Paella valenciana
Paella valenciana · Valencia, Spain
Named after its pan; Valencians say only the version with rabbit and chicken is the real thing.
Know before you go
- Locals usually eat paella at midday, and ordering it for dinner is seen as a 'tourist' habit
- don't throw in random ingredients and still call it paella valenciana
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Paella comes from the Valencia region and takes its name from the wide, shallow pan it is cooked in — 'paella' means 'pan' in Catalan and Valencian. There are three main kinds: paella valenciana with rabbit, chicken, duck and snails; mixed paella with meat; and seafood paella. Valencians consider only paella valenciana to be true paella. Its modern form dates to the mid-19th century in the countryside around the Albufera lagoon next to Valencia, where the Arabs of al-Andalus began growing rice as early as the 10th century.
Local customs
- Brought to the table in its pan and shared
- the slightly crispy crust at the bottom (socarrat) is the favourite part
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Spain: show photo ID when police ask
- Carry photo ID
- Ignoring a direct instruction from the police
Police can take you to a station until your identity is confirmed; ignoring a direct instruction from the police can count as 'disobedience'. Real police check documents only and will not ask to see your wallet.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Spain travel advice
Spain: no dangerous stunts on hotel balconies
- Keep a safe distance on balconies
- Climbing over, crossing or jumping between balconies
The hotel will throw you out and you may be fined; travel insurance may not cover accidents on balconies.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Spain travel advice
Spain: drinking in the street is banned in some areas
- Drink in bars and restaurants
- Walking around drinking in the street
Illegal in some areas; you can be fined on the spot.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Spain travel advice
Spain: don't walk around town in swimwear
- Put clothes on before leaving the beach
- Wearing only a bikini or swimming trunks, or going shirtless, on the seafront promenade and nearby streets
Illegal in some areas; you can be fined.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Spain travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Locals usually eat paella at midday, and ordering it for dinner is seen as a 'tourist' habit
- don't throw in random ingredients and still call it paella valenciana
Locals appreciate DO
Valencians appreciate customers who eat paella at the traditional lunchtime.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Proper restaurants often need you to order in advance (it takes 20–30 minutes to cook)
- you'll find it in Barcelona too, but Valencia is its birthplace. Prices and opening hours are set by each restaurant
- popular old places often have queues, so go outside peak mealtimes.
Sources & verification notes
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