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The locals' guide to...Valencia

Like its famous orange, Valencia is well worth getting your teeth into. Fortunately exploring the streets of Spain's third city won't leave you with a sticky face and pith in your teeth... And for more information you can purchase a Lonely Planet Spain guide.

How do I get away from large tour groups wearing matching caps?

Take a detour around the streets of Barrio del Carmen - the old city centre - in high season otherwise your relaxing Valencia break will be accompanied by the whirr of a million cameras and such nuggets of tourist wisdom as, "Hey Hank, is Spain in Asia or Africa?" Rescue yourself from such a fate by exploring the streets around Plaza Negrito and you'll find dozens of bars and restaurants full of locals paying local prices - try Bodeguilla del Gato for traditional and modern tapas and a good wine selection, or the Negrito pub for late night drinks.

Where do the locals party?

Yank on your skinny jeans, sharpen your pointy shoes, ruffle up your hair like you just don't care, when actually you really, really do, and adopt your best, "I just threw this all on without thinking" look then head for Ruzafa (a 10-minute walk from the centre, just off the Gran Via Marques del Turia) where Valencia's young, hip and trendy crowd congregate for some al fresco drinking. The streets around Calle Turia are also worth a look, where you'll find Café del Duende, an excellent authentic Flamenco bar - noisy, smoky and raucous.

Restaurants without an 'all-you-can-eat tourist buffet'?

Not eating tapas on your Valencia holiday is like going to a fish and chip shop and buying an apple - and one that's not even deep-fried. You'll find fantastic tapas and pintxos (toasted bread with various toppings) throughout the city - try several. If you prefer a sit-down dinner try El Molinón, an Asturian restaurant in the Barrio del Carmen. Calle Conde Altea, just off Plaza Cánovas, is lined with restaurants to suit every taste and budget, as is Calle Turia - try La Malaquita or La Greta.

The locals' absolutely secret number one tip : Drag yourself out of bed on a Sunday morning and head for the ‘rastro', or flea market, which is held just behind the Mestella stadium (home to Valencia's passionately supported football team). You can find everything from ‘second hand' (stolen) bicycles to antique mahogany furniture, all at knock down (and often knock off) prices.

A quick guide to where the locals hang out

The beach: Valencia's city beach is lined with restaurants, bars and clubs. The water isn't always the cleanest (it is one of the biggest ports on the Mediterranean), but the sand is kept spotless and it more than does the job when the sun is out.

The paella: Try Casa Navarro and the Pepica for a traditional paella (Valencian rice dish with rabbit and chicken), or Arroz a banda which is rice cooked in fish stock.

The breakfast: Head to any of the tiny cafés around the Mercado Central for early morning coffee and people watching.

The shops : Calle Jorge Juan is the place for designer boutiques, while the Barrio del Carmen has plenty of vintage demin, retro shades and general hippy accessories.

The clubs: Many of Valencia's clubs feature overpriced drinks, overdressed people and unbearable Spanish dance music. Try Radio City or Piccadilly Downtown in the Barrio del Carmen for dance music, or Loco in Calle Erudito Orellana for more funky Latin sounds. And don't bother turning up anywhere before 5am.

The view: Valencia is really flat, so a quick clamber to the top of the Torres de Serranos (part of the old city walls which encircle the Barrio del Carmen) offers a good overview of the city.

The day trip: Requena is one of the best-wine producing regions in Spain, and is about an hour west of the city. Most vineyards offer tastings and sales, and it's easy to find a tour from Valencia if you want to sample the wares without worrying about driving back.

The get back to nature: The Albufera is a natural park around 15km south of Valencia, and is a great place to spend a lazy sunny day outside the city. Head for the village of El Palmar, which is also a good place for lunch.

Why not try? Private half day VIP wine and cava experience

Can I drink the water?

The eight essential questions you'll need answering

Which local animal is likely to hospitalise me?

You should be pretty safe, though the region is famous for bats. There is a bat on the city's coat of arms, and the local football team are nicknamed "Los Che".

Which native liquor will make me think I am attractive?

Aqua de Valencia (literally Water of Valencia) sounds like a quaint local traditional drink. It's not - it's cheap fizzy wine, vodka, gin and orange juice, all chucked in a large pitcher shared between anyone stupid enough to drink it.

How can I avoid a beating by the local hard nuts?

Don't cheer for the opposition if FC Valencia are at home.

Will I get lost?

Probably, but don't worry about it. The old streets of the Barrio del Carmen all look the same, but you should locate your hotel in the end.

Will I find myself?

No. Though if you do, there are plenty of hippy shops in the Barrio del Carmen who will relieve you of your Euros in exchange for a Bob Marley t-shirt and an over-sized bong.

Should I take an umbrella?

Valencia enjoys a warm, sunny Mediterranean climate and you'll be rather unlucky if it rains on your weekend break.

What should I order in a restaurant to impress the locals?

Fideuà is seafood cooked in a paella dish, but using noodles instead of rice. If you can pronounce it, order it.

Can I drink the water?

Yes. Though don't confuse it with the Aqua de Valencia.