Valencia offers big-city culture at a relaxed, sunny pace. It is Spain’s third-largest city, but it feels easygoing: people cycle everywhere, head to the beach after work, and gather for long lunches on weekends. Valencians are generally friendly and family-oriented, and social life often revolves around established groups of friends, so joining activities is the best way in. Valencian, a variety of Catalan, is co-official alongside Spanish.
The city’s greatest asset is the Turia Gardens, a long park built in the old riverbed after the river was diverted following a devastating flood in 1957. It runs through the city, linking neighborhoods and ending at the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Ruzafa is the creative, multicultural neighborhood with galleries, cafes and a young crowd; El Carmen, in the old town, is full of street art and small bars; Benimaclet has a student and community feel; and El Cabanyal, by the beach, is a former fishing district with colorful tiled houses. Valencia is also the home of paella, and the Albufera lagoon just south of the city is where the rice is grown. Valencia was named European Green Capital for 2024.
The cyclists tribe and runners tribe fit a city where the Turia is full of people exercising, and the expats tribe helps newcomers connect. Souldaters is completely free, and nobody can message you until you have both liked each other. Friends mode helps you meet people for beach days and rides.
Tribes to join in Valencia
Tribes work everywhere. Join a few and filter Discover to people nearby who share them.
First date ideas in Valencia
- Cycle or walk the length of the Turia Gardens, the park that winds through the city in the old riverbed.
- Explore the striking architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences at the end of the Turia.
- Watch the sunset over the Albufera lagoon in the natural park just south of the city.
- Stroll the promenade along Malvarrosa and Las Arenas beaches.
- Browse the Mercado Central, a grand modernist market hall in the old town.
- Wander through the streets of El Carmen to see its street art and the old city gates of the Torres de Serranos.
How to make friends in Valencia
- Join a running group in the Turia, where many clubs train.
- Try beach volleyball or paddle sports along the coast.
- Go to language exchange evenings, popular with students and internationals.
- Get involved in your neighborhood's preparations for the Fallas festival in March, often through a local falla association.
More ideas: how to make friends in a new city.
The vegan & plant-based scene in Valencia
Valencia has a growing vegan scene, particularly in Ruzafa and Benimaclet, and many traditional dishes are based on rice and vegetables, though classic paella includes meat.
Meet plant-based people in Valencia through the Vegan and Vegetarian tribes, and switch on the free "Only show vegans" filter.
Dating in Valencia: FAQ
Is there a free dating site in Valencia?
Yes. Souldaters is free for everyone in Valencia, with no premium subscription and no paywall on seeing who liked you. Chat opens only after a mutual like, so there are no unwanted messages. Tribes like cyclists, runners and foodies help you find people who enjoy the same lifestyle.
Where can I meet vegan singles in Valencia?
Ruzafa and Benimaclet have the most plant-based cafes and restaurants, and there are regular vegan events in the city. On Souldaters you can join the vegan tribe and use the free dealbreaker filter to see only vegans, or vegans and vegetarians, in and around Valencia.
How do I make friends in Valencia as an expat?
Valencia is easygoing but locals often have long-standing friend groups, so join regular activities: running clubs in the Turia, beach sports, language exchanges or a local falla association. Souldaters Friends mode and the expats tribe help you meet people nearby, and chat opens once you have both waved.