This City Is the Birthplace of Paella, and It Gets 300 Days …

Spain may be on track to become the most-visited country in the world, yet under-the-radar pockets still exist—and not just in rural enclaves or time-capsule pueblos. Take Valencia, Spain’s third-largest metropolis. Despite its Mediterranean coastline, world-class cuisine, and more than 2,000 years of history, the vibrant seaside city remains surprisingly ripe for discovery, according to local experts.

“I always say Valencia has the best of both Barcelona and Madrid without the big crowds,” says Sarah-Kate Redding, founder of Valencia Private Tours. “There are two streets that are always bustling with tourists, but beyond those spots, it’s easy to find quiet, local corners.” Travel + Leisure A-List advisor Steven Vigor of Revigorate agrees, saying, “Valencia is one of the continent’s most beautifully balanced cities. You get the cultural depth of a major Spanish city, long and sandy beaches, and serious food credentials, but with fewer crowds and a pace of life that still feels genuinely local.”

That translates to having front-row seats to the city’s myriad charms and attractions—whether you’re looking to travel back in time through its Roman history, eat paella in the seaside spot beloved by Ernest Hemingway, or visit one of the continent’s biggest aquariums. And with 300 days of sunshine per year, on average, it’s almost always prime sightseeing season.

It’s undeniable Valencia is trending upward. In the near future, the city will debut two major cultural spaces dedicated to its best-known artists: the Espai Manolo Valdés, showcasing the sculptor’s celebrated works, and a new museum exploring the life and legacy of painter Joaquín Sorolla. And while the city is already rich in green spaces like the Jardín del Turia—Spain’s largest urban park—new biodiversity corridors in the Turia Garden and community spaces such as Jardín Trini Simó are vital green refuges during the summer heat. “Demand for Valencia has been steadily growing,” confirms Vigor, who specializes in the Iberian Peninsula. “For many of our clients, Valencia ticks all the boxes.”

Read on to discover all of the best ways to experience Valencia—before the crowds arrive. 

Best Hotels & Resorts

Caro Hotel

The former palace of the Marquis de Caro, this 26-room hotel marries contemporary style while preserving original Roman, Gothic, and Moorish elements (think: coffered ceilings and 12th-century archways). “It appeals to travelers who appreciate architecture and a strong sense of place,” says Vigor. Some of the most atmospheric rooms are even set inside the 12th-century Arabic Tower.

Casa Clarita

A newcomer to Valencia’s scene, the art-filled Casa Clarita is the colorful, character-filled vision of the Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon, who injected personality into this guesthouse in La Seu neighborhood. Expect colorful mosaic floors, whimsical hand-painted murals, and custom headboards that give the 12 rooms and 10 apartments a craft touch. Rise early to enjoy a breakfast highlighting local products, including pastries from Pastelería Conchín and fresh fruit from the Central Market.

Hotel Palacio Vallier

“This is an intimate, sophisticated, five-star hotel in the old town with beautifully restored interiors,” says Vigor, describing this 19th-century palace in the beautiful Plaza de Manises, steps from the city’s most important historical buildings. It’s no wonder celebrities like Cate Blanchett and Penélope Cruz are among the VIPs who have stayed here. Highlights include the tasting menus at La Perfumería restaurant and a striking porcelain sculpture suspended within the original 19th-century staircase.

Las Arenas Balneario Resort

Dreaming of a beach getaway? This glamorous seafront resort is sure to fulfill your fantasies, with its sunlight-filled guestrooms, manicured resort-like grounds, and a superb spa offering Sisley facials and holistic therapies. While you’re about 2.5 miles from the City of Arts and Sciences and farther still from the old town, guests are on the doorstep of the colorful Cabanyal fishing district.

Best Things to Do

Explore Ciutat Vella.

“We are a city that started in 138 B.C.E. A lot of travelers don’t realize this,” says Redding. To peel back the city’s centuries of layers, she recommends touring the historic heart, Ciutat Vella, where highlights include the bustling Plaza de la Virgen, once the forum of Roman Valencia; the UNESCO-listed Llotja de la Seda de Valencia (“Think of it as the Wall Street of the 15th century,” she says); the imposing Valencia Cathedral; and the Central Market, which is one of the largest fresh produce markets in Europe.

Visit the City of Arts and Sciences.

Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava’s futuristic architectural and cultural complex seems a world away from the narrow, winding streets of Ciutat Vella. And yet, it’s become one of the city’s most iconic, touristed attractions, drawing families, art and architecture lovers, and budding scientists. Redding recommends dedicating an entire day to discovering its IMAX cinema and planetarium, its interactive science museum, and Oceanogràfic de València, one of Europe’s largest aquariums, where you can see a 115-foot-long “shark tunnel” and watch an outdoor dolphin show.

Cycle through the Jardín del Turia.

Vigor recommends cycling through Turia Garden, the former riverbed turned green ribbon that runs for several miles and links the historic center with the City of Arts and Sciences and, ultimately, the sea.

Take a boat ride in Albufera Natural Park.

Love nature and gastronomy? Head to Albufera Natural Park, just about 10 miles from the city, where you can stroll along marked trails, take a boat ride on a massive natural lake for views of flamingos and herons, and try authentic paella in one of the charming fishing villages, like El Palmar. Vigor suggests timing your boat tour to golden hour, when the setting sun casts vivid pools of color in the freshwater lagoon.

Stroll around the Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero.

This new art museum showcases the astonishing private collection of Hortensia Herrero, one of Spain’s leading collectors of contemporary art. Expect large, site-specific contemporary artworks by Olafur Eliasson, David Hockney, Cristina Iglesias, and Anselm Kiefer, all showcased inside a beautifully restored 17th-century baroque building.

Best Shopping

Rocío Studio

This independent, made-in-Valencia jewelry brand offers delicate, handmade pieces rooted in the landscape: snail-shell-inspired stud earrings, glass-bead bracelets reminiscent of multicolored sea glass, and orange-sapphire oval rings that call to mind summer sunsets. You can even sign up for a workshop to design and create your own piece.

Lladró Boutique

Founded in 1953 by three brothers in a small village outside Valencia, Lladró has long been synonymous with handmade porcelain figurines that blur the line between art and craft. In recent years, the storied house has opened up a new chapter through collaborations with high-profile brands and creators—from Loewe and Spanish designer Jaime Hayon to Nigerian artist Láolú Senbanjo.

Abanicos Carbonell

If you’re visiting Valencia during the summer months, don’t think about leaving your air-conditioned hotel room without a Spanish essential: an abanico (a hand fan), which is not only a practical way to stay cool, but also a stylish way to blend in. Find your style at Abanicos Carbonell, a 200-year-old fan brand (one of Valencia’s oldest) that’s now run by the fourth and fifth generations of the family. Every style is made by hand, and you can even request personalizations in person.

Laka

Follow in the footsteps of Valencia’s cool kids and hit up Laka in the trendy Ruzafa neighborhood to shop a range of secondhand furniture, clothing, and collectibles—a Mauser-style tubular chair from the 1970s, Yves Saint Laurent collared rugby sweaters from the 1980s, and vintage Air France memorabilia.

Best Nightlife

Gran Martínez

Located inside a former pharmacy, this atmospheric cocktail bar has the spirit of a speakeasy. Yet, the afternoon DJ sets and live music, hip clientele, and perfectly shaken cocktails (try the Milano-Torino with Campari and vermouth) put it on par with the best cocktail dens in cities like London and New York.

ViveVino

At this female-run wine bar in hip Ruzafa, sample low-intervention bottles by small, local producers like Pigar, Cos a Cos, and Sexto Elemento. Pair your sips with a charcuterie board or a delicious pastrami sandwich to turn your drinks plan into a dinner plan.

HiFi

Offering a “high fidelity dancing experience,” this wood-paneled nightclub specializes in all vinyl DJ sets spinning jazz, reggae, dub, soul, and funk music until the wee hours of the morning.

La Fábrica de Hielo

Housed in a former ice factory on Cabanyal Beach, this genre-mixing cultural hub always has something stirring: DJ sets, literary readings, indie film nights, jazz sessions, talks, and the occasional surprise performance. A spinning disco ball, food trucks, and a solid bar keep the energy high and the crowds lingering until well past midnight on weekends.

Best Restaurants

La Pepica

A Valencia institution since 1898, this seafront restaurant has been frequented by numerous VIPs over its long history, including Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, and Ava Gardner. “Even though it’s touristy, the quality of the paella here is still very good,” says Redding.

El Poblet Restaurante

Vigor points to this two-Michelin-star restaurant for its refined tasting menus built around local produce. Citrus winds through much of the menu—an obsession sparked after chef Luis Valls visited Valencia’s Todolí Citrus Fundació, home to the world’s largest open-air collection of citrus fruits—and familiar dishes, like all i pebre, the traditional eel and potato stew, are reimagined with unexpected elements such as blue crab and crunch.

Quiosco La Pérgola

By around 10 a.m., locals have started lining up for a coveted terrace table at this family-run kiosk known for its supremely juicy, flavor-packed sandwiches: the brascada (beef, ham, and onion), the almussafes (sobrasada, cheese, and onion), and the legendary superbombón (pork, cheese, mushrooms, and potato). Finish with a cremaet, Valencian coffee flamed with rum infused with lemon and cinnamon.

Casa Fran

In the heart of El Carmen, Casa Fran is a sun-filled brunch spot serving third-wave coffee, homemade pastries, and hearty, nutritious dishes ideal for filling up before a big day of sightseeing. The crunchy Milanese sandwich and honey dijonnaise slaw served on a soft brioche bun is a game changer.

Best Times to Visit

Vigor’s favorite times to send travelers to Valencia are March through June and September through early November. “Spring brings comfortable temperatures, while early autumn offers warm sunshine, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for cycling, beaches, and sightseeing,” he explains. In March, the city erupts for Las Fallas, Valencia’s biggest festival, a riotous display of bonfires, fireworks, and parades honoring Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. Redding offers a word of advice: “If you’re visiting during the festivities, be ready to walk. Public and private transport all but shut down in the center, and traffic can stretch on for hours.”

How to Get There

Valencia is relatively easy to reach, with direct flights to Valencia Airport (VLC) from major European hubs, including Paris, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome, and Zurich. For travelers arriving from within Spain, the train is often the smarter choice. High-speed AVE services from Madrid pull into the city center in under two hours, while most routes from Barcelona make the journey in around three.

Neighborhoods to Visit

El Carmen

Vigor describes this ancient neighborhood as the “atmospheric heart of the old town,” highlighting its medieval streets, remnants of the old city walls, artisan boutiques, and tapas bars. “It’s perfect for travelers who love history and character,” he says.

Ruzafa

Some call Ruzafa Valencia’s hipster neighborhood for its plethora of chic wine bars, design stores, vintage shops, and Instagram-ready streets. “It’s cool, funky, and super walkable,” says Redding. Vigo adds,: “It’s ideal for food-driven, design-minded travelers.”

El Cabanyal

This old fishermen’s quarter behind Las Arenas Beach offers a local taste of life by the sea. Vigor points to its traditional tiled fishermen’s houses and its easy access to some of the city’s best beaches. Redding often leads tours here, but she advises travelers seeking a more traditional sightseeing itinerary not to base themselves by the beach, noting the 20-minute drive into the city center.

How to Get Around

On Foot

Valencia is flat, walkable, and a relatively compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. Plus, with abundant green spaces, exploring often looks like wandering through flower-filled parks or along pathways framed by towering palm trees. While there are cars allowed in the historic center, vehicles aren’t permitted to exceed about 18 miles per hour, which allows for stress-free sightseeing.

By Bike

“In Valencia, you can see so much if you’re exploring via bike,” says Redding, praising the city’s 100-plus miles of bike paths and the famed Turia riverbed parks, allowing cyclists to cross the city quickly. For this reason, she recommends travelers sign up for at least a morning or afternoon worth of sightseeing via two wheels.

Public Transit

As a proudly sustainable, forward-thinking city, Valencia offers an abundance of public transit options, including 60 bus lines, five major metro lines, and four tram lines—most accessible via one public transport card. Metro lines 3 (red) and 5 (green) both run from the airport and take around 20 minutes to reach the city’s central stations.

By Car

There aren’t many reasons to rent a car in Valencia, unless you’re planning on exploring beyond the city limits, says Redding. She highlights the array of attractions in the city’s backyard: Moorish caves, medieval castle towers, the vineyards that make up the Utiel-Requena wine region, and the city of Sagunto, home to the largest Roman fort remaining on the Iberian Peninsula. “It can be hard to find public transport, so I recommend renting a car or hiring a guide,” she says.