Official Guide 2026

Trip to Valencia (Amigos): Ultimate Gastronómico Guide

Trip to Valencia (Amigos): Ultimate Gastronómico Guide

Valencia, the vibrant coastal city of Spain, is a paradise for food lovers. Get ready for a culinary adventure with your amigos that combines traditional Valencian flavors with modern gastronomic experiences! This itinerary focuses on experiencing the best of Valencian cuisine, from bustling markets to innovative restaurants, all while enjoying the city's unique culture.

📅 Day 1: The Adventure Begins+
  • Morning (9:00 AM): Start your day at the 📍 Mercado Central, one of the oldest and largest fresh produce markets in Europe. Immerse yourselves in the sights, sounds, and smells as you sample local cheeses, hams, and fresh juices. Grab some esmorzaret (Valencian breakfast) at one of the market stalls. Try cremaet, a traditional coffee with burned rum, sugar, and lemon peel.
  • Mid-day (12:00 PM): Head to the 📍 El Carmen neighborhood for a walking food tour. Several companies offer tours that take you to local tapas bars and restaurants, sampling regional specialties like patatas bravas, esgarraet (salt cod and roasted peppers), and clòtxinas (Valencian mussels). Consider a tour focusing on Valencian wine.
  • Afternoon (3:00 PM): After the food tour, relax at the 📍 Turia Gardens, a park that runs through the heart of the city along the old riverbed. Rent bikes and cycle through the gardens to the 📍 City of Arts and Sciences.
  • Evening (8:00 PM): Indulge in an authentic paella experience. Head to 📍 La Pepica, a legendary beachfront restaurant known for its delicious paella and stunning sea views. Make sure to order the classic Paella Valenciana (chicken and rabbit). Enjoy the sunset with some Agua de Valencia.
  • Night (10:30 PM): Explore the nightlife in the 📍 Ruzafa neighborhood, known for its trendy bars and live music venues.
📅 Day 2: Going Deeper+
  • Morning (10:00 AM): Take a cooking class focused on paella making. Several schools in Valencia offer hands-on classes where you can learn the secrets to making the perfect paella. This is a great way to bond with your amigos and learn a new skill. Consider Escuela de Arroces y Paellas.
  • Mid-day (1:00 PM): Enjoy the fruits of your labor! Feast on the paella you prepared during the cooking class. Pair it with local Valencian wine.
  • Afternoon (4:00 PM): Explore the 📍 Albufera Natural Park, a freshwater lagoon located just south of the city. Take a boat trip on the lagoon and enjoy the stunning scenery. The Albufera is also the birthplace of paella, so you can find authentic paella restaurants in the nearby villages of 📍 El Palmar.
  • Evening (8:00 PM): Enjoy a modern Valencian dining experience at 📍 Ricard Camarena Restaurant (Michelin Star). This restaurant offers innovative tasting menus that showcase the best of Valencian ingredients with a creative twist. Requires booking in advance. For a more casual experience, check out his other restaurants, Habitual or Canalla Bistro.
  • Night (10:30 PM): Enjoy some drinks at a rooftop bar like 📍 Ateneo Viewpoint with amazing city views.
📅 Day 3: Hidden Gems+
  • Morning (10:00 AM): Visit the 📍 Colon Market, a beautiful modernist building that houses a variety of gourmet shops, cafes, and restaurants. Sample local delicacies like horchata (a sweet milk-like beverage made from tiger nuts) and fartons (sweet pastries).
  • Mid-day (12:00 PM): Explore the 📍 Poblats Maritims (maritime villages), a historic fishing district with charming streets and waterfront restaurants. Have lunch at 📍 Casa Montaña, a traditional tapas bar known for its extensive wine list and high-quality ingredients.
  • Afternoon (3:00 PM): Relax on 📍 Malvarrosa Beach, Valencia's main beach. Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
  • Evening (7:00 PM): Indulge in a tapas crawl in the 📍 El Carmen neighborhood, sampling a variety of local tapas at different bars. Some recommendations: Taperia Daksa, Bar del Tret.
  • Night (9:00 PM): Farewell dinner at 📍 Central Bar by Ricard Camarena inside Mercado Central, a more casual option by the Michelin-starred chef. Enjoy tapas and local wines in a vibrant atmosphere.
💡 Practical Tips+
  • Transport: Valencia is a very walkable city, but public transportation is also readily available. The metro and bus systems are efficient and affordable. Consider renting bikes for exploring the Turia Gardens. 🚗 Alquiler de Coche (Mejor Precio) if you want to explore areas outside the city like Albufera.
  • Safety: Valencia is a relatively safe city, but it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
  • Language: While many people in tourist areas speak English, it's helpful to learn a few basic Spanish phrases.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Accommodation: Find a place to stay in El Carmen, Ruzafa or near the City Centre to be close to the action. 🏨 Reservar Hotel con Descuento (25% OFF)
  • Flights: Plan your trip in advance to get the best deals. Valencia Airport (VLC) is well-connected to major European cities. ✈️ Vuelos Baratos (Expedia)
⭐ Conclusion+

This Gastronómico guide offers a taste of Valencia's best culinary experiences. From bustling markets to innovative restaurants, you'll have plenty to savor with your amigos. ¡Buen provecho!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'Agua de Valencia'?+

Agua de Valencia is a cocktail made from orange juice, cava, vodka, and gin. It's a popular drink in Valencia.

What is 'horchata'?+

Horchata is a sweet, milk-like drink made from tiger nuts (chufas). It's a refreshing drink especially enjoyed during the summer months in Valencia.

Do I need to make reservations for restaurants?+

Yes, especially for popular restaurants like Ricard Camarena, it's highly recommended to make reservations well in advance.

User Experiences

M
Maria Rodriguez★★★★★
2024-01-15

This itinerary was fantastic! We had an amazing time exploring Valencia's culinary scene. The paella cooking class was a highlight.

D
David Smith★★★★
2023-12-20

Good overview of the city. The restaurant recommendations were spot on. We especially enjoyed Casa Montaña.

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