Why Valencia will be your next destination
These are the hotspots
If I may give you a travel tip for 2026, it would be Valencia. And while I can't count the reasons for that on two hands, I will still make an attempt. It is quite close, has an intensely rich cultural history, one of the largest historical centers of all cities in Europe, a high concentration of great restaurants, and you can also shop well there. Moreover, a lot is cooked with products from the local hinterland, which is why Valencia is often referred to as a culinary pantry: fresh, local, and also a bit better for the environment. If you ask me to keep it short, I will unfortunately fail miserably, but I will make an attempt. Here are our favorite hotspots in Valencia for 2026.
1. Discover Barrio del Carmen: the beating heart of historic Valencia
Getting lost – not really of course – has never been so nice as when you lose yourself in the streets of this thousand-year-old neighborhood. Barrio del Carmen lies between Christian and Islamic city walls, resulting in a rich hybrid of two cultures. You will find everything here: medieval buildings and palaces, shops, restaurants, and museums. Close your eyes and imagine how goods were transported through the city by traginers – mule drivers – while the cegos oracioners – blind people – sang songs to the rhythm of their guitars. This neighborhood is also famous for its looms. There were countless of them, and if you visit the silk museum, you can see that.
2. The Sistine Chapel of Valencia: church San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir
Have you, like me, ever walked away from the enormous queue at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City? Here you can have a second chance. In the church of San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir, wall paintings have been found on the ceilings that are so beautiful that the church has the nickname that works like a magnet for me: the Valencian Sistine Chapel.
3. Modern art in Valencia: visit the IVAM museum
Are you also hungry for contemporary art? That is here too. In the Institut Valencià d’Art Modern (IVAM), you will find – in addition to prehistoric collections and various other exhibitions – contemporary art.
4. The Central Market of Valencia: a culinary must-see
If you love beautiful products and markets, you have hit the bullseye here, as the Central Market is considered by connoisseurs to be one of the best in Europe. Be sure to take a look at, and through, the city gates: Serranos and Quart. Did you know that they used to be closed at dusk? On my list is definitely a visit to the cathedral of Valencia to see the panels by Francisco de Goya. I studied art history for a blue Monday and have a thing for Goya.
5. Shopping in Valencia: from Mercado de Tapinería to unique pop-up markets
Shopping is also possible. Nice, all those portions of culture, but we love the balance. An insider tip is the Mercado de Tapinería, where there are pop-up markets and you can score original, local gifts. There is often live music at the market – you can't get more Spanish than that, right?
6. Drinking cocktails in Valencia: these are the best spots for a drink
If you're in the mood for a cocktail, then you go to El Café de las Horas, which you can best see as a cocktail of a literary café, a Paris café, an English tearoom, and an American bar. You want to go there, I know it.
Café Madrid is seen as the place where the signature cocktail of Valencia – Agua de València – originated. So you want to go there to taste the signature cocktail of your now favorite city. And while you're there, you might also grab one of the other eleven signature cocktails they have developed there.
Bar X and Maison Lupin have a completely different vibe. Bar X is very eco-conscious and gives fruit and herbs a different destination, and Maison Lupin is incredibly original, often has guest bartenders who present their new cocktails here. What I also find very nice is that they serve the cocktails in glasses inspired by Arsène Lupin, the charming thief from the stories of the French writer Maurice Leblanc.
Favorites are Puerta del Mar and Borgia Winebar & Spirits, and to top it off, I would definitely toast to life and your beautiful trip in Lladró Lounge Bar. This blend of a museum and a bar breathes civilization and the exclusive concept of Hotel Palacio Vallier, which is located next to Plaza de la Virgen.
7. Ruzafa and Ensanche: the trendiest neighborhoods of Valencia
If you tell me that Ruzafa is the SoHo of Valencia, I'm already sold. And that's not all. Many great chefs have opened their restaurants there. Put these on your list: Habitual and Canalla Bistró by Richard Camarena and the Mercatbar by Quique Dacosta.
8. Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas: fairy-tale palace in Valencia
What you also don't want to miss is the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, which looks like you imagine the palace of a nobleman from a fairy tale book. Marble floors, vaulted ceilings… The name comes from the noble family of the De Dos Aguas family – the hinterland of Valencia is called Sierra de Dos Aguas, and this family comes from there – and gave the name to the city palace.
9. Why you really shouldn't miss Valencia in 2025
So just to summarize: the reasons why you want, will, and must go to Valencia. It is close, it is a culinary pilgrimage site, it is a great destination for all ages (you can read that in this article I wrote earlier), and you can eat, drink, shop, soak up culture, and relax at the same time.
Read here more tips for a weekend in Valencia: This is your ultimate to-do guide
Source: www.visitvalencia.com
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