Illustrated map of Valencia

#SmilingCities
Valencia

We don’t know if it actually happens, but it should: someone writes “Mediterranean lifestyle” in their internet search engine and the first result is a huge photo of Valencia.

Or the illustrated map you have here, which condenses a large part of this city on the River Turia.

We’ve created our own Mediterranean formula, with cuisine, history, tradition, nature and, of course, an eternal invitation to stroll around and discover the best things in life.

Google Map of Valencia
Carte illustrée de Valence

Eating and drinking

Title Restaurante Riff

Carrer del Comte d'Altea, 18

One of the Michelin stars in a city known for its cuisine.

Chef Bernd H. Köller has traveled the world and then blended that experience with creative cuisine that’s typical of Valencia and the Mediterranean.

Rices, fish and seafood to be enjoyed in friendly, authentic ambience.

https://www.restaurante-riff.com/reserva/
Door image of the Riff restaurant with chef Bernd H. Köller
Illustration of people sitting at a table with barrels in the background
Title Casa Montaña

Carrer de Josep Benlliure, 69

If you visit Valencia without going to the seaside, you’re missing a good part of the city’s essence.

So if you’re close to the sea, you should drop by El Cabanyal, one of those neighborhoods that explain the city by means of a stroll, two vermouths and three greetings to the residents you’ll meet along the way.

Vermouth and other wines at Casa Montaña, amigo.

https://www.emilianobodega.com/
Illustration of the Casa Guillermo bar
Title Casa Guillermo

Carrer del Progrés, 15

Since we’re already strolling through El Cabanyal, we couldn’t resist sampling the anchovies at Casa Guillermo.

“Hang on, you’re sending me somewhere just for an anchovy?”

Well, it’s not just for the anchovy, there are other things. But yes, it’s worth your while just for the anchovy. And while you’re there, feast on that festival of tapas.

https://casaguillermo1957.com/
Illustration of a glass of horchata with sweets and pastries
Title horchatería

Mercat de Colón

The gastronomic identity of Valencia has transcended the limits of the city and even the country.

When, midway through the past century, the Horchaterìa Daniel invented fartons (confectionery sweets elongated and glazed with sugar) to accompany its horchata (a drink made with soaked, ground and sweetened tigernuts) it achieved a combination that is eternally sublime.

If Dalí and Alberti did everything they could to dunk some fartons into that glorious drink, it’s because doing so can only be considered art or poetry.

https://horchateria-daniel.es/
Image of a glass of horchata with sweets and pastries
Illustration of a person at the door of the Café de las Horas bar
Title Café de las Horas

Carrer del Comte d'Almodóvar, 1

It’s one of those places where you don’t know if you’re in a café or a museum. The Café de las Horas is a creative blend of tradition and modernity with a bonus: it’s also the perfect place to enjoy the mythic Agua de Valencia, a cocktail made from cava or champagne, orange juice, vodka and gin.

If you don’t visit it, you’re missing half of Valencia. It’s the icing on the cake after a stroll through the city.

http://www.cafedelashoras.com/
Title la Riuá

C. del Mar, 27

Rice is a religion, we are its apostles, and La Riuá is its temple.

For decades this family restaurant in the heart of Valencia has been a point of reference in the city’s popular cuisine. Francisco and Pilar bring the purest Mediterranean flavor to each dish, in a setting that’s pure Valencia.

Any rice dish on the menu is glorious, trust us.

https://lariua.com Illustration of a seafood paella
Title Ubik Café

Carrer del Literat Azorín, 13

Image of the interior of Ubik Café where some windows, some tables and books appear

Do you know a café in which to spend hours and feel that you’re right at home? Well that café (and book shop) in the Ruzafa neighborhood is called Ubik. Three Italians –Pier María, Ricardo and Lorenz– created a wonderful setting for young and old alike.

Art on the wall, an interesting selection of beers, and a menu with vegan options come together in something very special. A meeting point for the locals.

http://ubikcafe.blogspot.com/
Title Pelayo Gastro Trinquet

Carrer de Pelai, 6

Image of a hand with a glove and a trinquet ball, Valencian ball sport

In Valencia you can joke about a lot of things, but not about esmorzaret, a kind of abundant snack served between breakfast and lunch.

At Pelayo Gastro Trinquet it includes an endless combination of offerings with first-class ingredients, along with a tribute to trinquet, or Valencia handball.

This establishment is right next to the place where the game is played. Valencia’s traditions in content and form.

https://pelayogastrotrinquet.es/ Illustration of a hand with a ball playing trinquet
Image of chef Pelayo, Pelayo Gastro Trinquet
Illustration of a tapa
Title Aprendiz de Tapas

Av. del Primat Reig, 153

This restaurant, like Pikolinos, overflows with initiative and authenticity. That’s why El Aprendiz is a party that you shouldn’t miss.

Very close to the university area of Benimaclet, it reflects that youthful spirit.

It’s a fusion of the best and most exciting Oriental and Latino cuisines with daring flavors in an extensive menu.

https://elaprendiztapas.com/
Image of a window of the local Apprentice of Tapas
Illustration of a plate with food
Title Fierro

Carrer del Dr. Serrano, 4

It was a big surprise for the young team at Fierro when Michelin rewarded their project.

Argentinians Germán Carrizo and Carito Lourenço run this small restaurant in the Ruzafa neighborhood, showing off the best of Valencia’s food with all the energy and imagination of the young.

https://fierrovlc.com/
Image of a figure and the logo on the wall of Restaurante Fierro

Strolling

Illustration of some people at the Mirador de la Albufera
Title Mirador de la Albufera

The pause that refreshes. To reach the Albufera vantage point, in the heart of the natural park of the same name, you have to go beyond El Saler and a good part of the watery landscape that defines Valencia and its surroundings.

Once you’re there, discover sand, sea, nature, fauna and flora. We know you would like to leave the city behind, if only for a short time, and trek through endless nature.

Image of the Fuencarral model M4U-6046C1 honey color with the sunset in the lagoon
Title Playa de la Malvarrosa
Image of Malvarrosa beach

This beach is an endless source of history: trips to the seaside, personal relationships, great meals, and the pain and joy of several generations of Valencianos.

It is still the city’s most iconic beach, and by now you should be aware of the importance we give to a window onto the sea. This is one of our favorites.

This complex of several buildings reflects Valencia’s most modern side.

It was designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela at the end of the 20th century, and occupies the final part of the old Turia riverbed.

Between the Museu de les Ciències, the Umbracle, el Oceanogràfic, the Palau de les Arts, the Ágora and the Puente de l’Assut de l’Or there is more than enough to give your Pikolinos a workout.

Illustration of people taking photos of the City of Arts and Sciences building
Image of the Marbella M9A-4118 model in the City of Arts and Sciences building
Title Jardín del Turia

There is no water in the old Turia riverbed. Instead, ten kilometers of gardens for strolling while wearing your Pikolinos.

The adventure begins at the Canaleta and Capçalera parks, through neighborhoods on both sides of the walkway. And it ends in the urban complex formed by the Palau de les Arts, the Museu de les Ciències, the Hemisfèric and the Oceanogràfic.

As you can see, here in Valencia we walk, discover and enjoy.

Illustration of Jardín de Turia
Image of people walking through the Turia Garden

Experimenting

Image of books from one of the Tapinería Market stores
People eating at a table in the Tapinería Market Title Mercado de Tapinería

Calle Tapinería

The creators of this area a few meters from the Plaza de la Reina and the Valencia Central Market decided to establish a kind of creative colony.

Markets and shops run by independent (and modern) creators, a couple of squares you might like to live in, lodging, gastronomy… In a word, one of those offerings that are an invitation to seriously examine projects that make the world more beautiful.

https://www.mercadodetapineria.com/
Street decoration image
Title Pikolinos Valencia

Carrer de Colón, 23

Image of the interior of the Pikolinos Valencia store
Illustration of two people having a drink in front of the MUVIM building
Title Muvim

Carrer de Quevedo, 10

Wait, I’ll tell you its complete name: Museo Valenciano de la Ilustración y de la Modernidad.

As you can imagine, here are the Enlightenment and the modern era, presented through conferences, films, a library and other exhibits that include photography, contemporary art, design, advertising and almost every other visual discipline.

http://www.muvim.es/
Illustration of the Bombas Gens Center D’art building
Title Bombas Gens Centre D’art

Av. de Burjassot, 54

Until 1930, hydraulic pumps were made here.

Now this converted industrial center inspires visitors with its cultural and artistic exhibits.

https://www.bombasgens.com/en/
Title Fábrica de Hielo

C. de Pavia, 37

Can you guess what it was before? Yes, an ice factory.

Nowadays it’s something much more interesting: a living, plural and integrating project that hosts all kinds of cultural events in a spectacular industrial setting.

And as if that weren’t sufficiently refreshing, it is very close to the Malvarrosa beach.

https://www.lafabricadehielo.net/ Illustration of a person at the door of the ice factory
Image of the interior of the ice factory
Title C.C. La Nau

Carrer de la Universitat, 2

Illustration of the La Nau building

La Nau is the most iconic building at the Universitat de Valencia. It is also a cultural center bringing together the city’s creative currents and those of the University.

The building in itself merits a visit, but the best thing to do is regularly consult its cultural programming: between exhibits, events, conferences and films, there is so much to choose from that you really need some guidance and advice.

https://www.uv.es/uvweb/cultura/es/presentacion-1285866274374.html
Image of the interior of C.C La Nau
Title Museo Nacional de Cerámica

Carrer del Poeta Querol, 2

Maybe it’s enough to just say the magic words: Museo Nacional. That gives an idea of what’s on exhibit inside. Ceramics, painting or sculpture that are the historic DNA of Valencian and Spanish creativity.

In addition, the building that contains this treasure is itself a jewel. Begin on the outside, then go in, and then tell us what you’ve discovered.

https://www.culturaydeporte.gob.es/mnceramica/home.html Illustration of a figure from the National Museum of Ceramics
Image of the art at the entrance of the National Museum of Ceramics

Sleeping

Title Hotel Helen Berger

Carrer de les Comèdies, 24

Inspired by the 1920s and 30s, with some lovely Art Deco and friendly service, this boutique hotel in the heart of the La Seu neighborhood is a perfect base for your walks through Valencia.

https://hotelhelenberger.com/restaurante/
Illustration of two colorful drinks
Title Hotel Marqués House

Carrer de l'Abadia de Sant Martí, 10

The Hotel Marqués House combines universal character with the luminosity and optimism of Mediterranean warmth.

The historic 19th-century building is meant to satisfy the sophisticated tastes of guests who love the most careful design.

https://myrhotels.com/en/hotels/hotel-marques-house/
Illustration of the Hotel Palacio Vallier building
Title Hotel Palacio Vallier

Pl. de Manises, 7

28 rooms and three suites in a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Valencia.

The Palacio Vallier is a luxury boutique hotel with great interior decoration, which is finished off with an agreement with the local (and world) firm Lladró.

https://hotelpalaciovallier.com-hotel.com/es/