If you are staying in our vacation rental in Valencia, we want you to feel at home from the very first moment. That’s why we created this Valencia travel guide with everything you need: recommended restaurants, must-see attractions, and the best things to do in Valencia.x
Send us a message to @charmhomeapartments vía Instagram o vía Whatsapp (+34 616 651 181)
Recommended Restaurants in Valencia
Valencia gastronomy is world-famous. From authentic paella Valenciana to modern Mediterranean cuisine and creative tapas, there are plenty of restaurants in Valencia to explore.
Valencia Beach – Cabanyal Area
Check out our dedicated Valencia travel guide to the best restaurants in Cabanyal, Valencia.
Casa Carmela: A legendary spot by the beach, famous for its traditional paella cooked over wood fire, preserving the authentic Valencian flavor. See more
La Marítima: A modern Mediterranean restaurant with panoramic views of the port, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood and elegant dining. See more
Take a look at our apartments
La Sastería: A trendy restaurant in Cabanyal, combining creative tapas with a vibrant, stylish atmosphere inspired by the neighborhood’s fishing tradition. See more
Bodega Anyora: A charming wine tavern offering traditional recipes, local wines, and the cozy feeling of an authentic Valencian bodega. See more
Valencia City Centre
Check out our dedicated Valencia travel guide to the best restaurants in Valencia.
Vaqueta Gastro Mercat: A stylish gastro market in Valencia where tradition meets creativity, offering gourmet tapas and local flavors in a lively setting. See more
El Porton de Sorní: A cozy Spanish restaurant in Valencia known for its excellent wine selection and classic Mediterranean dishes. See more
Restaurante Yarza: An elegant spot with a focus on seasonal Valencian cuisine, blending tradition and modern techniques. See more
Bar Cremaet: A popular local bar, perfect for trying the iconic Valencian “cremaet” coffee and authentic tapas in a relaxed atmosphere. See more
Things to do Valencia
Check out our other dedicated Valencia travel guides
Valencia is the perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and Mediterranean lifestyle. Don’t miss:
City of Arts and Sciences: Official webpage
Valencia Cathedral and Plaza de la Virgen: Official webpage
La Lonja de la Seda (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Find more
Valencia beaches like Malvarrosa, Patacona, Playa El Saler: Find more
Albufera Natural Park, the perfect place for a sunset boat ride: Find more
UNESCO World Heritage Gothic building interior
Local Food Tips
Eating like a local in Valencia also means knowing when and how to eat:
Paella Valenciana must be reserved in advance: The most traditional restaurants prepare paella usually require 24 hours’ notice. This is a sign of quality, not inconvenience.
Paella is for lunch, not dinner: Locals eat paella between 14:00 and 16:00. If a restaurant offers paella at night, it is probably not traditional.
No chorizo in paella Valenciana: Authentic paella includes chicken, rabbit, green beans (ferraura), garrofó and saffron.
Ask for one plate less than your group: For example, if you are 5 ask for a paella for 4.
Local Secrets Valencia
Early mornings are perfect for exploring the old town without crowds.
Sunset at La Albufera is one of the most magical experiences in Valencia.
Evenings in El Cabanyal are ideal for casual dining and relaxed walks.
Sunday mornings are perfect for markets and a coffee with horchata.
Getting Around Like a Local
Walk or bike whenever possible. Valencia is flat and very bike-friendly.
Public transport is efficient and affordable (metro, bus, tram).
Taxis and ride apps are easy to find and reasonably priced
From Cabanyal to the city centre, biking is often faster than driving.
Daily Life Tips
Supermarkets close earlier on Sundays, but small local shops (tiendas de barrio) stay open.
Bakeries (hornos) are the best place for breakfast pastries.
Tap water is safe to drink, but locals often prefer bottled water.
Lunch menus (menú del día) offer great quality at very good prices.
🌐 Official Tourism in Valencia
For more updated activities, visit the official Valencia tourism website. Visit Valencia
✨ Our goal is for you to experience Valencia like a local. We will keep updating this guide with more detailed blog posts about Valencia restaurants, must-see attractions and things to do in Valencia.
Send us a message to @charmhomeapartments vía Instagram or vía Whatsapp (+34 616 651 181)
Charmhome Apartments
FAQ about the Valencia Travel Guide
How many days do I need to visit Valencia? Most travelers find 2 to 4 days enough to cover the historic center, the City of Arts and Sciences, and a beach day. If you have more time, it’s worth adding a day trip to the Albufera Natural Park or a nearby town.
Do I need to tip in Valencia? Tipping is not mandatory in Valencia, and most locals leave little to nothing. In more touristy restaurants it’s become more common to round up the bill or leave a small amount (up to around 10%) if the service was good.
Is Valencia a walkable city, or do I need public transport? The historic center is very walkable and compact, but for the beach, the City of Arts and Sciences, or trips to Cabanyal, biking or public transport (metro, bus, tram) is more practical and often faster than driving.
Is Valencia safe for tourists? Yes, Valencia is considered a safe city, including for solo travelers. As in any major city, it’s worth keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded tourist areas and on public transport, since pickpocketing is the most common issue.
When is the best time to visit Valencia? Spring and fall tend to offer the most pleasant weather, avoiding the intense summer heat while still allowing you to enjoy the beach and outdoor terraces. Many travelers also plan trips around Las Fallas in March, one of the city’s biggest festivals.
What’s the right time to eat paella like a local? Paella is a lunch dish in Valencia, traditionally eaten between 14:00 and 16:00. If a restaurant is serving paella for dinner, it’s usually a sign it’s aimed at tourists rather than following the authentic tradition.
