19/03/2026
Discover the best plans and tips for Las Fallas de Valencia: Mascletàs, Ninots, traditional gastronomy and how to get there comfortably.
The smell of gunpowder in the air, the sound of the mascletà thundering through your chest, and ephemeral art taking over every corner transform Valencia into an open-air museum during March. Las Fallas celebrate their main days from 15th to 19th March, combining tradition, art and emotion in an experience unlike anything you've lived before.
In this guide, we'll tell you what to do during Las Fallas de Valencia, the gastronomic stops you can't miss, and the best tips for enjoying this festival declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. And as always, your journey begins comfortably and swiftly before arriving with OUIGO. Let's go!
What to do during Las Fallas: unmissable visits
Visit the Ninot Exhibition at the Museu de les Ciències
Before the flames consume all the fallero art, you have a date with Valencian creativity at the Museu de les Ciències. The Ninot Exhibition brings together the ninots spared by popular vote—those figures that are saved from burning in the cremà and become part of Las Fallas' history.
Here you'll see up close the wit, satire and detail with which fallero artists work for months. It's the perfect moment to understand that Las Fallas aren't just about gunpowder: they're pure art. And best of all, you can vote for your favourite ninot and become part of this centuries-old tradition.
Pro tip: Arrive early to avoid peak times and enjoy each piece at your leisure. Entry is usually free during the Las Fallas period.
Feel the Mascletàs at Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Fancy feeling it in your chest? If you haven't experienced a mascletà, we promise you've never felt anything like it. Every day at 2:00 pm, Plaza del Ayuntamiento becomes the epicentre of a pyrotechnic explosion that shakes the entire city. It's not just noise: it's a spectacle of rhythm, power and synchronisation that gives you goosebumps.
The trick is to arrive early (yes, very early) to bag a good spot. People start positioning themselves more than an hour in advance, so be prepared. And if you're travelling with little ones, some earplugs wouldn't go amiss.
Pro tip: Xàtiva and Colón streets offer good views if the square is packed. And after the mascletà, go with the flow: all of Valencia comes out to celebrate.
Beyond Las Fallas: essential gastronomic stops
Because people don't live on gunpowder alone during Las Fallas. Valencia during Las Fallas is also a festival for the palate, and here's the ultimate route for eating like a true Valencian.
Fallas breakfast: pumpkin buñuelos at El Contraste
Location: L'Eixample
The day starts strong with freshly made pumpkin buñuelos and hot chocolate that warms you from within. El Contraste is a Valencia institution, and during Las Fallas, the queue at the door is the best indicator that you're in the right place.
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and with that sweet touch that sets you up for the whole day. Forget counting calories: you're at Las Fallas.
Pro tip: Go early or prepare to queue. But we promise it's worth every minute of waiting.
The traditional Valencian esmorzaret at Mesón Canela
Location: Campanar
Mid-morning, when you've already spent a couple of hours checking out Las Fallas monuments, it's time for the esmorzaret. And at Mesón Canela they do it by the book: generous bocadillos, quality charcuterie, and that old-school bar atmosphere where everyone knows each other.
There are no pretensions here, just good produce and tradition in every bite. It's the perfect fuel before continuing your Las Fallas route.
Pro tip: Book if you can, because during Las Fallas it fills up completely. And ask the waiter for advice—they're the ones who know best.
Authentic wood-fired paella by the sea at Casa Carmela
Location: Malvarrosa Beach
If there's one dish that sums up Valencia, it's paella. And if there's one place to eat it during Las Fallas, it's Casa Carmela. With views of the Mediterranean and the aroma of firewood infusing every grain of rice, this is the paella you'll remember forever.
They don't experiment here: rice, garden vegetables, chicken, rabbit, and that touch of socarrat that only masters achieve. Take their advice and enjoy the complete ritual: paella isn't eaten in a rush.
Pro tip: Book well in advance. During Las Fallas, top restaurants get booked up weeks beforehand.
Mid-afternoon cremaet at Bar Congo
Location: Av. del Regne de València
After lunch, when your body needs a breather before the next mascletà or evening stroll, it's time for the cremaet. At Bar Congo they prepare it with the mastery that turns the ritual into a spectacle.
It's tradition, it's Valencia, and it's the perfect energy boost to keep enjoying Las Fallas into the early hours.
Pro tip: Ask them to explain how they prepare it. Watching the process is worth it.
Practical tips for surviving (and enjoying) Las Fallas
Las Fallas are intense, exciting and, let's be honest, a bit overwhelming if you're not prepared. Here are the tips that make the difference between having a good time and having a brilliant time:
- Get around the city on foot and forget about the car. Valencia grinds to a halt during Las Fallas. Traffic is chaos and parking an impossible mission. The best thing is to explore the city on foot: everything is closer than it seems and you won't miss a single detail.
- Plan your meals and book well in advance. Good restaurants fill up fast. If you want to eat at Casa Carmela or have breakfast at El Contraste without waiting forever, book as soon as you know your travel dates.
- Arrive early at Plaza del Ayuntamiento for the Mascletà. We've already said it, but we'll repeat it: if you want a good spot, arrive at least an hour early. The mascletà lasts barely a few minutes, but the atmosphere beforehand is already worth it.
Wear very comfortable footwear and layer your clothing. You're going to walk miles. MILES. Comfortable trainers are your best ally. And as the weather in March is a bit unpredictable, dress in layers: it can be warm at midday and cool in the evening.
How to get to Valencia for Las Fallas quickly and comfortably
Travel by high speed with OUIGO
Forget about traffic jams, searching for impossible parking spots and arriving stressed before you even start. With OUIGO, your journey to Las Fallas begins on rails: fast, comfortable and with the best-priced tickets.
We connect Madrid with Valencia in under 2 hours, so you arrive fresh and ready to devour the city. Plus, with options like XL seats and onboard entertainment with OUIFUN, the journey is part of the experience. Book your train ticket to Valencia now.
A hassle-free option for over 100,000 expected travellers
Las Fallas attract hundreds of thousands of people each year. In 2026, over 100,000 travellers are expected by train alone. The reason? It's the smartest way to arrive: no complications, no stress, and it drops you right in the centre of Valencia so you can start enjoying from minute one.
With OUIGO, you get off at Estación Joaquín Sorolla, a short walk from Las Fallas, the mascletàs and the best restaurants. It's that easy, it's that OUIGO.
Checklist – Preparations for your trip to Las Fallas
✅ Buy train tickets in advance to secure the best price
✅ Book accommodation and key restaurants before arriving
✅ Pack comfortable footwear to explore the Las Fallas monuments on foot
✅ Check the official programme of festivities (times for Cremà and Ofrenda)
✅ Prepare earplugs if travelling with young children to the Mascletàs
Comparison table – The perfect route around Valencia
| Plan / Place | Location | Type of experience |
| Ninot Exhibition | Museu de les Ciències | Fallero art and popular vote |
| Mascletà | Plaza del Ayuntamiento | Sound and pyrotechnic spectacle |
| El Contraste | L'Eixample | Breakfast: buñuelos and chocolate |
| Mesón Canela | Campanar | Traditional esmorzaret (bocadillos) |
| Casa Carmela | Malvarrosa Beach | Lunch: wood-fired paella |
| Bar Congo | Av. del Regne de València | Afternoon: flambéed cremaet |
Questions answered in high speed
What to do and see at Las Fallas de Valencia?
During Las Fallas, it's essential to see the Ninot Exhibition, experience a Mascletà at Plaza del Ayuntamiento, try pumpkin buñuelos for breakfast, enjoy the typical esmorzaret, eat wood-fired paella on the beach, and savour a cremaet in the afternoon.
Conclusion: Las Fallas at a glance
Las Fallas de Valencia are an experience that combines art, gunpowder and the best local gastronomy. From the Ninot Exhibition to traditional lunches and the ease of arriving by high speed, getting organised in advance and getting around on foot are the keys to fully enjoying this unique festival.
Book your ticket with OUIGO, prepare your best footwear and let yourself be carried away by the Fallas rhythm. Valencia awaits you with open arms. See you at Las Fallas! 🚄🔥
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When are the main days of Las Fallas de Valencia celebrated?
The main days of Las Fallas are celebrated from 15th to 19th March, ending with the traditional Cremà.
Where does the Mascletà take place in Valencia?
The most emblematic Mascletàs take place every midday (2:00 pm) at Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Valencia.
What typical food is a must during Las Fallas?
Pumpkin buñuelos with chocolate, the traditional Valencian lunch (esmorzaret), wood-fired paella and cremaet.
What's the best way to travel to Valencia for Las Fallas?
The most comfortable and fastest way is by high-speed train with OUIGO, avoiding traffic and parking problems in the city. Book your train to Valencia here.
OUIGO LET'S GO! 🚄