Discover this fantastic corner filled with local delicacies in the heart of the Capital of Turia.

Majado Gourmet, a place to savor Valencia as it deserves.

In this guide, we reveal where to enjoy an authentic paella and tapas that escape the tourist routes, while exploring both must-see spots and hidden gems of the city of Valencia.

DISCOVER VALENCIA

THAT YOU CANNOT MISS

(AND THE ONE FEW PEOPLE KNOW)

Valencia, the third largest city in Spain, is the vibrant capital of a region where tourism is its greatest wealth. With approximately 800,000 inhabitants, this Mediterranean land perfectly combines golden beaches, natural landscapes, an impressive historical legacy, a culture that can be felt in every corner, captivating art, deep-rooted traditions, and delicious cuisine. All of this captivates those who visit, leaving an unforgettable mark on the heart of every traveler.

Below, we present the perfect itinerary for a full weekend, where you will discover Valencia in a unique way that no organized tour or other guide will tell you.

FRIDAY, IN THE MORNING...

The Real Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados houses the Virgen de los Desamparados, the patron saint of the Valencian Community, known by the locals as "La Geperudeta" due to her hunched posture, which refers to her original function of being placed on the coffins of those sentenced to death.

The Cathedral of Valencia, known as the Iglesia Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora Santa María, is a temple full of history. It houses the chalice used during the Last Supper, the famous Holy Grail, and also keeps the chains from the port of Marseille. Next to it stands the imposing Torre del Miguelete, which, at nearly 51 meters tall and with 207 steps to climb, offers panoramic views of the city that will leave you in awe.

The Hortensia Herrero Art Center (CAHH) is a space that hosts the private collection of Hortensia Herrero, a patron and vice president of the foundation that bears her name. It is located in what was once the Palacio de Valeriola, a landmark building from the 17th century. The collection includes works by more than 50 internationally recognized contemporary artists, such as Anish Kapoor, George Baselitz, Mat Collishaw, Tony Cragg, and many more.

We continue our tour along Calle de la Paz, one of Valencia's most iconic streets, and move forward along Calle Poeta Querol. We proceed along Calle de las Barcas to reach the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the true heart of the city.

Along the way, we enter one of the areas with the highest concentration of modernist buildings, as Valencia is the Spanish city with the most examples of this style, although Barcelona often takes much of the fame. A highlight of this route is the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, which houses the Museo Nacional de Cerámica, an architectural gem that will not leave any visitor indifferent.

The Valencia City Hall is much more than just an institutional building; it is a true historical symbol of the city. It houses the local government and holds a rich history inside, including the air-raid shelter located beneath its foundations. Additionally, the building’s balcony, built in 1965 during the tenure of Mayor Adolfo Rincón de Arellano, has become the epicenter of celebrations during the Fallas, which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2016. It is from this balcony that the fallera women begin the famous mascletà with the iconic phrase: "¡Senyor pirotècnic, pot començar la mascletà!"

The area where the Central Market is currently located was, since the city’s first expansion, the usual spot for street markets. In 1839, an open-air market, the New Market, was inaugurated in this spot, considered the seed of the Central Market as we know it today. Besides being a historical landmark, it is the perfect place to enjoy an appetizer at some of its stalls.

FRIDAY, IN THE EVENING...

The Silk Exchange was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996 and is one of the most representative buildings in the city of Valencia. Since 1931, it has held the high distinction of being a National Historic-Artistic Monument. This majestic building is also one of the most iconic examples of European civil Gothic architecture.

The Barrio del Carmen is the perfect place to get lost among its streets and discover the secrets it hides. Many of the streets in this area are named after old trades, such as Carrer de la Corretgeria and Carrer dels Cadirers, which reflect the city's artisanal past.

As you wander through its streets, you will come across a circle square: Plaza Redonda. In the past, this space served as a small flea market in the heart of the city, where children traded stickers and grandparents did their shopping. Everything was sold here: fruits, vegetables, antiques, and music, making it a popular meeting point. However, after a recent renovation, the square has completely changed its original appearance, leading to some nostalgia among the locals, who believe it has lost its essence and charm.

Not far from there, in Plaza Lope de Vega, you’ll find a unique architectural curiosity: the narrowest façade in Spain. Will you be able to spot it among the surrounding buildings?

Just a few steps from these two locations is the Church of Santa Catalina, an architectural gem with a fascinating history. Originally built in Gothic style, it was later adorned with Renaissance elements. After a fire in the 18th century, it was restored in a marked Baroque style. Its bell tower, one of the most recognizable elements of the temple, is a masterpiece of Valencian Baroque, and its bells were cast in London.

In front of Plaza de la Virgen and next to Calle Caballeros, you will find the Palau de la Generalitat, a magnificent Gothic building constructed during the Valencian Golden Age. From its inception to the present day, it has been an important political center, receiving different names throughout the centuries: Casa de la Diputación del Reino de Valencia, Real Audiencia, Comité Ejecutivo Popular during the Spanish Civil War, and, today, it serves as the seat of Valencian self-government.

As we continue exploring the El Carmen neighborhood and let our imagination run wild, we can visualize the various walls that protected Valencia throughout the centuries: Roman, Muslim, and Christian. In the following image, you can see how these walls are traced over the current map of the city: the Roman wall in yellow, the Muslim wall in red, and the Christian wall in blue.

Source: Google

If we pause for a moment to discuss the Spanish Civil War in Valencia, it is important to remember that, during the conflict, the city became the capital of the Republic, making it a priority target for bombings. It suffered a total of 442 attacks, causing death and destruction. To protect the civilian population, the Republican government promoted the construction of public shelters, such as the one still preserved in Calle Serranos.

To conclude the tour, we reach the imposing Serranos Towers, one of the old gates of the Christian wall, which, along with the Quart Towers, managed to survive demolition. From these walls originates one of the most popular expressions in the city: "quedarse a la luna de Valencia" (to be left out in the moonlight), which refers to those who, arriving late, were locked out when the gates closed at 10 PM, forcing them to spend the night under the stars.

But the Serranos Towers also played a key role during the Civil War. Between 400 and 600 works from the Prado Museum (Madrid), by artists such as Velázquez, Goya, and Titian, were housed inside, in a delicate operation to protect them from the war. After the war ended, the pieces were returned to their original home.

SATURDAY, IN THE MORNING...

The City of Arts and Sciences was designed by the renowned Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava. It is an essential visit in Valencia. Its avant-garde architecture and spaces dedicated to science, art, and nature make it one of the city's greatest icons. Below, we present the buildings you can visit in this spectacular complex.

The Science Museum, also known as the Príncipe Felipe Museum, is an interactive space where science, technology, and the evolution of life are discovered in an educational and enjoyable way.

The Hemispheric was the first building in the complex to open its doors in 1998. Its structure, with an ovoid roof over 100 meters in length, houses a sphere inside that serves as a projection room, offering immersive visual experiences.

The Palace of Arts is the last building to be constructed, but undoubtedly one of the most spectacular. This majestic auditorium hosts operas, concerts, dance performances, and other major artistic productions.

The Oceanographic is the largest aquarium in Europe, with the capacity to house 45,000 living beings from 500 different species. Its facilities recreate the main marine ecosystems of the planet, allowing visitors to observe animals such as penguins, dolphins, sharks, and belugas up close, among others.

To complete your visit, you'll find the Assut de l'Or Bridge, popularly known as the "Hamonero Bridge" due to its peculiar shape. Very close to it is the Umbracle, an elevated garden with an arched structure where you can walk among Mediterranean vegetation and enjoy outdoor exhibitions.

SATURDAY, IN THE EVENING...

The Turia Garden is one of the largest urban parks in Spain, a green oasis of over 9 kilometers that runs through the city from west to east, embracing the historic center. Its origin dates back to the flood that devastated Valencia in 1957, after which it was decided to divert the course of the Turia River to the south of the city. With the riverbed dry, various proposals for its use emerged, until, finally, in 1986, it was inaugurated as a large natural space.

From Parque de Cabecera to the City of Arts and Sciences, the Turia Garden is the perfect place for a stroll, to exercise, or simply to disconnect from the urban hustle and bustle. Along the way, you'll find iconic spots such as:

• The Gulliver Park, an attraction where children, and the young at heart, become Lilliputians, climbing and sliding through various parts of Gulliver's body.
• The Palau de la Música, a cultural landmark in the city.
• 18 historic bridges, which tell the architectural evolution of Valencia over the centuries.

Additionally, if you'd like to explore it in a different way, you can rent a bike or a Segway and enjoy the journey on wheels, experiencing the nature surrounding this spectacular garden.

SUNDAY, IN THE MORNING...

The Albufera Natural Park is a paradise for nature lovers, a place where the beauty of the landscape blends with the tranquility of the surroundings. Here, you can enjoy boat rides, immersing yourself in the unique ecosystem of this wetland, as well as learn about the origins of Valencian cuisine, especially the famous paella and all i pebre. Some of the most recommended stops in the area are:

• The Gola de Pujol dock, from where you can admire fantastic views of the Albufera lake, a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the peace.
• El Saler Beach, where, in addition to enjoying the sand and sea, you can find a Civil War bunker, a remnant of history that, although in a deteriorated state, still holds the memory of those times.
• The Catarroja Port, where you can navigate the park's canals by boat, observing the rich wildlife and flora that inhabit its waters and surroundings.

WHERE TO EAT?

Here are some restaurant recommendations for enjoying authentic Valencian (and Spanish) cuisine during your stay in the city of Valencia.

Great Tapas:

• Casa Montaña (C/ de Josep Benlliure, 69, Poblats Marítims, 46011 Valencia)

• Ultramarinos Huerta (C/ del Mestre Gozalbo, 13, L'Eixample, 46005 Valencia)

Restaurants with Quality Products:

• La Principal (C/ de Polo y Peyrolón, 5, El Pla del Real, 46021 Valencia)

• Va de bo (C/de Finlàndia, 7, El Pla del Real, 46010 València)

Seafood:

• Civera (C/ de Mossèn Femades, 10, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València)

• Barbados (C/ de los Pedrones, 2, Jesús, 46017 Valencia)

• Lujuria Marina (C/ de Joan Mercader, 16, Poblats Marítims, 46011 València)

Traditional Spanish:

• Asador de Aranda (C/ de Félix Pizcueta, 8, L'Eixample, 46004 Valencia)

YOU CANNOT MISS IT...

Mestalla stadium is the home of Valencia C.F., inaugurated in 1923 with a friendly match against another city club: Levante F.C.

This marked the beginning of a new era, leaving behind the old Algirós stadium, which will always remain in the hearts of Valencian fans as the club's first home.

Mestalla has been the setting for numerous historic events: it has hosted Copa finals, been the home of Levante U.D., and even the Spanish national team. Legendary players such as Kempes, Maradona, and even Pelé have graced its pitch. It was, is, and will always be the home of Valencianistas until the construction of their new stadium.

After a full day exploring Valencia—imagining ancient walls, admiring its architecture, and discovering charming corners—there’s nothing better than ending the day savoring the best of our land.

At Majado Gourmet, located at Calle Micer Mascó 42 — just steps from the Mestalla stadium — you’ll find a carefully curated selection of local wines and delicacies. If you're visiting over the weekend, save our address, because from Monday to Friday, our doors are open for you to take a piece of this experience home.

And if you arrive on a Friday, don’t hesitate: stop by and indulge in our selection of wines, cheeses, sweets, and other delights to share.

We’re waiting for you at Majado Gourmet, so your Valencia getaway tastes truly authentic.

A JOURNEY YOU WILL NEVER FORGET...

Valencia is much more than just a city: it’s living history, art around every corner, tradition blending with modernity, and nature in the heart of the city… but above all, it’s a city full of life. Walking through it means rediscovering it time and time again—through its flavors, its landscapes, and its people.

This journey has been just a small glimpse of everything Valencia has in store for you. Because every visit is different, and every corner holds a new surprise. So keep your curiosity alive and continue exploring, step by step, this city that never stops capturing hearts.

And when you want to take a piece of Valencia—or Spain—home with you, Majado Gourmet is here to help. From our shop on Micer Mascó Street, number 42, just a short walk from the city center and Mestalla Stadium, we've been sharing the best of Spanish gastronomy with tourists and locals alike for nearly a year. Wines, cured meats, cheeses, preserves, and much more are waiting to extend your experience beyond your stay.

Because it doesn’t matter if it’s your first time, if you’ve been here before, or if you’re a lifelong local—Valencia and Majado always have something new to offer you.

As the famous pasodoble Valencia by José Padilla says:
“Valencia is the land of flowers, of light, and of love.”