Valencia greeted me with the sweet scent of orange blossoms drifting through narrow alleys and the promise of paella simmering in seaside kitchens. As a digital nomad, I was searching for a city that blended historic charm, modern coworking spaces and pockets of tranquility. Over five unforgettable days, I discovered that Valencia travel is about more than the City of Arts and Sciences or its sandy shores. It’s a living tapestry of culture, food, hidden gems and bike-friendly streets that invited me to work, wander and recharge.

Wandering Through Ciutat Vella and Orange Blossom Alleys

My first morning began in Ciutat Vella, Valencia’s old town, where winding streets open onto medieval squares like the Plaza de la Virgen. I followed the delicate aroma of azahar (orange blossom) to a tiny street market tucked behind the Cathedral. Locals stacked crates of ripe oranges and jars of orange marmalade—Valencia’s signature flavor.

Tip: Arrive before 10 AM to beat the crowds at Mercado Central, one of Europe’s oldest food markets. Sample fresh horchata with a fartón pastry while admiring the market’s Modernist iron and glass structure. From there, stroll to the nearby Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), a UNESCO site with intricate Gothic stonework that whispers old Mediterranean trade stories.

Savoring Paella and Local Flavors at Hidden Tapas Bars

No Valencia travel journal is complete without paella. While the beachfront restaurants in La Malvarrosa draw tourists, I found my favorite dish at a tucked-away bar in El Cabanyal. The Valencian paella—crafted with bomba rice, rabbit, chicken and fresh beans—burst with smoky depth from the wood-fired hearth.

Beyond paella, I set out on a tapas hunt. In Ruzafa, Valencia’s artsy district, I discovered a low-key spot serving crispy buñuelos de bacalao (cod fritters) alongside a glass of lively local red called Bobal. Ask for the day’s catch or seasonal gazpacho variations—locals love the tomato-rich “cold soup” on warm afternoons.

Digital Nomad Life: Co-Working and Café Corners

Balancing work and exploration is key as a digital nomad. Valencia delivers with a growing café and coworking scene. My go-to spot was a sunlit loft in El Carmen offering high-speed Wi-Fi, Spanish omelets and infinite espresso refills. By midday, I’d e-mail clients and then grab a ride on the city’s public bike system to recharge.

Pro tip: Purchase a Valencia Tourist Card for unlimited public transport, including the metro line stopping at City of Arts and Sciences. If you prefer coworking, hubs like Wayco or Vortex near the Turia Gardens have hot desks, networking events and quick barista coffees—perfect for meeting fellow digital nomads.

Beaches, Bikes and the Turia Gardens: Outdoor Escapes

In the late afternoon, I swapped my laptop for two wheels and cycled along the Turia Gardens. This 9-kilometer park, once a riverbed, winds through the city with playgrounds, fountains and rooftop views of orange trees. It’s a living corridor connecting historic bridges to ultra-modern sights.

A quick detour brings you to the City of Arts and Sciences—a visionary complex of glass structures by architect Santiago Calatrava. I joined a free walking tour to learn about its futuristic aquarium and opera house. Then it was off to Malvarrosa Beach, where gentle waves and paella beachfront stalls beckoned.

Insider’s advice: Rent a beach umbrella and a chair at a local chiringuito (beach bar) for around €10/day. Order a pitcher of sangria or a jarra de tinto de verano (red wine and lemon soda) to cool off while watching the Mediterranean sunset.

Practical Valencia Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: April–June or September–October for mild weather and orange blossoms in bloom.
• Currency: Euro. ATMs are plentiful but watch for commission fees—use bank-affiliated machines when possible.
• Language: Spanish and Valencian. English is common in tourist areas, but a few Spanish phrases go a long way.
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi in plazas and many cafés. Local SIM cards with data plans start at €10 for 10 GB.
• Safety: Valencia is generally safe; keep an eye on belongings in crowded markets or the beach.

Conclusion: Valencia’s Warm Embrace

By the end of my stay, I realized Valencia travel isn’t just a checklist of landmarks. It’s the ritual of morning churros and café con leche, impromptu conversations under orange trees, and the ease of cycling from coworking space to beach. This city, with its blend of ancient streets and modernist visions, welcomed me as both traveller and digital nomad. As I packed my laptop for the next destination, I knew I’d carry Valencia’s golden light, sizzling paella and hidden tapas bars in my memory—and my photo feed at @curiocity.lens.