6 Essential & Delicious Experiences in Valencia for Foodies

Valencia might just be foodie paradise. It's located on Spain's glittering eastern coast, making it a prime spot for fresh Mediterranean seafood. Just outside the city, lush rice paddies produce one of the region's most important ingredients. Its Moorish history has had major influence (we can thank the Moors for bringing Valencia's now-famous oranges to the region), while French and Catalan touches are also present. Hungry yet? Here are some of the most delicious experiences in Valencia for foodies!

6 Must-Have Experiences in Valencia for Foodies

1. Go market-hopping

You could spend an entire trip visiting Valencia’s markets alone. Of course, the biggest and most famous is the iconic Mercado Central. Century-old Mercado Colón, located in a fabulous shopping district, is also a must.

However, don’t forget about the smaller markets! Several lesser-known neighborhoods, such as Cabanyal and Benimaclet, are home to charming, authentic markets with delicious food products. How many can you visit on your trip?

Visiting one (or all!) of the city’s many markets is a must in Valencia for foodies! — At Mercado Central, you’ll be blown away by both the architecture and the spectacular variety of food!

2. Learn to make paella

No trip to Valencia is complete without eating paella. Why not take it to the next level by learning to make this iconic dish? Making (and eating, of course!) your own paella is one of the best things to do in Valencia for foodies.

The Escuela de Paella y Arroces Valenciana provides the full experience. You’ll visit the Mercado Central to buy the ingredients yourself, make your very own paella while guided by an expert chef, and finally sit down in a family-style atmosphere to enjoy your homemade meal.

You love paella, now learn to make it yourself! This is one of the most unique experiences in Valencia for foodies. — Master the art of the perfect paella! Photo credit: Valencia for 91 Days

3. Drink like a local

Lots of people have tried Rioja, from northern Spain, but the Valencian Community produces many equally delicious wines. Visit a wine bar in Valencia to get the true experience.

Another must-try local drink is the famous agua de Valencia. Don’t let its name fool you—this fruity cocktail doesn’t contain water! Originally prepared by a Valencian bartender in 1959 as a joke for a group of travelers from the Basque Country, it’s now one of the city’s most famous drinks.

Discovering Valencia’s great drinking scene is a must in Valencia for foodies! — Valencia’s famous oranges are the star ingredient in *agua de Valencia*! Photo credit: Valencia Plaza

4. Take a delicious day trip

Some of the best experiences in Valencia for foodies are found outside of the city limits! One of the best foodie day trips is Lake Albufera south of the city. Not only is this picturesque region the birthplace of paella, but another Valencian classic, all i pebre, also originated on the shores of the lake! The tiny, authentic restaurants in the surrounding villages are the perfect place to try both.

Another delicious option is to visit the town of Alboraya. Here, you can visit the tiger nut fields and taste some of the region’s best horchata straight from the source. Don’t forget the fartons—they're only the most famous typical dessert from Valencia, after all!

One of our favorite day trips from Valencia is Albufera Natural Park, the birthplace of paella—could there be anything better to do in Valencia for foodies? We don't think so! — This beautiful natural paradise is less than an hour from Spain's third largest city! Photo credit: Esteban Mediterraneo

Read More: Top Day Trips from Valencia

5. Buy foodie souvenirs

Take home a delicious memento from your trip to Valencia! There are lots of yummy souvenirs in Valencia for foodies. Pick up a bag of saladitos, Valencian olive-oil crackers that are perfect for dipping in salmorejo or other soups.

Another easy-to-pack foodie souvenir is an authentic turrón. While popular all over Spain, especially during the holidays, these nougat-based treats originated in Valencia. It’s a great way to bring a taste of Valencia to your home.

Bringing home a delicious souvenir, like turrón, is a great way to remember Valencia for foodies! — *Turrón* comes in many different delicious varieties. Try them all!

6. Go tapas crawling

There’s so much to do in Valencia for foodies! Head out on a tapas crawl and discover the local establishments locals love. This guide to the best tapas bars in Valencia will get you started.