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.
No matter which country you come from, you will need your star document immediately to rent, work or open a bank: the sacrosanct N.I.E. (Número de Identidad de Extranjero - Foreigner's Identity Number). You must be quick to book online Appointments at 1,000 a.m. Don't waste a minute on this when you arrive!
Another surprise: The Valencian. It is the official local language along with Castellano/Spanish. You'll see it written with honour on street names, advertisements and the metro. Although it's scary to see a new language, relax; by mastering your Spanish you'll conquer Valencia inch by inch absolutely everywhere.
If your biological clock demands you to eat a heavy lunch at noon (12:30) or dinner at 18:30, your poor stomach will suffer the worst shock of its life.
Attention: City kitchens shut down their ovens abruptly from 16:00 to around 19:30. Forget about going for a mid-afternoon main course.
Valencia sacredly respects Sunday as a day of rest. The huge supermarkets, big-name clothing shops and shopping centres close their doors drastically.
What to do if you need something urgent? Don't panic, just go to convenience supermarkets such as the branches of Carrefour Express or the 24-hour minimarkets. The great news is that the city centre and its glorious restaurants come alive on Sunday lunchtimes.
Forget the expensive supermarkets; you will surrender to the national supreme majesty that rules the shelves of Spain with its green logo: MERCADONA. It is value for money heaven and the absolute market leader.
You can go to Aldi or Lidl without fear, but the aisles overflowing with items from Mercadona (especially their white brand Hacendado) will cast a spell on you - their products are almost a religion for the locals!
It is time to debunk Spain's biggest tourist myth once and for all: Seafood is never added to authentic Valencian Paella! This historical masterpiece is cooked exclusively with chicken, rabbit, and «garrofón» (a large flat bean typical of the region). (If you prefer seafood, don't worry, the spectacular «Paella de Marisco», although not the traditional country recipe, can be found everywhere).
And to drink? If you ask for Sangria, you'll fall into the typical tourist trap. Demand like a local the unbeatable Water from Valencia! It is a wonderfully refreshing drink made from pure Valencian orange juice, Cava (Spanish sparkling wine), Gin, Vodka and sugar.
If you land between the end of February and March, get ready to lose sleep. From the 1st to the 19th of March, Valencia goes into a spectacular festive frenzy: Las Fallas, declared by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Do you want to dress up, buy fruit and save money like a real Valencian far from the tourist prices? Spot the iconic «Mercadillos». These are huge open-air bazaars that rotate weekly through the neighbourhoods, offering amazing bargains on clothes, fresh food at bargain prices and unique opportunities.
Moving your life to a new country should be the most exciting adventure you've ever experienced, not a stressful burden. To open all the doors in Valencia in record time and avoid costly mistakes, you need the guidance of real local experts by your side.
At Valencia And Go, We design immersive experiences that truly transform you into a local from your very first day - don't waste time trying to decipher the city blind! Book our award-winning guided excursions or tours today and discover the hidden treasures, savour the authentic original gastronomy of the land and learn to navigate the urban culture as if you were born here. Don't settle for less, come with us and take in every corner of this magical city!
