We discovered Valencia almost by chance during our campervan tour of Southern Europe. The city just happened to be on our route, and yet we immediately fell in love with its atmosphere, its colorful buildings, its large green spaces, and its proximity to the Mediterranean. I even went back there for a trip with my girlfriends.
Of course, the City of Arts and Sciences, the Oceanogràfic, and the Central Market live up to their reputations. We featured them in our article on must-see attractions in Valencia. But the city is more than just these major attractions. Here are 6 places and neighborhoods where you can experience Valencia in a different way.
1. Admire the colorful facades of the Cabanyal
El Cabanyal is an old fishing neighborhood located near the sea that we absolutely loved. We especially enjoyed its atmosphere, which is very different from that of the historic center. Here, the streets are lined with small houses featuring colorful facades, some of which are covered in ceramic tiles.
The best way to explore the neighborhood is still to walk around without following a set route. Just look up and take it all in:
- facades decorated with ceramics
- The Colorful Balconies
- the old fishermen’s houses
- the architectural details that are sometimes hidden above the stores
We recommend extending your walk to the port of Valence or the beach of the same name.
📷 Plan to visit in the morning, when the streets are still quiet and the light really brings out the beauty of the facades.
To plan your trip to Spain, we recommend that you don’t fill every day with must-see sights. Leaving a few slots open will allow you to discover a more authentic, spontaneous, and often much quieter side of Valencia.
2. Enjoy the local atmosphere in Ruzafa ☕
When we visit a city, we like to venture away from the main sights and get lost in the residential neighborhoods.
That’s often where we get a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals, discover small neighborhood shops, and experience an atmosphere that’s quite different from that of the more touristy streets. The Ruzafa neighborhood—or Russafa, as it’s called in Valencian —is perfect for this kind of stroll.
We therefore recommend that you go there without a specific plan, simply to take in the neighborhood’s atmosphere, its covered market—recognizable by its colorful facades—and stop for a drink on a terrace.
For a tasty break, you might want to stop by Bluebell Coffee Co., a pleasant spot to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee before continuing your stroll through the streets of Ruzafa.
☕ Our tip: Explore Ruzafa at the end of the day, when locals start gathering at cafés and small squares. That’s when the neighborhood really comes alive.
Ruzafa is also a great neighborhood to stay in during a vacation in Valencia.
3. Take a break at the Colón Market
The Colón Market is no longer a traditional food market like the Mercado Central. This elegant Modernist building now houses cafés, bars, restaurants, and a few shops.
We love this kind of place for taking a break between sightseeing stops. The architecture alone is worth the detour, with its brickwork, colorful decorations, and large windows that let in the light.
You don’t need to spend several hours there. The Colón Market fits easily into a stroll between the historic center and the Turia Gardens.
4. Discover Valencia’s lesser-known gardens
The Turia Gardens are a must-see, but Valencia has many other, more low-key green spaces.
Among the places where you can take a quiet break, we especially recommend:
- the gardens of Monforte, with their paths, statues, fountains, and elegant atmosphere;
- the Real Gardens, also known as the Viveros Gardens, perfect for taking a walk or relaxing in the shade;
- Cabecera Park, located at the western end of the Turia Gardens.
These spaces are especially pleasant when it’s hot. They offer a welcome break during a day of sightseeing, especially when traveling with children.
🌳 In Valencia, we like to alternate between a cultural outing and some time in a park. This pace keeps us from rushing around all day and lets us enjoy the city more.
5. Look for more secluded beaches south of Valencia
The urban beaches of Cabanyal and Malvarrosa are easy to get to, but they naturally attract larger crowds. To find a more natural setting, head south out of the city toward the Albufera Natural Park.
El Saler Beach is lined with dunes and vegetation. A little further on, La Devesa Beach also offers an atmosphere that’s very different from that of the large urban beaches.
Before you leave, we recommend that you bring:
- enough water;
- a picnic or some snacks;
- sun protection;
- a beach umbrella, since there are limited shaded areas;
- something to carry your trash in.
It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset in Valencia!
🌅 Of all the ways to end a day in Valencia, watching the sun set behind the Albufera is certainly one of the most beautiful.
There are fewer amenities there, but that’s exactly what gives these beaches their charm. You can find more ideas in our selection of the most beautiful beaches in Valencia.
6. Explore the small squares in the historic district 🚶
Thinking outside the box doesn’t necessarily mean leaving Valencia’s historic center. Even just a few minutes from the cathedral and the central market, there are some small squares where you can enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
When we visit a city, we actually like to stray from the main thoroughfares to get lost in the narrow streets and residential neighborhoods. That’s often where we get the best glimpse of everyday life.
You can start at Plaza Redonda, tucked away behind the Santa Catalina Church. Built in 1840, this striking circular plaza is surrounded by small shops and facades with colorful balconies. It’s fairly well-known today, but its unique shape is definitely worth a visit, especially when you discover it for the first time as you walk in through one of its narrow entrances.
Next, continue on to the unassuming Plaza Miracle del Mocadoret, then head to Plaza del Negrito. This small square, centered around a fountain, has several outdoor seating areas where you can take a break. The traditional Café Negrito, located at number 1, is a well-known neighborhood spot for having a drink in a lively atmosphere.
Then continue on to Plaza de Sant Jaume, before ending up at Plaza del Tossal, one of the liveliest spots in the El Carmen neighborhood. The outdoor cafes there are busiest in the late afternoon, but if you just head down the nearby side streets, you’ll quickly find historic facades, street art, and much quieter spots.
💡 Our tip: Take this walk in the late morning or late afternoon. Allow about an hour—or a little longer if you stop for a drink. Don’t necessarily look for the shortest route: just pick a random side street whenever a building facade, a square, or a balcony catches your eye.
Sometimes the best route is the one we didn’t plan. As we slow down between Plaza Redonda and the El Carmen neighborhood, we discover a more intimate side of Valencia, quite different from the major monuments located just a few streets away. Rather than rushing from one sight to the next, we take in the daily life and atmosphere of the different neighborhoods.
Before you go, check out all our articles to help you easily plan your trip to Valencia:
- 🔬 Our guide to visiting the City of Arts and Sciences;
- 🐠 Everything you need to know about visiting the Oceanogràfic in Valencia;
- 🏖️ Our selection of the most beautiful beaches in Valencia;
- 🚐 Our road trip through Spain, from Valencia to Cabo de Gata.
We really enjoyed writing this article. If you know of any other hidden gems in Valence, please feel free to share your suggestions in the comments to help future travelers.
Feel free to leave us a quick note or a 5-star rating below to let us know if you’re planning this trip, or to ask us any questions here or on Instagram. We’d be happy to answer them!
