Valencia , Spain

86

Valencia pairs a Mediterranean pace with a compact urban core, long green corridors, and a reputation for unusually high livability. Its old city, beach access, and the Turia park give it a distinctly human scale, with the city seeming to breathe between citrus light and sea air.

Est. monthly cost €1,750 – €2,150
Overall score 86
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Livability scores

  • Walkability 18 / 20
  • Rail Connectivity 10 / 15
  • Public Transit 8 / 10
  • Affordability 11 / 15
  • Safety 8 / 10
  • Air Quality 7 / 10
  • Quality Of Life 10 / 10
  • Food Culture 5 / 5
  • Car Free Practicality 9 / 5

Food guide

Valencia’s food culture centers on rice dishes like paella, the ritual of the mid-morning esmorzaret, and market-driven Mediterranean produce. Local eating rhythms favor a late, substantial lunch and lighter, social dinners built around tapas, horchata, and relaxed bar culture.

Signature dishes

  • Paella ValencianaSaffron rice cooked in a wide pan with chicken, rabbit, local beans and vegetables, often over wood fire.
  • FideuàPaella-style dish that replaces rice with short noodles, usually with mixed seafood.
  • All i pebreTraditional Albufera stew of eel, potato, garlic and paprika.
  • Esgarraet / EsgarratSalad of roasted red peppers and salt-cured cod dressed with olive oil.
  • Arròs al fornOven-baked rice with pork ribs, blood sausage and chickpeas.
  • Esmorzaret bocadilloMid-morning sandwich, often pork or cured meats, eaten with beer as a social ritual.
  • Horchata with fartonsSweet tiger-nut milk drink served cold, often with elongated pastries for dipping.

Where to eat

  • La Pepica Paella restaurantHistoric beachfront spot known for classic paella valenciana; typical paella menu around u20ac18–22 per person.
  • Casa Carmela Paella restaurantMalvarrosa institution serving wood-fired paella; reservations and pre-order for Valencian paella often required.
  • Horchatería Santa Catalina Horchata and pastry cafu00e9Traditional café in the old town famous for horchata and pumpkin buñuelos at breakfast.
  • Central Bar (Mercado Central) Market barRicard Camarena’s counter inside Mercado Central offering creative tapas using market produce.
  • Casa Montaña Traditional bodega/tapas barClassic tavern near the beach acclaimed for traditional tapas and local wines.
  • El Rall Traditional restaurantOld-town restaurant highlighted for regional rice dishes and seasonal Valencian cooking.

Markets & food shopping

  • Mercado Central
  • Mercado de Colón
  • Mercado de Ruzafa