Sat 10:00-22:00, Sun and holidays 11:00-21:00; restaurants: Sun-Thu 10:00-01:30, Fri Sat and holidays 10:00-04:00; gym: Mon-Fri 07:00-23:00, Sat Sun and holidays 08:00-21:00

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Casa del Libro

Probably Valencia's largest bookshop and part of a national chain, it has four floors of new and used books, with a good selection of books in English and other languages. Pets are permitted.

Mon-Sat 09:30-21:30, Sun and holidays 12:00-21:30

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Centro Comercial El Saler

Has a full range of standard international chain stores as well as restaurants and a Carrefour hypermarket. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, and there is a taxi stand outside.

Shops: Mon-Sat 10:00-22:00, Sun 11:00-21:00; Carrefour: Mon-Sat 09:00-22:00, Sun 10:00-21:00; restaurants: daily 10:00-00:00

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Centro Comercial Nuevo Centro

Has more than 80 shops and restaurants as well as a branch of Corte Inglés. Also has a children's playground, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. There is a taxi stand outside.

Shops: Mon-Sat 10:00-22:00, Sun and holidays 11:00-21:00; restaurants: daily 09:00-24:00

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El Rastro

Flea market

Valencia's enormous second-hand market is a good place to pick up all sorts of odds and ends, ranging from vintage toys to Valencian ceramics to bicycle parts. Vendors are licensed and there is a police presence, but do beware of pickpockets.

Sun 08:00-13:30

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Frutos Secos del Carmen

A traditional local shop that sells all kinds of dried fruits and nuts.

Buy

Insectum

Shop specializing in edible insects. Only one of its kind in Spain.

Mon-Fri 11AM-2PM

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Librería Patagonia

For visitors who read some Spanish, this travel bookshop is a good resource as it stocks a good range of Spanish and regional travel guides, maps, and other travel accessories.

Mon-Sat 09:30-14:00 16:30-20:00

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Mercat Central

Mercado Central / Central Market

In a restored modernist iron and glass building dating from 1928, this is one of the largest markets in Europe. See how the locals shop for food and buy some fantastic fresh produce, meat, seafood, or olives.

Mon-Sat 07:00-15:00

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Mercat de Mosén Sorell

Mercado de Mosén Sorell

A smaller market, which was renovated in 2016, in the centre of the Carmen neighbourhood.

Mon-Wed 07:30-15:00, Thu 17:00-20:00, Fri 17:30-21:00, Sat 07:30-15:00

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Mercat de Russafa

Mercado de Ruzafa

Designed by Julio Bellot Senet and completed in 1957, the market is at the centre of the vibrant Ruzafa neighbourhood. Inside are more than 60 vendors of all types of food products, as well as a bar and café. Compared to the Central Market, this feels less like a tourist center and more like a place where locals shop.

Mon-Sat 07:00-15:00

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Mercat de l’Escuraeta

Mercado de L’Escuraeta

This traditional market dates back to the 13th century and Jaume I, when vendors set up extra stalls by the cathedral to coincide with the annual Festividad de la Virgen (feast of the Virgin). Items sold here include crockery and traditional cooking utensils, as well as pottery and other arts and crafts.

Daily from the second Sun of May until Corpus Christi, usually at the end of May or early June

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Mercat del Cabanyal

Mercado del Cabañal / Cabanyal Market

Traditionally one of the better markets in the city for fish, this also has fresh produce and artisanal products. Has free Wi-Fi throughout the building, no registration or password required.

Mon-Thu 07:00-14:30, Fri 07:00-20:30, Sat 07:00-14:30

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Plaça Redona

Plaza Redonda

Designed by Valencian architect Melchor Escrig Salvador in the mid-19th century, this unique building was constructed around a round plaza, and was noted by Valencian novelist Vicente Blasco Ibáñez in his novel Arroz y Tartana. The building has been completely renovated and now is home to a number of shops for traditional crafts as well as tapas bars. On Sunday mornings it is home to a flea market.

Mon-Sat 10:00-20:00, Sun and holidays 08:00-14:00 (flea market)

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fnac

This branch of the French chain has a good selection of English books on the first floor, along with DVDs and computer accessories.

Mon-Sat 10:00-21:30, Sat and holidays 11:00-21:00

Buy Not mapped

Librería París

This Valencian independent bookstore carries new and discounted books, with a selection of titles in English and other European languages, including in the travel section. It is also a good place to pick up Spanish cookbooks. There are four branches in town.

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