Ask A Local Valencia: Travel Tips & Hidden Gems

At Sim Local, we love spotlighting real travel experiences from people who actually live in the places they write about. This month’s Ask A Local comes from Grace, who escaped a locked down UK to make Valencia her home in 2020. She had never even visited before making the move, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions she has ever made.

Keep reading for Grace’s favourite spots, quirky finds and practical tips to help you make the most of your time in Valencia.

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

Living here has shown us that the city is a rare mix of laid back Mediterranean life, vibrant culture and everyday charm. It is the kind of place that makes you want to stay longer. Even now, we still find something new to love around every corner.

Valencia’s Old Town, especially El Carmen, is a feast for the eyes. Everywhere you turn, you will find colourful murals, bold designs and surprising pieces that make wandering around feel like a treasure hunt.

There is no shortage of standout artwork and it is one of the best ways to experience the creative side of the city.

Some buildings in the old centre look a little weathered, but that is part of their beauty. The architecture here has real soul.

Walking through Ciutat Vella and looking up at the classic balconies, where locals sit with a glass of wine and watch the world go by, it is hard not to feel a little jealous. The whole area feels timeless.

Turia Park, the former riverbed turned green space that runs through the city, is already a favourite with visitors. But just beside the Science Museum you will find Gulliver’s Park.

A giant sculpture of Gulliver lies tied down on the ground and has been turned into a huge playground. Children can climb, slide and explore it from every angle. It is a brilliant stop, especially if you are travelling with family.

If food is important to you, this is one place you should try to book.

The fixed menu at Canalla Bistro is one of the best meals we have had in Valencia. For around €46 with a seasonal cocktail, or about €41 without, you get nine courses of inventive and beautifully presented dishes.

The atmosphere is relaxed and stylish, the flavours are unforgettable and the value for money feels almost unreal.

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 a dose of culture without spending much, this hidden gem in El Carmen is ideal.

For just a few euros, you can explore three floors of beautiful ceramics and decorative art inside a grand former palace. The space feels elegant and intimate, and the changing exhibitions, from traditional pieces to more contemporary work, keep things fresh.

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.