For Coffee, Pastries, + Breakfast/Brunch
Blackbird: I could go to Blackbird everyday for coffee, pastries, breakfast, and lunch. All of their pastries are made in-house and their croissant, brown butter cookie, and vegan banana bread are a few of my favorites. You can’t go wrong with any of their sweet or savory dishes. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
DDL Boutique: If you’re looking for a spot with an extensive assortment of pastries, eggs, yogurt bowls, and other healthy options, DDL Boutique is your place. Indoor seating available.
Ubik Cafè: Part bookstore part cafe, Ubik is a fun spot to relax with a bev/light bite.
Fran Cafe: Small coffee shop with a limited selection of pastries.
The Coffee: Coffee shop with multiple locations.
Other spots on my list that I haven’t been to yet:
Molt: Bakery specializing in organic and fermented breads + pastries.
Fav Coffee: Coffee, matcha, pastries.
Federal Café: Brunch, coffee, pastries.
Cult Café: Brunch, coffee, pastries.
Bluebell Coffee Roasters: Coffee, pastries, food.
For Lunch
Kukla: Casual middle eastern spot. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Hummus, babaganoush, and shakshuka were delish.
Central Bar by Ricard Camarena: Located in the Central Market. Great tapas spot.
Cafe Madrigal: Delicious vegan spot. Loved their chickpea curry.
For Dinner
Lateral Patriarca: Great spot for drinks + tapas. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Artichokes and patatas bravas were so yum. Be sure to try red vermouth while you’re in Valencia.
La Chata: Another super delish spot for tapas. I’m still thinking about their tortilla (Spanish omelette with potatoes) with truffle.
Latte & Farina: Italian spot with yummy neopolitan style pizza.
La Finestra: Super casual and lively spot attracting the younger crowd. Specializes in small pizzas chosen by the chef.
Arroceria Duna: Seafood and paella restaurant overlooking the beach. Loved the fried calamari and octopus.
Other spots on my list that I haven’t been to yet:
La Salita: Michelin star tasting menu.
La Sastreria: Seafood-focused mediterranean restaurant.
Casa Carmela: Specializes in paella.
Ostras Pedrin Ciencias + Ostras Pedrin Centro: Seafood-focused restaurants.
La Pepica: Specializes in seafood and paella.
Shahla’s: Persian restaurant.
For Something Sweet
Gelateria La Romana: I’m not a gelato person but the gelato at Gelateria La Romana was exception. Super creamy, balanced, and made from organic milk. Vegan options available as well.
Orxateria Daniel: A must try when visiting Valencia (I went to the location in Mercado de Colón). Horchata is a traditional Spanish drink made from tiger nuts. I like the granizada (horchata blended with ice). Definitely pair with farton - a warm, sweet bread meant for dipping in horchata.
Other spots on my list that I haven’t been to yet:
Juliet - Cookies.
To Do
Mercado central de valência - The central market of valencia is a must visit. Stands of seafood, meat, paella, produce, pastries, and so much more.
Turia Park: Perfect for strolling, running, reading, and picnic-ing.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
Instutit d’art modern
CCCC - Loved this museum.
Walk around and shop in Colón
Walk around and shop in Rusafa
To Stay
Helen Berger: The boutique hotel I stayed in. The rooms are on the smaller side but cute with minimalist vibes.
Yours: Adult-only boutique hotel in Ruzafa. Obsessed with the design and aesthetic (+ they have a swimming pool). Will stay here during my next visit.
Palacio Vallier: 5-star 19th century hotel located in Ciutat Vella (the old city).