Valencia: Spain’s Second City and the Birthplace of Paella. When you think of Spain, paella instantly comes to mind. And when you think of paella, there’s no place like Valencia. If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate foodie experience in Valencia, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to discover the culinary treasures that await you in this vibrant city.
Barcelona to Valencia
Getting from Barcelona to Valencia is a breeze thanks to the high-speed rail network. However, with summer high season just around the corner, tickets were already sold out a month in advance. So, I opted for the next best thing: a high-speed bus ride. Thanks to pre-booking the tickets on Omio, all I had to do on the day of travel was flash our QR code. Simple as that!
Omio：ヨーロッパ、北米の鉄道・バス・航空券の予約
The interior of the bus felt more like a low-cost carrier than a typical high-speed bus. Each seat was equipped with its own monitor and USB port, adding a touch of luxury to the journey. The double-decker design and large windows created a sense of spaciousness and freedom, making the ride all the more enjoyable.
After a smooth 4-hour bus ride—with just a brief hiccup due to temporary traffic—I arrived in Valencia, which was even hotter than Barcelona.
From the Valencia bus terminal to the accommodation, I opted for a taxi since taking a bus would have required a transfer. The short ride cost me just under 16€.
As for lodging, everything except luxury hotels was fully booked. I managed to find a spot at the Purple Nest Hostel for two nights. While primarily a dormitory-style hostel, it does offer a few private rooms. The only downside was the inconsistent air conditioning, which made the room uncomfortably hot at times.
After dropping off our luggage, I headed straight to the nearby Colón Market to kickstart the Valencia adventure.
Just in time for a mid-afternoon treat, I decided to indulge in Valencia’s famous Horchata. Made from tiger nuts, this refreshing beverage is a local favorite and the perfect way to beat the heat. Don’t miss out on this quintessential Valencian experience!
The Colón Market features a unique layout with shops located underground and eateries on the ground level. While most Horchata vendors sweeten their drinks with sugar, I sought out Casa Orxata, one of the few places offering a sugar-free version. If you’re looking to enjoy this classic Valencian drink in its purest form, Casa Orxata is the place to be.
I ordered a combination of Horchata and an ice cream assortment. The Horchata tasted like a subtly sweet soy milk, with a slightly powdery aftertaste but an overall smooth finish. Personally, I found it delicious even without added sugar, but those with a sweeter tooth can certainly add their own.
What stole the show, however, was the ice cream assortment. Featuring yogurt, raspberry, strawberry, and mango (or perhaps it was passion fruit), the serving was surprisingly generous. The flavors were rich and the texture was smooth, making it the perfect treat for a hot afternoon. If you’re in Valencia, this delightful duo is a must-try!
After the refreshing break, I took to the streets to explore until dinner time. I stumbled upon El Corte Inglés, a large shopping mall known for its extensive underground department store. I roamed around, picking up a few souvenirs along the way. It’s a great spot for both shopping and simply soaking in the local atmosphere.
At night, I had a reservation at the popular restaurant, Jamon Jamon, nestled quietly in a bustling dining district. Just a heads-up for anyone thinking of booking from Japan: the reservation system is set to Spain’s local time, so make sure to double-check when you schedule your visit.
The interior of the restaurant is chic with an air of sophistication, but you’ll feel perfectly at ease in shorts and a t-shirt. I ordered the much-raved-about Tasting set. For wine, I left it up to the staff, and the first glass they brought out was a Bornos Verdejo, a white wine that was delightfully fruity and absolutely delicious.
Don’t let the name “Tasting set” fool you; it’s a substantial course featuring five dishes plus dessert. Each dish is so generously portioned that finishing them all is a real challenge. The main meat dish comes at the end, and let me tell you, the sense of despair is real when they bring out not one, but two big blocks of meat. However, it goes without saying that every single dish is mouth-wateringly good.
With my stomach stretched to its limits, I make my way back to my lodging, walking through the stone-built streets. The atmosphere is almost as fulfilling as the meal itself, rounding off an unforgettable night.
Valencia Day 2
On my way to Valencia’s Central Market, I grab churros and hot chocolate for breakfast. Dipping the churros into the chocolate seems to be the Spanish way of doing things. I used to associate churros with the sugary treats you find at amusement parks, but the real thing is more like a deep-fried bread, sans the sugar coating. It’s a different experience, but equally delicious and a perfect start to my day.
By the way, be cautious when ordering churros; they usually come in a minimum set of six. So, don’t make the mistake of ordering them if you’re just a little peckish. As for the hot chocolate, each variety has its own unique character, so you’re bound to find one that tickles your fancy.
With my stomach happily full, I head to Valencia’s Central Market. The area around it is bustling with cafes and grocery stores, making it lively even in the morning. My jet lag has finally worn off, so, like a true tourist, I indulge in a beer to kick off the day. Why not, right? The market and its surroundings are already bustling; I might as well join in the fun.
For my second drink, I opt for Agua de Valencia, a local cocktail made with the region’s famous orange juice and Spain’s renowned Cava wine. It’s unbelievably tasty! Since you’re unlikely to find it anywhere outside Valencia, don’t forget to pick some up as a souvenir if you’re so inclined.
After feasting on oysters and munching on some jamón, I thoroughly enjoy my time at the market before heading off to explore the city and find a spot for lunch. Along the way, I stop at Mercadona, a popular Spanish supermarket, to buy some freshly squeezed orange juice. They let you choose the bottle size and fill it yourself, which adds a fun little twist to the experience.
And finally, the moment I’ve been waiting for—I head to Navarro, a renowned restaurant where reservations are a must, to taste authentic paella. The anticipation is palpable, and I can’t wait to savor this iconic dish right where it was born.
The stylish restaurant, with its bright and cheerful atmosphere, is almost full right after opening. Because paella takes time to prepare, you place your order when making the reservation.
While waiting for the paella to be ready, I decide to keep my appetite in check and order a cold gazpacho soup. For my drink, I go with the waiter’s recommendation: white sangria. To my surprise, it arrives in a massive glass, brimming with seasonal fruits, and the taste is astonishingly delicious. I’m starting to realize that every culinary decision I’ve made here is a hit!
About 30 minutes later, the paella arrives. The traditional Valencian paella features rabbit and snails, but since seafood is also a local specialty, I opt for the seafood paella. The aroma is intoxicating, and the colorful array of ingredients catches my eye—it’s like a feast for all the senses even before the first bite. I can’t wait to dig in.
The paella pan is so massive it practically takes up the entire table for two—a real show-stopper. The flavors of the seafood are beautifully concentrated in the rice, making it hard to stop eating. Initially, I thought I’d eat about half and take the rest home, but before I knew it, the plate was empty. If you’re a fan of paella, this is a must-try experience.
Satisfied with my authentic paella feast, I head back to my lodging to relax a bit. As the evening approaches and the heat starts to subside, I hop into a taxi to go to a nearby beach. You could take a bus, but it takes longer, so I opt for a taxi for the outbound trip. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day filled with gastronomic delights.
The waves are rougher than I expected, making it less than ideal for swimming. Most beachgoers are either lying on the sand or playing near the water’s edge.
As I walk along the shore, I find myself immersed in the realization that this is the Mediterranean. Do keep an eye on the timing if you’re taking the bus back; they only run about once an hour. And a heads-up: while waiting at the bus stop, be prepared for an onslaught of mosquitoes.
As for the next day, I have an early morning flight to Mallorca, so I keep dinner simple with some fruit I bought at the market and get to packing.
Up next is my final destination, the island of Mallorca. Known as one of Spain’s top resort islands, I’m all set to relish both the mountains and the sea. I can’t wait to see what experiences await me there!
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