Let’s talk about the most notorious tourist traps in Valencia, Spain — and how you can avoid them. While there’s no serious problems (like the pickpocketing in Barcelona), there are some minor inconveniences you should be aware of, especially if you want an authentic experience.
3 Most Important Traps to AVOID
When I think of tourist traps in Valencia — there are 3 big things that come to mind. And they are ones that tourist always end up falling for. So before I dive into a lengthy list of smaller tips, let’s look at the big 3.
Here are 3 tourist traps in Valencia, Spain that travelers should be wary of:
1. Restaurant Hawkers
You know those people that stand outside a restaurant and encourage you to dine there?
Never go in a restaurant that does that.
I guarantee you that no GOOD restaurant in Valencia will waste staff on restaurant hawkers. They’re a bit aggressive, especially around places like La Plaça de la Reina or Carrer dels Cavallers.
These restaurants know they have mediocre food and inflated prices, so they just rely on unsuspecting tourists.
How to avoid: Genuine local restaurants rarely need to chase customers. If someone’s trying to pull you in, walk away. The best restaurants are usually found on side streets, with locals dining inside. Here are a few guides I have to eating in Valencia:
2. Paella for Dinner
Many tourists don’t realize that traditional Valencian paella is traditionally eaten for lunch, not dinner.
Restaurants that serve paella for dinner … well, probably don’t take their job very seriously. Basically the ONLY time Valencians eat paella for dinner is during festivals and holidays, where the paella is cooked outside for large groups of people.
So remember — get your rice dishes for lunch if you want an authentic experience. Then go for lighter fare in the evening to stay cool.
How to avoid: Eat paella for lunch between 1:30-3:30 PM when locals do. Check out my guide for where to get the best paella.
3. Flower Sellers
One of the most annoying parts of the city center is that there are some street vendors that are a little pushy. They’ll often come up to you while you’re dining and encourage you to purchase something.
Most of the time, it’s flowers. But it can also be things like bracelets, lighters, etc.
Don’t even touch anything. Even if you’re “just looking” they might make a scene and force you to purchase. This is especially true with people who try to sell you rosemary.
How to avoid: Politely but firmly decline anything. Avoid eye contact and keep your on your phone and bag. If walking, don’t stop. You can tell them, “no, moltes gràcies.”
Extra Tourist Traps To Avoid
Those are the three most common tourist traps in Valencia. Spain is a common travel destination, so there are bound to be people taking advantage of travelers. But realistically, there isn’t anything super crazy that you should be worried about.
However, due to an increase in tourism over the years, there have been more and more tourist traps popping up.
So here are a few more tourist traps to avoid in Valencia:
- Menus exclusively in English. This is a restaurant for tourists.
- Souvenir shops that sell everything. Go to local boutique shops instead of places that just sell imported plastic junk.
- Smoothies in the central market. They’re not freshly made, and no local has ever purchased one.
- People taking your photo in the street. They’ll give you a copy and ask for a “tip”
- People in costumes. They’ll encourage your child to take a picture and then ask for money.
- Fancy coffee shops. 100% these are for tourists, Valencians wouldn’t spend more than €2 max for a coffee
- A guy dressed as a torero singing.
- Airbnbs. Most of them are owned by foreign investors who don’t even live here or know the city. Stick to hotels – the locals dealing with a housing crisis will be grateful.
Is Valencia Safe?
Valencia is generally a very safe city. Of course, travelers should always take some basic precautions to keep themselves safe. So just like at any tourist destination, here are some things I would recommend doing:
- Keep your belongings closed and in your hands
- Don’t put your phone in your back pocket or leave it on a table
- Be extra vigilant in crowds
Enjoy Valencia Like The Locals Do
So know that you know how to deal with all the tourist traps (trust me, I have to deal with them too 🙄) — let’s look at some ways you can enjoy the city.
Here are some resources for you to experience Valencia like a local:
- Top things to do
- Museums to visit
- Top Valencia travel tips
- Best hotels
- Guide to les falles
- Tipping in Spain
Valencia Travel Resources
I hope this guide helps you get a better experience during your time in Valencia. Tourist traps are common in any popular destination. So with just some basic research, you’ll be prepared and ready to go!
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m always happy to help a traveler!
In the meantime, feel free to check out these resources while you’re planning your trip:
Need help planning your trip to Valencia?
Here are the tools I use for the cheapest (and most reliable) vacation planning:
- 🏠Booking – Affordable hotels and apartments
- 🏠Hostel World – Safe and budget-friendly hostels
- ✈️Skyscanner – My favorite tool for cheap flights
- 🚗Discover Cars – Best place for car rentals
- 🚄Trainline – The easiest way to book local trains in advance
- 📶Airalo – eSim cards for easy internet access while traveling
- 🦺Safety Wing – The #1 travel medical insurance
- 💸Airhelp – Cancelled flight compensation (it’s free!)
- 💱Wise – Easiest low-fee way to transfer currency
Affiliate disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These are links to services I personally recommend using for your trip to Valencia. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission from these brands if you choose to make a purchase. Your support helps me pay my bills and eat more bunyols!
