Ask A Local Valencia: Travel Tips & Hidden Gems

At Sim Local, we love sharing real travel stories from people who actually live in the places they write about. This month’s Ask a local comes from Grace, who moved to Valencia in 2020 after leaving a locked down UK, without ever visiting the city before.

If you are planning a trip and searching for the best things to do in Valencia, hidden gems in Valencia and practical Valencia travel tips, this guide shares the places Grace always recommends to friends and family visiting for the first time.

From colourful street art to beautiful old town streets and family friendly parks, here is how to experience Valencia like a local.

Keep reading for Grace’s favourite spots, quirky finds and practical tips to help you make the most of your time in Valencia. Below you'll find a handy Valencia to-do list below as well as a weekend in Valencia itinerary.

When we boarded one of the last flights out of Bristol before winter lockdowns began, we had no real idea what to expect. Valencia was not a city we knew well at the time, but our research paid off very quickly.

Living here has shown us that Valencia is a rare mix of laid back Mediterranean life, vibrant culture and everyday charm. It is the kind of city that encourages you to slow down, walk more and notice small details. Even now, we still find something new to love around every corner.

One of the best things to do in Valencia is simply walk through the old town, especially the El Carmen neighbourhood.

Everywhere you turn, you will see colourful murals, bold designs and surprising artwork that makes wandering around feel like a treasure hunt. It is one of the easiest ways to experience Valencia’s creative side and a brilliant area for photography and slow exploring.

If you only choose one area to wander without a plan, make it El Carmen.

There is a slightly faded beauty to Valencia’s historic centre. Some buildings look worn and imperfect, but that is part of their charm.

Walking through the narrow streets, looking up at small balconies with plants, shutters and open windows, it is easy to imagine what daily life looks like for the people who live there. Sitting on a balcony with a glass of wine and watching the world go by feels like a very Valencian way to spend an evening.

This is one of the simplest but most memorable ways to experience the city.

The former riverbed that runs through Valencia has been transformed into a long green park that stretches across the city. It is a favourite with locals for walking, cycling and relaxing.

One of the highlights is Gulliver’s Park, a giant sculpture of Gulliver lying on the ground that has been turned into a playground. Children can climb, slide and explore it from every angle.

It is completely free and is one of the most unique family friendly things to do in Valencia.

If food is important to you when travelling, booking Canalla Bistro is well worth it.

The fixed menu here is one of the best meals we have had in Valencia. For around forty to fifty euros, you receive nine courses of inventive, beautifully presented dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed and stylish, and the quality feels far beyond what you would expect for the price.

It is a great way to experience Valencia’s modern food scene without the formality of fine dining.

This is one of my favourite local finds to bring visitors to.

The shop is full of crystals, handmade soaps, artwork and thoughtful little gifts. It is one of those places you wander into without a plan and leave wondering how you did not find it sooner. It is perfect if you want to pick up something a little different to remember Valencia by.

Ruzafa has an edgy, creative feel and Madame Mim fits right in.

The shop is packed with eccentric vintage clothing that feels as if it has been pulled from another era. Think characters straight out of classic films or stage productions, rather than the usual retro rails you see everywhere. It is a fun stop, even if you are only browsing.

If you want to add some culture to your trip without spending much, the Ceramics Museum is a hidden gem.

For only a few euros, you can explore three floors of beautiful ceramics and decorative art inside a grand former palace. Alongside the collections, you also get a fascinating look at how wealthy Valencian families once lived.

It is an easy and rewarding cultural stop while exploring the old town.

Day 1
Morning: walk through El Carmen and the surrounding old town streets.
Lunch: stop at a local café and enjoy a relaxed lunch.
Afternoon: visit the Ceramics Museum and nearby squares.
Evening: head towards Ruzafa for drinks and dinner.

Day 2
Morning: walk or cycle through the river park.
Midday: spend time at Gulliver’s Park if you are travelling with children.
Afternoon: explore shops and small streets in Ruzafa, including Madame Mim and local boutiques.
Evening: book a table at Canalla Bistro for a memorable meal.

This short itinerary works well if you only have a weekend in Valencia and want a mix of culture, local neighbourhoods and relaxed city life.

Valencia has excellent public transport, including trams, buses and a metro system. The city is also flat and very walkable, so walking is often the best way to explore and discover unexpected spots.

Shops and small businesses often slow down in the afternoon for siesta. If the streets look quiet, do not assume a place is closed for good. Give it an hour or two and try again later.

Restaurants usually open later in the evening than you might be used to. Most start serving dinner from around 8 pm. Places that are open earlier tend to cater more for tourists, which does not mean they are bad, but they are not always where the real hidden gems are.

Staying connected while you are in Valencia is essential, especially when you are navigating the city on foot, checking metro and tram routes, finding hidden restaurants that only open later in the evening, or looking up neighbourhoods like El Carmen and Ruzafa while you explore. Having reliable mobile data makes it much easier to move around confidently, adapt to siesta hours and discover places that are not always obvious to visitors.

That is why I always recommend using a Sim Local eSIM when travelling to Valencia. A Spain or Europe eSIM plan from Sim Local lets you get online as soon as you arrive, without searching for a local SIM shop or relying on public Wi Fi, so you can stay connected wherever you are and focus on enjoying the city.