After living in Valencia for nearly two years, I’ve gradually adapted to the city’s rhythm. Mornings begin with sunlight streaming through the windows, lunch doesn’t happen until 2 PM, and at 9 PM the streets are still bustling as if the day just started. It was quite an adjustment at first, but now I find this leisurely pace rather comfortable. Today I want to share some details about life here, hopefully offering some reference for those considering moving here or who have just arrived.
About Food
When Valencia comes to mind, paella is inevitably the first thing people think of. But honestly, locals don’t eat paella as frequently as tourists might imagine—it’s usually reserved for Sunday family gatherings or special occasions. Authentic Valencian paella actually uses chicken and rabbit meat, while the seafood version was developed later for tourists. If you want to try the real thing, I recommend restaurants near the Albufera lake area, where both prices and quality are much more reliable than in the city center.
Daily eating habits are actually quite simple. Breakfast typically consists of coffee with churros or a bocadillo, lunch is the most important meal of the day, and many restaurants offer a Menu del día for 10-15 euros including starter, main course, dessert, and a drink. Dinner tends to be more casual—tapas with beer or wine usually does the trick.
Daily Expenses Comparison
| Item | Price Range | Notes |
|---|
| Grocery Shopping | 40-60€ | For two people |
| Daily Menu | 10-15€ | Includes three courses + drink |
| Public Transport Pass | 40€ | City-wide |
| Gym Membership | 25-40€ | Monthly |
Festival Culture
Las Fallas in March is absolutely the craziest time in this city. For an entire week, giant sculptures fill the streets, fireworks displays happen at 2 AM every night, and on the final night, all the sculptures are burned. The first time I experienced it, I was amazed, but being woken up by firecrackers every day for a week straight was genuinely exhausting. If you prefer peace and quiet, I’d suggest leaving the city during this period.
Beyond Las Fallas, there are many smaller festivals. Almost every neighborhood has its own patron saint celebration, featuring parades, concerts, and open-air dances. During summer, the beach often hosts free movie screenings and concerts—the atmosphere is fantastic.
Practical Living Tips
Language is definitely a challenge. While everyone speaks Spanish, Valencian is also widely used in daily life, especially in government offices and schools. But don’t worry too much—younger people generally communicate in Spanish, and some speak English. I recommend learning at least basic Spanish, as it will make life much easier.
For transportation, the city has metro, buses, and trams with fairly comprehensive coverage. However, service intervals are quite long, especially on weekends and evenings. Many locals opt for bicycles or electric scooters, and the city has dedicated bike lanes that are quite safe. To get to the beach, you can take bus 5 or 19, which takes about 20 minutes.
Rent is a headache. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around 700-900 euros, but if you look at Valencia living costs in the outskirts, you can save 200-300 euros. The Ruzafa district is popular with young people, with lots of restaurants and bars and a great atmosphere, though rent is relatively higher. Benimaclet is a student area with more affordable prices, and it’s not far from both the university and the beach.
Finally, I want to say that Valencia is truly a great city to live in. The climate is wonderful, prices are relatively reasonable, the pace of life is slow, and people are friendly. Although the efficiency of getting things done can sometimes be frustrating, once you get used to it, you actually appreciate this unhurried attitude. If you’re considering living in Valencia, feel free to reach out anytime—I’m happy to share whatever I know.
