Whether you're starting a semester abroad, launching a new internship, or completely relocating for a fresh start under the endless Spanish sun, Valencia is your dream destination. But here’s the truth: transitioning to life in Spain can be surprisingly tricky if you don't know the unwritten rules. Why waste your first few weeks stressing over bureaucracy, scams, and cultural misunderstandings? At Valencia And Go, we live and breathe this city. We’ve guided countless expats and travelers to skip the tourist traps and dive straight into the authentic Valencian lifestyle. Here are the 10 crucial things you absolutely must know before you pack your bags.
Do not leave this to the last minute! The Valencia real estate market moves fast, and navigating it alone can be a minefield. To secure a trustworthy, budget-friendly apartment without getting ripped off, use the right platforms:
Forget the stress of navigating a new city in a car. Valencia’s public transport is exceptionally affordable and efficient, boasting an extensive network of Metro, Trams, and Buses.
Under 30? You are in luck! You are eligible for an incredible youth travel card (Abono Joven) for just €15/month, giving you unlimited access to all public transport. And because Valencia is blissfully flat, the entire city is covered in dedicated bike lanes. Grabbing a bike (or using a sharing app like Valenbisi) is often the fastest way to get around.
If you're thinking of bringing or buying a car—reconsider. Heavy traffic and a severe lack of central parking make driving a daily headache. Instead, locals dominate the streets using taxis, bicycles, and the incredibly convenient shared e-scooters scattered across every neighborhood. It’s cheaper, faster, and infinitely less stressful.
While Valencia is an incredibly welcoming international hub, assuming everyone speaks English is a rookie mistake. Whether you are sorting out your essential NIE number at the immigration office, ordering tapas, or chatting at your internship, having basic Spanish is absolutely critical for your survival and social life.
You’ll also notice locals speaking Valencian—a beautiful traditional language closely related to Catalan. It’s fully integrated into street signs and official documents, but don't panic! Mastering standard Spanish is more than enough to thrive.
If you’re used to grabbing lunch at noon and dinner at 6:00 PM, prepare for a massive culture shock. In Spain, the day starts later and ends much later.
Important: Most restaurant kitchens completely close around 4:00 PM and refuse to reopen until 7:30 PM. Plan your cravings accordingly!
In Valencia, Sunday represents a strict day of rest. This means major supermarkets, massive shopping centers, and electronics stores are completely closed.
Need groceries in an emergency? Look for smaller neighborhood convenience stores like Carrefour Express or Consum Basic, which often open in the morning. Luckily, the vibrant restaurants in the city center are always bustling on Sundays!
Forget everything you know about grocery shopping back home. In Spain, Mercadona is the undisputed king. It is the absolute best supermarket for everything you need, offering unmatched quality-to-price ratios on everyday goods.
While you can find Aldi and Lidl, Mercadona’s house brands are legendary among locals. Once you start shopping there, you'll never look back.
Time to bust the biggest tourist myth in Spain: authentic, traditional Paella Valenciana does NOT contain seafood! The true masterpiece is religiously crafted with chicken, rabbit, and local flat beans. It is a savory, earthy delicacy that you absolutely have to taste. (Don't worry, world-class seafood paella is still everywhere if you prefer it).
And to drink? Skip the generic Sangria. You need to order Agua de Valencia—a dangerously delicious local cocktail blending fresh-squeezed Valencian oranges, Cava (Spanish sparkling wine), Gin, Vodka, and sugar.
If you arrive in the spring, brace yourself. From March 1st to the 19th, Valencia explodes into Las Fallas, an intensely loud, chaotic, and beautiful festival recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Want to shop like a true local? Hit the "Mercadillos." These cheap, vibrant street markets pop up in different neighborhoods throughout the week, offering unbelievable deals on clothes, fresh food, and household items. Here’s a quick cheat sheet on where to find them:
Moving to a new country shouldn't be stressful—it should be the adventure of a lifetime. But to truly unlock the magic of Valencia, you need elite local experts on your side.
At Valencia And Go, we don’t just offer advice; we deliver unforgettable experiences. Let us take the guesswork out of your transition. Book one of our top-rated guided tours today to discover the hidden gems, taste the most authentic Paella, and learn how to navigate this beautiful city like a true local from day one. Don't just visit Valencia—live it to the fullest with us!
