The Carbonell family has been crafting exquisite handmade fans for four generations, since 1860. Handheld models range from the affordable ($25) to the elaborate, with one-off antique pieces selling for up to $9,000. If nothing else, visit the company's Web site to learn the sign language of fans—for example, how a señorita of yesteryear could wordlessly reprove her lover for ogling another woman, simply by passing her fan from one hand to the other.

Calorie-counters shouldn't go anywhere near this designer chocolate emporium, which also has branches in Barcelona, Girona, and Madrid. The temptations here—and there are many—include laminas de origen (different flavored gourmet chocolate bars from a single plantation), bitter chocolate truffles, and white chocolate-covered almonds.

Closed Sundays.

The womenswear designs of Valencian fashion maestro Francis Montesinos are the sartorial equivalent of a mascletá (firecracker)—a riot of ruffles and ruches, florals and flounces. Recent collections have been inspired by Mediterranean culture and mythology, blending gypsy flamboyance with embroidered details that suggest strands of seaweed and floating marine life.

Closed Sundays.

This excellent delicatessen not far from the Estacion de Norte train station stocks all kinds of local specialties, including arroz bomba, the ultimate paella rice, so you can try your hand at making the Valencian specialty at home. It also has a good range of wines, and some knockout jamón ibérico.

Closed Sundays.

Sonia Serrano sells funky, retro-inspired footwear, plus a few pieces of jewelry. Most of the brands are Spanish, many from Alicante; established favorites include Otto et Moi and Paco Gil.

Closed Sundays.