Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Valencia. All you have to do is make sure you've packed your favourite threads…
Restaurants
Senzone
You’d be forgiven for missing the entrance to Palau de la Mar’s smart, elegant restaurant, but keep your eyes peeled and you’ll be rewarded. Modern international cuisine is prepared with an artist’s eye and an epicure’s palate, and many of the local touches (especially the orange blossom ice cream and rice dishes) are inspired.
14 Navarro Reverter, Valencia 46004, Spain
(+34 963 162884)
La Pepica
A former haunt of Hemingway and a roll call of Spain’s favourite bull fighters, this large seaside restaurant overlooks the sprawling beach of Las Arenas and is perfect for a lunchtime paella.
6–8 Avenida de Neptuno, Valencia 46011, Spain
(+34 963 710366)
Bodega La Paz
Just on the edge of the old town, this good-looking restaurant and tapas bar has a fantastic selection of wines from the surrounding region, as well as some sublime jámon on offer.
Calle Marqués de Dos Aguas, Valencia 46002, Spain
(+34 963 944162)
Submarino
Perhaps unexpectedly, the Oceanogràfic’s aquarium restaurant turns out to provide an excellent dining experience, allowing you to enjoy flavour-packed, creatively made cuisine while surrounded by underwater life. Don’t let that put you off your prawns…
L'Oceanogràfic, Valencia 46023, Spain
(+34 961 975565)
Cafés
Horchatería de Santa Catalina
A few steps from the bustling Plaza de la Reina this wonderfully tiled landmark café is an ideal spot to sample the city’s signature tiger nut concoction or to gorge on a portion chocolate con churros.
6 Plaza Santa Catalina, Valencia 46001, Spain
(+34 963 912379)
Bars and clubs
Fox Congo
Painfully trendy with a solid onyx bar and a beautiful clientele, this infamous Barrio del Carmen posing palace opens between 7pm and around 2.30am.
35 Calle Caballeros, Valencia 40061, Spain
(+34 963 933663)
Black Note
Valencia’s most beloved live music club also has a national following, and provides contemporary funk, soul and jazz from around midnight until late, every night of the year.
15 Calle de Polo y Peyrolon, Valencia, 46021, Spain
(+34 963 933663)