Barcelona has long struggled with overtourism, but recent discussions about visitor numbers and an increased tourist tax have shifted attention to other Spanish cities. One standout is Valencia, Barcelona’s southern neighbor. Unlike the crowded Catalan capital, Spain’s third-largest city is actively welcoming visitors after last October’s floods scared away tourists—even though the city center remained untouched.
At the same time, Valencia is on the rise, recently earning titles like World Design Capital and Europe’s Green Capital. A wave of design-forward hotels, a striking new contemporary art center, and a creative revival in the historic fishing district of El Cabanyal all signal the city’s resurgence. Now, before the crowds arrive, is the perfect time to visit.
### Where to Stay
Valencia was once lacking in standout hotels, but a surge of new openings is changing that. In Ruzafa, the city’s bohemian quarter filled with vintage shops and lively terraces, French couple Bertrand Boullay and Fabien Peronnet have transformed a 1924 Modernisme-style house into La Novieta. Originally their private home, the four-bedroom property has been carefully restored, preserving its original hydraulic tiles and beamed ceilings while filling the space with antique and vintage treasures.
In the historic quarter, acclaimed Spanish designer Jaime Hayon has reimagined another early 20th-century building—Casa Clarita, once the home and workshop of a glassmaking family. Hayon blends historic details with his signature bold colors and playful motifs across twelve rooms and ten apartments.
For classic luxury, the five-star Palacio Vallier, overlooking Plaza Manises, is the top choice, featuring contemporary four-poster beds, marble bathrooms, and a stunning rooftop. On the more affordable end, a converted loft in the up-and-coming El Cabanyal district makes for a great Airbnb stay.
### Where to Eat and Drink
In El Cabanyal, the old fishing district behind the beach, hidden gems are popping up among the low-rise buildings. Anyora, a cozy bodega, shines with locally sourced tapas and an excellent wine list. After dark, head to Gran Martínez, a creative cocktail bar in a former ornate pharmacy, or La Fábrica de Hielo, a converted ice factory hosting live music and food trucks.
No visit to Valencia is complete without trying its most famous dish: paella. (The city is surrounded by rice fields, making it the birthplace of many rice-based dishes.) By the seafront in El Cabanyal, historic La Pepica—once a favorite of artist Joaquín Sorolla—remains a top spot to enjoy the dish, best followed by a stroll along the beach.
Valencia’s rich local produce has also fueled a thriving fine-dining scene, with nine Michelin-starred restaurants. Among them, Ricard Camarena stands out—his vegetable-focused cuisine has earned two Michelin stars, plus an additional green star for sustainability.
In Ruzafa, you could easily spend a whole day hopping between cafés, tapas bars, and wine spots, soaking in the district’s vibrant energy.Cafés, Bars, and Restaurants
Bluebell Coffee Roasters, an all-female-run café, serves excellent artisan coffee, while slow fermentation specialists MÃLT is the place to go for cinnamon buns. Trinchera offers a modern take on traditional tapas around a sleek stainless steel bar, and the cozy bookshop-bar hybrid Ubik Cafè Cafeteria Libreria is perfect for an afternoon vermouth.
What to Do
Valencia is a city deeply connected to craftsmanship yet also a hub for contemporary architecture, blending tradition with innovation. The Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero, opened just over a year ago, has cemented Valencia’s reputation as an art destination. Housed in a restored 17th-century Baroque building, the museum showcases philanthropist Hortensia Herrero’s collection—featuring works by Anish Kapoor, Olafur Eliasson, and Sean Scully—spread across four floors, with striking site-specific installations.
At the Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia, you’ll find an extensive collection of Joaquín Sorolla’s radiant works, alongside masterpieces by Spanish greats like El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez—without the crowds of Madrid. Meanwhile, the Museo Nacional de Cerámica y Artes Suntuarias is as much a marvel for its extravagant Baroque mansion as for its vast ceramic collection, the largest in Spain.
Valencia’s ceramic tradition lives on through modern artisans like Ana Illueca and Canoa Lab’s Raquel Vidal and Pedro Paz, whose work can be seen and purchased through studio visits. The city also boasts historic shops—such as Abanicos Carbonell for handmade fans and Sombreros Albero for hats—while the Ruzafa district is ideal for vintage shopping, especially at LAKA and Madame Mim.
Leisurely Living
One of Valencia’s greatest charms is its relaxed pace, best experienced in the Turia Gardens. This nine-kilometer-long park winds through the city, inviting visitors to join locals for a stroll, picnic, or bike ride—a perfect way to soak in the city’s laid-back vibe.
(Photo captions remain unchanged.)