Valencia City Guide: the best places in the city according to locals

Just recently I was thinking about an autumn winter trip. My fingers automatically typed cheap flights from Zagreb. Even though I missed the joy of low cost tickets at that moment, sometimes you simply need to go on a solo trip without waiting for anyone, one thing was clear. Spain is the perfect destination for winter travel. Why? Because it is still warm there, which makes it impossible not to love. A friend immediately told me that I had to visit Valencia. The good news for everyone traveling from Belgrade is that there are direct flights available, and I even managed to find some for December. The rest of us travel with a layover, which is still a perfectly fine option if you want to visit this Mediterranean Spanish gem.

A destination for those who love the city but do not want to give up the sea

While the rest of Europe steps into colder days, Valencia lives in shades of gold, amber and terracotta, with mild temperatures that stay around sixteen degrees Celsius in November and December. The city offers plenty to explore if you decide to visit. On one side you have gothic architecture, renaissance squares, the cathedral and the famous Miguelete tower. On the other, the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, an impressive world of glass and white concrete, cultural pavilions, an aquarium and a planetarium. In between it all, the endless green belt of Jardín del Turia amazes, transformed from a former riverbed into miles of perfectly designed space for walking, cycling, picnics or simply taking a break. Crowds are of course smaller this time of year, which makes sightseeing relaxed and unhurried. The food scene is laid back but refined, from authentic taverns to experimental restaurants that reinterpret local flavors.

As always, we love hearing first hand recommendations from local people who live in the city. This time, we asked several creatives to share their favorite places in Valencia, and they gave us an excellent list that we cannot wait to explore.

Related: Copenhagen City Guide: the best places in the city according to locals

Candela en rama

Candela Blasco, founder of the brand Candela en Rama

Candela is part of a new generation of creatives rediscovering the value of craftsmanship. After studying conservation and restoration of cultural heritage at the Universitat Politècnica de València, she turned toward jewelry and object design, then opened her own atelier Candela en Rama in the old town of Valencia, a place that feels like an intimate gallery where her handcrafted pieces come to life. As an invitation to visit, Candela shared her favorite places in Valencia with us this time.

Place for dinner: Forastera

Food is one of my passions, so it is difficult to choose just one spot, but if I had to pick a charming and quiet place where the food will leave you speechless, I would say Forastera. Xisco and Laura, the owners, never disappoint with their menus, simple yet truly authentic dishes. And if you love wine, their selection will definitely not leave you indifferent.

Address: Carrer Pintor Domingo, 40

Place for a glass of wine or a cocktail? Ostras Pedrín

For a glass of wine with a small bite, Ostras Pedrín is always a classic choice. There are two locations in Valencia. Ostras Pedrín Centro is tucked in a narrow street in the historic center and represents the original beginning of the concept, a simple and modest space offering oysters, salted delicacies, gourmet preserves and salads that you can pair with a carefully curated list of wines and cava. The second location is near the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, and you will also find them in Madrid.

Addresses: Luis Bolinches Compañ 5 / Bonaire, 23

Favorite concert venue: La Rambleta

I truly enjoy open air concerts like the ones previously held at the Centro del Carmen de Cultura Contemporánea museum, but if I had to choose a theater or concert hall, it would definitely be La Rambleta.

Address: Bulevar Sur, esq. Carrer Pío IX

Design store: Perenne Home

Perenne Home is a beautiful store worth visiting for the atmosphere alone. You can find eco friendly home products there without compromising on design.

Address: Calle Quart 74

Place for coffee and something sweet: Pals cafe

I recently discovered Pals and returned three times for breakfast within a week, which says enough. A charming place with very friendly staff and a breakfast menu that is quite different from what is typically offered

Address: Carrer Mestre Palau, 4, Extramurs

Place for lunch or brunch: Taberna Sorolla, Central Bar and Barrio5 Bar

Without a doubt, hopping from one tapas bar to another is the best option when eating with friends, although there is always the risk of staying in one spot if it is too comfortable. But my favorites are Taberna Sorolla (please, the artichokes there are unbelievable, if they are in season do not miss them), and I also love going to Central Bar and Barrio5 Bar.

Adresa: Calle Derechos 27 / Central Market of Valencia, Pl. de la Ciutat de Bruges / C/La Nau 14

Clara del Portillo i Alex Selma, vlasnici Yonoh studija

Yonoh is a creative studio from Valencia founded in 2006 by industrial designers Clara del Portillo and Alex Selma. Their work blends, in their own words, the purity of Scandinavian style with the courage and warmth of Mediterranean heritage, a fusion that creates pieces with character that suit contemporary living. They also share their knowledge and experience through workshops and academic positions in Valencia and beyond. Their work has been recognized with numerous international awards, including the Red Dot, the iF Design Award and the Good Design Award. For Vogue Adria, they revealed the spots in Valencia where they love to spend time.

Place for dinner: Ultramarinos Huerta

We love Ultramarinos Huerta. It is located very close to our studio and has a special atmosphere, a place where we always feel at home.

Address: Carrer del Mestre Gozalbo, 13, L’Eixample

Place for coffee and something sweet: Dulce de Leche

Definitely Dulce de Leche. It is our favorite place for good coffee and something sweet, ideal for a pleasant break.

Address: Calle Jesus 71 / Avenida Francia 8

A glass of wine or a cocktail: Bodega Biosca i Madre

For wine we recommend Bodega Biosca, a charming spot with a very personal selection. For a cocktail by the sea we usually go to Madre, located right on the beach and perfect for relaxing.

Address: C/ del Doctor Serrano, 20, L’Eixample / Carrer d’Eugènia Viñes 227

Favorite concert venues: Loco Club i Roig Arena

Loco Club has been a classic in Valencia for many years, intimate and always with a great program. However, Roig Arena has now become the main venue for concerts and major events in the city.

Address: Carrer de l’Erudit Orellana, 12, Extramurs / C/ del Bomber Ramon Duart, 12, Quatre Carreres

Favorite design stores: Cosín i Simple

We often visit Cosín, a reference point for contemporary design in Valencia. We also love Simple, a beautifully curated store that brings together designer and unique pieces with great taste.

Address: Calle Denia 3 / Calle del Palau 5

Favorite vintage or second hand store: Selecto Vintage Store

Selecto Vintage Store on Calle Denia is our favorite place to find unique pieces full of character.

Address: Calle Denia 28

Alejandra Merit, founder of Veneno Concept

The young entrepreneur from Valencia, Alejandra Merit, opened Veneno Concept this year, a new venue that blends gastronomy, art and community. Located in the Ruzafa neighborhood, Veneno Concept offers modern Spanish cuisine, concerts, workshops and creative events in an industrial eclectic space. It is an understatement to say that it made quite an impact on the local scene, and her vision has energized a new generation of creatives. For Vogue Adria, she shared the places she personally loves to visit.

Place for coffee and something sweet: El Abrazo de la China

El Abrazo de la China is a charming café in Ruzafa known for its relaxed atmosphere and warm, inviting interior. It is an ideal spot for breakfast, brunch or a coffee with a light bite.

Address: Calle de Pere III el Gran, 13

Where to go for dinner or a cocktail: Veneno House

I would recommend visiting us in the evening because that is exactly what we offer, creative Mediterranean and tapas dishes, cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere ideal for dinner, after work gatherings or a cultural experience, since we are a place that hosts concerts, exhibitions and different kinds of events. Our industrially styled space is essentially a blend of restaurant, bar and cultural venue.

Address: Avenue Peris y Valero 124

Favorite place for a concert or night out: Radio City

A legendary club in the old part of Valencia known for concerts, DJs and live music programs. The venue is open, creative and multicultural, where music and art create a unique atmosphere.

Address: Calle de Sta. Teresa 19

Favorite place for art: CCCC (Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània)

Once a monastery, it is now a space dedicated to contemporary art, exhibitions, performances, film, music and various cultural events. Admission is free, and the center is open from Tuesday to Sunday. It maintains the creative pulse of the city.

Address: Calle Museu 2

Place for design and shopping: Gnomo

Gnomo is my favorite eclectic design and lifestyle store in Ruzafa, known for its carefully selected local products, from decorative objects and ceramic pieces to fashion accessories and books. The place is inspiring and authentic, ideal for those who are looking for original and unique items.

Address: Calle Cuba 32