Seek and find
Last updated: November 27, 2024
From Spanish tapas to beach clubs: these are the hotspots in Valencia
I have a soft spot for Spanish cities. There's always such a great vibe. People live on the streets, eat out a lot, and in the evenings the cities really come alive. It also always seems like life moves at a different pace than in the sometimes hectic Amsterdam. It's precisely for this reason that I fell in love with Valencia a few years ago. This city truly has something for everyone. It's a big city, but it's located on the sea, so you can relax on the beach.
What I also appreciate about this city is that you can easily explore everything by bike. The people here are so friendly, both on the streets and in the restaurants and cafes. And that food... I love tapas! Valencia is perfect for a city break where you want to combine the hustle and bustle of the city with the relaxation of the beach. A dream destination, and in this blog post, I'm sharing my 24 favorite hotspots and tips in Valencia!
| VALENCIA HOTEL TIPS: ☾ The Valentia Cabillers // ☾ SH Inglés Boutique // ☾ MD Design Hotel // ☾ Las Arenas Balnaerio Resort // ☾ One Shot Mercat 09 // ☾ MYR Hotel Plaza Mercado & Spa // ☾ Hotel One Shot Colon 46 // ☾ Lotelito // ☾ Room Sciences
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
I hope this summer you have a nice summer day and a nice bouquet of flowers! 🎄
Send a message right away to that one friend with whom you want to have one this weekend.
𝗭𝘂𝗶𝗱-𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
– Royal Christmas Fair – The Hague (until December 23) @royalchristmasfairthehague
– Winter Wonder Weeks – Leiden (12–14 & 18–21 Dec)
– Green Christmas Market – Rotterdam (12–14 Dec)
– Dordrecht December Days Christmas Market – Dordrecht (13–14 Dec)
– Rotterdam Harvest Christmas Edition – Rotterdam (13 & 20 Dec)
𝗚𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
– Winter Festival Zutphen – Zutphen (14 Dec)
𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴
– Christmas Town Valkenburg – Valkenburg (until January 4)
𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗷𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹
– Christmas Market Delden – Delden (13 Dec)
– Dickens Festival – Deventer (13–14 Dec)
– (H)onest Christmas Market – Deventer (13–14 Dec)
𝗡𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱-𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
– Museumplein Christmas Market – Amsterdam (until December 28)
– Haarlem Christmas Market – Haarlem (12–14 Dec)
– Funky Xmas Sunday Market – Amsterdam (21 Dec)
– Winter Market Pure Markt – Amsterdam (21 Dec)
𝗨𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗵𝘁
– Winter Market Molen de Ster – Utrecht (13–14 Dec)
– The Utrecht Winter Spectacle – Utrecht (Dec. 18–Jan. 4)
Have fun! There's nothing quite like spontaneous plans in December.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊 @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #christmasmarketnetherlands #christmasmarkets2025 christmasmarketamsterdam christmasmarketthehague christmasoutings thingstodointhenetherlands
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗼 (𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭, 𝟭𝟮, 𝟭𝟯 & 𝟭𝟰)
Another cozy December weekend is here, and the city is buzzing with winter vibes.
Think festive markets, Light Festival strolls, Christmas concerts, new food hotspots, ice skating, and QT with friends or family.
In this week's Amsterdam Weekend Guide, I've rounded up 40 things to do!
Here's a sneak peek — comment WEEKEND for the full guide or check the link in bio.
𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘
– A magical Christmas concert at Het Concertgebouw (Dec 13)
– Bric & Brac Christmas Market at De Willem (Dec 14)
– The always lovely Museumplein Christmas Market — perfect for snacks & winter vibes
𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 & 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
– NEW: Yubu Bento — your new inari go-to in the city center
– NEW: Wonton — dumpling heaven just landed in West
– Do the @lefoodwalk during Amsterdam Light Festival: 10.000 steps, art, street food, oysters & cocktails
– More into sit-down dinners? Book an early or late table with @lefoodwalk
𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗙𝗨𝗡
– Poffertjes Sunday at @hetblauwetheehuis (Dec 14) — always a good idea
– Circus Zanzara is back at Westergas with The Art of Making Art — fun for all ages
And this is just a taste of all 40 tips in this week's guide.
Want the full list with all events and new places to check out?
🖤 Comment WEEKEND and I'll send the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide straight to your DMs, or hit the link in bio.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊 @anne_de_buck
#amsterdam #amsterdamweekendguide #amsterdamtips #amsterdamcity
**Illegible text** 👀
This is the coolest new hotel for a night away! Meet @viaantwerp, Antwerp's newest boutique hotel on the border of Zurenborg and Borgerhout (yep, voted the 2nd coolest neighborhood in the world by Time Out).
I recently stayed at this gem, and it truly has it all: a lively bar with a cozy atmosphere, walls adorned with creative art, beautiful, bright rooms, and it's within walking distance of great hotspots. And I haven't even mentioned @mea.antwerp! The delightful restaurant, helmed by a chef who previously worked at The Palomar in London. If you know, you know!
And now the best news:
I can surprise one of you with a dream night away at VIA Antwerp. 💛
And in my opinion
• Overnight stay for 2 people
• Breakfast included
• Chef's Dinner at MEA
And in Flanders
• Let us know in the comments which friend you would like to stay here with
• Of course, take a look at @viaantwerp & @mea.antwerp to dream away and follow their updates
The winner will be notified personally via DM on December 10th.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and will soon share a mini guide with more great tips for Antwerp! 🖤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#antwerp #antwerp #zurenborg #antwerpcity #borgerhout
HAPPY ALMOST WEEKEND IN AMSTERDAM
Comment 'weekend' and I'll send you all 32 tips in the new Amsterdam Weekend Guide for December 4, 5, 6 & 7 ✖️✖️✖️
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱!
I've rounded up a complete list with the coziest and most festive Christmas markets in Amsterdam you don't want to miss this year. Think twinkling lights, mulled wine, food stalls, live music, unique gifts and lots of Christmas vibes all December long.
Whether you're planning a festive day with the fam or friends, or just want to soak up that holiday spirit. These are the markets in Amsterdam to put on your calendar now. 🎄✨
𝘿𝙧𝙤𝙥 “𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙈𝘼𝙎𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙆𝙀𝙏” 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝙔𝙇𝘽𝘽-𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨.
Send this list to your festive partner-in-crime, grab a hot chocolate (or mulled wine 😉), and have fun!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #christmasinamsterdam #amsterdammarkets #christmasmarkets #amsterdamguide thingstodoinamsterdam winterinthenetherlands festiveseason christmasvibes marketlovers amsterdamtips
HOME ALONE 4 INCOMING 😅 My trip to NYC ends in a bad (Christmas) movie when the hotel gives my carry-on luggage with passport to an old lady who doesn't realize this and checks the luggage on a flight to the UK!
Now I'm stuck here in NY without a passport, and I missed my flight.
I've experienced a lot in all the years I've been traveling for Your Little Black Book, but this is a first 😅.
This chat video is purely therapeutic in nature 🤣🤣🤣. Because really: HOW?! 🫢
Note to self: it's better to carry your passport all day, instead of leaving it "safely" in the hotel, apparently... and from now on, attach suitcases with cables in the storage room. Even if you're staying in a luxurious and expensive hotel, everything is still done by humans.
Now I'm stuck in one of the world's coolest cities, but of course I just want to be home with Manuel, as planned. 😔
To be continued 🧳✈️
And thanks for all the sweet DMs ❤️❤️❤️❤️
✖️✖️✖️
Anne
𝟳𝘅 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗿 𝗷𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 ...�� 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄
How cool is this? There are places in the Netherlands where you can cut down your own Christmas tree! You don't hear about it very often, even though it's quite common in America (where I'm currently!).
Good to know: some of these places in the Netherlands are only open for a few days a year and you have to reserve a time slot.
💬 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 “𝗞𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗧𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗠” and I will send you the article with all the details and dates in your DM.
Have fun!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#christmasintheNetherlands #christmasouting #christmastree #christmasfarm #christmas2025 winterintheNetherlands Christmastips Christmasinspiration Netherlandsdiscover Decembertips winterweekend
And do you also have a nice garden?
I want to thank you for your patience and help. 𝟳-𝗷𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲!
This time we went to @williams.farmhouse, one of my favorite lunch spots in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid. But is it also fun during the day with kids?
We ordered a 'plain' version of the Farmhouse burger 🍔: yes, really just meat + cheese 🤣… and together with the fries it was a mega success.
Happy child, happy us... and it was such a cozy, rainy afternoon. I mean, this interior makes me dream of the Cotswolds again!
Do you have a favorite 𝗸𝗶𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 in Amsterdam or the Netherlands?
Let me know in the comments, I'll collect everything for the next 𝗞𝗜𝗗𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗘𝗙!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#amsterdam #amsterdamfood #amsterdamrestaurants #amsterdamfoodie #amsterdamguide amsterdamwithkids kidsproef familyfriendly amsterdamlunch amsterdamoudzuid yourlittleblackbook kidsproofamsterdam
So happy to finally share this! @lefoodwalk is back this winter with four themed walks during the Amsterdam Light Festival, from November 27th to January 18th.
Perfect for a day out with friends, a date, colleagues, or family. From a Street Food Walk to an Oyster Walk, and from cocktails to an old-school Amsterdam drinks walk.
The Le Foodwalk team has listened to you and there is a different experience to book almost every day.
Tickets (which are even cheaper than last year 🔥) are now live! I've put a link in my bio.
I have a nice garden and a beautiful garden 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱
𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱: 4 bites + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99)
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ @weareedn_amsterdam ⦁ @caferestaurantdebazel ⦁ @soulkitchen_amsterdam ⦁ @blackandblue_reguliers
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €43,50
𝗢𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat
Package: 4 x 2 oysters + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99)
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ Soulkitchen ⦁ De Bazel ⦁ @bellyofthebeastbar ⦁ @vermeerswijnkamer
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €43,50
𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Wed-Sat
Included: 3 cocktails (also 0.0%) + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99)
𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗯𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ @feijoaamsterdam⦁ @lottisamsterdam ⦁ Belly of the Beast
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €35,50
𝗔𝗠𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Sun-Wed
Included: 3 Dutch drinks & 3 Dutch bar snacks + @amsterdamlightfestival app (worth €6,99)
𝗕𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ @hetkarbeel ⦁ @proeflokaalvanwees ⦁ @beertemple_amsterdam
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €33,50
Who do you want to do a Foodwalk with this winter?
𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙞𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙒𝙒𝙒.𝙇𝙀𝙁𝙊𝙊𝘿𝙒𝘼𝙇𝙆.𝘾𝙊𝙈.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck
#lightfestival #lefoodwalk #amsterdamlightfestival #amsterdamfoodguide #amsterdamfood #amsterdambynight #canalview
I have a nice garden in my garden and 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 🎅🏼
The countdown to Christmas has officially begun, and I can tell you: this list will instantly get you in the holiday spirit. 🎄
📍In this new video, I've listed the most beautiful Christmas markets and winter fairs in the Netherlands, from Maastricht to The Hague.
Whether you're in the mood for mulled wine, raclette, Christmas carols, ice skating with your besties, or planning a cozy weekend getaway in December, now's the time to block your calendar.
Send the tips to your Christmas date ❤️ and comment "CHRISTMAS MARKET" to receive a link to ALL the Christmas market shortlists on Your Little Black Book.
Let the Christmas fun begin!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #kerstmarktnederland #kerstuitje #winterfair #kerst2025 #weekendtips #thingstodointhenetherlands #magischmaastricht #royalchristmasfair #kerstmarktamsterdam #winterinthenetherlands #kerstvibes #yourlbb #kerstmarkt #christmasmarket
I have a nice garden – I have a nice garden in my garden
Did you know Bangkok holds a special place in my heart? 💛 If I were ever to live anywhere other than Amsterdam, it would be there. Right now, I'm seriously homesick, and I even have a ticket option open on another screen ☺️. Fun fact: I even got married in Thailand!
Bangkok is one of those cities where you can return so many times and still discover something new every time.
In this mini-guide, I share some of my favorite neighborhood hotspots—from fun neighborhoods and coffee spots to ultimate hotels, street food, and night markets.
The list could easily have 200 tips, but this is a good start!
📍 Prepare your next trip to Thailand with our travel guide & luxury travel planner for your next trip to Thailand.
𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦
⦁ Talad Noi – creative, raw & surprising
⦁ Songwat & Chinatown – street food heaven
⦁ Ekkamai – laid-back & trendy
⦁ Ari – boutiques & brunch
⦁ Bang Rak – culture meets cool
𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗦 & 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘
⦁ Charmkrung – trendy restaurant in an old shophouse
⦁ Hong Sieng Kong – riverside coffee spot
⦁ Potong – fine dining in Chinatown
⦁ Baan Rim Naam – cocktails during sundown
⦁ Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai – comfort noodles, Bangkok style
**Illegible**
⦁ Four Seasons – ultimate luxury
⦁ Mustang Blue – unique & arty
⦁ ASAI – affordable boutique
⦁ The Standard – design & rooftop pool
⦁ Anantara Riverside – riverside resort vibes
I & I
⦁ Sundown on the Chao Phraya River = magical
⦁ Cycle through the city with Co van Kessel
⦁ Big Buddha – new must-see
⦁ Eat street on Banthat Thong Road – local favorite
⦁ What Saket at golden hour – view!
(𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧) 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦
⦁ Yaowarat – food, food, food
⦁ Sampheng Market – for your best finds
⦁ ChangChui – creative chaos
⦁ Asiatique – family fun night market on the river
⦁ Train Night Market – vintage & food
📌 Save this guide so you have it with you when you go to Bangkok
💌 Send it to that friend you're making Thailand plans with
Have you ever been to Bangkok?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Amsterdam, get your skates ready — ice skating season has officially begun! ⛸️
The first rinks, like @skabaanmuseumplein, are opening this weekend and we are so ready for it.
I already planned a mom & son date — that's how excited we are to hit the ice. 💙
This year, there are some new links to discover across the city too. And who knows... maybe we'll even get lucky with natural ice again. Until then, these are the 7 best ice skating rinks in Amsterdam you don't want to miss.
Whether you're planning a festive date, a day with friends, or skating with the kids — this guide has you covered.
📍All details are in the Amsterdam Ice Skating Listicle on Your Little Black Book (link in bio).
Send this to your skating buddy and start planning your first winter weekend on ice! ❄️
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #yourlbb #amsterdamwinter #iceskatinginamsterdam #amsterdamchristmas #thingstodoinamsterdam #amsterdamguide #winterinthenetherlands #amsterdamlife #cityguide #amsterdamcheck #wintervibes #travelamsterdam #weekendinams #holidayseason #skating
the most beautiful
14 X hotspots in Valencia that you want to know
La Mas Bonita: This hotspot with its white walls and cheerful azure details remains my favorite! It started as a restaurant by Valencia's beach and has since expanded to include a beach bar and a small restaurant in the trendy Ruzafa neighborhood. Whenever I'm in Valencia, a visit isn't complete without stopping here for lunch!
Passeig Marítim de la Patacona, 11, València, Spain – also read the extensive blog here
Scoundrel Bistro: Another restaurant I return to time and time again is Canalla Bistro. The city's most charming gastrobar, where Michelin-starred Chef Ricard Camarena serves tapas with a modern twist. Reservations are essential, but if you arrive right as they open, you might just snag a spot at the bar.
Carrer del Mestre Josep Serrano, 5, Valencia, Spain – canallabistro.com
Simple: Near the Mercado Central (which is definitely a must-see for foodies!), you can wander for hours through the alleyways. One of the shops I stumbled upon there is the concept store Simple, where they sell only items made in Spain that you can use in your home. Perfect for souvenir shopping!
Carrer Danzas 5 Bajo, Valencia, Spain – simple.com.es
© Valencia petit bistro
more hotspots in Valencia
Petit Bistro Terrace at The Valentia Cabillers: The first time I was in Valencia, I scoured the city for a nice rooftop bar, but strangely enough, there weren't any at the time. Luckily, there's now Petit Bistro Terrace in the old city center. If you ask me, having a meal or drink on a rooftop terrace remains the perfect end to a day in the city. When it first opened, this hotspot was open to everyone, but the hotel it's part of has decided to open it exclusively to hotel guests. So, if you want to go there now, stay at the former Cathedral Suites Hotel, now called The Valentia Cabillers.
Carrer dels Cavallers, 42, Valencia, Spain – more info
La Bodeguilla del Gato: It doesn't get much more Spanish than this. A small, cozy restaurant in the city center, on Plaça del Negret. I personally didn't dare try their specialty, which is... bull testicles. But no worries, they also have authentic Spanish tapas!
Carrer Catalans 10, Valencia, Spain – Facebook page
Marina Beach Club: Valencia still lacked a great beach club like the ones you might know from Ibiza. That's changed with the opening of the Marina Beach Club! Here you can relax all day long by the pool on one of the loungers. Perfect if your hotel doesn't have a pool and the city is tropically hot.
Carrer Marina Real Juan Carlos I, Valencia, Spain – marinabeachclub.com
© Valencia Marina Beach Club
more hotspots in Valencia
Federal Cafe Valencia: Anyone who frequents Spanish cities might already recognize the name. This hotspot also has locations in Barcelona and Madrid. In Valencia, Federal Cafe is housed in a stunning building with high ceilings and a minimalist interior. A great spot for lunch or a drink in Valencia's city center.
Carrer de l'Ambaixador Vich 15, Valencia, Spain – federalcafe.es/valencia
Holy spirit: If you're like me and love vintage shops, Valencia is the place to be. The Ruzafa and El Carmen neighborhoods, in particular, are where you'll find many of the best shops with secondhand finds. One of the best vintage shops is Santo Spirito! They sell a good selection of vintage items (from designer to old-school Levi's 501s), as well as their own clothing line for women and men.
Carrer de Dalt 22, Valencia, Spain – santospiritovintage.com
Riffs: My favorite restaurant in Valencia for an evening of fine dining is Riff. This Michelin-starred restaurant is a delicious change from the paella and tapas restaurants, if your budget allows. They cook seasonally, and if you, like me, enjoy elaborate meals, the tasting menu is highly recommended.
Carrer del Comte d'Altea 18, Valencia, Spain – restaurante-riff.com
© Valencia Federal Café
more hotspots in Valencia
Lambrusqueria: This Italian restaurant is highly recommended, especially for a group. Enjoy a three-course meal in a shared dining concept. Starters include carpaccio or smoked cheese, followed by a main course of various pastas. Delicious! The service is also incredibly enthusiastic, and don't forget to finish with a limoncello ;-).
Carrer del Comte d'Altea 31, Valencia, Spain – lambrusqueria.com
La Fabrica de Hielo: Hielo means "ice cream" in Spanish, and as the name suggests, this hotspot is located in an old ice cream factory. Now it's a cultural center with something different happening almost every day of the week, from theater to live music! If you're planning a visit, it's best to check the schedule beforehand.
Carrer de Pavia 37, Valencia, Spain – lafabricadehielo.net
Tinto Fino Ultramarino: Right in the heart of Valencia, near Plaza de la Reina, you'll find this charming tapas restaurant. The tapas are a little different from your typical Spanish tapas, but oh so delicious. Make sure to make a reservation, as it's always busy. Both the sangria and the wines are highly recommended.
Carrer de la Corretgeria 38, Valencia, Spain – tintofinoultramarino.com
Valencia Sagardi
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SagardiFancy an afternoon or evening of pinchos with wine and sangria? Then you should definitely go to Sagardi. You choose your pinchos at the bar and collect your chopsticks. When you're done, you pay for your purchase. You'll find many locals here. If you prefer a more modern setting, check out their relative Orio!
Calle San Vicente Mártir 6, Valencia, Spain – sagardi.com
Milk Dulce: My favorite coffee shop and the most delicious pastries in Valencia is Dulce de Leche. This hotspot is located in the Ruzafa neighborhood (where you'll discover many more great spots if you wander around) and has a very cozy interior and a lovely terrace.
Carrer del Pintor Gisbert 2, Valencia, Spain – pasteleriadulcedeleche.com
10 fun things to do in Valencia
Rent a bike: If you're visiting Valencia, I definitely recommend renting a bike. Cycle from hotspot to hotspot and get to know the city even better in a short time! A bike path runs from the city center all the way to the beach, where you can enjoy a lovely ride along the promenade. Also, be sure to cycle to Torres de Serranos (a small tower you can also walk to the top) and through Turia Park.
Turia Park: This used to be where the Turia River flowed through Valencia. Today, it's a beautiful park perfect for walking, cycling, or picnicking. At the far end of the park, on the beach side, you'll find several museums (and the Umbracle nightclub), which are worth seeing from the outside. Lovely!
Viewing Street ArtThe El Carmen neighborhood is full of street art. You can take a street art tour, but wandering around the neighborhood on your own is also fun. It's a great idea for siesta time, as most shops and restaurants in Valencia are closed then!
Valencia Park Turia Museums
more tips on what to do in Valencia
Visit the Mercat Central: Just like in Barcelona, Valencia also has a large indoor market. It's a great place to shop and then enjoy a picnic! Tip: be aware of siesta times, as they're closed then.
Take the ferry to Ibiza: I've written about Ibiza several times in recent weeks. Want to discover Ibiza's newest hotspots or hidden gems? Then you can also take the ferry from Valencia to Ibiza. This will make your city break even more special!
Enjoy the beach: There are several lovely beaches around Valencia. My favorite is the one where La Mas Bonita is located. After a day at the beach, you can enjoy a cold Diet Coke at one of the restaurants before getting back on your bike!
Valencia l'Umbracle club
more tips on what to do in Valencia
Agua di Valencia: When in Valencia… you can't leave without ordering their signature drink. Agua di Valencia is a kind of white sangria, and it's dangerously delicious. Almost every spot sells it, and it's highly recommended for a drink on a patio.
Nightlife: Valencia also has a lot to offer when it comes to nightlife. If you're more into bars, El Carmen is a great place to hang out in the evening, especially Calle de Bolseria. If you're looking for a real club, go to l'Umbracle. It's a beautiful, large club with two floors. The downstairs is often hip-hop and R&B, while the upstairs is more house music. Something for everyone! Aquarella is also highly recommended.
Go city hopping: I always love traveling by train and combining cities. From Valencia, you can take the high-speed train to both Madrid and Barcelona. A great tip: combine these cities!
Explore the surrounding villages: If you head down from Valencia, between Alicante and Valencia, you'll find a wealth of small villages that are well worth a visit. You can reach them by public transport or rent a car. The villages of Moraira, Altea, Jávea, and the slightly larger Dénia are especially worth a visit. They're perfect if you want to escape the city bustle for a while!
Valencia travel tips for planning your trip
After reading these travel tips for Valencia, are you excited to go on a vacation to Valencia yourself? Then also read these travel tips to help you plan and book your trip. Including: KLM en Transavia You can fly from Amsterdam to Valencia. It might sound old-fashioned, but it can be more cost-effective to book a package holiday for your city break to this charming Spanish city. We've done some research for you and found some great deals with great hotels. We've also compiled a few other travel tips for you. Have fun planning your trip to Valencia!
FLIGHT TICKETS TO VALENCIA:
Using the links below you can directly search for a ticket for the dates you want to go to Valencia.
➳ Transavia offers flight tickets from €45 for a one-way trip >>
➳ Or search directly here for the cheapest tickets via Skyscanner >>
Are you already flying CO2 neutral? Read Here more about offsetting your flights.
| TIP: Are you flying via Schiphol? Then you can Here Download a €5 voucher for a discount at See Buy Fly! Reserve a cheaper parking spot in advance if you by car to Schiphol goes. That can save quite a bit of money. Our favorite hotels near Schiphol (which we've also tested ourselves) are citizenM en Hilton. Handy if you have a very early flight!
CAR RENTAL IN VALENCIA
Through which channels you reach those people, classic and out of the box. Sunnycars, Reviews, Happycar of Rentalcars You can book a car to pick you up at Valencia Airport upon arrival. You can also take a fun road trip from Valencia, for example.
YOURLBB'S FAVORITE (BOUTIQUE) HOTELS & TRIPS:
☾ The Valentia Cabillers: beautiful boutique hotel with nice rooftop and mini pool.
☾ SH Inglés Boutique: A former palace in the heart of the city center. The rooms are spacious and fully renovated. (as a package tour from €339 for 4 days including flight)
☾ MD Design Hotel: Located in the historic centre, this hotel features a sun terrace with views of the Turia Gardens and the domes of the old town.
☾ Las Arenas Balnaerio Resort: Luxurious accommodation directly on the beach of Valencia. (as a package tour from €491 for 4 days including flight)
☾ One Shot Mercat 09: Located in the Old Town with a seasonal outdoor pool and sun terrace.
☾ MYR Hotel Plaza Mercado & Spa: Luxury hotel with a wellness centre and hot tub.
☾ Hotel One Shot Colon 46: Small-scale design hotel in the heart of Valencia on Calle Colon. (as a package tour from €152 for 3 days incl. flight )
☾ Lotelito: Hotel and apartment in the heart of the city center with Scandinavian interior. (as a package tour from €309 for 4 days incl. flight)
☾ Room Ciencias: Modern hotel in an excellent location, with both the hotel and the beach within easy reach. (as a package tour from €139 for 3 days incl. flight)
Want to read more blogs about Valencia? Then click through to the extensive travel guide >>
Do you have any tips for Valencia that are not included? Valencia Travel Guide Should we miss this? Let us know via the button below and TIP THE EDITORS!
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Psssst... you can find more (travel) tips in my books!
- Feed Your Wanderlust – Travel Guide for a bohemian lifestyle
- staycation – 22 guides and shortlists for a holiday close to home
- Wanderlust – Urban Travel Style Guide
- The Amsterdam City Guide (Dutch) & The Amsterdam City Guide (English)
Great as a gift for yourself or someone who loves to travel as much as you do!
WITH LOVE,
ANNE
Valencia Tips
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