Welcome to Valencia
Spains third-largest city possesses a feelgood factor that others can only envy. With a near-perfect climate, long sandy Mediterranean beaches, a fascinating warren of a historic centre, stunning contemporary architecture, big green spaces, superb restaurants and bars (where Valencians spend a large portion of their lives), low pollution, high life expectancy, vibrant arts and entertainment, and long, long hours of sunshine, what more could you ask?
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Valencias Top Experiences
Valencias Top Experiences
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Valencias Top Experiences
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Valencias Top Experiences
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Valencias Top Experiences
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Valencias Top Experiences
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Valencias Top Experiences
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Valencias Top Experiences
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Dining Out
Valencia has a fabulous eating culture combining quality local ingredients, pan-Mediterranean influences and modern Spanish techniques. Dining is one of Valencians great pleasures and pastimes: with so many restaurants and bars you could eat well in a different one every day of the year!
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Rice
Valencia is famous for its rice dishes, and not just paellas. The incredible variety bursts with all sorts of ingredients from turnips to snails to lobster. Locals are very particular about them, and will judge the quality of the socarrat crust as if it were a vintage wine.
Tapas
Valencia has a thriving tapas culture and high-quality tapas. Locals sit and order tapas at tables often plates, not nibbles so many tapas bars feel more like a restaurant than a bar.
Where to Eat
Main eating zones are the Barrio del Carmen, LEixample and vibrant tapas-packed Russafa. El Cabanyal near the port is on the way up.
The Huerta
Valencia is surrounded by its huerta, a fertile plain filled with market gardens irrigated by an ingenious system of channels devised by the Moors. A source of great pride to Valencians, the huerta supplies the city with delightfully fresh produce, especially vegetables, citrus fruit and rice.
Best Dining
Top-notch gastronomy at Quique Dacostas place.
Stunning modern cuisine from the citys foremost chef.
Two-chef team produces wonders from an open kitchen.
Beloved bar/restaurant with fabulous seafood, meat and rices.
Pleasing fusion food at sharp prices.
Superb seafood and steaks in a spacious and elegant grill.
Brilliant spot for rice thats been going for generations.
Best Tapas
Ultra-characterful old bodega with sensational seafood tapas.
Playful fusion from a famous chef.
Youthful venue for excellent seafood flavours.
Global tapas journey.
Traditional Russafa tapas bar.
Valencian classic with professional service and glorious food.
Best Vegetarian & Vegan
Russafa locale for creative veggie and vegan fare.
Cheerful central Russafa spot.
Great lunch menu with a daily vegan choice.
Brazilian wonder-fruit bowls and more healthy fare.
Spanish Stomach Clocks
Valencians habitually consume huge elevenses called almuerzo (esmorzaret in valenciano). Restaurants typically open for lunch proper from 1pm to 3.30pm. Dinner is 8pm to 10.30pm but restaurants rarely fill before 9pm. After a big lunch (often the case) many people share tapas later. Rice dishes are only eaten at lunch.