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

12 places match

Drink

Café Lisboa

In a charming square which was once the site of Valencia's Lonja del Aceite, or olive oil market. The primary draw is the expansive terrace seating by an olive tree, making this is a good spot for people-watching with a coffee or cocktail.

Daily 10:00-01:00

Eat

Central Bar

One of a trio of restaurants owned and operated by famed Valencian chef Ricard Camarena, this tapas bar is a good place to sample his food without breaking the bank. The menu changes daily depending on what's available in the market. Reservations are not accepted, so if you plan to visit for lunch be prepared to wait awhile for a seat.

Mon-Sat 06:30-15:30Tapas €4-9 (Feb 2016)

Buy

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

Buy

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

Buy

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

Buy

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

Buy

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

Buy

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

Buy

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)

Buy