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This Underrated European City Has One of the Largest Old Towns, a Futuristic Complex, and 12 Miles of Beaches

Valencia's historic center is one of Europe’s largest.

Rachel Chang/Travel + Leisure

Sauntering through the Gothic-style cathedral with an audio guide loosely held up to my ear, my thoughts began to wander. It was late afternoon in the third city of my European trip, and as awestruck as I was when I first stepped into the building, it was yet another church in yet another historic city center. At this point, I was rotely playing the role of traveler, letting my instincts guide the way. I snapped a couple of shots of an ornate chapel off to the side that caught my eye and turned toward the exit. 

But then two words from the audio guide made me perk to attention. I hit rewind. It couldn’t be. But apparently, without even trying, I had stumbled upon what archaeologists believe to be the actual Holy Grail, a golden chalice used by Jesus during the Last Supper.

What sheer luck. Without an ounce of effort or even realizing I was in the city where it resided, I had accidentally stumbled upon the elusively legendary relic here in the Cathedral of Val è ncia . 

The truth is, València, Spain , itself just might be the holy grail of travel destinations. While so many destinations lure visitors with the promise of having something for everyone or a little taste of everything, Spain's third-biggest metropolis actually delivers multiple vacation types in one — and that accidental find was just the start of a string of constant joys I found myself in.

A Truly Historic City Center

Rachel Chang/Travel + Leisure

Having been the home to Romans, Visigoths, and Muslims, more than 2,000 years of history are tucked into València’s old town dating back to 130 B.C.E. But what makes it so enthralling is also its size: it is one of Europe’s largest historic centers. 

Besides stumbling upon the Holy Grail at the cathedral, I also climbed its 207 steps up a spiral staircase up to the El Miguelete Gothic-style tower, built between 1381 and 1424. From under its still-operating bell, the panoramic view that emerges showcases just how massive the old town is, with its endless maze of winding roads below.

Back on the ground, I found myself making several visits to Mercat Central de València — Europe’s largest fresh produce market —  eating my way through the central market, sampling everything from wine and cheese to Spain’s famed cold cuts. But the most delightful treat was also the most local — Valencian horchata , made here of tiger nuts, refreshing with a touch of sweetness. 

While passing through the Plaza de la Virgen just after noon on a Thursday, I came across the Tribunal de las Aguas (Water Court), a tradition that has continued for more than 1,000 years. At the outdoor proceedings, democratically elected farmers go about their rulings on 17th-century chairs. When one official spotted me as a curious tourist, he guided me over to take a photo sitting in one of the historic chairs and also introduced me to the court’s bailiffs.

A Glimpse Into the Future 

Just a few kilometers to the southeast, time blasts into the future at the City of Arts and Sciences , a futuristic complex designed by Valèncian architect Santiago Calatrava and built along the River Turia’s old riverbed, breathing a new and innovative life into the center of València. The Hemisfèric was the first to open back in 1998, a convex-shaped building representing an eye, that appropriately serves as a 3-D theater with a concave screen. Also part of the area is the continent’s biggest aquarium Oceanogràfic , the interactive Museum of Sciences , the performance venue Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia , the open-access garden L’Umbracle Terraza , and the CaixaForum Valencia , dedicated to exhibits that combine history, art, science and technology.  

While exploring each of the sites is a different cultural experience, even just walking — and even better, biking — through the City of Arts and Sciences is like a trip into the future.

Mediterranean Beach Getaway 

With urban discoveries thousands of years into the past and future, nothing seems further away than soaking in the sun on the sand. Yet in less than a 20-minute ride on the train (also possible by a 10-minute drive), I was whisked away into the most sprawling of Spain's Mediterranean beaches. 

In fact, València has more than 12 miles of golden beaches , especially remarkable for how wide the stretch of sand runs in some patches, including at Cabanyal and Malvarrosa beaches. The promenade between the two is a refined boardwalk, with boutiques and gift shops mixed with charming cafes, all luring patrons with their local dishes.

But this is so much more than just a city beach. Water sports facilities are abundant here, with two of the largest being the beach volleyball complex and the Malvarrosa reef.

Nature, Brutalism, and Innovative Cultural Finds

Admittedly one of the first things I learned about València was that it was the home of the paella. What I didn’t expect was that its precise birthplace is Albufera Natural Park . Just about six miles south of the city, yet another persona of the city comes into view. A soothing slice of natural wonderland, rooted around a huge freshwater lagoon. With more than 300 species of birds, the Racó de l’Olla Interpretation Centre provides an overview, as well as observatories. For a quintessential Albufera experience, book a boat trip and paella outing. 

Also adding dimension to València’s persona: Espai Verd , an M.C. Escher-like brutalist cooperative apartment complex built by Antonio Cortés Ferrando in the early 1990s, as well as Bomba Gens , a digital arts center in a former Art Deco factory, located in Marxalenes neighborhood, a burgeoning artsy part of town.

Underneath it all, there’s a savviness about the city, rooted in its dedication to sustainability and digitalization, which earned it the title of a European Capital of Smart Tourism two years ago. While Madrid and Barcelona may be the headline attractions for Spain, Valencia offers every kind of vacation, with far less of the crowds. 

Related Articles

Valencia, Spain from a Cruise Ship: A Gorgeous Must-See Destination

C ruising is more than just a vacation; it’s an adventure that takes you to some of the most stunning places on earth. During my Costa Toscana cruise, Valencia, Spain, was a port of call for our weeklong adventure. Nestled along Spain’s eastern coast, this Mediterranean gem offers a delightful blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine.

In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences and provide a comprehensive guide to the best things to see and do during your day in Valencia. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first trip, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.

This Spanish city, with its old architecture, narrow streets, and food markets, reminded me of Tallinn (Estonia) and Athens (Greece).

I chose a city walking tour, which took me four hours to walk around town, sightseeing, and tasting the flavors of Valencia. In June, the temperature was around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but it felt like 93 degrees Fahrenheit.

A Warm Welcome to Valencia

Stepping off the Costa Toscana cruise hip and onto Valencia’s welcoming shores feels like stepping into another world. The city’s charm is evident from the moment you arrive, with its stunning architecture and friendly locals.

Unlike other bustling ports, Valencia maintains a laid-back atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. From the port, it’s just a short ride to the city center, where your adventure truly begins.

The City of Arts and Sciences

One of Valencia’s most iconic landmarks is the  City of Arts and Sciences . This futuristic complex is a testament to modern architecture and innovation. It features a series of striking buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, each with its own unique purpose.

With its interactive exhibits, the Hemisfèric, an eye-shaped planetarium and IMAX theater, and the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum are highlights you won’t want to miss. 

A Journey Through Science and Art

You’ll want at least a few hours to explore this sprawling complex. The Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe , is another must-visit. Here, you can marvel at marine life from different ecosystems, including sharks, dolphins, and even belugas.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, the City of Arts and Sciences offers something that will appeal to everyone.

Capturing the Perfect Photo

Remember to bring your camera! The City of Arts and Sciences is one of the most photogenic spots in Valencia. The reflective pools surrounding the buildings create stunning mirror images, perfect for capturing the beauty of this architectural wonder.

A Walk Through History

Valencia’s Old Town, or Ciutat Vella, is a labyrinth of narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. Start exploring the Plaza de la Virgen, a beautiful square surrounded by significant landmarks such as the Valencia Cathedral and the Basilica of the Virgin.

The cathedral, known for its mix of architectural styles, is home to the Holy Grail, believed to be the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper.

The Central Market

A trip to Valencia is not complete without visiting the gorgeous Art Nouveau  Colón Market  designed by architect Francisco Mora Berenguer. It is an open-air home to flower stalls and some of the best restaurants in Valencia, where locals gather to purchase goods and local delicacies.

The architectural masterpiece is actually three sections, enclosed at the ends by brick and stone triumphal arch entrances. Watch for culinary events that take place regularly at this heavily visited market.

Other activities we did included a wine tasting, a walking tour of the Old Town, a drive through Valencia as our guide pointed out points of interest, and a few other food stops for a quick bite.

The Silk Exchange

  La Lonja de la Seda , or the Silk Exchange, is a short walk from the Central Market. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Europe’s most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture.

Its impressive halls, detailed stonework, and intricate carvings tell the story of Valencia’s prosperous silk trade during the 15th century.

Incredible Religious Institutions

One of the main highlights of Valencia’s religious sector is the  Cathedral del Seu , a truly magnificent building with stunning works of art and intricate details. The Miguelete Tower, at the top of the cathedral, offers spectacular views across the city.

A Taste of Valencia

No visit to Valencia is complete without sampling its famous cuisine. The city is the birthplace of paella, and many restaurants offer their take on this iconic dish. For an authentic experience, head to one of the traditional eateries in the Old Town.

Pair your meal with a glass of Agua de Valencia, a refreshing cocktail made with cava, orange juice, vodka, and gin.

Sweet Treats

Remember to try some local sweets! Horchata, a refreshing drink made from tiger nuts, is a Valencian specialty. Daniel is where you’ll get the best. Pair it with fartons, which are soft glazed pastries perfect for dipping. You’ll find horchaterías throughout the city, offering this delightful treat.

The Turia Gardens

One of Valencia’s most unique features is the Turia Gardens, a vast green space that winds through the city. Once a riverbed, it’s a lush park filled with walking paths, playgrounds, and gardens. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy some nature after a day of sightseeing.

The Beaches of Valencia

Valencia boasts some beautiful beaches just a short distance from the city center. A glance at the modern structures will leave you no less impressed. Malvarrosa Beach is the most popular, with its golden sand and clear waters. It’s a great place to unwind, soak up the sun, and take a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean.

For the more adventurous, Valencia’s beaches offer a range of water sports and activities. Try windsurfing, paddleboarding, or jet skiing—plenty of rental shops and schools along the coast to get you started.

Art and Culture

Art lovers will appreciate visiting the Valencia Institute of Modern Art (IVAM). This museum showcases contemporary art from both Spanish and international artists. Its rotating exhibitions and permanent collections offer a diverse and thought-provoking experience.

Street Art in El Carmen

Valencia’s El Carmen neighborhood, or Old Town, is known for its vibrant street art scene. It’s full of life, color, and vibrancy. Walk through its winding cobblestone streets and discover colorful murals and graffiti by local and international artists.

This city is so pretty, with fancy clock towers, whimsical painted benches, picturesque fountains, panhandlers dressed as Disney characters providing paid photo ops, and several shops selling everything from yarn and sewing goods to cheesy souvenirs and expensive artwork.

Shopping in Valencia

In addition to the Central Market, Valencia has several other markets worth exploring. The Ruzafa Market is a local favorite, offering fresh produce, meats, and fish. It’s a great place to experience the local food culture and pick up some ingredients for a picnic or a home-cooked meal.

No trip is complete without a few souvenirs. Valencia offers many options, from traditional ceramics and handmade crafts to gourmet food products. Visit the shops in the Old Town for a wide selection of unique and authentic items to take home.

A Fantastic Cruise Port Experience

A visit to this beautiful city will surely be unforgettable, and I’m sure you’ll want to add it to your must-visit travel destinations!

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Home > Spain > Is Valencia Worth Visiting?

Is Valencia, Spain Worth Visiting?

Valencia Is Not for Everyone

Valencia may be Spain's third-largest city, but most tourists barely give it a second chance. Rick Steves, whose European travel guides are read by millions, doesn't even mention it in his 1,000-plus page guidebook on Spain .

Is Valencia worth visiting—a secret stud of a city that's being unfairly overlooked? Or is it a dud of a destination?

Here's what we've learned from living there for three months and how to decide for yourself.

Do you want to visit quintessential Spain?

If so, don't visit Valencia .

Valencia is more practical, modern, and livable than it is dreamy, stylish, and historical.

Sure, Valencia has a bullfighting ring in the center of the city, some beautiful old buildings and squares, and lots of tapas bars, but its streets don't have the same level of charm and character as other Spanish cities.

If you want to add some quintessential, non-touristy destinations to your trip, see our post on How We Stumbled Off the Beaten Path in Spain for inspiration.

Are you looking for a beach holiday?

As underrated as Valencia may be as an overall tourist destination, its beaches are overrated.

The beaches are just ok. They're expansive, blue flag status, and the water's warm. But they're not beautiful and, most importantly, they're not conveniently-located.

Getting to Valencia's beaches from the city center takes a good 15 minutes by car or 40-plus minutes by bike or tram. The beachside restaurants aren't worth their inflated prices and the neighborhoods behind the beach, notably Cabanyal, are worth a wander for maybe an hour but not much more.

Are you looking to escape from tourists?

Keep looking because tourist swarms have found Valencia.

Valencianos aren't telling foreigners to, "Go home!" like Barcelonans are, and tourists don't outnumber locals like in central Seville or San Sebastian, but the city center is already chock-a-block with inauthentic paella restaurants, bike rental outfits, and souvenir shops. It's not an off-the-beaten path Spanish destination anymore.

That said, it's not hard to get away from tourists, as we explain in our Off the Beaten Path Valencia City Guide .

Do you like eating cheap meals?

Valencia's worth visiting for its menu del dias.

These bang-for-your-buck lunch deals are available from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and usually include your choice of drink (wine, beer, water, or soda), bread, a hearty starter (sometimes more than one), an entree, and dessert or coffee (sometimes both). And you get it all for 10 to 15 euros.

You'll find menu del dias all over Spain, but pay more for them. And in some cities, like Seville, very few restaurants offer them anymore.

We list our favorite menu del dias on our Where to Eat in Valencia guide, but here are a few to whet your appetite:

• 64 Restaurant : Our easy #1 pick. For €10.90 you get three starters to share between two people, a main course, a drink, coffee, bread, and dessert. The experimental menu changes weekly.
• El Trovador : The working-class favorite. Watch out for the waiters as they fly around dealing with the hungry hordes who come in every day for their filling €10 menu del dia.
• Forastera : For something a bit fancier, but still casual. La Forastera's €15 menu (drinks not included) serves creative market-to-table dishes that changes daily.

Are you looking for a base to explore Spain from?

If so, don't pick Valencia .

The day trip options from Valencia underwhelm compared to day trips from other cities in Spain you could base yourself in. The towns aren't as historically interesting as elsewhere in Spain, the beaches are over-developed, and natural areas are few and far between.

But that's not to say there's nothing. We found some beautiful places outside Valencia and shared the details in our blog post on our 7 Favorite Day Trips from Valencia .

Do you love rice?

If so, Valencia's worth visiting .

Word is Valencia's locally-grown rice, which comes from the Albufera rice fields 20km south of the city, is exceptionally tasty because of the unique minerality in the water here. Whatever it is that makes the tap water gross to drink also makes rice that's grown and cooked in it delicious to eat.

Paella is the obvious go-to rice dish in Valencia because it was invented here. But if you're nuts about rice you'll want to try other dishes like arroz caldoso , meloso, al horno , and a banda too.

Speaking of nuts…

Do you love almond milk?

I doubt anybody loves almond milk so much that they'd plan a trip around it. But if someone's out there, Valencia's worth visiting to try its almond-milk-like horchata.

Valencian horchata has nothing to do with the typical sweet, cinnamon rice drink from Mexico.

Here, horchata is made from ground tiger nuts, "chufa" in Spanish. (FYI: They aren't actually nuts but tubers.)

Most horchata sold in Valencia is very sugary, but if you go to an actual horchateria— Vida is our favorite —you have the option to try natural, sugar-free stuff that's truly healthy and tastes like an exotic version of almond milk .

Are you a street art aficionado?

If Banksy is your hero and Exit Through the Gift Shop is your favorite movie ever, visiting Valencia is worth it .

Banksy may not have visited Valencia, but he's left his mark on the city's walls all the same. His influence on local artists like Escif, David de Limon, and Julieta XLF is evident in their colorful, creative, and sometimes provocative art that spices up the city's streets, especially around the central El Carmen district.

Valencia street art tours run daily between April and September.

Do you know someone who lives in Valencia?

Then visit Valencia !

This one may seem obvious, but we have to mention it out of frustration at all our friends who made plans to visit nearby Spain or Portugal but didn't feel visiting Valencia was worth including in their itineraries even though we invited them.

Mistake! We could have shown them a way better time than they had getting lost amongst the hordes in Barcelona or Lisbon.

Your friends can do the same for you, too. So don't even think twice about visiting Valencia if you have a host.

Are you visiting Spain in mid-March?

Valencia's worth visiting for Las Fallas.

From the March 15-19, the city explodes into parties, parades, surreal paper mache statues, fireworks, and flames for this UNESCO cultural heritage festival.

Ask anyone who's experienced Las Fallas and they'll give the same response: they'll shake their heads, chuckle, and say, "it's crazy."

Here's the most comprehensive guide on Las Fallas we've seen.

Do you enjoy working out outside or running while traveling?

If so, then Turia Park makes Valencia a must-visit .

The park occupies the 9-kilometer-long, 175-meter-wide strip where the Turia River flowed until 1957, when it was diverted to protect the city from future flooding.

It's an unbroken, 100% car-free park with running and biking paths, outdoor workout areas, open grass, fountains, sports facilities, and playgrounds. It may just be the best urban park we've ever been to.

And why not try an outdoor workout while you're there? Maybe even these partner exercises we filmed at Turia Park.

Are you concerned about safety?

Don't worry because Valencia is super safe.

The petty crime virus that plagues Barcelona has yet to spread south to Valencia. There's got to be some crime in the city but neither we nor anyone we've asked about it has heard about it.

Are you traveling with younger kids?

Visit Valencia .

Valencia's full of kid-friendly things to do and see:

• The crazy architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences will stimulate their imagination.
• Gulliver Park will blow their minds.
• The Valencia Bioparc Zoo is a surefire hit.
• Turia Park is full of kid-friendly parks and bike paths.
• There seems to be a different parade every week .
• The beach is near enough for a fun and easy half-day trip.

Do you like exploring cities by bike?

Valencia's worth visiting because it's very bike-friendly:

• It's as flat as a paella pan. The only "hills" in Valencia are the ramps down to the Turia Park.
• Turia Park is a dream for biking because it is car-free and cuts through the whole city.
• A web of dedicated bike lanes blankets the city's streets.
• Traffic is relaxed and drivers respect cyclists.
• Not as many people steal bikes as in Barcelona, for example.

Tip: Rent a bike for the day ( Rent Bike Virgen 's our go-to) rather than deal with the frustratingly inefficient bikes of the Valenbisi bike-share program.

Do you like being close to nature?

If so, then don't visit Valencia .

Whichever direction you head out of central Valencia you'll have to get past kilometer-after-kilometer of six-to-eight story apartment buildings before seeing open sky. And even then you'll either be amidst tightly-packed farms or at the well-developed beach.

The closest pure nature to Valencia are the short trails and small protected beaches of Albufera Natural Park , which aren't particularly interesting or beautiful.

But if you venture a bit further, you can find some spectacular natural sights. Check out these posts for some recommendations:

The Best Hikes Around Valencia, According to A Local Guide

Valencia Day Trips: Ranking Our 7 Favorite Getaways

Final Verdict

Here's our final answer to the "Is Valencia worth visiting?" question:

If you visit Valencia, you won't regret it.

In every other blog post and forum questioning, "Is Valencia worth visiting?" the consensus is a clear, "YES!"

So evidently just about everyone who visits Valencia enjoys it. And if you go, you probably will too.

If you don't visit Valencia, you won't regret it either.

Few (if any) of those who've visited Valencia will pick it as their favorite in all of Spain. And those who skipped it don't regret it. The country's got A LOT to see.

So if you give Valencia a pass, you won't regret it either.

So that means…

Good news: Whether or not you decide to visit Valencia, you can't go wrong!

Related Guides

Where to Eat in Valencia: Our Favorite Restaurants, Bars, and Cafés

How We Stumbled Off the Beaten Path in Spain

Valencia Off the Beaten Path City Guide

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

31 thoughts on “Is Valencia, Spain Worth Visiting?”

Seems like an odd way to position a travel article…. I’ve traveled all over Europe and valencia is easily one of the coolest cities. And anyone I know whose visited feels the same. You can come up with reasons to not visit any city…uh.. don’t go to San Francisco if you don’t like hills.. don’t go to NY if you don’t like skyscrapers…but seems like an odd angle to take. Oh well. Good luck.

Right. Every city has its pros and cons. My experience is most blogs and guides only list the pros, which they also tend to exaggerate. And most people can't go everywhere, so we've listed our perceived pros and cons to help people with limited time decide whether or not Valencia's a fit for them and their itinerary.

The article is excellent. There's nothing odd at all about it, and it is way more helpful than "I’ve traveled all over Europe and valencia is easily one of the coolest cities".

I was thinking about spending half the year there and this has totally put me off. Apart from the occasional cheap meal, it seems to come with no recommendations!

Hey Jaci. If you can, check it out for yourself to give it a fair shot. We were thinking of living there longer, but changed our mind after 3 months. But some people love we met love it. A lot depends on who you meet.

Maybe this is too late: Valencia maybe not a good place to visit, I agree, it is not over-amazing. But, Valencia is a wonderful place to LIVE. If you're considering spend half a year living in Spain, you probably will live more confortably in Valencia than in Barcelona, Madrid or Seville. It has been ranked in first position among all the cities of the world in expat rankings (The expat insider survey 2020). Note also that the author of this article decided to LIVE in Valencia.

Totally agree! I live about an hour away from Valencia & love it; a day trip is good but overnight is better.

> Do you like being close to nature? If so, then don’t visit Valencia. > Whichever direction you head out of central Valencia you’ll have to get past kilometer-after-kilometer of six-to-eight story apartment buildings before seeing open sky. And even then you’ll either be amidst tightly-packed farms or at the well-developed beach.

Excuse me? 🙂 Valencia has a beautiful Turia park (almost 8 miles), it has a beatiful zoo, and the sky is always seen, have you ever been there? And Valencia is so close to nature like no other major Spanish city, come on…

Hi Nadia, yeah, we love the Turia, too. Mentioned it 7 times in the post. I'm referring not to urban, manicured parks, but more "pure" nature. Level-2 worthy nature from The Nature Pyramid .

I like your approach. It's very hard to find a critical evaluation of places. As you said, every blog or guidebook merely deals with the attractions of a place – the cathedral, the museum, the gallery, blah, blah. You haven't said Valencia is crap – just not a major priority as a destination. I might still go for a change of scene as it's not too far.

OMG I stumbled across this article as I was googling "is Valencia Boring?".

Me and my husband are scouting European cities for our upcoming retirements – and Valencia was high up in our list. I am writing this review while I am sitting at the kitchen table of our downtown airbnb eating manchego and boquerones in olive oil (what a treat!)

We already spent a week here while working remotely and our vacation starts next week. A full week. And I feel we have already seen most of what was worth visiting. Hence my google search….which led me to this article which totally resonated with my experience

The beach – which was described as STUNNING – in many travel guides is just meh and the city feels a tad sedated with a level of energy and excitement certainly below what I would expect from a large Spanish city. It has the feel more of a large town rather than a true metropolitan area. Also day trips seem limited.

This said – the city seems to be very well managed. It is super clean, people are very friendly and go out of their way to help. The Turia gardens are possibly the most beautiful metropolitan park known on earth (certainly better than central park in NYC), downtown is refurbished charming and historical and The ciudad de las artes y de las ciencias architecture is simply mind blowing. I won't even talk about the food with ingredients of incredible quality

All in all we are happy we are visiting. But honestly if we had not we would have been fine. The beach for us was a big let down as we were planning to spend a good chunk of our time roasting on the sand.

Your perspective is much appreciated! Thanks, David. I'd love to hear which city ends up the winner at the end of your scouting tour.

Ridiculous. I lived there. It's a lovely and historical place to visit. A very superficial assessment.

Ha, I'd say your comment is a "very superficial assessment," too! It would help me and other readers if you could you specify what part of what I wrote is ridiculous.

BTW I really like Malaga and think it has loads to offer. How does Valencia compare with Malaga?

I haven't been to Malaga recently enough to say. But now you make me want to go!

I went to Valencia once and i reallly enjoyed the city specially, it was summer time as i remember,food was really good in valencia and they have Tapas really nice and delicous also there is an ageny who rent bikes passed a day with my friends in the city centre it was really nice day and they have cheap prices.

My wife and I just came back from Valencia and had a wonderful time. Our two great friends are moving there and knew the city well , so as you wrote we had a great insider look at the city.

With regards to crime, my wife got her purse stolen off of her chair at one of the beach restaurants in the middle of the day. We chased after the couple and they had already passed the bag to someone else … the waiter said that it happens often at the beach restaurants …

We have been fortunate to have traveled all over the world from Hungary to China, Israel, India and all over Europe, and I found your review on València to be 100% spot on. Nicely done.

I am very fortunate to live very near the city of Valencia and can understand your assessment but like to add for the ones that think reading such a report is the be all guidance and assure you that truly any city in any part of the world is worthy of a visit as its solely down to ones own experience and expectations perceived or not. We are all excited for new experiences and sometimes these are not as high as ones expectations of the journey of getting there.

2023 Update: Valencia has changed (post covid) its no longer a small city with local ideas its outlook has expanded I think not for the good, but I am not the one for chain restaurants or cheap fast food type place's looking to gain the loss of the past years!! . Local independent shops are gone, some due to the way the world has changed, now your’ll find a ‘too many food outlets’ pulling in now many a tourist with the post covid adventure bug – it’s there we feel it. The roads with the bike lanes are/were encouraging for all to pleasantly move round the city but now the ‘scooter’ kids use them without the road sense and courteous obligations that other road user had that seems to go with this new generation of transport. The historical sites are still there the transport system still operates exceptionally, peak times of the day still exists and could quite easily be avoided by finding one of the many quite ‘resting’ places to reflect the day. Come to Valencia with a open mind, its great to read such assessments but this and what you just read is mine or someone else experience, not yours to have…

Thanks, Phil, for the perspective and updates. Sorry to hear scooters are taking over and independent business are struggling. I agree that every city is worth visiting and that we should always visit with an open mind and open expectations. If only we all had the time to visit every city! That's why I wrote this, to help people plan the cities to visit on their trips.

I've got to say, I actually enjoy everything that Valencia has to offer, especially when you consider how packed places like Barcelona and Madrid can get. It feels spacious and more laid-back. But yeah, if it's a full-on beach holiday you're after (or nature for that matter), Spain has better options to offer. All in all, Valencia easily ranks as one of my favorite cities in Spain. Definitely worth visiting!

Thanks for chiming in, Timon! I suppose "is Barcolona/Madrid worth visiting" posts would be worth writing, too. Gotta spend more time there, first. Unless you want to write something for me!

I have 8 hours to spend with my family: Valencia or Tarragona or Salou Anyone can advice where to go?

Harm Done, so I will not waste time in a long review trying to counter review since the effect would be just inexistent., so this is just for you Chris. Valencia is a historic, friendly, sunny and welcoming city that didn´t intend to like you and it definitely does not deserve your superficial, crappy, overpaid and coming-from-the-racist-north tourists like you. Keep yourself at your cloudy dark place and enjoy TV 🙂 and try not to keep drinking that much!

Ouch! I thought you said you're my "Spanish friend from Valencia"? Not very friendly! Well, aside from the suggestion to not drink too much. Not an issue for me, but I appreciate the concern.

Is Rick Steves retarded? I will stop considering anything from him from now on. That's the only possible thing to do.

This felt a bit harsh, it is changing for the better quickly as well. The beaches and boardwalks are so open, large and I think not inaccessible at all. The subway and then tram go right past the sand. The bike paths and electric scooters make it about 15 minutes from Colon and town center to the sand for us. Valencia is perfect because it doesn't try to hard, has open spaces and beaches without fanfair, just well kept.

Fair enough! Most blogs tend to exaggerate the positives and round down the travel times between places. I tried to share my experience as accurately as possible, but everyone's experience differs, so I could very well be an outlier.

I just stumbled onto this while a friend is texting me from Valencia as the guest of a soon to be expat. Just as you suggested one should visit . She waxes poetic. Me, I have over a million airline miles. Grain of salt.

I loved your straight forward opinions, understood the this but not that and the not quites you presented.

What I extrapolated from your post is Valencia would be too white, wholesome, and civilized, with a soupçon of saffron for me. Exactly what so many others are looking for. The qualities one looks for in places to live versus going on holiday are so vastly different, as are the things one looks for at the various different stages of life. Travel blogs are like a box of chocolates …

Excellent article. I think you laid out the pros and cons as you see it. People get so touchy when people lay out the cons of a place as they see it. I find it annoying that 95% of the articles and videos on travel are all "it is the best ever". People have limited amount of time and money. For most people who are traveling to Spain they'll want to maximize their experience. That isn't to say Valencia isn't a place no one should visit, but for most people it isn't probably anywhere near the top of the list. Now living there is a different question. I may want to visit Cordoba 10 out of 10 times over Valencia on two week trip, but long term living, probably 9 out of 10 times Valencia.

Thanks Derek. Glad you appreciate and understand my intent with this post.

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35 Reasons Why Valencia Is Worth Visiting (and Why Not)

If you’re planning a trip to Spain, you may be wondering if Valencia is worth visiting. As a resident of this beautiful city, I can tell you that the answer is a resounding yes!

Valencia is a vibrant and exciting destination that offers something for everyone, from stunning architecture and rich history to delicious food and a lively nightlife.

While Valencia may not be as well-known as some of Spain’s larger cities like Barcelona or Madrid, that’s part of its charm. Here, you can experience all the best that Spain has to offer without the crowds of tourists that you might encounter in other destinations. 

Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on the beach, or indulging in some of the best food and drink in the country, Valencia has it all.

Of course, like any destination, Valencia may not be for everyone. If you’re looking for a quiet, secluded getaway, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a city that’s full of life and energy, with plenty to see and do, then Valencia is the perfect choice. 

So dust off that passport and get ready to experience all that this amazing city has to offer!

Planning a trip to Valencia last minute?

If you’re booking your  trip to Valencia last minute, I’ve got you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!

⭐  Top tours in Valencia

• City Highlights Guided Bike Tour (great way to see the city)
• Palosanto Flamenco Show (incredible night out)
• Old Town Tour, Wine and Tapas in an 11th Century Monument (all the highlights at once)
• Catamaran Cruise at Sunset (experience the Mediterranean – with cava)
• Oceanogràfic – Valencia Aquarium (biggest one in Europe!)

🛏️ Top hotels in Valencia

• Only YOU Hotel Valencia (5-star luxury)
• Vincci Palace (boutique hotel with beautiful décor)
• Hostal Antigua Morellana (great budget option in a superb location)

🚌 Want to see everything with minimal effort while you’re in Valencia? Check out the 24- or 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket !

Table of Contents

Is it Worth Visiting Valencia, Spain?

Yes, Valencia is a city that’s definitely worth visiting, and there are a ton of reasons why you should consider adding it to your travel itinerary. It’s a beautiful city with a rich history and culture that’s waiting to be explored. From its stunning architecture to its delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Valencia. 

One of the best things about Valencia is its size. Unlike other major European cities, Valencia is compact and easy to navigate. This makes it possible to explore the city on foot or by bike, which is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of Valencia’s different neighborhoods. From the historic Old Town to the trendy Ruzafa district, each part of the city has its own unique charm.

Another reason to visit Valencia is its beautiful beaches. The city is located on the Mediterranean coast, and there are many beaches that you can visit to soak up the sun and enjoy the sea. The most popular beach is Playa de la Malvarrosa, which is a long, wide beach with plenty of amenities. 

Valencia is also known for its delicious food, and there are many local dishes that you must try when you visit. One of the most popular dishes is paella, which is actually from here, but there are tons of others that you really should try. Whether you’re a foodie or simply enjoy good food, Valencia is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

However, there are also some reasons why you may not want to visit Valencia. Firstly, the city can be quite crowded, especially during the summer months when many tourists visit. This means that you may have to deal with long lines and wait times at popular attractions. 

Additionally, Valencia can be quite hot during the summer months, with many locals actually escaping the city in July and August for this reason. If you’re not a fan of hot weather, you may want to consider visiting during the cooler months. 

Overall, though, Valencia is a city that’s worth visiting, and there are many reasons why you should consider adding it to your travel itinerary. From its beautiful architecture to its delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone in Valencia.

Why Valencia is Worth Visiting

It’s good to know exactly what you might expect if you visit Valencia – and, luckily, I’ve got the full list of reasons why I think Valencia is worth visiting!

1. El Carmen

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a rich history and plenty of character, El Carmen is the perfect place to explore. With its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and vibrant nightlife, this area is a must-see for anyone visiting Valencia. 

One must-see attraction in El Carmen is the Serrano and Quart Towers. These towers were once part of the city’s medieval walls and are now some of the most iconic landmarks in Valencia. You can climb to the top of the towers for stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. 

If you’re a fan of street art, you’ll love exploring the graffiti and murals that adorn many of the buildings in El Carmen. From political statements to whimsical designs, the street art in this neighborhood is both thought-provoking and visually stunning. 

One thing to keep in mind when visiting El Carmen is that it can be quite crowded, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season. While you should still visit here, I’d suggest staying somewhere else if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, especially on weekends.

But El Carmen is a vibrant and exciting neighborhood that’s definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just soaking up the local atmosphere, you’re sure to find something to love in this charming corner of Valencia.

2. Ruzafa/Russafa

If you’re looking for a trendy and vibrant neighborhood to explore in Valencia, Ruzafa (which is the Spanish spelling; it’s written as “Russafa” in the Valencian language) should be at the top of your list. This former run-down area has transformed into a colorful and hip hotspot for food, culture, and the arts.

One of the highlights of Ruzafa/Russafa is the Mercat de Russafa, which is a great place to stop during the day to try out the local Valencian produce.

And in the evening, the area comes alive. With basically an infinite number of bars and restaurants, there’s a reason why this is often the chosen place to go out for locals and tourists alike. You definitely need to have at least one dinner here during your stay – if not a much longer night out!

3. City of Arts and Sciences

If you’re looking for a unique and exciting experience in Valencia, the City of Arts and Sciences is a must-visit destination. This incredible complex is a cultural and architectural hub that includes a science museum, planetarium, opera house, and oceanographic park. 

Designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, the futuristic and avant-garde architecture of the buildings is a sight to behold. In fact, you may have already seen it in some movies – or some coming up, with one of the (so far) unnamed Star Wars pieces coming up having filmed here in early 2023.

One of the most impressive buildings in the complex is the Oceanographic Park. This stunning structure is home to over 500 species of marine life, including sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles. You can even walk through a transparent tunnel while fish and other sea creatures swim around you. It’s an unforgettable experience and is especially good if you’re visiting Valencia with kids. 

The science museum is another highlight of the City of Arts and Sciences. With interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, it’s a great place to learn about science and technology in a fun and engaging way. The planetarium is also worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in astronomy and space exploration. 

Overall, if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Valencia, the City of Arts and Sciences is definitely worth a visit. With its stunning architecture and fascinating exhibits, it’s a great place to learn, explore, and have fun. Just be prepared for the crowds if you visit during peak tourist season.

4. Valencia Cathedral

If you’re visiting Valencia, a trip to the Valencia Cathedral is a must-see. This beautiful cathedral is located in the heart of the city and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Valencia. It’s a perfect place to visit if you’re interested in history, architecture, or religion.

The cathedral is home to many beautiful works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and frescoes. You’ll also find what has been declared the most likely candidate for being the Holy Grail. 

The cathedral has a rich history and has undergone several renovations over the years, making it an interesting place to visit for anyone interested in architecture and design.

One of the highlights of the Valencia Cathedral is the Miguelete Tower, which offers stunning views of the city. You can climb to the top of the tower and take in the breathtaking views of Valencia’s skyline. The tower is a bit of a climb, but it’s definitely worth it for the views.

5. Mercat Central

If you’re a foodie, you absolutely must visit the Mercat Central de Valencia. This market is one of the most beautiful covered food markets in the world, built in 1928, and it’s a true feast for the senses.

At Mercat Central, you’ll find a wide range of fresh produce, meats, seafood, and other local products. The vendors are friendly and knowledgeable, and they’re happy to share their expertise with you (although you won’t always get someone who speaks English, so get that dictionary ready). Whether you’re looking for ingredients for a home-cooked meal or you want to sample some local delicacies, you’ll find it all here.

One of the highlights of Mercat Central is its stunning architecture. The iron structure is decorated with vividly-colored stained glass windows and ceramic tiles, and it’s a true work of art. You’ll also find a variety of cafes and restaurants within the market, where you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir to take home, Mercat Central is the perfect place to find it. You’ll find a variety of local crafts and products, from handmade ceramics to artisanal cheeses.

However, keep in mind that Mercat Central can get crowded, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season. If you’re not a fan of crowds, you may want to visit during the week or early in the morning – noting that the market is only open until 2pm each day, so morning may be your best bet anyway.

6. La Lonja de la Seda

If you’re looking for a unique and beautiful historical site to visit in Valencia, La Lonja de la Seda is definitely worth checking out. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 15th century and served as a silk exchange, showcasing the city’s prominence in the silk trade during the Renaissance period. 

The building’s architecture is stunning, featuring Gothic and Mediterranean styles, and the interior is just as impressive with vaulted ceilings, intricate carvings, and stunning frescoes.

One of the highlights of visiting La Lonja de la Seda is the chance to see the Sala de Contratación, or the Trading Hall. This room was where silk traders would come to buy and sell their goods, and it’s a truly impressive space. 

The room is lined with towering columns and features a stunning vaulted ceiling. It’s easy to imagine the hustle and bustle of traders negotiating deals and examining the quality of the silk.

If you’re interested in history or architecture, La Lonja de la Seda is a must-visit destination in Valencia. Plus, it’s free to enter on Sundays!

7. Estacio del Nord

You may even arrive to the city this way but, even if you don’t, you may want to consider adding a stopover in Estacio del Nord to your Valencian itinerary. This historic train station is a beautiful example of Valencia’s architecture and is worth visiting even if you’re not planning to travel by train.

Inside the station, you’ll find stunning tile work and frescoes that depict Valencia’s history and culture. 

You don’t really need to spend too long here, but even seeing just the outside is a beautiful sight.

If you’re a fan of museums, Valencia is definitely worth a visit. The city is home to a variety of museums that cater to different interests.

One of the most popular museums is the National Ceramics Museum, which is located in the heart of the city. The museum houses a collection of over 5,000 pieces of ceramics, ranging from ancient times to the present day. 

The museum is housed in a beautiful building that was once a palace, and the interior is just as impressive as the exterior. Admission is free, so it’s definitely worth a visit.

If you’re interested in contemporary art, the IVAM (Institut Valencià d’Art Modern) is a must-visit. The museum is housed in a modern building that was designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. 

The museum’s collection includes works by artists such as Picasso, Miró, and Dalí, as well as many contemporary artists. The museum is open every day except Mondays, and admission is free on Sundays.

If you’re interested in science and nature, the Municipal Museum of Natural Sciences is a great place to visit. The museum is located in the beautiful Jardines de Viveros, and it has a collection of over 13,000 specimens of animals, plants, and minerals. The museum is a great place to learn about the natural world, and it’s especially great for kids.

What’s your perfect destination for your dream trip to Spain?

Want to discover a city or live your island dreams?

Embrace the food scene or step through the pages of history?

Whatever your travel style, discover the perfect Spanish city to add to your trip here!

For all foodies, Valencia is a must-visit destination. And one of the most popular dishes in Valencia is the authentic Valencian paella. 

While you may have heard of the seafood version ( paella de marisco ), the “real” one actually consists more typically of chicken, rabbit and snails. 

You can find many restaurants in Valencia that serve paella. Some of the best and most authentic paella restaurants can be found just a few steps from La Malvarrosa beach but there are also some great ones in the old town of El Carmen. 

Keep in mind as well that, in many restaurants, you have to tell them in advance if you want to eat paella so they can take the time to make it for you before you get there. Having that big dish planted in the center of your table makes it worthwhile doing that bit of planning ahead though!

If you’re a fan of seafood, then you’ve got to try Fideuà, a traditional dish that’s also from Valencia. It’s similar to paella, but instead of rice, it’s made with noodles. 

The noodles are cooked in a seafood broth with a variety of seafood such as shrimp, clams, and squid. The dish is then seasoned with garlic, onion, and paprika. Honestly, I may like this more than paella – although that may be a scandalous opinion to have here!

One of the best places to try Fideuà is at Casa Roberto, a restaurant located in the heart of Valencia. They’ve been serving this dish for over 50 years, and it’s become a local favorite. The restaurant is cozy and has a traditional vibe, making it the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal. 

And if you’re not a fan of seafood, don’t worry, there are other options available. You can try Fideuà with chicken or vegetables instead. It’s still just as delicious. 

While Fideuà may not be as well-known as paella, it’s definitely worth trying. Plus, it’s a great way to experience the local cuisine of Valencia! 

Valencia is a great destination for wine lovers. The region produces a variety of wines that are unique to the area. The Mediterranean climate and the fertile soil make it an ideal place for growing grapes, resulting in some of the best wines in Spain.

One of the most popular wines in Valencia is the red wine made from the Bobal grape. This grape is native to the region and produces a wine that’s full-bodied and rich in flavor. The white wines made from the Macabeo grape are also worth trying. These wines are light and refreshing, perfect for a hot summer day.

Valencia is also known for its sweet wines, particularly the Moscatel. This wine is made from the Muscat grape and has a distinct floral aroma. It pairs well with desserts and is a great way to end a meal.

If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ll want to visit some of the wineries in the region. There are many great wineries to choose from, each with its own unique style and flavor. Some of the best wineries to visit include Bodegas Enguera, Bodegas Murviedro, and Bodegas Hispano Suizas.

12. Horchata

If you’re looking for a refreshing drink to cool you down on a hot day, then horchata is a must-try when visiting Valencia. Made from tiger nuts, this milky drink is one of the region’s most famous specialties and can be found in horchaterias (or orxaterias in Valencian) throughout the city. 

One of the best places to try horchata is at Horchateria Santa Catalina, which has been serving up this delicious drink since 1927. The horchata here is made using traditional methods, and you can even watch the process as you sip on your drink. 

(And make sure you order some fartons to have with it, which are these long, tube-shaped pastries you dip into your horchata!)

But why is horchata so popular in Valencia? Well, for one, it’s incredibly refreshing and perfect for cooling down on a hot day. But it’s also a part of the region’s cultural heritage and has been enjoyed here for centuries. 

If you’re not a fan of sweet drinks, I will say that horchata may not be for you. It has a distinct nutty flavor that can be quite sweet, and some people find it too rich. However, if you have a sweet tooth, then you’ll definitely want to give it a try. 

13. Agua de Valencia

Agua de Valencia is a must-try cocktail when you visit Valencia. It’s the city’s most iconic drink and is perfect for sipping under the moonlight. Although it’s refreshing and can be enjoyed at any time of the day or night, it was originally an evening beverage.

The drink is made from a combination of orange juice, cava (Spanish sparkling wine), gin, and vodka. It’s usually served in a pitcher and shared among friends. The drink is sweet, bubbly, and packs a punch, so be careful not to drink too much!

You can find Agua de Valencia in most bars and restaurants in Valencia. However, some places make it better than others. If you want to try the best Agua de Valencia in the city, head to Café de las Horas or Café de la Bourse.

While Valencia may not have the absolute best tapas in Spain, its tapas scene is really coming into its own. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a quick bite, you’ll find plenty of great tapas bars throughout the city. 

One of the most popular tapas bars in Valencia is Casa Montana, which has been serving up delicious tapas for over 100 years. They offer a wide variety of options, from traditional Spanish dishes like croquetas and patatas bravas to more modern and creative options like tuna tartare and foie gras. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, and it’s a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy some good food and drinks. 

Another great option is Bar Cosmo Valencia, which offers a mix of Mediterranean and European cuisine. They have a great selection of tapas, as well as an extensive wine list. The outdoor seating area is a great spot to people-watch while enjoying some delicious food and drinks. 

If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, check out Alenar Bodega Mediterranea. They specialize in Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine, and offer a variety of tapas options. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. 

You simply cannot visit Valencia without taking a stroll through the Turia Gardens. This park is a true gem in the heart of the city, and it offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages.

The former river that snaked through the city has been turned into more than 11km of greenery. Walk through there at any time of day and you’ll see exactly why it’s becoming the best meeting point in the city, with people always doing all sorts of things throughout the park – or just chilling out doing nothing at all!

One of the most popular things to do in the Turia Gardens is to rent a bike and explore the park on two wheels. With over 9 kilometers of dedicated bike paths, you can easily spend a whole day riding through the park and taking in the beautiful scenery.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, there are plenty of walking paths and picnic areas throughout the park. You can pack a lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing in the shade of a tree while watching the locals play soccer or practice tai chi.

16. Great Plazas Throughout the City

Valencia is home to some seriously great plazas in Spain. These plazas are not just a place to sit and relax, but they are also the heart of the city’s social and cultural life. 

Here are some of the great plazas throughout the city that you should definitely visit: 

• Plaza de la Reina: This is one of the most popular plazas in Valencia. It’s located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by many historic buildings. The plaza is famous for its beautiful fountain and is a great place to relax and people-watch. 
• Plaza del Ayuntamiento: This is the main square in Valencia and is home to some of the most representative administrative buildings in town. It features an outstanding mix of Spanish architectural styles, which makes it a delight to just walk around, take photos, and enjoy the sights. 
• Plaza de la Virgen: This is one of the city’s loveliest and most distinctive squares. The Plaza de la Virgen de Valencia lies at the heart of the historic quarter, on the exact spot where the Roman Forum once stood. The square is a pedestrianised area, a place to sit peacefully and enjoy one of its terraces while listening to the sound of the fountains. 
• Plaza Redonda: This is a unique and charming circular plaza in the heart of Valencia’s old town . The plaza is surrounded by historic buildings and is home to many small shops selling traditional Valencian souvenirs and handicrafts. 

17. Incredible Amount of Bars and Restaurants

In recent years, Valencia has become more and more known in Spain for its incredible selection of bars and restaurants. With so many options, you’ll never run out of places to eat and drink during your visit. From traditional Spanish cuisine to international flavors, Valencia has it all.

One of the best things about Valencia’s food scene is the variety of options available at affordable prices. You can find everything from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, and prices are generally lower than in other major cities like Madrid and Barcelona.

As mentioned before, for a taste of Valencia’s traditional cuisine, be sure to try paella, the city’s most famous dish. You can find it at almost any restaurant in the city, but some of the best places to try it are La Pepica, Casa Carmela, and Restaurante Levante. Just don’t go anywhere that serves it for dinner – paella is strictly a lunch food!

If you’re looking for something a little different, Valencia has plenty of international options as well. Some of the best Asian restaurants in the city include Bambú, which serves up delicious sushi and sashimi, and Umami, which offers a fusion of Japanese and Mediterranean flavors.

Valencia is also known for its nightlife. There are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or a wild night out. Some of the best areas for nightlife include the Barrio del Carmen, Ruzafa, and the Marina.

One thing to keep in mind is that Valencia’s dining culture is a bit different than in other parts of Spain. Many restaurants don’t open until later in the evening, around 9 or 10 PM, and it’s common to have dinner around midnight. If you’re used to eating earlier, be sure to plan accordingly (and have a snack to keep you going).

18. Playa de la Malvarrosa

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to visit while in Valencia, Playa de la Malvarrosa is definitely worth checking out. 

This beach is one of the most popular in the area, and for good reason. With its crystal-clear waters and soft sand, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak up some sun.

One of the best things about Playa de la Malvarrosa is that it’s easily accessible from the rest of the city. You can take a bus or taxi to get there, or even rent a bike and ride along the bike path that runs parallel to the beach. 

Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of amenities, including a great variety of restaurants and bars.

However, keep in mind that this beach can get quite crowded, especially during the summer months. If you’re looking for a quieter spot to relax, you may want to consider visiting during the off-season or exploring some of the other beaches in the area.

19. Playa del Cabanyal/Playa de las Arenas

If you’re looking for a beach to soak up the sun and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea, look no further than Playa del Cabanyal, also known as Playa de las Arenas. This beach is located just a few kilometers from Valencia’s city center and offers a wide strip of sand that stretches for about 4 kilometers.

Playa de las Arenas is the most central beach in Valencia and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Here, you’ll find a broad, sandy stretch that gently dips towards the sea. 

During the summer months, you can enjoy a delicious plate of paella at one of the many beachside restaurants or party the night away at one of the nearby nightclubs.

One of the unique features of Playa del Cabanyal is that it’s situated in the old fishermen’s quarter of Valencia, which gives it a charming and authentic feel. You’ll find a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the beach, and it’s a great spot to people watch and soak up the local culture.

While Playa de las Arenas may not be as popular as some of the other beaches in Valencia, it’s still a great spot to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea. If you’re looking for a quieter beach experience, this is the perfect spot for you. 

20. Torres de Serranos

If you’re interested in history and architecture, you won’t want to miss Torres de Serranos. This medieval gate was built in the 14th century and is one of the most well-preserved landmarks in Valencia. The towers were used as part of the city’s defensive walls, and they offer a glimpse into the city’s past.

One of the best things about Torres de Serranos is the view from the top. For a small fee, you can climb up to the towers and take in the stunning panoramic view of Valencia. It’s a great spot to take photos and get a sense of the city’s layout.

Keep in mind that the stairs to the top can be steep and narrow, so it may not be suitable for everyone. However, if you’re up for the climb, it’s definitely worth it.

21. Albufera Natural Park

If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Valencia, Albufera Natural Park is a must-visit destination. Just a short drive away from the city, this park offers breathtaking views of the largest freshwater lagoon in Spain, which spans over 2,800 hectares.

One of the best ways to explore the park is by taking a guided tour, which will take you through the local ecosystems and give you a chance to see the diverse wildlife that calls the park home. You can even take a boat trip on the lagoon, which is a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty up close.

But the park isn’t just about nature. It’s also the birthplace of Spain’s most famous dish, paella. You can find many restaurants in the area that serve this delicious rice dish, which is made with fresh ingredients from the park’s rice paddies.

22. Las Fallas

If you’re planning a trip to Valencia, you’ve got to try to time it so that you can experience Las Fallas. This five-day festival takes place annually in March and is a celebration of fire, art, and culture. 

During the festival, the city comes alive with fireworks (I’m talking day and night, especially near the end of the festival), parades, and street parties.  And one of the highlights of Las Fallas is the creation of the Fallas monuments. 

These towering sculptures are made of wood, paper-mache, and other materials and can reach up to 20 meters in height. Each neighborhood in Valencia creates its own Falla, and the competition to create the best one is fierce. 

On the final night of the festival, all the Fallas are set on fire, creating a spectacular display of flames and fireworks. 

But Las Fallas isn’t just about the monuments. The festival also features daily Mascletas, which are loud and explosive firework displays that take place in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento at 2 pm every day. The sound and vibration of the Mascletas are so intense that you can feel them in your chest. 

I will say that if you’re not a fan of loud noises, Las Fallas may not be for you. The festival can be overwhelming, and the crowds can be intense. But if you’re willing to embrace the chaos, Las Fallas is an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss. 

23. Street Art

Valencia is a city that’s well-known for its street art. If you’re a fan of graffiti and murals, then you will definitely want to take a stroll through the El Carmen neighborhood. Here, you will find some of the best street art in the city. 

One of the most famous street artists in Valencia is Hyuro. Originally from Argentina, Hyuro moved to Valencia in 2005 and has been adding to the street art scene ever since. Her work often has a dream-like quality that invites you to reflect on the monotony and occasional cruelty of city life. 

If you want to learn more about the street art in Valencia, then you should consider taking a walking tour to learn more about the amazing works you’ll find throughout the city.

24. Orange Trees

Valencia is known for its orange trees that line the streets of the city. You can’t walk down a street without seeing them. The sweet smell of oranges fills the air, and it’s a beautiful sight to see the trees with the bright oranges hanging from their branches. 

And if you visit in the spring, you will be able to see the orange blossoms in full bloom. The scent is heavenly, and it’s a beautiful sight to see the trees covered in white flowers. 

The oranges from Valencia are some of the best in the world, and you can find them in many dishes throughout the city. From fresh-squeezed orange juice to orange-infused desserts, you can’t go wrong with anything orange-flavored in Valencia. 

However, keep in mind that the oranges you see on the trees in the street aren’t actually for eating. The story goes that they’ve been intentionally grown to be sour, so people don’t steal them – which is great, if true, as it means more time to enjoy them as you stroll around!

25. Bike-friendly

If you’re a bike enthusiast, Valencia is the perfect city for you. It’s one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe, with an extensive network of cycle paths that connect all the neighborhoods of the city. The Turia Gardens is another great place for biking, where you can ride freely along its 8-kilometer stretch.

The best part about biking in Valencia is that the city is almost entirely flat, making it easy to get around without much effort. The only “hills” in Valencia are the ramps down to the Turia Park. The Turia Park is a dream for biking because it’s car-free and cuts through the whole city. 

A web of dedicated bike lanes blankets the city’s streets, which makes it easy for you to explore Valencia on two wheels.

If you don’t have your own bike, don’t worry. Valencia has a public bike-sharing system called Valenbisi, which has more than 2,700 bicycles and 275 stations around the city. You can rent a bike for free for the first 30 minutes of each ride and a small super amount thereafter. It’s an incredibly convenient and affordable way to get around the city.

26. Less Tourists Than Other Major Spanish Cities

If you’re looking for a Spanish city that’s not overrun with tourists, Valencia should be at the top of your list. While Madrid and Barcelona are certainly worth visiting, they can be crowded and overwhelming. Valencia, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back atmosphere with plenty to see and do.

One of the benefits of fewer tourists is that you can experience the city more like a local. You won’t have to fight crowds to see the sights, and you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s many restaurants, bars, and cafes without feeling like you’re in a tourist trap.

Of course, there are still plenty of attractions to keep you busy in Valencia. As mentioned before, the City of Arts and Sciences is a must-see, with its futuristic buildings and interactive exhibits. 

The Central Market is also a foodie’s paradise, with fresh produce, meats, and seafood. And the Turia Gardens, which were created in the former riverbed of the Turia River, offer a peaceful escape from the city.

While Valencia may not have the same number of museums as Madrid or the same iconic landmarks as Barcelona, it has its own unique charm. The city’s architecture is a blend of old and new, with historic buildings like the Cathedral and the Silk Exchange standing alongside modern structures like the Hemisferic and the Agora, making Valencia definitely worth a visit.

27. Mostly Good Weather

Valencia is known for its warm and sunny weather, making it a great destination for travelers looking to escape the cold. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, you can expect mostly good weather whenever you visit.

The summer months of July and August can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching up to 90°F (32°C). If you’re not a fan of the heat, it’s best to avoid visiting during this time. However, the rest of the year offers perfect weather for exploring the city.

The winter months can be a bit cooler, with temperatures averaging around 60°F (15°C). But don’t let that deter you from visiting during this time. The cooler weather is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking or visiting the many museums and galleries that Valencia has to offer.

Overall, Valencia’s weather is a major draw for visitors. The mild climate and sunny skies make it a great destination year-round. Just remember to pack accordingly depending on the time of year you’re visiting.

28. Easy Vibe

Valencia is known for its laid-back and easy-going atmosphere. The locals, known as Valencians, are friendly and welcoming, making it easy for you to feel at home in the city. You’ll notice that people take their time and enjoy the simple things in life, like a coffee or a stroll through the park.

The city has a Mediterranean climate, which means that the weather is mild and sunny most of the year. This creates the perfect environment for outdoor activities, such as going to the beach, cycling, or having a picnic in the park.

One big plus for Valencia is that the city isn’t as crowded as Barcelona or Madrid, which adds to its relaxed atmosphere. You’ll be able to explore the city at your own pace without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by the crowds.

29. Reasonably Priced

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly destination that doesn’t skimp on quality, Valencia is the place for you. Compared to other major cities in Spain like Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia’s prices are significantly lower. 

You can find various types of inexpensive restaurants, but even Michelin-awarded restaurants still offer significantly lower prices. Accommodations in Valencia are also reasonably priced. 

In addition, you can easily find a variety of options ranging from budget hostels to luxurious hotels. The prices are lower compared to other major cities in Spain, and you can even find great deals during the off-season. 

Transportation in Valencia is also affordable. The Valencia Tourist Card is a great option for tourists, as it combines free public urban transport (including to and from the airport) and free entrance to public museums. It also provides discounts of up to 25% on tour services and money-off offers in shops and restaurants. 

Cards can be bought in 24, 48, and 72-hour bundles. Valencia’s affordability makes it an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers. All in all, this lets you enjoy all the city has to offer without breaking the bank.

30. Very Safe

You may be wondering, “Is Valencia safe?” The answer is a resounding yes! Valencia is considered one of the safest cities in Spain. 

You can walk around the city at night without fear of being mugged or attacked. However, as with any city, it’s always a good idea to keep your wits about you and take basic safety precautions.

Valencia has a low crime rate, and violent crime is rare. Pickpocketing and petty theft can happen, especially in crowded tourist areas, so keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings. 

In particular, don’t leave your wallet or phone on a table in a crowded cafe, for example. Keep them close to you or in a secure bag that you can see at all times, as losing your bag is the most likely crime to happen to you as a tourist.

31. Good Hikes Nearby

If you’re a nature lover, Valencia has plenty of hiking trails to offer. From scenic walks to challenging hikes, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best hikes nearby:

• Albufera Rice Trail: This trail is located in L’Albufera natural park, which is famous for its paella and diverse wildlife. The lake here is the largest in Spain, and it’s surrounded by 21,000 hectares (51,892 acres) of spectacular landscape.
• Chulilla Hanging Bridges: Located in the Natural Park of Los Calderones, this route is a climbing paradise and one of the most wonderful hiking routes that can be traveled in the province of Valencia.
• Paraje Natural La Murta: This intermediate hiking tour requires good fitness and sure-footedness, but it’s worth it for the stunning views. The circular route to La Creu del Cardenal por el Cavall Bernat is 8.74 km long and takes about 3 hours and 19 minutes.

These are just a few of the many hiking trails available in Valencia. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, there is something for everyone.

 While hiking in Valencia can be a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area, it’s important to keep in mind that the weather can be quite hot during the summer months. Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. 

32. Kid-Friendly

If you’re traveling with kids, Valencia is a great destination. There are plenty of activities that will keep them entertained and engaged throughout your trip.

One of the must-visit attractions for families is the City of Arts and Sciences. This modern architectural marvel has different scientific areas specifically designed for the enjoyment of children. The Science Museum (Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe) is a top draw for kids. It’s packed with interactive exhibits that make learning about science fun and exciting.

Gulliver Park is another popular attraction for kids. It’s a playground in the Turia inspired by the story of Gulliver’s Travels, with a giant Gulliver as the centerpiece. Kids can climb on and explore the giant figure, which is surrounded by slides and other fun attractions.

The rest of the Turia Park is also full of kid-friendly parks and bike paths. There seems to be a different parade every week, which adds to the festive atmosphere of the park. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy some family time, this is the perfect spot.

Finally, the Valencia Bioparc Zoo is a surefire hit with kids. This innovative zoo is designed to replicate the natural habitats of the animals, making it an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

33. Well-connected Train Network to Other Major Cities

If you’re planning a trip to Valencia, you’ll be happy to know that the city is well-connected to other major cities in Spain via train. Spain has one of the best train networks in Europe, and Valencia is no exception. 

You can easily travel to other popular destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville by train, including the high-speed AVE trains to certain places. These are a great way to travel quickly and comfortably, with speeds of over 180mph.

One thing to keep in mind is that the best train services in Spain can be pricey if you book at the last minute. However, if you plan ahead and book your tickets in advance, you can often find good deals. 

34. Near Buñol for La Tomatina

If you’re in Valencia during August, you may be looking to visit the world-famous La Tomatina festival held in the small town of Buñol, just 40km west of Valencia. This event draws in thousands of visitors from around the world who come to participate in the tomato-throwing spectacle. 

This makes Valencia a great place to base yourself during this festival. Buñol is just a short train ride away, so you don’t actually have to stay there – although the main tomato fight of La Tomatina is quite early in the morning usually, so make sure you’re able to get there in time.

35. Named the Best Place in the World for Expats

If you’re looking for a place to live as an expat, Valencia, Spain should be at the top of your list. In 2020 and 2022, Valencia was named the best place in the world for expats by InterNations, and for good reason. 

After all, the city offers a unique combination of culture, food, and a Mediterranean climate that’s hard to beat. With a low cost of living, Valencia is also an affordable option for those looking to move abroad.

One of the reasons Valencia is such a great place for expats is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The locals are known for being warm and hospitable, making it easy to feel at home in the city. Additionally, Valencia offers a high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, public transportation, and infrastructure.

Whether or not you’re considering Valencia as somewhere to live or just somewhere to visit, titles like this are definitely a good indication that Valencia is a city in Spain worth visiting!

Why Shouldn’t You Visit Valencia?

While there are plenty of reasons to visit this vibrant city, there are also a few reasons why it might not be the right destination for you. Here are some factors to consider:

1. You’ve never been to Spain before

I love Valencia, but I also fully acknowledge that if you’ve never been to Spain before, it probably shouldn’t be at the top of your list. Instead, Barcelona is going to be a must-do, as there are simply more famous things to see there.

While it can get pretty insane in the center of Barcelona with all the tourists, you should still make time to visit there, especially if you only have time for one city in Spain during your trip.

Seville is also beautiful and while I wouldn’t recommend going in summer as it’s way too hot, the architecture and food scene there may just put it higher on the list of cities in Spain to visit than Valencia.

If, however, you have the time, why not do all of them!

2. No World-Recognized Museums

If you’re a museum buff, Valencia may not be the best choice for you. While there are plenty of interesting museums in the city, none of them are world-renowned. 

Instead, if you’re looking for a destination with famous art collections or historical artifacts, you might want to consider Madrid or Barcelona instead.

3. Noisy Festivals

Valencia is famous for its festivals, including Las Fallas in March. While these events can be exciting and fun and are a huge draw for many tourists, they can also be quite noisy. 

The streets are also packed during this time and depending on where you stay in the city, you’re not necessarily going to have a good night’s sleep.

So if you’re sensitive to loud noises or prefer a quieter vacation (including if you’re traveling with a pet), you might want to avoid Valencia during this season.

4. Beaches are Not Right In the City Center

If you’re looking for a beach vacation, Valencia might not be the best choice. While there are beaches near the city, they’re not within walking distance of the city center. You’ll need to take a bus or taxi to reach them, which can be inconvenient if you’re looking for a beachfront hotel or easy access to the water.

This may be a bit nitpicky and isn’t necessarily a reason why Valencia isn’t worth visiting. But if your main focus is a beach, you should probably consider one of the towns on the Costa Brava or an island.

5. Nightlife is Not the Best for Clubbing

While Valencia has plenty of bars, the clubbing scene isn’t as lively as in some other Spanish cities. 

For that reason, if you’re looking for a party destination, you might want to consider Madrid or Barcelona instead – or even somewhere like Ibiza.

6. July and August are too hot

While I fully acknowledge that summer is the busiest time for tourism in Spain, I don’t always understand why. Barcelona, for example, is super hot during the summer and Valencia is even worse, if that’s possible.

The weather in Valencia is truly spectacular for the other ten months of the year, but for summer, go further north.

So, overall, Valencia’s pretty great and, in my opinion, definitely earns the accolades it’s gotten in recent years. From its rich history and architecture to its modern attractions like the City of Arts and Sciences, from the food to the bike-friendliness and so much more, Valencia has something for everyone.

Sure, Valencia may not be for everyone. If you’re not a fan of hot weather, it may be best to avoid visiting in the summer months. Additionally, if you’re looking for a quiet, laid-back vacation, Valencia in March during Fallas isn’t the place to be.

But I’m still firmly convinced that Valencia is a city that should be on your travel bucket list. With its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and lively atmosphere, it’s a destination that you won’t regret visiting.

Anna is the founder of Spain Inspired, where she shares insider tips and hidden gems to inspire thousands of visitors each month to take the road less traveled and explore Spain like a local. Having lived in Spain for some time now, Anna's made it her mission to help fellow travelers experience the very best of this stunning country - with some great wine and tapas along the way, ideally!

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Travel guide to Valencia: Where to stay and what to do in Spain’s laid-back coastal city

Visitors to this city in eastern spain will be charmed within minutes by an endearing blend of picture-perfect coastline, a juxtaposition of historic and futuristic architecture, and food that calls for feasting. chris wilson reveals how best to spend time in this understated hub of coastal cool.

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S itting on a beautiful stretch of Mediterranean coast and bisected by a winding six-mile park that follows the old river, Valencia is a city that has seamlessly combined historic features and architectural elegance with the natural features it was blessed with.

Long overlooked in favour of the sprawling capital Madrid or perennially popular Barcelona , Valencia is beginning to show up more on the tourism radar. The city is happy for others to remain the dominant destinations, avoiding the overtourism that has plagued its Iberian neighbours and retaining its delightful balance of nature and city life.

A mix of palm-lined boulevards and tight-knit alleyways dominate its lively Old Town and the surrounding laid-back barrios . Gothic and modernist buildings add to an already abundant sense of Spanish charm, with the City of Arts and Sciences providing a dash of futuristic creativity.

Add in a refreshing lack of crowds, year-round sun and a gastronomic scene that belies its modest size, and Valencia has the ideal recipe for a weekend break (or longer). Discover the best of the city, but be sure to take some time exploring aimlessly, as you never know what you might find here.

Get to know the neighbourhoods

The Old Town, known as Ciutat Vella, is the heart of the city, linked by three squares. Start at Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the largest square in the city and home to the striking 18th-century City Hall, a vast post office featuring an intricate stained-glass ceiling and a daily flower market that has been operating from here since the 20th century.

From here, head north, firstly to Plaza de la Reina – the most scenic square in the city and a great place for a lunch, whether you fancy Italian, tapas or just sandwiches and crepes – and then to Plaza de la Virgen, which looks onto the cathedral and links the Old Town with the Carmen neighbourhood.

Carmen and hipster, international Ruzafa leave behind large plazas and well-known brands in favour of independent shops and hole-in-the-wall bars, hidden among a network of narrow alleys and cobbled streets. These are two of the main nightlife areas, though in the day they serve locals gathering for a quick coffee, a family lunch or a simple perusal of new stock.

Read more on Spain travel :

• Why Spain makes for the perfect flight-free destination
• How to plan the perfect pintxos crawl in Bilbao
• Barcelona city guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in the Catalan capital

Explore by bike

Cycling is the most efficient way to see Valencia, helped by a proliferation of bike rental shops such as Hola! Rent a Bike and Ruzafa Bike Rent (prices from €7 (£6) per day).

Head to Turia Gardens, a park that runs along the bed of the old Turia River, which was diverted after a serious flood in the 1950s. It is now a winding route lined with palm trees, ponds and plant beds, with paths that lead down to the City of Arts and Sciences , the modern-day symbol of the city.

Head to the beach

Valencia’s golden sands and wide promenades are ideal for days spent by the sea, where visitors can rent seats and umbrellas for around €15 (£13) per day. Las Arenas and Malvarrosa are closest to the city centre and contain the majority of beach bars and restaurants, and the wide promenade directly links with Patacona, the quietest and least spoiled stretch, where locals enjoy colourful sunsets at a series of laid-back beach bars.

Wander galleries and landmarks

Valencia is home to an eclectic mix of landmarks. The Gothic cathedral guards the Holy Grail that purportedly Jesus sipped from during the Last Supper, while the Museum of Fine Arts, the second largest gallery in Spain, houses works from some of the country’s most famous artists, including Goya, Velasquez and Valencia’s own Joaquin Sorolla.

The 15th-century Silk Exchange, a large Gothic complex, is one of the most important historic monuments in the city. Made a Unesco World Heritage site in 1996, it is designated a “masterpiece of late Gothic architecture”, seen in its spiralling pillars, cross-vaulted ceilings and marble paving, and harks back to Valencia’s medieval importance as a major mercantile city on the Mediterranean.

Experience Las Fallas

The Fallas festival is the biggest event in the calendar, taking place annually in March. It celebrates Saint Joseph and old carpenters’ traditions between 1 and 19 March, where the daily  mascleta  show of gunpowder and fireworks takes place at 2pm. On 19 March, the Fallas figures – intricate, often satirical plaster monuments that can reach up to 80ft tall – are burned, having been on show across the city in the days leading up to the event. Visit during this time to see the city at its energetic best. 

Where to stay

For easy access to the main station and a short walk to the city centre, Hotel Zenit is a good option, with comfortable, contemporary rooms and a great buffet breakfast.

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Hotel Amenities

Health & wellbeing.

The Melia Plaza is located close to most of Valencia’s main attractions, with a rooftop terrace that gives great views over the plaza. Rooms are stylish and modern, making for a pleasant stay.

The Vincci Palace hotel sits just off Plaza de la Reina. This Spanish chain specialises in elegant hotels and this outpost is no different, with opulent decor throughout and spacious, on-trend rooms. For price-quality ratio, this is one of the best places to stay in the city.

The Las Arenas Balneario is up there with Valencia’s most luxurious hotels. Sitting just a few metres from the beach, this glitzy hotel contains indoor and outdoor swimming pools, top-of-the-range spa facilities and large, elegant rooms with terraces.

Casual Vintage has rooms that are spacious considering the price, with decor inspired by pop culture of years gone by. Air-conditioning and a welcoming policy towards pets are a bonus, as is the superb Old Town location.

Where to eat

For breakfast and brunch, choose the delicious cakes and pastries of Dulce de Leche or a dish from Eggcellent , an independent cafe where the quality of the eggs benedict is second to none. Cafes such as Federal offer brunches featuring smashed avocado on toast.

For homemade tapas dishes and Spanish specialties, try Portolito , which serves exquisite tapas and more substantial dishes.

Central Bar is a local favourite, run by a Michelin-starred chef and shrewdly positioned in the middle of the Central Market, with a pared-back menu of around a dozen classic dishes, from blood sausage sandwiches to chicken croquettes.

Locals and tourists alike love the exceptional meats, mixed platters and homemade accompaniments at El Porteno . Alternatively, sample the deep flavours of the pinxtos at Sagardi , or the excellent mix of Spanish and international tapas dishes, from padron peppers to duck samosas, at the eccentric Cafe Infanta . If you’re looking for a wider selection, the stalls at Mercado de la Imprenta sell anything from bao buns to Lebanese cuisine.

Dozens of restaurants and cafes line the mile or so stretch of sand between Las Arenas and Patacona, including the famed La Pepica , where authentic paella – which contains chicken, rabbit and vegetables, not fish – is the highlight, and beach bars such as Destino 56 , which offer a wider range of international dishes washed down with delicious cocktails.

Where to drink

The standard of coffee in Valencia is excellent, from the quick takeaways of  Panaria  to the various independent cafes.  Horchata , a local tiger nut milk delicacy, can be sampled at the long-standing  Horchateria de Santa Catalina , in the centre of the city, for an authentic Valencian experience.

Several of the city’s best watering holes are a fusion of morning cafe and late-night bar, best showcased in the quirky, old-fashioned  Cafe de las Horas , where sangria is served until the early hours of the morning in a glamorous 19th-century setting.

Valencia has a slew of great rooftop bars too, from the panoramic vistas over the Turia Gardens at Blanq Carmen to the summer parties on the terrace at L’Umbracle, another part of the City of Arts.

The two tapas chains of Cien Montaditos and La Surena provide amazing drink and food deals, such as “everything on the menu for €1” on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Where to shop

The city’s main thoroughfare is the Calle Colon, which is home to international brands and Spanish favourite El Corte Ingles , a large department store. Nearby Calle del Poeta Carol is the place to find high-end brands.

The winding streets of Carmen and Ruzafa are the destination for vintage shops, small boutiques and Spanish favourites such as Natura , a chain that sells a range of clothing, home decor and everyday items. In Carmen, Calle Caballeros is home to clothing stores such as Solea and Luna Nera, while Ruzafa – where you’ll find a vast range of second-hand stores – is the place to go to find quirky souvenirs, whether it’s Sixties posters at Novedades Casino or handmade jewellery at Gnomo .

To live like a local, buy fresh produce at the Central Market . Billed as the largest fresh produce market in Europe, its modernist structure and patterned ceramic tiles have become a symbol of the city. A staple in the life of many valencianos , its stalls welcome hundreds every morning, hunting anything from the catch of the day to deli meats.

Architectural highlight

The avant-garde structure of the City of Arts and Sciences is the modern symbol of Valencia. A collection of buildings that houses Europe’s largest aquarium, the Palau de les Arts cultural centre and several other features, it was inaugurated in 1998, but its design and complexity remain years ahead of its time.

The local architect in charge of the project, Santiago Contralto, often creates works that resemble living organisms. The Hemispheric, which contains a cinema and planetarium, is designed to resemble a human eye, while the Science Museum resembles the skeleton of a whale. The complex is open daily from 10am until 9pm in high season.

What currency do I need?

What language do they speak.

Spanish, but many people speak English.

Should I tip?

Service charges are rarely included, and a tip of 10 per cent is appreciated.

How should I get around?

Getting around the centre is best on foot, though the beaches are an hour away. Many people use bikes, while the metro is well-developed and efficient for longer journeys.

What’s the best view?

The Miguelete is the bell tower of the city’s cathedral, with a terrace around 50 metres up (it costs €2 to access). For a drink with a view, the Atenea Sky bar has sweeping views over Ayuntamiento. 

Insider tip

While the siesta tradition has become less prevalent in Madrid and Barcelona, hundreds of businesses throughout Valencia will close for an hour or two in the early afternoon. Avoid doing the bulk of your shopping between 2pm and 4pm.

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Spain’s third-largest city is a magnificent place, content for Madrid and Barcelona to grab the headlines while it gets on with being a wonderfully liveable city with thriving cultural, eating and nightlife scenes. Never afraid to innovate, Valencia diverted its flood-prone river to the outskirts and converted the former riverbed into a glorious green ribbon of park winding right through the city. On it are the strikingly futuristic buildings of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, designed by local boy Santiago Calatrava. Other brilliant contemporary buildings grace the city, which also has a fistful of fabulous Modernista buildings, great museums, a long stretch of beach and a large, characterful old quarter. Valencia, surrounded by its huerta, a fertile zone of market gardens, is famous as the home of rice dishes such as paella, but its buzzy dining scene offers plenty more besides; it's a superb spot for eating.

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Catedral de Valencia

Valencia’s cathedral was built over a mosque after the 1238 reconquest. Its low, wide, brick-vaulted triple nave is mostly Gothic, with neoclassical side…

Iglesia de San Nicolás

Recently reopened to the public after a magnificent restoration, this single-naved church down a passageway is a striking sight. Over the original Gothic…

Museo del Patriarca

This seminary was founded in the late 16th century by San Juan de Ribera, a towering Counter-Reformation figure who wielded enormous spiritual and…

This splendid building, a Unesco World Heritage Site, was originally Valencia’s silk and commodity exchange, built in the late 15th century when the city…

Museo de Bellas Artes

Bright and spacious, this gallery ranks among Spain’s best. Highlights include a collection of magnificent late-medieval altarpieces, and works by several…

Mercado Central

Valencia’s vast Modernista covered market, constructed in 1928, is a swirl of smells, movement and colour. Spectacular seafood counters display…

Jardines del Turia

Stretching the length of Río Turia’s former course, this 9km-long lung of green is a fabulous mix of playing fields, cycling, jogging and walking paths,…

Museo Nacional de Cerámica

Inside a striking palace, this ceramics museum celebrates an important local industry. Downstairs (which also features a decadent hand-painted 1753…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

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Whether you’re after Modernista edifices, terrific museums, Spain’s best rice dishes or medieval cathedrals, our neighborhood guide highlights the best that…

You can have an epic day taking in verdant vineyards, Moorish cities, relaxing coastlines and picturesque villages that are just under two hours away.

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Valencia may be Spain’s third-largest city, but it’s essentially very compact and walkable, and a lot easier to explore on foot than Madrid. Here's how to find…

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Valencia is ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Eating out, accommodation and transportation costs are significantly lower than they are in Barcelona and…

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14 Must-Know Valencia Travel Tips for First Time Visitors

I’m all about helping you make the most of each trip, so I thought a post dedicated solely to essential Valencia travel tips would be handy.

After sharing the best free things to do in Valencia and some hidden gems you should check out, I figured that the logistics and other tips I’ve learned from personal experience are equally as important.

So let’s dive into all the things you should know before planning a trip to the beautiful city of Valencia.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Table of Contents

Trip Planning Tips for Visiting Valencia

How to get to valencia.

Both international and national flights arrive daily at Valencia’s airport, which is located only 10 km (about 6.2 miles) from the city center. You can also get to Valencia by train from Barcelona or Madrid.

Compare train and flight prices in one place on Omio (formerly GoEuro).

Where to Stay

The old district of Ciutat Vella is probably the best area to stay in Valencia ( unless you’re visiting during the Fallas festival when most of the city is closed for both private vehicles and buses – see my accommodation recommendations on my Fallas post ).

You’ll be at the center of all the action, surrounded by the most beautiful streets, historical landmarks, and countless restaurants and bars.

Here are a few highly-rated accommodations in Ciutat Vella :

Budget – Pensión Alicante : This guesthouse offers budget-friendly single, double, and triple rooms with either a shared or a private bathroom. Read reviews and book it here.

Mid-Range – L’Esplai Valencia : Located a stone’s throw away from Plaza de la Reina, this b&b offers spacious double and triple rooms with a small balcony. The area is packed with cafes and restaurants, and the hotel has a score of 9+ in every category. Read reviews and check availability.

Mid-Range – Sorolla Centro : This 3-star hotel is centrally located near Valencia’s train station and City Hall Square, and it offers spacious rooms for up to 3 people, some with a private terrace. The front desk is available 24/7, and you can also enjoy a highly-rated breakfast. Browse the latest prices here.

Luxury – Hotel Helen Berger : This 4-star hotel offers big modern rooms, 24/7 reception, an on-site restaurant, and optional breakfast. Check its latest prices and availability.

You can also find great places to stay in the hipster neighborhood of Ruzafa or the coastal neighborhood of Poblats Marítims .

Take Day Trips

I absolutely LOVE taking day trips outside the big city. Though Valencia itself is incredibly gorgeous and interesting, there are tons of places around it that are also worth the visit. Here are a few day trips from Valencia you can add to your itinerary:

1. Village of El Palmar and the Albufera National Park

If you’re looking for the best paella in Valencia , you should also visit the exact place where this iconic rice dish was born. The Albufera is Spain’s biggest lake, offering an interesting mix of natural landscapes and Valencian countryside magic. You can visit it on your own by bus (line 24 or 25) or book a half-day tour .

2. Port Saplaya

This colorful little coastal town is located only 8 km (less than 5 miles) away from Valencia and is easily reached by bus (line 112).

3. MORELLA & PEÑÍSCOLA

To step back in time, head to these two enchanting towns and their medieval castles. To visit them, book a guided day tour .

4. Other Ideas

If you’re a wine lover, you can also book a full-day wine tour of Valencia’s countryside . To sail down the longest underground river in Europe, book this highly-rated half-day caves tour .

If you’re traveling in a car, you can visit places like Torrevieja Pink Lake (Laguna Rosa de Torrevieja) or Tortosa .

Lastly, you can use Omio (formerly GoEuro) to compare bus and train prices and book a ticket from Valencia to beautiful nearby places like the city of Alicante or the historic towns of Sagunto , Xativa, and Denia .

When to Visit

As a coastal city sitting on the Mediterranean, Valencia offers pleasant weather from spring to fall.

While July and August are obviously the busiest months, March is when you can attend the most amazing festival called Las Fallas . Welcoming spring in Europe , this celebration is an experience of a lifetime. For more info, read my Fallas festival guide.

Valencia is also one of the best places to visit in Spain in winter . You can absorb some Christmas spirit yet enjoy much milder temperatures than other European winter cities have to offer.

How to Get Around

Valencia’s public transport system includes both Metro and buses, and you’re gonna need both to explore the city.

To get around Ciutat Vella (the old district and the most touristic part of Valencia), you can either walk or use buses. Surprisingly, the Metro is only convenient when you want to move between different neighborhoods of the city.

Another option to consider is a bike rental. With about ten different rental companies, it’s a super popular way to get around the city.

How to Get From the Airport

Apart from taxis, there are two easy ways to get to the city. Metro lines 3 and 5, and  bus number 150  (consult all stops  here ) go directly from the airport to the city center, and the journey should take about 30-45 minutes.

You Can Enjoy It on a Low Budget

I wouldn’t call Spain a budget-friendly destination, but there are plenty of places to visit in Spain that are suitable for all budget ranges, and Valencia is one of them.

From cheap eats and tapas bars to accommodations to attractions, you can enjoy the best of Valencia even if you’re on a tight budget. This city offers dozens of cheap and free things to do and see , including visiting some of its most famous landmarks.

You can also check out these free tours offered in Valencia:

• Free tour of Valencia
• Free street art tour
• Free mysteries and legends night tour

Valencia Tourist Card – Yes or No?

In comparison to other European city cards, the Valencia Tourist Card is pretty budget-friendly.

It offers unlimited use of public transportation and countless discounts you can check out here . However, whether it’s going to save you money depends on what exactly you want to do and see.

If you only have one day in the city and you won’t visit that many paid museums and sites, though the card isn’t expensive, I’m not sure it’ll be worth the investment.

For a longer stay, I’d consider purchasing it because it can potentially save you money, but again, it all depends on how many and which tourist spots you’re planning to visit ( many can already be visited for free but be sure to check out the full list of discounts ).

Read reviews and get your 24/48/72-hour Valencia Tourist Card here.

Learn Some Basic Spanish (And Valencian)

Like other places in Spain, the region of Valencia also has its own language called  Valenciano , which sounds similar to Catalan.

The locals also speak Spanish, but English is a whole other story. Most people speak very little English or not at all, so it’s better to know some basic phrases .

Go to a Football Game

Football is a huge part of the Spanish culture, and attending a game is a must.

The atmosphere and energy in the stadium, as well as the love of the fans for their team, are unbelievable. You don’t have to be a fan to enjoy and appreciate this experience.

Tickets are available on  Valencia CF’s official website , and you should purchase yours a few weeks in advance, if possible.

Food Related Valencia Travel Tips

Where to eat paella.

Paella, oh, paella. What’s better than getting the opportunity to feast on Spain’s most recognizable rice dish where it was actually born?

Now, I’m not saying there aren’t any tourist traps, but when you know where to find those traditional restaurants, you’re in for a major treat.

Here are a few of my most favorite spots to devour some authentic paella:

La Pepica (Passeig de Neptú, 6):  Opened in 1898 and beloved by Ernest Hemingway, this restaurant is one hell of an institution in Valencia. It is quite big, but still manages to feel homely and inviting, and the paella is delicious.

El Coso (Passeig de Neptú, 12):  From the decor to the service to the food itself, I had such a positive experience here. I would definitely go back for one more bite!

La Riua (Carrer del Mar, 27): With a unique decor of ceramic tiles and plates surrounding you and the most amazing food, the traditional atmosphere in this restaurant will surely win you over.

Good to know:  The paella is usually made for a minimum of 2 people, and the prices stated on the menus are for one person.

Here are several other recommendations for the best paella in Valencia.

Don’t Pay for Hotel Breakfast in Advance

Apart from the fact that a hotel breakfast in Spain is not always worth the money, Valencia is packed with the sweetest bakeries and cafes.

A few to check out are Ubik Cafe, La Petite Brioche, and Dulce de Leche, but you can find dozens of other great breakfast and brunch spots.

Other Valencia Tips

Don’t worry too much about the siesta.

In a big city like Valencia, not everything closes during siesta time.

You can go sightseeing in Valencia and visit museums from morning to evening, and most tapas bars and restaurants are open during these hours (1 PM – 4 PM) since it is when the locals eat their lunch.

It’s a Safe City

In general, Valencia is considered a very safe city (one of the safest in Spain) and can be a great solo travel destination.

Nevertheless, I always recommend following basic rules like watching your belongings and avoiding walking alone at night, just like you would in other cities.

Read more about Spain:

• Spain travel tips
• Spain’s hidden gems
• Spain travel quotes
• Best road trips in Spain
• Novels about Spain
• Spain themed gifts
• Monuments in Spain
• Long weekend breaks in Spain

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

Valencia, Spain

Travel guide.

• Things to Do
• Best Hotels
• Things to See
• Best Restaurants
• Best Nightlife
• Active Pursuits
• Planning a Trip

Things to Do in Valencia, Spain

351km (218 miles) SE of Madrid, 361km (224 miles) SW of Barcelona, 650km (404 miles) NE of Málaga

Valencia's charms -- or lack thereof -- are much debated. Some claim that the city where El Cid faced the Moors is one of the most beautiful on the Mediterranean. Others write it off as drab, provincial, and industrial. The truth lies somewhere in between. This Mediterranean port is in the midst of a Bilbao-type renewal. Valencia's answer to Bilbao's Guggenheim is the jaw-dropping City of Arts and Sciences.

Set amid orange trees and rice paddies, Valencia's reputation as a romantic city seems more justified by its past than by its present. Hidden between modern office buildings and monotonous apartment houses, remnants of an illustrious past do remain. However, floods and war have been cruel to Valencia, forcing Valencianos to tear down buildings that today would be architectural treasures.

Valencia has a strong cultural tradition. Its most famous son was writer Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, best known for his novel about bullfighting, Blood and Sand , and for his World War I novel, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse . Both were filmed twice in Hollywood, with Rudolph Valentino starring in the first version of each. Joaquín Sorolla, the famous Spanish Impressionist, was another native of Valencia. You can see his works at a museum dedicated to him in Madrid.

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Valencia Travel Guide

Last Updated: February 16, 2024

However, after I wandered the streets, relaxed on the beach, stuffed my face with paella on the seaside boardwalk, and visited the futuristic art museum, I left realizing Valencia had grown on me. It was a cool city with tons of history, art, and good vibes.

Originally a Roman colony and once the capital of Spain , Valencia is the birthplace of paella (and is allegedly home to the Holy Grail). With three UNESCO Sites, one of the largest markets in Europe , and the massive City of Arts and Science complex, Valencia is well worth a visit. I’d recommend spending at least three days here.

This Valencia travel guide can help you plan your trip and make the most of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Valencia

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Valencia

1. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences

This huge complex is a piece of art in itself. Its futuristic look and design makes it one of the most photographed places in Valencia. Construction started in 1996, and the first part of the complex opened in 1998 (with the newest addition opening in 2009). The complex is one of the 12 Treasures of Spain and sees over 4 million visitors each year. It’s home to an IMAX theater, planetarium, museum, marine area, opera house, a massive open garden, and more. Admission to the museum is 8.70 EUR. A combo ticket is 38.90 EUR. You can easily spend half a day here just casually wandering around or a full day if you visit several of the sites within the complex.

2. Throw tomatoes at La Tomatina

Started in 1945, this festival is held on the last Wednesday of August in neighboring Buñol, about 25 miles outside of Valencia. La Tomatina is an epic hour-long tomato fight that draws upwards of 20,000 people to the small town (only 10,000 people live in the town itself). Over the hour, more than 360,000 pounds of tomatoes are used during the festival. Once the food fight is over, stay for a giant celebration with live music and sangria. It’s as messy and chaotic as you’d expect, and It’s the most amazing festival I’ve ever been to! Tickets cost 12 EUR and sell out quickly.

3. Wander Casco Histórico

This is the impressive historic district of Valencia where you can find the main square (the Plaza de la Virgen) and the Gothic Valencia Cathedral. It’s a great place to explore the ancient winding streets of the Barrio del Carmen and its typical Spanish-style buildings with their large doors, balconies, and windows. The history here stretches back over 2,000 years, as the region was home to the Romans, Visigoths, and Muslims over the centuries. It’s also one of the largest historic centers in Europe, making it the perfect place for a stroll or to grab a seat at a cafe and people watch over a beer or a hot chocolate.

4. Retreat to the Albufera

This national park and nature reserve contains a beautiful freshwater lagoon— the largest in Spain. Located less than 15 miles outside the city, this a nature lover’s perfect day trip. Go on a hike around the lake (there are 6 different trails), or take a bike ride on one of the paved paths. There are also over 300 species of birds here, making it an ideal place to spot wildlife. The lake is surrounded by rice fields, which explains how this area became the birthplace of paella. It’s worth it to stick around for sunset views. To get here, take city bus 24 or 25 for an hourlong trip that costs 3 EUR roundtrip. Another great way to see the area from a different perspective is by taking a boat tour, which costs 10-20 EUR.

5. Cross Calatrava’s Bridge

This was designed by Valencia’s most famous son, Santiago Calatrava, who also designed the City of Arts and Sciences, the Hemisferic, and the Umbracle. It’s a very modern and ultra-cool-looking bridge worth seeing up close. It’s a small bridge, and there’s not much to do here, but you can’t visit the city without walking across it and snapping some photos.

Other Things to See and Do in Valencia

1. take a free walking tour.

My favorite way to get to know a city is to take a free walking tour. They’re a budget-friendly way to see the main sights and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. Free Tour Valencia offers a daily tour that lasts a couple of hours and covers all the main sights, from the gothic cathedral to the historic towers and town gate. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

2. Admire Valencia Cathedral

In the 8th century, the Balansiya mosque stood on this site. It wasn’t until the 13th century that the present Gothic-style cathedral was built, which took almost two centuries to complete. Today, the cathedral is home to medieval frescoes and an ornate Holy Chalice considered by some to be the actual Holy Grail. The chalice dates to the 1st century and has been used by various Popes over the centuries. It’s 9 EUR to tour the cathedral and museum (including an audio guide) and an additional 2 EUR to go up the octagonal bell tower (known as “Miguelete”). It’s worth the visit, and the view from the bell tower is one of the best in the city.

3. Explore Central Market

Although this site originally started out as an open-air market, the city decided to move it indoors in the 19th century. Officials hosted several architectural competitions to come up with a new design. The result was a brand new modernist style known as Valencian Art Nouveau, which somewhat resembles a cathedral with its roof domes and the large cupola at the center. The entire building is filled with iron columns, bright ceramic tiling, and delicate stained glass. It’s one of the largest markets in Europe. Come here to people watch, shop for food and souvenirs (there are more than 1,200 stalls), and sample tapas. Make this one of your first stops of the day, as the market closes at 3pm and is closed on Sundays.

4. Visit La Lonja

This 15th-century former silk market and commodity exchange were built between 1482-1533, and is now an UNESCO World Heritage site. The late Valencian-Gothic building with soaring ceilings and an austere, castle-like appearance is one of the best preserved of its kind in Europe and a must-see. Walk through the main gate and into a cool courtyard filled with orange trees and see the Pavilion of the Consulate of the Sea, with its richly decorated ceilings and an elaborate stone staircase. Found in the Old Town, it’s just around the corner from the Central Market. It’s 2 EUR to visit. On Sunday mornings, there’s a flea market held in front of La Lonja.

5. Celebrate Las Fallas

This festival in March is one of the biggest in Valencia, and a chance to party with the entire city. It celebrates the arrival of spring and locals do so by constructing huge model heads and sculptures and then burn them down in a dramatic finale. According to legend, this “build and burn” follows the Pagan tradition where people would gather their unwanted belongings in the streets and then burn it all to welcome spring. Las Fallas goes on for a full month with daily events. For the finale that takes place at the end of March, be prepared to celebrate until the wee hours of the morning with fireworks and drinks!

6. Cycle the Jardí del Túria

Jardí del Túria is a long stretch of park, one of the largest in Spain, that runs through an old dried-up riverbed (the river was diverted to prevent flooding in the city). The government wanted to build a road in its place, but locals fought for the green space to be made instead. It’s dotted with sculptures, sports fields, gardens, open grassy spaces, and buskers. Rent a bike, pack a picnic, and spend a couple of hours taking in the sights as the path snakes east to west and passes several major monuments, including the City of Arts and Sciences, the Central Market, Museum of Fine Arts, and more.

7. Lounge on the beach

Although this isn’t as much of a beach destination as the Costa Blanca further south, you can still find beautiful sand at the beaches in Valencia. Malvarosa, which is easily accessible from the city and has a long promenade, is the most popular place to hang out but be prepared for high prices if you plan to eat here. Las Arenas, Patacona, and El Saler (located in the La Albufera nature reserve) are other popular beaches. If you’re looking for something less crowded, El Puig, which is slightly further away from the city, and is a mix of pebbles and sand, is a good option.

8. Eat paella

Valencia is the birthplace of paella (there are several kinds of paella now; this version is known as Valencian paella). The dish, made from locally grown rice, takes its name from the Valencian word for frying pan (referring to the large pan the paella is made in). The original Valencia version is traditionally made with rabbit, snails, and green beans, and has been around since the 1800s as a filling dish for farmers. You’ll see it on menus everywhere from nicer restaurants to beach shacks. It’s a major part of the culture, so be sure to try some while you’re here!

10. Explore the Sagunto Roman settlement

Around 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Valencia is the coastal town of Sagunto. It was both an Iberian and Roman settlement and still has several historic sites to explore, including a castle that overlooks the town, a heavily restored Roman theater, and city walls that date back to the Islamic occupation. There’s a history museum here as well as an exhibition room at the top of the castle. The town has some nice churches to admire too. It makes a great place to explore for an afternoon, and the views on top of the castle are pretty impressive. The bus to Sagunto takes about 30 minutes and costs 2-4 EUR.

11. Check out Valencia’s towers

In addition to the cathedral’s Miguelete tower, there are two more towers to see in Valencia, both of which make up the last remnants of the ancient city wall (the wall had 12 towers but was pulled down in 1865). There is the Gothic Serrans Tower or Serrano Tower which was built at the end of the 14th century. The massive city gate and watch towers are one of the best-preserved monuments in Valencia and is less than a 10-minute walk from the main square. The other tower is the 15th-century Quart Towers which has been used for a variety of purposes over the years, including a women’s and military prison, and most notably, the cannonball marks document how the massive structure stopped Napoleon’s troops in 1808. Admission is 2 EUR for each tower, which you can climb.

12. Visit the Ceramics Museum

The Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, one of Spain’s best examples of Baroque architecture, is home to the González Martí National Museum of Ceramics (Museo Nacional de Cerámica y Artes Suntuarias González Martí). Founded in 1947, here you can find an enormous collection of ceramics, some dating from the 18th century. The museum also has some of Picasso’s works. It’s interesting enough for a quick stop, and you can easily see everything in less than an hour. Admission is 3 EUR.

13. Wander the Museum of Fine Arts

The building this museum is in is a work of art itself. Built between 1683 and 1744, it was originally a seminary college (its architect was Juan Bautista Pérez Castiel, who also designed Valencia Cathedral). The museum has art by medieval painters and by painters from the Valencian School. It also has works of well-known artists including Pintoricchio, Andrea del Sarto, Van Dyck, Murillo, Velázquez, El Greco, and a room devoted to Goya. Exhibits include drawings, etchings, sculptures, and archaeological pieces. If you like Renaissance art or are a fan of Goya, I’d recommend a visit. It’s free to enter.

14. Visit the Caves of Sant Josep

The Caves de Sant Josep are a system of natural underground caves that house the longest navigable underground river in Europe. LED lights illuminate the UNESCO-recognized paintings and engravings on the walls dating back to the Paleolithic era. You can also kayak through the caves on a two-hour tour. Boat tours cost 10 EUR and kayaking is 35 EUR (book in advance). The caves are a 45-minute drive from the city.

  For more information on other cities in Spain, check out these guides:

• Barcelona Travel Guide
• Granada Travel Guide
• Madrid Travel Guide
• Seville Travel Guide

Valencia Travel Costs

A basic private hostel room for two starts at 90 EUR per night during peak season but can go as high as 150 EUR. Prices are about 10% less for private rooms in the off-season.

Camping is available just outside the city, with plots ranging from 15-25 EUR per night for a basic tent plot for one person without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Hotel pricing has increased in recent years. Those within Valencia average around 150 EUR. Hotels a few miles outside of the city start around 75 EUR. While a few budget hotels in the city offer free breakfast or a pool, most are pretty basic so don’t expect anything too luxurious.

Airbnb is available around the city, with private rooms starting at 30 EUR per night (but averaging closer to 65 EUR). If you want an entire home/apartment, expect to pay at least 100-120 EUR per night (though prices can easily be double that when not booked in advance).

Food – In Valencia, paella is one of the major culinary staples, owing to its origin here. Other favorites include arròs negre (a squid and squid ink paella), cured sausages, gazpacho, and all el pebre (a local stew-type dish made from garlic and peppers).

A casual meal of traditional Valencian cuisine costs around 12-15 EUR. If you want a multi-course meal and a drink, expect to pay 25-35 EUR.

If you plan to eat at the beach, expect to pay more than 10 EUR for a sandwich and at least 30 EUR for a seafood dinner. Beer and wine are about half-price if you buy them yourself (instead of at a bar or restaurant).

Cheap fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 9 EUR for a combo meal. Pizza is around 12-15 EUR.

Beer is usually around 3 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is under 2 EUR. Bottled water is about 1.50 EUR.

If you buy your own food, expect to spend 55-65 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Valencia Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Valencia, expect to spend about 90 EUR per day, you can afford to stay in a hostel dorm, cook most of your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do mostly free activities like free walking tours and relaxing in the parks or at the beach. Add at least 20 EUR per day to your budget if you plan on drinking or partying a lot.

On a mid-range budget of about 200 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel, eat out for most meals, take the occasional taxi to get around, enjoy a few drinks, and do more paid tours and activities like seeing the City of Arts and Sciences and the Cathedral.

On a “luxury” budget of 300 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for most meals, drink as much as you’d like, take more taxis or rent a car, and do as many paid tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Valencia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Valencia is generally more affordable to visit than Madrid or Barcelona. However, food, drinks, and tours can really add up if you aren’t watching your spending. Here are some tips on how to save money in Valencia:

• Take a free walking tour – Free Tour Valencia offers a variety of free walking tours that can introduce you to the city and show you the lay of the land. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Budget extra for food – Valencia has a lot of wonderful seafood restaurants (it’s what the city is famous for). Splash out once in a while and get a good meal down by the beach.
• Cook more meals – When you’re not splurging on local favorites, stick to buying your own groceries and cooking your meals. It’s not fancy, but it’s much cheaper and will help you save money for those nicer meals.
• Visit the Mercado Central – This is the main fruit and vegetable market in Valencia. Buy snacks, small meals, and groceries here to cut down on your food budget and give you a taste of local life.
• Stay with a local – While hostels are cheap in the city, staying with a local drastically lowers your expenses. It’s also a great way to connect with the local scene and get a better sense of the city and its people. Use Couchsurfing to find a local host who can show you around. Just be sure to send your requests early.
• Get the tourist card – If you plan on seeing a lot of attractions and using a lot of public transportation, consider getting the Valencia Tourist Card. It comes in 1-,2-, and 3-day options for 15 EUR, 20 EUR, and 25 EUR respectively. It offers discounts all over the city in addition to free transportation and free entry into certain attractions.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Valencia

There are several excellent hostels in Valencia and a few budget hotels. My recommended places to stay are:

• The River Hostel
• Purple Nest Hostel
• Red Nest Hostel
• Cantagua Hostel
• Urban Youth Hostel
• Olympia Consul del Mar
• Rooms Ciencias

How to Get Around Valencia

Public transportation – Buses cost 1.50 EUR per trip within the city limits. A 24-hour Valencia Tourist card gives you free transit and costs 15 EUR.

Valencia’s underground subway is particularly useful in the summer months because of the air conditioning. A one-way ride costs 1.50 EUR and the metro also reaches the airport.

If you’ll be taking bus and metro, purchase a SUMA card for 10 trips on city buses, metro, tram and suburban trains for 10EUR.

Getting to and from the airport is straightforward, with one-way city bus tickets costing 1.50 EUR.

Bicycle – Bikes can be rented in the city, either per hour or per day, with prices varying depending on the season. Valenbisi is the public bike rental service with hubs all round the city. Expect to pay around 10-15 EUR per day (or just 6 EUR for three hours).

Taxis – Taxis start at 4 EUR (6 EUR at night), with the normal tariff being 1 EUR per additional kilometer. Skip them if you can as the prices add up fast!

Ridesharing – Uber in Valencia lets you request traditional cabs. There is also an app called Cabify that works in a similar way.

When to Go to Valencia

Because of Valencia’s temperate climate (it sees more than 300 days of sun per year), beach season extends from July to October. During this time it can get crowded and accommodations prices are about 40% higher. If you don’t mind the crowds, this is the time of year to party all night at beach clubs. Expect daily highs above 31°C (88°F) in the summer.

Personally, I think the best time to visit is in late spring or early autumn when crowds haven’t peaked but the weather is still warm enough for swimming but not too hot for exploring on foot. At this time of year, you’ll be able to see and do everything you want (there are no major holidays or closings) but at a more relaxed pace.

In the winter (December-February), the weather is still comfortable, reaching highs of 18°C (65°F). While the crowds disappear during this time, some museums have shortened hours. In December, the old town is all lit up with Christmas lights.

Keep in mind during the Las Fallas de San José festival in March, accommodation books up quickly so allow plenty of time for planning (prices rise too).

How to Stay Safe in Valencia

Valencia is a safe place to visit. Violent crime is rare, but like other Spanish cities, pickpocketing is common (especially in the major tourist areas and on public transportation). Keep your valuables secure and out of sight at all times.

When at a cafe or restaurant, don’t leave any valuables like phones or bags on the table unattended. They can disappear quickly.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Several of the hostels have female-only dorm rooms, but these sometimes sell out befor the larger dorm rooms. For specific tips on staying safe, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs on Spain. They’ll be able to provide specific advice that I, a man, can’t.

Tourist scams are prevalent as well, so keep an eye out for groups of kids trying to distract you, as they’re probably trying to take your money. Also, be wary of people offering to carry your luggage. They may try to charge you a large fee. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

When out at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink. Avoid walking home alone at night if intoxicated.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Valencia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Valencia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Spain travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 7 Best Hotels in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Seville

The Perfect 3 Day Granada Itinerary

The 7 Best Hostels in Seville

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
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• Related Blogs

15 Best Things To Do in Valencia, Spain

Are you planning to travel to Valencia, Spain soon ? Read our tips below on the things to do in Valencia with suggested tours!

Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. It is known for its Paella which originates here, its City of Arts and Sciences and of course its football team. Valencia also has beaches. With all these, we really can’t get enough of Valencia. But that’s not all, they still have a lot to offer. Let’s all take a look at it. 

Other articles you can read:

• Weekend in Valencia, Spain: How to Spend 3 Days in Valencia, Spain
• 10 Things to Do in Zaragoza, Spain [Plus a Sample Weekend Trip DIY Itinerary]
• 15 Best Things To Do in South Tenerife, Spain
• 7 Awesome Things to Do in Valencia, Spain
• 7 Most Visited Spots in Barcelona, Spain

15 Things that you should do and visit in Valencia, Spain

1. city of the arts and sciences.

Prepare to be amazed when you visit this attraction. The City of the Arts and Sciences is a unique complex of ultra-modern structures. It is made up of five main elements; the Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema and digital projections), the Umbracle (a landscaped vantage point and car park), the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum (an innovative center of interactive science), the Oceanográfico (the largest aquarium in Europe with over 500 marine species) and the Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía (which takes care of the operatic program).

Suggested Tour: City of Arts & Sciences Tour with Rooftop Wine & Tapas

2. Oceanografic

More than 45,000 examples of 500 different marine species can be found here. Some of which are sharks, beluga whales, walruses, sea lions, penguins and manta rays. The park also has a spectacular dolphinarium, an auditorium, and different garden areas. Not only that, but the park also offers many different services such as shops and restaurants.

Suggested Tour: Oceanogràfic Entrance Ticket

3. La Lonja de la Seda

La Lonja de la Seda is a UNESCO site. It’s a Valencian Gothic Architecture. Its name means “Silk exchange”. Experience and learn about Valencia’s rich history by visiting this attraction. The buildings and flooring are all worth the price. 

Suggested Tour: Silk Trade Tour

4. Valencia Cathedral

Valencia Cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, and its style is mainly Gothic. But since the construction took centuries, it was mixed with artistic styles like from early Romanesque, Valencian Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical. Those are just a few reasons why you should visit this stunning Cathedral.

Suggested Tour: Private 4-Hour Walking Tour of the Old Town

5. El Miguelete

El Miguelete is a Cathedral with a Gothic style octagonal bell tower. It was built in the 14th century. It has a lot of steps (207 to be exact) but totally worth it as you will see a very beautiful view of the city when you get to the top. 

Suggested Tour:  City Highlights Tour in Jeep with Tapas

6. Casco Antiguo

The Old Town of Valencia is consists of several places. Some date back to the Medieval era. It has a lot of alleys with bars and restaurants. Just wander around and you’ll discover so much more. The Old Town is full of authenticity.

7. Barrio del Carmen

Barrio del Carmen is the most bohemian part of the city. It’s also the busiest part, especially at night. There are a lot of bars, restaurants, boutiques, and nightclubs in the area. So if you like to party and have fun at night, then you should visit Barrio del Carmen. 

Suggested Tour: 3-Hour City Bike Tour

8. Jardin del Turia

This park will give you the rest that you need. Feel relax as you stroll through this park by seeing pine forests, orange groves, palms and paths that lead to sports facilities, play areas and fountains. 

Suggested Tour: 3 Parks Green Segway Tour

9. Bioparc Valencia

If you love animals, then this is the place to be. Bioparc Valencia is a zoo that has a unique concept. This concept is called “Zooimmersion”. As you go inside, you’ll find different animals having the same habitat live together. The animals here are not enclosed in cages and are free to walk around. You’d definitely have the best experience learning about different types of animals while enjoying walking around.

Suggested Tour: Bioparc Valencia Full-Day Entrance: The Heart of Africa

10. Playa de la Malvarrosa  

Just minutes from the old town, Playa de la Malvarossa is a nice sandy beach with a large coastline. It’s a perfect place for you and your family or friends to spend the vacation. Tan your skin on this wonderful beach. 

11. Playa Gandia

It is a perfect long beach. It’s very clean and has soft sand. With its lovely promenade, you and your family, friends or partner would really enjoy walking here. For a relaxing and enjoyable day, Playa Gandia is the perfect place. It’s accessible from Gandia city by bus.

12. Central Market of Valencia

A lively and gorgeous market where you can buy anything. Central Market is a public market located across from the Llotja de la Seda and the church of the Juanes in central Valencia, Spain. Name it, fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat,  juices, sandwiches, cheese and a lot more, they have it. The building itself is already stunning. And when you get inside, a lot of small food stalls to choose from. 

Suggested Tour:  Valencia Central Market Tour

13. Holy Grail Valencia

While you’re in Valencia, Spain, do not miss the chance to see the Holy Grail. It’s in the side Chapel of Valencia Cathedral. What’s more interesting about it is the simple cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper is placed inside. See it for yourself!

Suggested Tour:  Route of the Holy Grail and Religious Art

14. Palau Ducal dels Borja Gandia

This stunning palace has a very rich history. Both the inside and outside are beautiful. It only requires a short tour to fully see everything. Very picturesque and lovely. Don’t forget to visit this while you’re in Spain!

15. Parque Natural de la Albufera

It is a freshwater lagoon located on the Gulf of Valencia coast of the Valencian community in Eastern Spain. Experience an enjoyable boat ride in this place. 

16. Find accommodation in Valencia, Spain

These are the possible things you can do in Valencia, Spain. So if you are ready to have a fun and exciting trip, you know what to do and where to go! So pack your things now and prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure in Valencia .

Extra Tip: Check out Plumguide for the best holiday homes and vacation rentals in Spain .

How to go to Valencia, Spain from the UK

Via Ryanair: (one way)

*From London Stansted to Valencia Airport

Ticket Price: £31.20

Via Easyjet: (one way)

*From London Luton to Valencia Airport 

Ticket Price: £53.43

* Prices are subject to change.

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• 15 Fabulous Reasons for Visiting Valencia, Spain

Is Valencia worth visiting?

Spain’s third-largest city, home to over 800,000 people, is often overlooked in favour of the tourist honeypots of Barcelona and Madrid. But dismiss it at your peril.

This innovative, vibrant yet understated city boasts a perfect combination of art, culture and history and has a buzzy food scene. Discover why Valencia is 100% worth visiting and get essential tips to make the most of your time there.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

Why You Should Visit Valencia

1. valencia is packed with over 2,000 years of history.

Valencia wears its rich history well.

Founded by the Romans in 138 BC, Valencia was subsequently invaded by the Vandals and then the Visigoths . In the 8 th Century, the city surrendered to the Moors and became known as Balansiya .

Fast forward to 1238 and Valencia fell to the army of King James I of Aragon . Fifty thousand Moors fled and the city regained its original name.

The 15 th Century was Valencia’s golden age . Arts and culture flourished and many of the city’s most important landmarks were built, including the Micalet, the Silk Exchange and the Serranos Towers.

2. It has a majestic cathedral

Valencia’s majestic Cathedral–Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia is a perfect encapsulation of the city’s history.

This has been a place of worship for over 2,000 years. The cathedral was built on the site of a Roman temple, then a Visigoth cathedral, and later a mosque

Constructed over 750 years, the result is a mish-mash of architectural styles. Although Valencia Cathedral is essentially Gothic in all of its pointy splendour, it also includes early Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque elements.

Take a look at the cathedral’s doorways , for example.

The oldest of these doorways, the Palau Gate is pure Romanesque with its gently- rounded arch featuring a rich variety of ornaments. By contrast, the Gothic Apostle Door , facing the Plaça de la Verge, features limestone sculptures of six apostles resting on delicately carved filigree columns.

Finally, with its flamboyant sculptures, the 18 th Century Baroque Iron Gate , wouldn’t look out of place in Italy .

Opening hours: Valencia Cathedral is open year-round. It is not open to visitors on Sunday mornings.

Admission fee applies . This includes an audioguide.

Address: Plaza de la Almoina, s / n, 46003 Valencia

3. Valencia Cathedral houses the Holy Grail (maybe)

Valencia Cathedral is also home to a chalice, believed by many to be the true Holy Grail.

Housed in a serene chapel, featuring an exquisite alabaster altar, this chalice with Arabic inscriptions dates from the 1 st Century. Adding strength to its claim to be the true Holy Grail, it has been used by many popes including the current Pope Benedict XVI.

4. To visit the Church of San Nicolás, Spain’s Sistine Chapel

But the cathedral isn’t the only sacred place in town when you are visiting Valencia.

Take time to stop by the Church of San Nicolás and San Pedro Mártir, one of the city’s sparkling jewels. One of the first parish churches in the city, recent restoration has revealed rich fresco paintings.

Opening hours: The Church of San Nicolás is open year-round. Opening hours vary by day and season. It is not open to visitors on Mondays.

Address : Caballeros 35; 46001 – València

5. For its UNESCO World Heritage Site of la Lonja de la Seda

Valencia’s historical legacy is also preserved in its extraordinary Lonja de la Seda ( Silk Exchange ).

Built between 1482 and 1533, this group of buildings was a centre for commerce, primarily for trading in silk. It earned its UNESCO status as an outstanding example of a civic Gothic building.

The magnificent Trading Hall reflects the power and wealth of Valencia in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its eight spiral columns open up like palm trees against a ceiling that was originally painted with stars, said to represent trading paradise.

Opening hours: La Lonja de la Seda is open year-round from 10 am to 7 pm; Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm.

Admission fee : The ticket price is modest. Free entry on Sundays and public holidays.

Address : Lonja, 2 – 46001 – València

6. To climb the Serranos Towers

Another of Valencia’s landmarks, the Serranos Towers formed the main entrance to the city from the north.

These late 14 th Century towers were built primarily as a fortress, forming part of the city’s defensive walls. The city walls have long since gone but two of its gates remain: Torres de Serranos and the Torres de Quart to the west.

Climb to the top of the Serranos Towers for stellar views over the medieval city and the Jardines del Turia (Turia Gardens).

Opening hours: Check here .

Address : Pl. Dels Furs, s / n. 46001 Valencia

7. To see a river that isn’t a river

Let’s talk more about the Turia Gardens.

Once upon a time, the River Turia flowed through the centre of Valencia. However, in the wake of a catastrophic flood in 1957, the river was diverted to the city’s outskirts and the former riverbed was converted into a glorious 9 km park.

Criss-crossed by 18 bridges, the Turia Gardens is one of the largest urban parks in Spain and a locals’ favourite. 

8. For its striking modern architecture

Valencia’s buildings speak of more than its medieval roots. The city is home to some of the most striking architecture in the country, from Art Nouveau to Modernista to futuristic buildings.

The poster child of modern architecture in Valencia is the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) . Designed by local boy Santiago Calatrava, its genesis wasn’t trouble-free. Construction costs spiralled to €1 billion, four times over budget.  

Visit the City of Arts and Sciences to decide for yourself if it is worth this astronomical cost.

The complex houses the following attractions :

• Hemisfèric; an IMAX and 3D cinema
• Museu de les Ciènces; an interactive science museum
• Oceanogràfic; Europe’s largest aquarium
• Palau de les Arts; an opera house and cultural centre
• L’Umbracle; a gardened esplanade with indigenous plant species

>>> SKIP THE LINE & BUY YOUR OCEANOGRÀFIC TICKET HERE

Admission fees & opening hours: Whilst it is free to walk around the City of Arts and Sciences and to visit L’Umbracle, the Hemisfèric, Science Museum and Oceanogràfic attract an entrance fee. More information about ticket prices and opening times is here.

Address : Av. Professor López Piñero (Historiador de la Medicina), 7 46013 – Valencia

How to get to the City of Arts and Sciences: Catch the frequent bus #95 from the Serranos Gates. The journey time is around 20 minutes.

9. Valencia is home to two magnificent markets

Yes; that’s right. The city is home to not one, but two, awesome markets.

Another of the great reasons to visit Valencia.

The best-known Mercado Central (Central Market) is the result of a countrywide architecture competition in the early 1900s. Its vast space, maximised by its sixteen-sided structure, is home to a myriad of stalls and restaurants.

But don’t miss the Mercado Colon (Colon Market) .

Designed by Francisco Mora Berenguer and opened in 1912, this is a fabulous example of Valencian Art Nouveau. Many of its features will be recognisable if you have visited the Sagrada Família or any of Gaudi’s other buildings in Barcelona .

10. It has one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe

Valencia’s main railway station, Estacio del Norte , is another Art Nouveau masterpiece.

Built between 1906 and 1917 by Valencian architect Demetrio Ribes, the building is decorated with beautiful ceramic tiles and mosaics inside and out.

11. Visit Valencia for its funky street art

The epicentre of Valencia’s street art scene is the El Carmen quarter of the old city.

Artists such as Julieta XLF, Escif (the so-called Spanish Banksy) and Deih have created vibrant, and often provocative,  street art to spice up the city’s streets. To gain a better understanding of Valencia’s street art, join one of the two-hour free street art tours that operate twice a week.

12. To eat authentic paella

Valencia is the undisputed home of paella.

Originally a lunchtime food for farmers and farm labourers, this dish has come to typify Spanish cuisine like no other. Whilst paella is now a generic term for a variety of rice-based dishes, traditional Valencian paella has no seafood but a mixture of chicken, rabbit and beans.

Valencia’s locally-grown rice is super tasty because of the minerals in the water. Don’t leave the city without trying paella.

13. It has a wonderful climate

Valencia has pretty much a perfect climate.

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, little rain and mild winters, there’s a very good chance that you’ll be sitting under clear blue skies at any time of the year. All the better for enjoying its urban beaches or lingering over long outdoor lunches. 

14. Valencia is a relatively cheap city to visit

Valencia is one of the best Spanish cities to visit if you are on a budget or on a solo trip.

One of the disadvantages of travelling alone is that it can be relatively expensive. Thus, affordability can play a big part in choosing the perfect solo travel destination .

There are plenty of inexpensive things (or even free things to do).  Accommodation is plentiful and relatively cheap and the menu del dias offered by many of the city’s restaurants help your money stretch further.

These lunch deals are available from 1.30 to 4 pm and typically include your choice of drink, bread, a starter, an entrée plus a dessert or coffee.

15. Valencia is a relatively safe Spanish city

Valencia is not only one of the best solo travel destinations in Spain but also a perfect place to visit if you are travelling alone in Europe .

Safety as a solo traveller  is a particular concern for women travelling alone. Whilst you shouldn’t be complacent, you don’t have to be as concerned about petty crime in Valencia as you would in other countries, or even in some other cities in Spain.

Use your common sense. Share your itinerary with someone back home, keep an eye on your belongings, drink alcohol in moderation and, your visit to Valencia should be trouble-free.

Plan Your Visit to Valencia, Spain

When to visit valencia.

Due to its balmy climate, Valencia is a year-round destination.

The warmest and longest days are between March and October . However, I would avoid July and August which are busier and hotter.

I visited in late Septembe r and the temperature was perfect.

If you plan to visit Valencia in March , try to coincide your visit with the Las Fallas festival. One of the things that Spain is famous for is its vibrant festivals and Las Fallas is one of the most popular. It takes place between the 1st and 19th of March each year.

How many days should you spend in Valencia?

At a minimum, I recommend spending two days in Valencia . This will allow you to see the city’s highlights with relative ease.

How to get from Valencia Airport to the city centre

It’s super easy to get from the airport to the city centre by public transport.

Metro lines 3 and 5 will take you directly from the airport to the city centre, a journey time of between 30 and 45 minutes. Buy your ticket from the machine at the airport.

Getting around Valencia

If you are spending just a few days there, you’re unlikely to need to use Valencia’s public transport frequently. Most of the tourist parts of Valencia, including the old city, are very walkable . 

The city’s Metro system is useful for getting to and from the airport and for travelling between neighbourhoods. You are likely to hop on one of the city buses to reach the City of Arts and Sciences.

For a hassle-free way of getting around town, jump on the hop-on-hop-off (HOHO) bus . Choose between 24- or 48-hour tickets, covering 17 stops.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR HOHO BUS TICKET

Another popular option is to rent a bike .

>>> BOOK A 3-HOUR GUIDED BIKE TOUR HERE

Exploring Valencia on a guided tour

When I visited Valencia, I joined a two-hour walking tour

Joining an organised tour can be a fabulous way to become acquainted with a new city, and benefit from your guide’s local tips. And if you are travelling alone, especially as a first-time solo traveller , it’s an excellent way to meet people whilst travelling .

I use and highly recommend using  GetYourGuide  to source and book day excursions. Not only does the platform offer an extensive selection of tours from independent operators, but there is also a very generous cancellation policy.

Here is a selection of activities that are worth a closer look:

Valencia walking tour

This 2-hour guided walk covers many of Valencia’s must-see attractions mentioned in this article.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TOUR

Old Town tour with wine & tapas

This guided walking tour through the Old Town includes exclusive access to an 11th-century historical monument where you can feast on a 10-course tapas meal washed down with regional wines.

Tuk-Tuk tour of Valencia

For a fun way of exploring Valencia, take this tuk-tuk tour. The focus of this guided tour is sights outside of the Old Town, including Malvarrosa Beach and the City of Arts and Sciences.

Where to stay in Valencia

To make the most of a short stay in Valencia, base yourself in the old city. Here are a few recommended choices.

Mid-range : Hostal Antigua Morellana

I stayed at this traditional family-run guesthouse in the heart of the old city. Highly recommended for its ideal location and helpful staff and owners, all at an excellent price point.

>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES & BOOK

Splurge : Palacio Vallier 

If you want to push the boat out, take a look at this 5-star Art Deco hotel in the heart of the old city.

>>> Neither of these places takes your fancy? Discover other great  accommodation choices in Valencia .

Is the Valencia Tourist Card worth it?

Like many cities, Valencia offers a tourist card that offers free public transport within the city centre plus complimentary entry or discounts at key attractions and restaurants. The Valencia Tourist Card is valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours and the price starts from €15. As with any of these tourist cards, its value will be determined by how you intend to spend your time in the city. Based on what I did, it would not have represented good value. But if you are planning to cram in loads of paid attractions, it may be worth your while. As they say, do the maths (or math if you are American).

Why I Loved Valencia

Although Valencia isn’t my favourite Spanish city – that accolade goes to Seville – it bowled me over.   It’s far less touristy than either Barcelona or Madrid and attracts a fraction of those cities’ crowds. Valencia has enough to attract the most ardent history and architectural buffs; there are enough attractions to keep you busy for many days.   It has a superb climate and, if you fancy a bit of beach time, a short journey on the city’s excellent public transit system will have you soaking up the sun on the sand in no time. Lastly, Valencia’s affordable bars and restaurants are excellent places to absorb its laid-back vibe.   Visit Valencia before the tourist mobs descend.

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About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

33 Top Reasons to Visit Valencia: Why See the Spanish City

• Post author: Naddya
• Post category: City Travel
• Post published: February 8, 2023

If you’re wondering whether to put the Mediterranean city on your itinerary, let us tell you this:

Valencia is worth visiting for its incredible historical, cultural, and culinary surprises. Architecture buffs will love the mind-bending City of Arts and Sciences ; nature lovers – the gorgeous Turia Park ; food aficionados – the traditional cuisine; and culture vultures – the diverse museums.

On top of that, Valencia is cheaper than Barcelona.

In this article, you’ll find the top 33 reasons to visit Valencia, Spain . By the end of the article, you’ll understand why people go to the third-largest Spanish city.

Buckle up and let’s discover!

Start Planning Your Trip to Valencia with Our BEST Recommendations:

⭐ Top Tours in Valencia ⭐

📍 Tuk-Tuk Tour Around the City – discover Valencia in an entertaining and comfy way.

📍 Wine & Tapas in a Historic Building – a guided walk through the Old Town and delectable wines and tapas in an 11th-century building.

⭐ Best Accommodations in Valencia ⭐

🏨 Caro Hotel – the best luxurious experience in the heart of Valencia’s Old Town.

🏨 Amazinn Places EVIapartments – funky, modern apartments with great amenities.

⭐ Easiest Transportation Options in Valencia ⭐

🚍 Valencia Tourist Card – enjoy discounts, free travel, and entrances to museums.

🚍 Discover Cars – compare and find the best rates for car rentals.

✅ Note : This article contains affiliate links . In case you purchase something through one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping us keep creating the free content on this website!

Visit Valencia for the Incredible Foods and Drinks

The coastal town is the birthplace of some of the most famous traditional dishes in the country. Get a napkin now, because the following section enlists the foods and drinks that make Valencia worth visiting.

• Paella . Spain’s most popular meal originates from Valencia. The classic paella features fried chicken, rabbit, tomatoes, beans, and rice. Our favorite version is paella de mariscos , which epitomizes seafood. If you’d like to taste the original, head to Albufera Natural Park. The birthplace of paella is the small village of El Palmar, about 16 mi (25.5 km) from Valencia. We recommend joining this excursion .
• Fideuà . This pasta dish hails from the small Valencian town Gandía. Fideuà is very similar to paella, but instead of rice, it combines noodles and seafood. The rice noodles in the fideuà soak up the broth and tomato-pepper sauce while cooking, which brings out the rich seafood flavors. Enjoy it with a generous splash of lemon.
• All-i-pebre . The fiery stew all-i-pebre is only for the most adventurous travelers. It brings together eel, potatoes, almonds, garlic, and chili peppers to redefine the term scrumptiousness. If you love spicy food, order this amazing combo. Our best advice is to get lots of bread and beer on the table, too – to be able to put out the fire in your mouth.
• Cocas . If you like pizza, you’ll love cocas ! You can eat these diverse flatbreads with a variety of toppings, either sweet or salty. The options include vegan, vegetarian, fish, meat, and every other imaginable combination. Valencianos love cocas a lot and prefer them over pizza. They might even try to convince you their dish is tastier than the Italian one. We’ll leave it to you to decide which one’s your favorite.
• Turrón . The mouthwatering sweet seduction from Valencia is a nougat confection made of sugar, honey, and egg whites. It’s toasted with almonds or other nuts, and its purpose is to send your taste buds into culinary heaven.  Turrón  comes in a huge variety of flavors and textures, so make sure to try as many as you can. It makes a perfect souvenir to bring home, too.
• Bunyols . Usually associated with the colorful Las Fallas festival in March, these sweet, deep-fried donuts will give you plenty of energy to enjoy the parade to the fullest. The yeast dough is often flavored with anise and pumpkin. For the ultimate foodgasm, dip your buñuelos (or  bunyols ) into a cup of thick hot chocolate.
• Horchata . Popular not only in Valencia but everywhere in Spain,  horchata  is a beverage that looks like a milkshake. However, the refreshing drink is made of tiger nuts (“chufas” in Spanish). You can enjoy it hot or cold, and add a ton of different flavors to it. Naddya’s favorite is the lemon horchata. The beverage is so popular there’s even a museum dedicated to it. Visiting Alquería El Machistre is one of the most  peculiar things to do in Valencia .
• Agua Valenciana . Invented in 1959 in Cafe Madrid de Valencia, this staple cocktail hasn’t lost its popularity since. Valencian Water, as the name translates, has nothing to do with water, though. The cocktail brings together gin, vodka, and orange juice, which join forces with cava, the Spanish sparkling wine, for a powerful punch.
• Oranges . The sweet citrus fruits farmed in the Valencian region are famous for their extraordinary flavor and sweetness. They’re harvested at their optimum ripeness, which means there’s no better place to order a glass of  zumo de naranja  (freshly squeezed orange juice) than the cafés of Valencia. If you want to stock up on vitamin C, visiting Valencia and devouring locally-produced oranges is a must.

Go to Valencia for the Jaw-dropping Attractions

Valencia is worth visiting for its diverse landmarks . Medieval structures, eclectic museums, vibrant marketplaces, and lush parks all await you in the gorgeous Spanish city. Let’s explore them below.

• City of Arts and Sciences . The slick, surprising curves of the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias have earned the landmark a spot among the so-called 12 Treasures of Spain. It’s also among the things Valencia is most famous for . The mind-boggling complex consists of several attractions, such as:
• Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe  – an interactive science museum.
• L’Oceanogràfic  – the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe.
• L’Hemisfèric  – an IMAX cinema, laserium, and planetarium.
• Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia  – an opera house and a performing arts center.
• L’Umbracle  – a sculpture garden and a trail featuring indigenous plants.
• L’Àgora  – a covered plaza, which hosts music concerts and sporting events.
• Valencia’s Old Town . Ciutat Vella (the Old Town) offers a walk through history . It consists of five neighborhoods and is perfect for soaking up the city’s lively vibe. The most notable spots in Valencia’s historic center include the bustling Plaza de la Reina , the Gothic Valencia Cathedral , the Modernist Central Market , and the medieval Torres de Quart . You should also explore the intricate collections at the National Ceramics Museum and the fascinating history of the Silk Exchange .
• Turia Gardens . If you decide to take a break from sightseeing, head to the gorgeous Túria Park . The extraordinary recreational area spans the city. In the 1960s, the authorities diverted the Turia River as it was often flooding Valencia. They then turned the dried riverbed into one of the best green spaces in Europe. The park invites for a picnic, exercising, strolling, or relaxing in the shade. Several historic bridges, charming ponds, and quirky sculptures make it even more exciting to visit.
• Valencia Cathedral . The 13 th -century Valencia Cathedral embodies Gothic-style architectural elements. The temple dominates the skyline of the Old Town. The stunning church is dedicated to Saint Mary and contains several priceless 15 th -century paintings. Hidden in one of the chapels, it holds a chalice that locals insist is the Holy Grail itself.
• Estacio del Nord . When  traveling from Barcelona to Valencia , your train will arrive at Estacio del Nord . Valencia’s central railway station is not only a major transportation hub but also a magnificent example of the Valencian Art Nouveau style. The building was inaugurated in 1852. The lavishly decorated façade will capture your eyes, but the interior is equally stunning. It features mind-blowing decorations including intricate tiles, mosaics, and stained-glass windows.
• Central Market . Another magnificent Valencian Art Nouveau structure is Mercado Central. The marketplace from the beginning of the 20 th century pays respect to its older neighbors by incorporating architectural elements from their styles. You can see Gothic and Baroque influences in the domes at the crossings of the wrought-iron roof. The stunning covered market is also one of the largest in Europe. Stroll between the countless colorful stalls, where you’ll find fresh fish, fruits, and veggies.
• Silk Exchange . La Lonja de la Seda integrates the late Valencian Gothic style. In the 17 th and 18 th centuries, silk and textile trading was a viral part of the Valencian economy. The Silk Exchange is where most of the business occurred. The complex consists of three structures. The most important one is The Contract Hall. As the name suggests, merchants worked out the details of their deals inside. Two large twisted columns hold the roof over the intricate space. Don’t skip the other structures and learn their peculiar history as well.
• Jardí Botànic . The Botanical Garden is one of the green lungs of the city. It’s part of the University of Valencia. The historic garden opened its doors in 1802 and remains a center for study, education, and public use. Inside, you’ll discover several ecosystems. Endemic and endangered Mediterranean species coexist with rare exotic succulents and gigantic palm trees from around the world.
• Playa de Malvarrosa . You can’t go to Valencia and not visit its beaches. Malvarrosa Beach is not only the city’s most famous stretch of sand. It’s also its longest. Here, you can entertain yourself with beach volleyball, outdoor fitness equipment, and kids’ playgrounds. Don’t miss sampling local delicacies and cool refreshments at Playa del Malvarrosa’s funky restaurants.
• Las Arenas Beach . Another very popular sand stretch in the Spanish city is Playa del Cabanyal , also known as Playa de las Arenas . Unfortunately, it’s also the busiest, especially in summer. If you don’t mind the crowds, finding it is easy. Las Arenas is the first beach north of the massive Port of Valencia.
• Playa de la Patacona . Also known as Alboraya , you’ll find this fantastic sandy beach next to Playa de Malvarrosa. The azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the unique vibe of the beach, and its clean bright sand make this a wonderful spot to relax. When you grow tired of sunbathing and swimming, take a stroll under the canopy of tall palm trees that dot Playa de la Patacona ’s boardwalk.

Go to Valencia for the Astonishing Museums

Spain’s third-largest city boasts a ton of stunning exhibitions. In the following section, you’ll discover the museums and galleries Valencia is worth visiting for. Let’s dive into the world of science and art!

• Science Museum . Part of the mind-boggling City of Arts and Sciences complex, Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe is worth checking out even if science is not your thing. It’s housed in a building shaped like a whale skeleton. Inside the interactive museum, you can admire anything from explosions to groundbreaking technologies. Check out Foucault’s Pendulum to see the proof of Earth’s motion in action. Visit the museum’s website to catch some of the fun events it organizes.
• Museu de Belles Arts de València . With its nearly 2,000 pieces, The Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia is a true hidden gem for culture vultures. The art on display dates from medieval times to the modern age, and includes works mainly from Valencian and Spanish artists. Don’t miss the highlights of the exposition: the self-portrait of Diego Velázquez, the “Altarpiece of Arts” by Gonzalo Pérez, Goya’s “Playing Children”, and El Greco’s “St. John the Baptist”.
• Museo Nacional de Cerámica y Artes Suntuarias González Martí . The exhibition contains ceramics, pottery, and decorative arts covering periods from ancient Roman to contemporary times. Glassware, metalwork, textiles, costumes, and furniture have also made it into the collection of the National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts . One of the highlights is the world’s largest Valencian ceramics exhibit. The items date back to the 16 th century. The palace, which houses the museum, reflects 18 th -century Valencian Baroque architecture and is worth exploring for its design.
• Museo del Arroz . As we’ve established in the foods and drinks section, rice plays a huge role in Spanish cuisine. So, when you visit Valencia, don’t skip this unusual museum near the port. At Museo Del Arroz , you’ll explore the history of farming and the mechanics of processing the staple food. You’ll also discover more about rice cultivation and the central role it plays in the cuisine of Valencia.
• Museo Taurino . Despite its controversy, bullfighting is a huge topic in Spain. If you want to explore the history of this dangerous yet traditional activity, head to Museo Taurino . Its exhibition shows you tools from the 18 th , 19 th , and 20 th centuries, and showcases the history and features of this Spanish practice. The museum is adjacent to Plaza del Toro, a bullfighting arena that’s still functioning today.
• L’Iber . Valencia boasts many unconventional museums, but L’Iber Museo de Los Soldaditos de Plomo  might be the most unusual of them.  L’Iber hosts the world’s biggest collection of historical miniatures. Inside its exhibition rooms, you can see nearly 100,000 pieces. The miniatures tell the history of Valencia and Spain, from the prehistoric and ancient eras until today. Note that the museum is open only on weekends.
• L’Almoina . Almoina Archaeological Museum brings together a huge collection of archaeological pieces from the history of Valencia and the region. You’ll discover artifacts from the city’s foundation by the Romans in the 2 nd century BC till the Middle Ages. L’Almoina is next to the Valencia Cathedral and covers 27,000 sq. ft. (2,500 sq. m). Ruins from several periods of the city’s development will transport you back in time.
• L’Oceanogràfic . The gigantic Oceanographic is another place in the City of Arts and Sciences complex that you should pay a visit to while in Valencia. It’s the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe, housing 45,000 animals from 500 species. The attraction features several sections, each representing a different marine ecosystem. You can see Mediterranean, tropical, temperate, and polar creatures in the oceanarium’s waters. Don’t miss observing the dolphin show, the beluga family, and the penguins. Check out the submarine restaurant, too.

Travel to Valencia for the Peculiar Festivals

Following Spain’s tradition in organizing bizarre fests, the birthplace of paella adds a specific layer to the country’s quirkiness. In this section, you’ll discover the festivals worth seeing in Valencia.

• Las Fallas . Taking part in this wild festival is among the craziest reasons to visit Valencia. Las Fallas celebrates the beginning of spring and the fest reaches its peak on March 15 and 16. That’s when the “falleros” have just one night to build the gigantic Ninot Fallas. The fallas are massive figures from wood and paper-mâché that reach up to 49 ft. (15 m). They parade on the streets of Valencia in front of spectators and judges. The jury then chooses the best figure, and the rest gets burned.
• Carnaval . If you travel to the Spanish city in February, don’t skip the chance to take part in the carnival festivities. Even though the local carnaval is not as extravagant as the ones in Cádiz and Tenerife, it’s still one of the reasons people visit Valencia. The celebrations include funky street parades, extravagant costumes, and lively music.
• Fiesta de San Vicente Ferrer . Visiting Valencia in April? You can join the festival in honor of San Vicente Ferrer. Locals have been celebrating the patron saint of the community of Valencia since the Middle Ages. The most important day of the Fiesta de San Vicente Ferrer is April 5, when a grand procession overtakes the streets of Valencia. The participants dress in traditional Valencian costumes and carry candles, making the sight a visual feast.
• Feria de Valencia . This fall festival reveals the distinctive culture and vibe of Valencia. An array of events featuring performing arts, film, opera, theater, and concerts entertain the crowds. The culmination of Feria de Valencia is the spectacular firework display that lights up the night sky.
• La Tomatina . Just 24 mi (39 km) west of Valencia, the small town of Buñol hosts the largest tomato fight in the world. During La Tomatina , Participants throw more than 125 tons of ripe tomatoes at each other for two hours straight. The crazy tradition began in 1945, and has gained huge popularity throughout the world. Personally, we don’t approve of the insane waste of fruit, but if you’ve ever wanted to smash tomatoes in other people’s faces, travel to Buñol in August.

Now You Know Why You Should Visit Valencia, Spain

There you have it – the best 33 reasons to visit Valencia .

The birthplace of paella will steal your heart with its gorgeous beaches, extravagant attractions, fun festivals, and peculiar museums.

To best prepare for your trip, don’t miss our top Valencia travel tips .

Now, we’re wondering:

Do you think Valencia is worth seeing?

Share your view in the comments below.

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How to travel from barcelona to valencia, 33 cool things budapest is famous for, 44 london travel tips – the ultimate guide, this post has 2 comments.

Gosh! Valencia looks lusciously lovely. I want to go there. Now! Arthur, book the flights!

Hey Connie,

Valencia is absolutely gorgeous! You and Arthur will definitely have a blast 🙂

Let us know if you need help planning your trip 😉

Cheers, Naddya and Svet

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Is Valencia worth visiting? 15 Incredible reasons why visit Valencia right now!

There are many cities to discover in Spain, but Valencia is unique. Those are 15 reasons why visit Valencia, or at least you should consider right now.

Last Update: July 8, 2024

• Destination

Valencia is an incredible city, and if you are following our blog posts about Spain , you will understand why we love this country. We have collected 15 incredible reasons why visit Valencia right now . This list will make you book a flight to Valencia right after.

Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain. This is considered more a slow traveller city than just a quick holiday destination. The perfect combination of art, culture, fun nightlife, amazing beach and insane, unique festivals all year round. We learned in our visit to Valencia that is ideal, especially for food lovers. Valencia is the perfect Spanish escape for every season, and now is time for you to understand why visiting Valencia is so needed. This and more on our guide of what to visit in Valencia .

Best time to visit Valencia

Valencia is overall a city to experience all year. Thanks to the particular climate , conditions are ideal in Spring more than summer and worth a visit in autumn and in winter too. Despite that said, the ideal season to spend a few days in Valencia is in Spring until early summer.

The climate at this time of the year is above 20 degrees, which makes you feel warm but not sweating like in the summertime. The temperatures in winter in Valencia , never drop below 10 degrees , with the minimum temperatures in January and February. In those two months, I concentrated on all the rainfall.

The Mediterranean climate will suggest visiting Valencia also in summer from July to September, except in crowded places, especially through the beachside.

For a less crowded winter sun holiday in Valencia , try to book your vacation period across October, which is still a beach time in Southern Spain.

How to reach the Valencia City Centre from the Airport

There is just one airport in Valencia ; it makes it easy to avoid mistakes for travellers. Most of the low-fare European companies serve Valencia from everywhere in the Continent. The distance between the city centre and the airport is just 8 km, which makes the link between the international hub and the town quick like no other .

You have many options to reach the city centre of Valencia from the Airport.

Metro: The ride will take around 20 minutes. You can take the Metro lines 3 and 5 for about 3.90€. The transport by Metro is included when you purchase your Valencia Tourist Card in advance .

Bus: You can also reach the city centre of Valencia by bus. It will take longer than the metro but is cheaper. There are buses leaving the airport toward Valencia every 15 minutes. It will cost you only €1.50 per person, and the ticket can be purchased on board. Taking the bus will take more time, but instead will start to give you a quick tour of the city in advance.

Taxi: Private transport in Valencia is pretty cheap. We have been experiencing good fares booking in advance taxi rides, which has saved us time and money. We suggest checking in advance for your taxi ride and avoiding surprises at the airport . Check this affordable option for a private tranfer.

This post may contain affiliate links or Sponsored Links ( read our Cookie Policy ), and useful experiences that we love to suggest to you. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are really grateful) at no extra cost to you . Click on it will help us run this website for you, for FREE, funding our project and continuing to travel, informing curious explorers.

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This post may contain affiliate links or Sponsored Links ( read our Cookie Policy ), and useful experiences that we love to suggest to you. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are really grateful) at no extra cost to you. Click on it will help us run this website for you, for FREE, funding our project and continuing to travel, informing curious explorers.

How to stroll around Valencia

When we are visiting a place for the first time, we love to get lost in the narrow streets. It is something that makes us breathe like locals and feels like fewer tourists. More than that we love to be organized. More than one time ended up that we were regretting to have skipped some landmarks because of time or queue.

To avoid this kind of feeling in every post, we suggest you book your tours of Valencia in advance it will save you time and money and organize your plan well. Also, check for a Valencia Tourist Card , if you see an unexpected landmark that takes your attention, you can save time on your schedule by skipping the queue.

The excellent public transport system of Valencia consists of a metro (That is connected to the airport as well), bus and a tram line that goes just in a part of Valencia.

The cheapest cost makes it easy to be discovered, but the city is big, and you have to take transport more than once. This is the official website of EMT , the Transport of Valencia.

You can also discover Valencia on two wheels, with the public bikes.

Consider buying a Valencia Tourist Card in advence

As we suggested before, planning in advance your trip will avoid bad surprises. Buying a Valencia Tourist Card in advance will help you save money starting from when you land. With that card, you can take the metro included in the service. 

You can combine all your transports with just one card. The card is also offering free entrance to public museums and gets you an overall discount of 25% on tours and restaurants.

CHECK THE PRICES AND BUY THE CARD HERE!

Is Valencia worth visiting?

Yes. Valencia is worth visiting. Undoubtful we can recommend you visit Valencia asap. Plan to spend at least 2 nights in the city. Then you might end up staying longer like we did. There are some of the most attractive buildings in Spain. It is also one of the best influential cultural hubs of the country and has some of the utmost beaches of the entire southern coast.

Check out some incredible reasons to visit Valencia soon!

Top reasons why visit Valencia

• Best beaches in Spain
• Unbelievable climate conditions

Home of the authentic Paella

• Unique language
• Local Siesta
• Largest green park in Europe
• Amazing architecture and culture
• Best local markets
• Las Fallas of Valencia
• Affordable place

Valencia is not expensive

• Incredible nightlife
• Best concerts at Palau de la Musica Valenciana
• Bike-friendly city

Some of the best beaches in Spain

The city of Valencia wasn’t developed on the seaside; despite that, it is home to some of the best golden sand beaches of the Southern Coast of Spain. You can reach the beaches of Valencia by public transport for a cheap ticket. On the seacoast, you will find Malvarrosa Beach, a long strip of sand with plenty of space to relax, palm trees and blue water. If you want to discover more of the neighbouring area there are many other beaches to explore. 

Compared to other summer locations in Spain like Malaga or Barcelona on the same coast side, in Valencia, you will find the beaches not always bustling and full of locals and travellers.

So think about Summer in Valencia, if you want to enjoy relaxing without compromise with busy places.

Do you want to know more about Valencia?

What to see in Valencia in 2 days

Most Instagrammable Places in Valencia

Unbelievable climate conditions | sunny almost all year.

The Southern Coast of Spain is a ridiculous paradise all year round. Valencia is not less than other cities on the same side, with extremely high temperatures in Summer. We visited the city in the middle of August and we were sweating visiting the landmarks of the old town.

Valencia in winter is lovely too. During the cold months, the temperatures rarely drop below 10°C. This makes Valencia the ideal destination to visit in every season.

We are fans of Spain not just because of the amazing sunny beaches, great people and crazy nightlife. We love Spain even more because of the food. We were so excited to visit Valencia and try the famous Paella. The original one is coming from Valencia. And as we always said the same about our homeplace, Naples, if you don’t try the pizza in Naples you don’t know the real taste. We say the same for Valencia.

Every product is in the Paella coming from Valencia and the surrounding. The special rice that is the main ingredient of this tasty dish is coming from the area where the local river has been diverted. Most of the restaurants try to make Paella just with local products, almost locally sourced from surrounding farms.

If you want to experience more of the culinary traditions of Valencia, we invite you to take part in a paella cooking class . You will learn the tricks and culture of the best Spanish dish . If you don’t have time for a Paella Cooking Class, you can go for the Culinary Tour of Valencia.

Unique language: Valenciano and Spanish

Not everyone knows that Valencia has its own local language. It is coming from Latin, and you can hear some similarities with Catalan. Many people believe that the two close languages are the same or similar, but they have a long story in the process of becoming a language more than a dialect.

Despite that, Spanish is still the first language of Valencia, but you will find many signals, street names and official advertising also in Valenciano. The local language has been restored as the main grammar from a few years, after a long period under the dictatorship that was banning talking in public spaces in Valenciano.

We both speak Spanish, well Alessia does speak it excellently. We didn’t find any problem speaking with locals, sometimes trying to speak English instead and in popular tourist locations, it wasn’t a problem.

A few words to know before travelling to Valencia

Those are just a few words in Valencian you might need to know: Bon dia = Good day  Fins demà = See you tomorrow Com estàs? = How are you? Molt bé, i tú?  = I’m good, and you? Com et dius? = What’s your name? El meu nom és… = My name is… Per favor = Please Gràcies = Thank you De res = You’re welcome

Understand that the local Siesta is a local lifestyle

This is Alessia’s favourite paragraph. We had been living in Spain for nearly 6 months last summer, and it was unbelievable how we got used to the local lifestyle pretty quickly. Siesta, like eating late for lunch and even late for dinner, was our priority in scheduling the day. Something that we are still missing living back in London now.

By the way, “La Siesta” is the rest in the middle of the day. Mostly all the local activities close around lunchtime, from 2.00 to 4.00 or 5.00 in the afternoon, but this may vary.

La siesta is taken very seriously by locals and is the perfect time of the day for a few hour’s naps in the afternoon and recharge for the last rush of the day. In summer, typically, the restaurants in the afternoon open, around 8.00 pm.

Despite those few tips from us, in the old town and city centre of Valencia, things have changed and you will see that many shops are open around lunchtime. If you are hungry and looking for something quick that looks more like a local dish than a typical fast-food, check for 100 Montaditos , our favourite cheap place. It is open even on Sunday.

The largest green park in Europe

One of the things that we have really appreciated in Valencia is the huge city park. The Turia Gardens is a former riverbed of the Turia River . Today this is the most famous green park in Valencia and is the largest in Europe. It is basically cutting the city in two perfect halves, with the new building and a few landmarks on the left side looking at the seaside and the old town and the old walls on the right side.

The Turia Gardens always offers a bench in the shadow, a few picnic spots, and the huge Gulliver playground for kids and other little ones. There is also baseball, rugby, basketball and football pitches. All around the gardens is running bike paths; we have enjoyed our bike tour of Valencia, getting to discover the hidden gems of the city with a local guide.

BOOK A TOUR O F VALENCIA ON A BIKE

The Amazing Architecture is a reason shy visit Valencia

When we visited the city, the original plan was that we would spend 2 days in Valencia . We ended up staying in the city for four days, exploring every corner of it. In one of mornings, when we woke up early to better appreciate the city, without tourists around, we fell in love with the local architecture.

Valencia is unique a mix of many styles blended in one. It is a city that goes from the stunning Valencian Gothic to the Art decò and the ultra-modern structures of the City of Arts and Sciences. Despite all those styles, Valencia also has a high past. Founded by the Romans and developed in the Arabic style by the Moorish.

Despite that, Valencia has a unique way to intend art, that’s why it has evolved its own style of gothic architecture. Some people address the local Cathedral as the genuine Holy Grail. We visited this church early in the morning, and it’s true that it has some magic. Believe it or not, visit it to check in person.

History and culture how to visit Valencia on a budget

Incredible stories are now legendary iconic pieces of Valencia’s Culture. This city is unbelievably beautiful and huge. Everybody knows that Spain, especially the Southern part of the country, is pretty cheap and affordable; Valencia has all that you need for an awesome vacation.

You will never be annoyed in Valencia; exploring the city, you will discover valuable masterpieces. The Bull Ring just outside the main train station of Valencia is something to admire at every time of the day. We have been walking through the amazing square quite often in our stay in Valencia due to our Airbnb accommodation being just a few blocks away.

Visit not only the external part of it but also the Bullfighting Museum ( Museo Taurino ), you will be fascinated even if not really a fan of this cruel show. If you want to go deeper into Valencian history and culture, go roaming inside the Museo de Historia de Valencia, the Historic Museum of Valencia. Check also the Museo de Bellas Artes, the Fine Arts Museum of the city.

Visit the amazing local markets

If Art and Culture are not enough to convince you to visit Valencia asap, the local food markets are the plus ultra. As you know Valencia is the hometown of Paella . The locals think of food as an essential part of life. They will sell you more than just food, experience in the taste and in the traditions.

There are many food markets in Valencia, but we will highlight you just a few but really important. It is true that it is a touristy place, but you will be amazed by the architecture, decorations and amazing food stands. The Central Market of Valencia needs to be the core of your next trip to Valencia. Here you will clearly understand why to visit Valencia . It is a lively food market, full of locals selling products almost KM0. 

Don’t focus just on food and local products, but admire the Dome and the fine ceramic decorations.

Then you need to head to the Mercato de Colon or locally named as Mercat de Colón . It is the most representative building in Valencian Art Nouveau. It is also one of our favourite instagrammable spots in Valencia .

Famous for the Celebrations, check-in at Las Fallas

If wandering around incredible pieces of art around the city, has not yet convinced yourself about why you have to visit Valencia soon, the way that locals take seriously their cultural celebrations will do.

Las Fallas is one of the most felt celebrations in Valencia. You can’t resume Las Fallas as a typical party, parade, or carnival. It is much more. The five-day “Las Fallas Festival” will show the best in the city. Hundreds of huge puppets are taking part in a parade around the old town. Las Fallas takes place every year in March and is becoming more popular nowadays.

The festival is actually held for two weeks, and the whole city is transforming in this period. You will find many activities such as fireworks, art galleries indoors and outdoors , and hundreds of parties. It is the best period to visit Valencia . But, book your accommodation in advance, it tends to be overcrowded.

It is overall a cheap place, ideal for budget travellers

As we already said in the section regarding the culture, Valencia is pretty affordable. We discovered that it is the ideal location for budget travellers. Starting from cheap public transport, with a ticket costing just 1,50€. There are also supermarkets with good offers; check the local Mercadona or SuperSol , there is also the well-known Lidl always available.

Talking about food, the local restaurants offer a daily menu on a budget, served at lunchtime or for dinner. If you spot any advertising outside restaurants saying “Menu del Dia” this is the place for you. The overall price is around 10€. Wednesday and Sunday is the day when the local kind of fast food 100 Montaditos offer all the menu, beers included for 1€ each. This place is really cheap every day, offering tapas on a budget.

Coming back to our time in backpacking style, we can think about Valencia as a digital nomad Destination . Even the accommodation in local bed and breakfasts offers a wide range of prices and styles.

Compared to Madrid and Barcelona, the cost of living in Valencia is more affordable. This will take into consideration factors like the cost of accommodation, goods and experiences. Valencia is also among the most affordable European countries . It is cheaper to be discovered and live in winter than Summer when the prices of the accommodation have their pick.

Incredible Nightlife in Valencia

When is time to talk about nightlife, everybody should be very focused. Valencia is a big city in Spain, and like Madrid or Barcelona is the top talking about night clubs, discotheques and bars. Valencia really knows how to rock a party. In the city, you can find every kind of genre of music and style, from the last techno track to the old-school underground unknown club.

Looking at what to visit in Valencia at night, the one that we will highlight to you is the party at the Umbracle. The garden terrace up the deck of the Ciudad de la Ciencia y Artes of Valencia is an unmissable nightlife spot for you.

The Mya Club is one of the most trendy clubs in Valencia, holding some of the coolest parties in the whole coast.

If you are on the seaside of the city, during summer, it will give you many reasons why visit Valencia. Most of the clubs on the beach offer sunset aperitif and crazy nights. Also, the hotels and bars’ rooftop terraces parties with the sea as landscape.

The best concerts at Palau de la Musica Valenciana

The Valencia Concert Hall is an awesome building that you can’t miss walking through the old river bed of the Turia, the actual green garden of the city. Just outside of the futuristic building that has also inspired the structures of de la Ciudad de la Ciencia y Artes, a big fountain that has been designed to spout to the beat of the music that you can hear from Palau. Yes, from outside, just comfy sitting in the garden you can listen to the concert inside the building and watch an amazing water game.

The Palau de la Musica Valenciana is an identity institution for locals. It promotes the culture and hosts concerts, operas, ballets and other cultural activities over than also conferences and presentations.

During summer, outside of the building and close to the fountain is held an open-air cinema. It is really cheap . If you are looking to improve, your Spanish will be a fun exercise. The Cinema in the Turia Garden also hosts movies in English and other foreign languages.

Bike-friendly city tour of Valencia

We have been discovering Valencia on a bike with Get Your Guide . It was fun, thanks to our amazing guide. That’s why we will suggest you plan a bike-friendly city tour.

Valencia is perfect to explore by bike, it’s a flat city so suitable for everybody. The Turia Garden has a bike track all the way, also, in the city centre, there are dedicated lanes to the two wheels.

What you get booking our suggested bike tour of Valencia

• 3-hour tour with a local guide
• Pass by the Cathedral of Valencia
• Turia Gardens
• City of Arts and Science

BOOK YOUR TOUR NOW

Also Read: Spain landmarks to visit once in your life

Find your accommodation in the Old Town

We are advertising Valencia a lot, not because we have been paid for the promotion but really like the city. We have stayed in Valencia more than we expected and so changed two Airbnb in our stay. Despite the common sense that will say to you that, to find accommodation by the sea, due to Valencia is a coastal city. Instead, if you are not just propelled to chase the sun, book your accommodation in Valencia in the old town. In this way, you will discover better the cultural part of Valencia.

The coastal side of Valencia is full of hotels, condo villas and cheap apartments. In the old town, you will instead find well-known hotel boutiques, but also Airbnb on a budget close to the main landmarks like we did.

The city centre of Valencia is also full of Hostels , amazing to spend a few nights digging into the fantastic Valencian Culture .

Where to stay in Valencia

Corvara in badia, soho boutique turia.

A 4-star accommodation in the heart of Valencia centre. The perfect place to stay in Valencia, on a budget and with all the comforts.

PALACIO SANTA CLARA

Hotel valencia center, things to do in valencia.

• Plaza de Toros
• Valencia City Hall
• Mercado Colon
• Puente de las Flores
• Torre de Serrano
• Plaza de la Virgen
• Torre del Micalet
• Valencia Cathedral
• Central Market
• Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

The below is the list of the landmarks of Valencia you don’t have to miss at all. 

Tours to do in Valencia

Q&a is valencia worth visiting, is valencia, spain safe.

In our experience Valencia is safe. We have never felt in danger even walking at night in a district away from the city centre. Generally, Valencia is a very safe city. But like every big city, we always suggest not carrying with you valuable, and watch out for cameras and bags especially in crowded places.

Which are the best beaches in Valencia?

Valencia is a double faces city, an excellent cultural hub, with a crazy seaside full of beautiful beaches. Those are some to discover, especially if you are visiting Valencia in Summer.

• Las Arenas Beach
• Playa la Malvarrosa
• Patacona Beach
• Playa la Garrofera

Why is worth visiting Valencia?

Valencia is reminding us of an amazing time back in summer. It was at the same time a relaxing place where you could drink a beer chasing the sun, and discover the old town. Valencia is definitely worth a visit. If you can allocate more than 2 days in Valencia it will be perfect .

The city is so big that 2 days are not enough to grasp the skin of the Valencian Culture. If you are a passionate photographer like us, you will discover some of the most instagrammable places in Valencia , collecting amazing memories back home.

How many days should you spend in Valencia?

We recommend spending at least 2 days in Valencia. You will have enough time to visit the city and enjoy its beautiful surroundings. If you want to enjoy every single corner of Valencia, we recommend 4 days in Valencia.

Which is better to visit Barcelona or Valencia?

Both! It’s almost impossible to pick between Barcelona and Valencia . They both have incredible activities and things to do. We loved our winter in Barcelona, and Valencia has a special place in our hearts. We recommend visiting both cities and experience the most of it.

What’s so special about Valencia?

Valencia is known for being home of the best Paella, Las Fallas festival and the incredible city of Arts and Sciences.

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Valencia   Travel Guide

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26 Best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain

Valencia's three beaches feature soft golden sand and spectacular views of the Mediterranean. Visitors who enjoy exploring outdoors can spend their days strolling dozens of gardens, parks and plazas located within the city or hiking the trails of

• All Things To Do

Central Market (Mercado Central) Central Market (Mercado Central) free

This is where local Valencians gather to do their shopping, though you'll find the atmosphere a bit different than your local supermarket. One of the oldest food markets in Europe, Mercado Central (Central Market) is adorned with Valencian-style mosaics and filled with residents purchasing local foods from more than 1,200 trusted vendors selling everything from meat and vegetables to pastries and take-away items. Spanning more than 86,000 square feet, the building occupies land once used as an open-air market in the mid-19th century. Opened in 1928, the visually stunning building sits in the El Mercat neighborhood, opposite two other architecturally significant monuments: La Lonja de la Seda and Los Santos Juanes Church.

Recent visitors were invariably impressed by the expansive range of food and beverages on offer here, with some describing the market as a "foodie paradise." Reviewers recommended stopping by, even if you don't plan on purchasing anything, though they do warn that prices are high because vendors recognize this is such a tourist magnet.

City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts y les Ciencies) City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts y les Ciencies)

The Ciutat de les Arts y las Ciències (also known as the City of Arts and Sciences) is a traveler favorite for its futuristic design. Built on the old riverbed of the Turia River, the museum's contemporary architecture (by Santiago Calatrava) shelters the Museu de les Ciències (a science museum), the Hemisfèric (a planetarium and IMAX theater), the Oceanogràfic – the largest aquarium in Europe – and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (a performing arts venue), among other attractions.

Past travelers raved about the complex's myriad offerings, and suggested you wear comfortable shoes; the attraction is so massive (about 452,000 square feet), you'll be doing a lot of walking. Reviewers recommended setting aside an afternoon or even two to three days to see the entire complex. Travelers praise the science museum for its hands-on exhibits and the aquarium for its stunning design.

Turia Gardens (Jardi del Turia) Turia Gardens (Jardi del Turia) free

The Jardí del Túria (or the Garden of the Turia) might seem odd to newcomers, seeing as how it boasts more than a dozen bridges built to span a river that's no longer there. One of the country's largest urban parks, Jardí del Túria was built after a fatal 1957 flood of the Turia River, which was then diverted over the course of the mid- to late 1960s. Today, the gardens shelter orange and palm trees and rose bushes among a wide variety of flora. The park's facilities also include cafes, football (i.e., soccer) fields, children's play areas, rugby pitches, fountains, baseball diamonds, running tracks, skate parks and miniature golf courses. Predictably, the park is especially popular with runners and cyclists. It is also ideal for families with children.

The green space is highly appreciated by recent visitors for the range of activities on offer as well as the peaceful atmosphere.

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Oceanografic Valencia (L'Oceanografic) Oceanografic Valencia (L'Oceanografic)

Though part of the Ciutat de les Arts y les Ciències , Oceanogràfic Valencia stands as one of the top things to do all on its own. It's the largest aquarium in Europe and also boasts the longest underwater tunnel on the continent, which facilitates close-up views of sharks. The aquarium reproduces multiple habitats, including Arctic, Antarctic, temperate and tropical as well as, appropriately enough, Mediterranean. Some visitors may be disappointed to know it also (controversially) hosts the only family of beluga whales in Europe as well as dolphinarium, which features bottlenose dolphins. The grandstand at the dolphinarium seats more than 1,500 people, making it (you guessed it) the largest in Europe. The attraction also shelters a sizable crocodile preserve.

Past visitors marveled at the aquarium's unique architecture as well as the range of sea creatures on view. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the place is especially popular among families with children, though some travelers found the tickets rather expensive.

Bioparc Valencia Bioparc Valencia

The Bioparc Valencia is a 25-acre zoo, located in the northwest area of the city. But this isn't just any kind of zoo – it's an immersion zoo, which means it removes or hides many of the barriers most zoos put in place between different species, including humans. Species that naturally (and safely) reside together in the wild are placed together, while other gentle species, like lemurs for instance, are free to meet humans face to face. Other barricades are simply hidden to give visitors the feeling of being out in the wild, a particular highlight for recent travelers. The park aims to recreate the African continent, with animals like zebras, Nile crocodiles, giraffes and elephants spread across four main habitats.

Past visitors enjoyed the chance to see the animals close up and found the unique layout an interesting departure from the typical zoo. Keep in mind the Bioparc's rules concerning the animals: They shouldn't be touched or fed, nor should they be disrupted by yelling or flash photography. Other than that, use your common sense: No jumping over the fence to meet the tigers.

La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)

The Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) was built between 1482 and 1533 and is considered a great example of the late Valencian Gothic-style architecture. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, partly because of this style, but also because that style was applied to a secular building rather than a religious one, as was the norm in that time. Pay close attention to the gargoyles that crouch throughout the Silk Exchange: Their expressions range from funny to naughty.

Recent visitors found the architectural details endlessly fascinating. Many reviewers also advised opting for an audio guide, which they say helps explain the building's history and various architectural elements. Plus, recent travelers said there is little information available without the aid of the audio guide. Others suggested enjoying the courtyard, which is filled with orange trees.

Valencia Cathedral Valencia Cathedral

Located in the Plaza de la Reina , the Valencia Cathedral is probably most famous for its claim of owning the Holy Grail. Dating back to 1262, the cathedral was raised on the site of a former mosque and displays a number of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic.

Past visitors were impressed with the cathedral's interior, though they bemoaned the entrance fee. Others applauded the audio guide that is included with admission, saying it provided important historical context. Audio guides are available in a variety of languages, including English.

Church of St. Nicolas (Parroquia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir) Church of St. Nicolas (Parroquia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir)

With more than 20,000 square feet of elaborate frescos adorning its interiors, the Parroquia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir has been called the Sistine Chapel of Valencia. Originally constructed in 1242, the church was remodeled and restored several times, perhaps most famously between 1690 and 1693 when the interiors were decorated with fresco paintings of scenes depicting San Nicolás de Bari (Saint Nicholas) and San Pedro Mártir (Saint Peter Martyr).

Recent travelers described the frescoes as "beautiful" and "outstanding." Many strongly recommended renting the audio guide, which reviewers say provides important commentary for understanding all of the beautiful frescoes. However, a few were disappointed with the entrance fee required to view the interiors of the church.

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Plaza de la Virgen Plaza de la Virgen free

Adjacent to the Valencia Cathedral , the marble-floored Plaza de la Virgen is an ideal spot to appreciate some of the city's architecture – and to people-watch. From this viewpoint, you can take in the Gothic Valencia Cathedral (where the chalice from the Last Supper is said to be preserved), as well as the pink walls and blue roof tiles of the Baroque Real Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados. 

Other points of interest include the beautiful Túria Fountain, which represents the Turia River and features sculptures of eight women pouring water from pitchers as well as a large sculpture of Neptune sitting atop the fountain. The Tribunal de las Aguas meets every Thursday at noon outside the Door of the Apostles – a continuation of a 1,000-year-old tradition. The Water Tribunal is made up of eight farmers dressed in black, who sit in a circle and discuss (in the Valencian language) water access to the orchards. This scene is a curious spectacle through the eyes of tourists.

Palace of the Marques de Dos Aguas (Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas) Palace of the Marques de Dos Aguas (Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas)

The Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas, or Ceramics Museum, is widely regarded as among the best displays of Baroque architecture in Spain. (It takes its name from a Valencian noble family.) When it was first constructed in the 15th century, it was a Gothic building; it was reworked in the Baroque style in the 18th century, when the ornate entryway was added. Some of the rooms retain the original Gothic look. Since 1949, when the Ministry of Education bought the building, it has housed the González Martí National Museum of Ceramics. The museum boasts the largest collection of ceramics in the country and features pieces from the 18th century to the present, including work by Pablo Picasso.

Recent travelers reported feeling awe-struck by the opulent architecture. Though the building itself may be what impresses people the most, the ceramics museum is also generally deemed well worth a visit.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento Plaza del Ayuntamiento free

This beautiful city square contains the ayuntamiento (town hall). Within the town hall is where you'll find the main tourist office, which offers a variety of tourist information (including ticket sales) in various languages.

Many travelers say the Plaza del Ayuntamiento is a good place to start off any sightseeing, as the square is filled with decadent buildings constructed during Valencia's golden age. In the square's center is a fountain, which is surrounded by fragrant flower stalls. In the winter, an ice rink and carousel adorn the square, and during Fallas festival it becomes the main hub of the celebrations and the grand finale, when the event’s biggest papier-mâché statue is set alight. 

Albufera Natural Park (Parc Natural de l'Albufera) Albufera Natural Park (Parc Natural de l'Albufera) free

To commune with nature – specifically 300 bird species and miles of walking and biking trails – make a visit to the Albufera Natural Park, a large freshwater lagoon. The park is surrounded by the rice fields that helped prompt the invention of paella. Indeed, there are a number of restaurants nearby in the towns of El Palmar (the village where paella was born) and El Saler, and many travelers find the food alone a reason for taking a trip to the area.

Visitors can explore the country’s largest freshwater lake in traditional flat-bottomed wooden boats with the help of local boat operators. During the 40-minute trip, they will explain (in Spanish, Valencian or English) how the lake was formed and was used to develop rice farming, whilst punting passengers past 16-foot-high reeds. Some passengers are lucky enough to spot elusive otters. The boats depart from the main jetty and cost 8 euros (approximately $8.70). 

Plaza de la Reina Plaza de la Reina free

Within walking distance of the Valencia Cathedral , the Plaza de la Reina is a great space to sit and observe activity in the old part of town. While smaller than Plaza de la Virgen , it offers a different perspective of the Valencia Cathedral (from the main entrance), as well as excellent views of the famous Miguelete bell tower. Occasionally, the square is filled with craft market stalls, and the zone between Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de la Virgen is lined with artists demonstrating their skills and selling paintings.

Past travelers found the area lively at all times of the day and said they visited on several different occasions during their trip. Multiple options for food and beverages flank the square, including ice cream shops and tapas bars. The streets surrounding it offer a cornucopia of shopping options, from independent fashion retailers to artisanal products. 

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Gulliver Park (Parque Gulliver) Gulliver Park (Parque Gulliver) free

If a park designed with the giant from Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" in mind sounds fanciful, that's because it is. Yet Gulliver Park is not merely a literary tribute; rather, it's a playground consisting of numerous slides and staircases arranged in the shape of its prone namesake. The figure's hat contains a smaller version of Gulliver, providing a sense of what the massive character looks like when glimpsed from above. To give a sense of the size of the "giant," the strands of Gulliver's hair are huge slides. According to past visitors, the park is best suited to adventurous kids 10 and older.

While some adults appreciated the bibliophilic reference, the park is a hit with children. However, adults will be grateful for its recent refurbishment in November 2022, which includes safety ropes at the edge of the steepest drops and soft floor surfaces. Recent visitors warn the slides can get hot in the Valencian sun, and to be prepared for your kids to go home dusty, but happy.

Old Town Old Town free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Look behind the cathedral to find the glass-bottomed artificial pond where you can see part of the Roman city walls below. Then, head inside to La Almoina Archaeological Museum to see the remains of Roman and Moorish streets. – Sarah Harvey

The Ciutat Vella, or Old Town, is a buzzing combination of historical sights, bars and restaurants, set within the former boundary of the ancient city walls. This UNESCO-listed district encompasses some 2,000 years of history, and conveniently, you’ll find many of the top attractions in close proximity. They include Valencia Cathedral , the city hall, the Central Market and the Silk Exchange , as well as numerous displays of vibrant street art. While the ancient walls have been lost to time and urban development, the Serranos Towers and Torres de Quart (fortified city gates) still mark the boundaries.  

Miguelete Miguelete

Adjacent to the Valencia Cathedral is the imposing Miguelete bell tower. This 166-foot-high tower was built in the Gothic style between 1381 and 1424. An 18th-century steeple was later added. At the top, incredible views of the city (and even the fields beyond) await. However, there is no elevator, so visitors must be prepared to climb the more than 200 steps of the spiral staircase to the top. Inside is the largest collection of Gothic bells in Spain. Some of them are still rung by bellringers while others have been automated, but you can hear the peals throughout the day.

Travelers commented on the tough, 10- to 20-minute climb to the top, but said the views were worth the effort. Some mentioned how the “traffic signal” system helped make the ascent easier, as you don’t have to squeeze past anyone heading in the opposite direction.

Malvarrosa Beach Malvarrosa Beach free

The golden sand and shallow blue waters of Malvarrosa Beach have been inspiring artists and travelers for generations. At an average of 440 feet wide, the beach is ideal for sports, as well as relaxation. As with Playa de las Arenas, its vibe is similar to that of southern California beaches. What’s more, it offers almost everything beachgoers could wish for, from juice bars and cafes to free gym equipment, as well as chairs and parasols for rent. There’s an area set aside for water sports, including paddleboarding and windsurfing, and even dive centers offering access to the nearby reef. 

Visitors appreciate how easy Malvarrosa is to get to by tram, as well as the cleanliness of the water (it earned a Blue Flag, a European award granted to beaches that are recognized for their clean sand and water). Despite the promenade being lined with homes rather than cafes (unlike at Playa de las Arenas), travelers were impressed with the range of cuisine available in close proximity. However, some were disappointed with the lack of public restrooms and changing rooms.

Serranos Towers Serranos Towers

The Serranos Towers are a surviving feature of Valencia’s long-gone city walls. They were built in 1392 as a defensive structure surrounding the city gates, and used as a prison for aristocrats between 1586 and 1887. Today, they are an iconic Valencian landmark, and only one of two remaining towers of its kind in the city. Visitors can climb the ancient steps to take in views of the city and the Turia River. During Fallas festival, crowds gather at the foot of the towers to watch a fireworks display.

Travelers praised the Valencian Gothic architecture, as well as the convenient location (just a stone's throw from the Valencia Cathedral ). Some visitors cautioned that climbing the towers isn’t suitable for small children because there are no handrails, but most agreed the views were worth it. 

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The Fallas Museum (Museo Fallero de València) The Fallas Museum (Museo Fallero de València)

If you're not in Valencia in time for Las Fallas – a raucous annual celebration of spring and Saint Joseph's Day – then be sure to check out the Museu Faller. The distinctly Valencian museum displays ninots , individual figures made of papier-mâché that are part of a bigger falla composition. These usually satirical effigies are paraded through the city and then burned in bonfires during their yearly namesake festival. Only the ninots deemed to be the best are spared and then preserved here. The museum also contains a variety of other historic items from past festivals, including posters and images of the large Falleras Mayores .

Museumgoers invariably found the Museu Faller fascinating, and exhibits are believed to offer insights into the city's culture and folklore.

Barrio del Carmen Barrio del Carmen free

U.S. News Insider Tip: While you’re soaking up the sights of El Carmen, don’t forget to look up! You’ll notice that the underside of many of the balconies are adorned with beautifully patterned tiles. – Sarah Harvey

El Carmen is the most famous of all six neighborhoods in the Old Town (El Carmen, La Seu, La Xerea, El Pilar, El Mercat and Sant Francesc). This hip, gentrified, yet still slightly rough-around-the-edges area is an exciting blend of some of the most attractive historical landmarks with some of the city’s best street art, restaurants and bars. Quirky and fascinating museums and landmarks pepper the area, from the 2-foot-tall House of Cats to the Portal de Valldigna – an ancient entrance to the Moorish quarter, where the Muslims lived after Spain’s King James reclaimed Valencia from the Moors. 

El Cabanyal El Cabanyal free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Rent a paddleboard from the nearby marina and use it to cruise around. It’s a great way to admire local landmarks from a new angle like the ultramodern Veles e Vents America’s Cup building, and the ornately-decorated tinglados warehouses dating back to 1910. – Sarah Harvey

El Cabanyal is the neighborhood visitors head to when they want to catch some rays on the broad, golden sands of Playa de las Arenas. Playa de las Arenas is the most southerly of Valencia city’s three beaches, which all run into one another, creating a 3.7-mile-long span of sand. From here, the sand runs north all the way to Port Saplaya. 

Mercado Colón Mercado Colón free

U.S. News Insider Tip: The tiger nut drink known as horchata is a must-try at Colón Market, accompanied by fartons (fluffy pastries topped with light frosting or filled with cream). Horchata was brought to Valencia by the Moors and quickly spread across Spain, and beyond. – Sarah Harvey

This popular market is a haven for epicureans. Housed within a Modernist structure dating from 1916, it’s not only a destination for shopping, but also for leisure. That’s because the stalls, shops and a range of temporary exhibitions are surrounded by cafes. The latter was added as part of the 2003 refurbishment, in the form of large glass cubes scattered around the circumference. Tourists rub shoulders with locals at this buzzing spot, including well-heeled staff from offices in the surrounding area, who hit the market’s cafes for after-work drinks. The basement level offers gourmet stores and restaurants. 

Mestalla Stadium (Estadio de Mestalla) Mestalla Stadium (Estadio de Mestalla)

Mestalla Stadium can seat approximately 50,000 football (i.e., soccer) fans, and those in Valencia are among the sport's most ardent. The home of the Valencia Club de Fútbol (VCF) since 1923, the stadium is known for its unusually steep grandstands and is regarded as an especially exciting place to catch a match – and absorb a notable side of the local culture.

Stadium-goers generally enjoyed the upbeat atmosphere and noted that the venue is quite family-friendly.

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Fine Art Museum of Valencia (Museu de Belles Arts de Valencia) Fine Art Museum of Valencia (Museu de Belles Arts de Valencia) free

If you're a fan of Spanish artists, such as Velázquez, Goya and El Greco, you won't want to miss the free Museu de Belles Arts, which also houses a sizable collection of medieval paintings, with a heavy emphasis on religious art and relics. Among its holdings are approximately 2,000 paintings and statues, some dating back to the 14th century. The building itself is also quite interesting. It was once the home of the Seminary College of Saint Pius V, which dates back to the 17th century.

Recent visitors appreciated the wide array of artistic styles on display. However, a few said this is not a must-see unless you're interested in Spanish artists, with a strong slant on religious art.

Institut Valencia d'Art Modern (IVAM) Institut Valencia d'Art Modern (IVAM)

The Institut Valencià d'Art Modern (IVAM), or the Valencian Institute of Modern Art, is filled with modern and contemporary works. Its permanent collection, which boasts more than 10,000 pieces, centers on the 20th century and features important works by Julio González and Ignacio Pinazo, among others.

Recent travelers said the museum is worth a visit if you're a fan of modern art. Those who enjoyed it said it offered a wide breadth of exhibits and noted that it would be difficult for an art lover to find fault with its offerings.

Ruzafa Ruzafa free

Ruzafa is a neighborhood just outside the city center that’s better known as a local hangout than as a tourist spot. However, there is plenty to appeal to visitors, particularly those wanting to see another side of Valencia. It’s a gentrified area, popular amongst young expats and local hipsters and artists (think: street art, cupcake bakeries, art galleries and vintage clothing shops). There is also an eye-catching market building, which was built in 1962 in the Brutalist architectural style, then painted in bold graded colors in 2010. Despite the numerous recent changes, Ruzafa still retains a lot of its original character, including cheap and authentic tapas joints and quirky bars. 

Many recent visitors commented on the neighborhood’s cool, bohemian vibe. 

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Some cities just attract you. We’re not sure why but we had always wanted to visit Valencia. It seemed to have it all, stunning strips of golden sands, an historic old town, a modern science centre and one of the worlds most famous football clubs and stadiums. Is Valencia worth a visit? Click to find out.

We’ve always wanted to visit Valencia. One problem, it’s a pain to get to from the North of England which just seems to fly to Alicante or Barcelona.

When we were planning our European Tour of 2018 Valencia was a city that we both agreed we must visit. Luckily the flight times worked from our starting point of Porto. We flew with Ryanair from Porto to Valencia, the budget airline got us there on time with a flight time of just 90 minutes.

Table of Contents

Valencia Airport to the City Centre

It’s one of the headaches that always faces us when arriving in a new city. How easy and quick is it to get to the city centre from the airport. We usually begrudge paying the expensive taxi prices to and from airports as the fares sometimes more than double.

It was off to Google to research and we found out that Valencia’s metro system runs all the way to the airport, perfect. On arrival into Valencia the airport was super quiet and as we only had hand luggage and were travelling from another Schengen area then we did not have to pass passport control. Tickets for the metro system must be purchased before boarding, this was quick and easy to do and the station at the terminal has many machines.

We found that the system was super easy to navigate and we were at our hotel within just one hour of landing, from the airport to the city centre it’s around 30 minutes.

Valencia Hotel Review

Hotel villacarlos.

We are quite picky when it comes to hotels and accommodation. Research, reviews, ratings – Those are the three R’s that we always go on. Hotel Villacarlo s ticked all of the boxes and it was within our price range. Perfect. Booked.

We were happy, location – excellent. Staff at the front desk – helpful and friendly. Sadly, that’s where the positives end. We arrived at our room and it was like stepping back into the 1970’s. The decor was nothing like in the photographs. We requested a non-smoking room but the air in the room was filled with the smell of stale cigarettes. We were so disappointed as this has the making of a great hotel. Sadly, it put a bit of a downer on our trip and we dreaded going back on a night as we found the room to be very miserable.

Things To Do In Valencia

Mestalla forever tour review.

Being brutally honest, the Mestalla is the main reason that Michael wanted to visit Valencia. The stadium is famous for its super-steep stands and raucous atmosphere. A big plus to the Mestalla is that it is only a 15 minute walk from Valencia’s old town, making it easy to get to by foot.

Unfortunately, there was not a match being played when we visited Valencia so we had to make do with a tour. The tour was brilliant. We have forgotten the name of our guide but he was a season ticket holder at Valencia. His knowledge of the city, stadium and players past and present was second to none.

The Mestalla simply oozes history, it’s rare for a stadium to feel atmospheric when empty but the stands at the Mestalla seem to hook you in. It has, however, had it’s best days and is looking very worn down. Valencia are a huge club who strive to be fighting at the top of La Liga against Barcelona and the Madrid clubs. The Mestalla, sadly, lets the club down due to a real lack of quality facilities and in capacity.

On the tour you will be guided around the famous arena, gaining VIP access to the changing rooms, dugouts, pitch-side area, hospitality area and even the clubs very own church! Yep, they have their own little chapel which is used by players to say their prayers before a match.

The tour costs €11.50 and lasts around 90 minutes and is very much access all areas. It’s an absolute must for any football fan that visits Valencia.

It will be an incredibly sad day when the doors are locked for the final time at the Mestalla. Nou Mestalla will eventually be Valencia’s new home, however, it has stood as a shell on the edge of town for around 15 years with no sign of further development due to financial problems at the La Liga club.

Book the Mestalla Forever Tour, here.

Valencia Beach

It’s very rare that you have a stunning beach a stones throw from a city centre. The only other place I can think of that offers this is Barcelona.

After a day of exploring we decided to wind down for the afternoon and chill at the beach. The weather agreed with us, with the temperature being in the mid-30’s and a cloud wasn’t to be seen. The Spanish sun was smiling down on us, blissful.

We originally planned to walk from the hotel to the beach, however the heat was too much. We decided to grab a grab. Grab are the Spanish versions of Uber (Uber is banned in Spain). We found Grab to be way better than Uber, the drivers were friendly, reliable and each journey we were given a bottle of water each. The cars were also super fancy which was definitely a bonus.

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

We’ll be honest, we aren’t really Science type people. What attracted us to Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias was the stunning modern design of the buildings. The campus is now synonymous with Valencia and it’s almost as well known as the old town.

Now, we didn’t do any of the museums but others who we met on our travels told us they were fantastic. We spent our time wandering around the grounds including the gardens and park whilst soaking up the morning Spanish sun. The architecture is something you will only find here, making it a must visit when in Valencia. It’s also one of the twelve treasures of Spain!

We spent a full morning here but if you want to visit the museums you’d need around a day and a half.

Valencia Old Town

Valencia’s old town stretches back a mere 2000 years and is an explosion of life, vibrancy and architecture. The winding streets feature stunning buildings from Roman, Arabic, Gothic and Baroque styles. Like many old towns you will lose yourself in a labyrinth of tight, winding streets before finding yourself in a square of restaurants or outside of the famous Valencia Food Market.

We much preferred Valencia’s old town over that of Barcelona, it is a lot less touristy and much cleaner. You can do the Old Town all on foot as it’s quite small. Sites to see include Valencia Cathedral, The Central Market of Valencia and La Lonja De La Sed.

Valencia Cathedral – Best Viewpoint in Valencia

Valencia Cathedral stands proud in the centre of the old town and symbolises the most important building in the city to it’s people, well maybe apart from the Mestalla. It costs 8 euros to visit the interior of the cathedral and a further 2 euros to climb the tower of the cathedral. We decided, due to time constraints and a queue to get into the cathedral to just pay the €2 to climb the tower.

It’s quite a long trek to the top, but wow, the views are something else. The Cathedral Tower is by far one of the biggest structures in the old town, meaning you get stunning panoramic views across the city. This was a highlight of our time in Valencia and for the small fee of just €2, a must do.

Where to eat in Valencia

Lizarran port valencia.

Food, food, food and even more food.

When you go to Italy you eat Pizza and Pasta. When you visit Spain you eat Tapas. It’s international law, isn’t it?

Lizarran was close to our hotel and is your typical neighbourhood restaurant. The plastic tables are crammed together and the decor leaves a lot to be desired. The food and service however, is always the highlight.

On the evening that we visited there was a special offer on, 3 tapas and 2 small beers for just €8.95. We thought that it sounded too good to be true but it wasn’t! The food was fresh and delicious and the beer superb. For a cheap eat and great tapas then Lizarran is a must try in Valencia.

They also did some amazing JUGS of sangria! It was delicious and perfect for cooling down after a long day in the sun!

Best Bars in Valencia

Normally our list of bars is quite large as we enjoy a drink whilst on our travels. However, with us only having a short amount of time in Valencia we didn’t do that much partying. The bars we did have a drink in were luckily for us, fantastic!

Beer and Travels

We worked up quite a thirst after a long trek up the winding staircases of the Valencia Cathedral Tower. After enjoying the views Michael’s first thought was to find a pub near-by where we could chill for an hour and recharge our batteries (outside, whilst getting a tan, of course).

A quick search told us there was a few bars within walking distance. We set off and found a haven just two minutes walk from the cathedral. The street was quiet and in the distance you could see the cathedral. They also had outdoor seating, so it ticked all of the boxes. The decor inside was of a typical Irish pub. We were very impressed with the selection of beers and we both opted for Estrella Galicia. At only €2 per bottle it represented great value for money in such a good location.

Birra and Blues

Birra and Blues seems to be in the centre of all of the nightlife in Valencia. It’s on a cross-roads of the old towns busiest streets. It is always busy which is a good sign. The beers here are fantastic, Birra and Blues is it’s own microbrewery so the beers you get are one of a kind and from the local area. We had a few IPAs and enjoyed the experience a lot. The average price of a beer was around €4.

We also ate here, but to be honest we can’t remember what we had and what it was like! You can find the menu, both food and drinks, here.

Is Valencia Worth Visiting

Most definitely! Don’t get us wrong, Valencia isn’t our favourite Spanish city, that accolade goes to Seville but it has so much to offer for travellers. We found that there was a lot to see and do and the majority of bars and restaurants were great value for money. If you prefer less touristy destinations then Valencia should be on your list above the likes of Barcelona and Madrid. We see Valencia as a bit of a hidden gem, nestled in-between Barcelona and Benidorm which many Europeans sadly miss out.

We felt that two days was enough to see Valencia, we probably would not go back except to see a football match at the famous Mestalla.

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Valencia Holiday Review – All You Need to Plan Your Visit

• 21 June 2024

Thinking of a Valencia holiday? It’s a popular place to visit, with good reason!

Valencia is such a wonderful city. It’s easy to explore on foot and on public transport.

There are plenty of great attractions and an amazing park that wraps around the city.

It’s a warm and welcoming city with plenty to offer.

It’s also easy to get to from the UK.

Read on to discover why a Valencia holiday should be on your list!

Travel Links You Might Find Helpful

• Great flight deals on Kayak
• Booking.com
• Self Catering Options on Vrbo

Considering a Valencia Holiday?

Table of Contents

Check out everything you need to know to plan your trip.

Is Valencia Good for a Holiday?

It’s a fabulous city break. It has a lovely old town, wonderful attractions and great parks. It also has a beach nearby making it easy to combine a city and beach break in one!

Valencia City Breaks

How To Get to Valencia From the UK

Which Airport Do You Fly Into For Valencia?

You fly to Valencia Airport (airport code VLC). This is 9km or 6 miles from the city of Valencia. There are good public transport links between the airport and the city.

Can You Fly Direct to Valencia from the UK?

Yes. There are direct flights from London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol and Nottingham.

What is the flight time from the UK to Valencia?

It is around 2 hours and 10 minutes for a direct flight to Valencia from the UK.

Valencia is easy to reach from the UK.

The year planner below shows details of flight costs from London to Valencia

The table below gives an idea of the daily flight schedule from London Stansted to Valencia

Valencia Holidays

What Is The Best Time to Visit Valencia?

What is the Best Time to Visit Valencia?

March is the best time if you want to visit the crazy Valencian Fallas Festival. April and October are great for warm temperatures and the summer months if you like it hot!

Is Valencia warm all year?

Yes, it is with temperatures in winter months only going down to around 15 degrees Celsius. Summer temperatures are generally in the 30-degree Celsius range.

Holiday to Valencia

Best Month to Visit Valencia in Terms of Weather

As you can see by the average temperature chart for Valencia below, the weather in Valencia is pleasant for most of the year, without the hotter temperatures that some other Spanish cities experience.

I visited in March and found the weather pleasant. It was warm enough to sit outside for breakfast and lunches. I didn’t need a coat as it was dry too. (Disclaimer – I live in the Highlands of Scotland so anything over 12 degrees is classed as ‘summery!’)

Here is what the weather in Valencia is doing now;

Best Month to Visit Valencia in Terms of Hotel Prices

Off-peak months will be cheaper, so for Valencia, these are the winter months. However, there will be fewer facilities and activities.

Prices for Valencia are higher around the 19th of March when there is a large festival called the Fallas Festival. This festival attracts visitors from all over the place. Check the dates and details of the Fallas Festival.

I managed to book a good deal by going the week before the festival and stayed for 4 nights in a self-catering apartment with a jacuzzi for £151.

City Break Valencia

Getting from the Valencia Airport to Valencia City Centre

How do I get from Valencia airport to the city?

There is a metro line directly in the airport building which connects you to Valencia city. Metro lines 3 and 5 go directly to the city centre.

How far is Valencia airport from the city?

It is 9km or 6 miles from Valencia airport to the city of Valencia.

It is very easy to reach Valencia city centre from the airport via the metro station. You can join this directly from the metro station in the airport building.

There are two direct lines Metro Line 3 and Metro Line 5 that go directly to Valencia city centre. You can then easily connect to any other metro lines in Valencia to reach your final destination.

A one-way ticket is around 1.50 Euros. You can buy a pass if you plan to use the Metro more during your stay. A 10-trip pass costs around 7.20 Euros per person.

The Valencia airport website has all the information you need about using the metro or trains to reach Valencia city centre.

Of course, like all airports you can also transfer by taxi. This will take around 20 minutes and cost about 20-25 Euros.

Holidays in Valencia

Where to Stay in Valencia?

Which area of Valencia is best to stay?

The Cuitat Vella or old city is a great base if you want to explore the city and Turia gardens easily on foot. Valencia also has a wonderful beach area too if you prefer to be by the sea. The city centre can easily be reached by public transport from the beach.

Staying in the old town or Ciutat Vella will make exploring easy. You can see on the map below the green area between two roads to the North and East of the city. This is the old riverbed that is now a park and it makes getting around on foot very easy.

You can also see the metro stations on the map below.

This map gives you an idea of the cheapest prices for staying in Valencia at a glance. By clicking on a price box you can see a picture of the accommodation, and its guest rating and you can then click to check the prices for your travel dates.

City Breaks Valencia

Where I Stayed During My Valencia Holiday

I stayed in a cute little apartment called the Atico El En Centro. It was quite difficult to find initially, meaning I had to ring the owner for directions but he arrived very quickly so it was not a real issue.

The apartment is a one-bedroom apartment at the top of 3 flights of stairs. It has an open lounge/diner area, bathroom and bedroom. There is a spiral staircase which leads up to the small terrace with a jacuzzi.

It was very handy for reaching all the attractions and the park was nearby too. As such I did most of my exploring on foot.

The apartment had free WIFI and also Netflix. I particularly liked the bedroom as it had no windows so I slept like a top.

The area around was pedestrianised and there were shops, cafes and restaurants nearby including a great Italian restaurant in the alley where the apartment was.

At £151 for 4 nights, I thought it was good value too.

City Breaks to Valencia

Things To Do in Valencia

Turia gardens.

Is Valencia a walkable city?

Yes, it absolutely is. Staying in Cuitat Vella, old city, made walking everywhere very easy. Walking through Turia Gardens was a great way to explore and visit other parts of the city too.

How long is Turia Gardens?

A wonderful 9km long garden that wraps itself around Valencia. It is packed with different areas such as decorative gardens, sports areas, play parks and much more. It is the largest urban park in Spain.

OK, so I may have mentioned it once or twice already but I loved walking in the park. It was a great place to see locals going about their day-to-day activities – walking, running and playing sports. I also really liked the gardens themselves as there were different themes and features.

The official name of the park is the Turia Gardens. There are water features, flower-filled bridges, formally planted areas, sporting areas and more.

One of the features in the gardens is the huge Gulliver shaped play area. It’s hard to get a sense of scale from the photo but it was massive with children climbing and sliding all over it.

Valencia Reviews

La Longja De La Seda

This beautiful building just across from the Central Market is the old silk exchange. It is well worth exploring for an hour or so.

It is free to enter. The audio guide (available for a small fee) brings the building details to life, such as the stories of the ornate carvings around the entrance doorways. I would highly recommend this if you want to understand more about the features you are seeing.

Get more information on Le Lonja De La Seda from the Valencian tourist website including opening hours.

Valencia Short Breaks

The Central Market

What do they sell at the Central Market of Valencia?

Lots of amazing food including the freshest fruit and vegetables. There are so many treats and tastes including lots of takeaway stalls too. I found the most wonderful Plov, fantastic fresh juices, lovely cheeses and breads and of course those amazing oranges.

What times does the Central Market Valencia open?

It opens at 7 am Monday through to Saturday and closes at 3 pm. Going earlier in the day is better as there is more availability of produce.

In the heart of the old town is the Central Market. This lovely building is a busy spot, with stalls spilling out into the front of the building. It’s a popular spot for locals to shop and to meet for something to eat and drink. Inside there are stalls selling all sorts of wonderful fresh produce. There are also takeaway stalls and some small cafes as well.

Prices are good and it’s a great way to pick up some local delights, see a bit of local everyday life and meet a few locals too. I popped back several times during my stay. Below is a lovely dish of spiced rice, with nuts and dried fruits in a delicate Filo wrapper. It was absolutely delicious.

City Break in Valencia

Beautiful Breakfast with a View

One of my top tips to get a better price for hotels is to book with an included breakfast. Not only does this make the price cheaper, it means you can eat whenever suits you. Generally, you can find breakfast options that are much better and much cheaper, especially if, like me, you like to get up and get out and then stop for something to eat.

Below is a photo of a lovely breakfast which I enjoyed at a cafe overlooking a large square near the Cathedral. It was all delicious and a bargain at only 3 Euros with views of local life all around. It was so good I went back

The cafe is called Bertal located in Placa De La Reina. (There are some poor reviews for this place but I found the service friendly and welcoming)

Holiday in Valencia

Science Park

Having walked through Turia Gardens I found a cafe which overlooked the science park area. It was a welcome chance to get a coffee, a quick sandwich and just enjoy the view of these wonderful buildings.

The cafe is called Terrassa El Mirador

The City of Arts and Sciences includes several buildings;

Palau De Les Arts – a contemporary arts space and just a really wonderful building. Worth visiting just for a photo.

Hemisferic – another lovely museum containing an IMAX cinema

Science Museum – another lovely building

El’Umbracle – a sculpture park area with gardens, all in a large covered walkway (massive actually)

It is definitely worth visiting this area even if you don’t go in any of the buildings.

The Fallas Festival

In Spring Valencia celebrates the Fallas Festival. Communities from around Valencia spend a year making huge papier mache floats and competing for whose is the best.

The festival culminates in a large parade where the figures are set on fire to symbolise the new Spring.

Each year one figure is saved and put into the Fallas Festival museum. The people of Valencia decide on the figure.

However, in the week running up to the festival, there is a gunpowder competition. Each day teams cover a large square – Placa De L’Ajuntment in gunpowder. Each team has the same amount of gunpowder and it is the team that makes the loudest noise that wins.

Having strolled through the square during the morning I saw locals getting their seats ready so they could be in prime position. Having read warnings that the noise was so loud it could cause permanent hearing damage I retreated to my apartment and listened from there. The video below gives you an idea of the noise – the apartment was 0.5 miles away from the main square with many buildings in between. It was loud!

The Fallas Museum

The Fallas Museum is tucked a little bit out of the way.

I found the museum really interesting and a fantastic insight into the culture of Valencia.

Behind each figure is a story, sometimes cultural, sometimes political. There are figures representing the rise in immigration, corruption in the police service, and the clash between culture and history with modern distractions. The list goes on. I spent around 2-3 hours in this museum and found it totally absorbing.

You can see all the figures saved from the fire from each Fallas festival. One of the really interesting bits is to see the photos of the huge structures that the figures were originally part of. They are massive!

The figure above shows shortcuts being made to Valencian traditional cooking.

At only 2 Euros it’s also extremely good value!

Radio City is a club in the old district of Valencia. The line up is eclectic, with a wide range of music genres. During my Valencia city break, I visited this venue twice.

The first time was for a language class where locals could improve their English and I tried to improve my Spanish. It was a good way to meet some locals – again quite an eclectic bunch. It was great to chat with them about daily life in Valencia and issues in their city as well.

The second time I went was for the evening flamenco show. Whilst this was clearly for tourists I found the dancers and the dancing really moving. The emotions came through very strongly.

Valencia Holiday Video

Valencia Holiday FAQs

u003cstrongu003eIs Valencia Spain A Safe City?u003c/strongu003e

u003cpu003eI stayed for 4 nights on my own as a solo female traveller. I walked extensively, I travelled on public transport and I was out at night. I felt very safe at all times during my stay in Valencia.u003c/pu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; font-family: MS Sans Serif, Geneva, sans-serif, var(u002du002dnv-fallback-ff); letter-spacing: 0px;u0022u003eAs always taking simple precautions when travelling are wise and will help reduce the likelihood of any issues.u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-size: revert; font-family: MS Sans Serif, Geneva, sans-serif, var(u002du002dnv-fallback-ff); letter-spacing: 0px;u0022u003e u003c/spanu003e

u003cstrongu003eWhat is Valencia Best Known For?u003c/strongu003e

Oranges. These are grown in and around Valencia. You absolutely should try them and one of the best ways is trying freshly pressed orange juice. This is available at cafes and restaurants throughout Valencia – you can taste the sunshine in the oranges.

u003cstrongu003eDo You Need a Car In Valencia?u003c/strongu003e

If you are taking a city break or long weekend and plan to visit mainly the city centre then you will not need a car. If you plan to stay in the old town then a car would actually be quite difficult to manage in terms of driving around the old town and parking.

u003cstrongu003eIs Valencia a Nice City?u003c/strongu003e

Absolutely. It has a great mix of old and new, a historic centre and green spaces. The people are friendly and the food is great. Whilst there I met some Americans who had retired to Spain and having lived in Barcelona they moved to Valencia because they found it much nicer and friendlier.

u003cstrongu003eIs Valencia a Beach Holiday?u003c/strongu003e

It can be. Valencia has a wide sandy beach within easy reach of the city centre. It has great reviews for being very clean. As you would expect there is holiday accommodation and lots of cafes and restaurants nearby. Valencia also has a harbour and marina too.

u003cstrongu003eIs Valencia Good for Long Weekend?u003c/strongu003e

It absolutely is. You could either focus on the city centre or the beach area of the city and have a fantastic stay. Getting around is easy making it a great option if you like exploring on foot and public transport. Why not have a long weekend in the city and another by the beach?

u003cstrongu003eIs Valencia A Walkable City?u003c/strongu003e

The city is flat and level and of course, the gardens being an old river bed are also flat and level, this makes walking very comfortable and enjoyable. The old city is compact and easy to explore on foot. Turia Gardens wraps itself around half the city making it easy to walk through the park and get from the old city to the science park for example.

u003cstrongu003eHow Many Days in Valencia is Enough?u003c/strongu003e

u003cpu003e5 days was a good amount to enjoy Valencia (4 nights). This was long enough to enjoy exploring the city centre areas and the main attractions and museums for me. If you would like to visit the beach then perhaps a night or two longer might be wise. There really is a lot to see!u003c/pu003e

What is the best month to visit Valencia?

If you want to see the Fallas festival then March is going to be the best month to visit. If you want to get the best prices for hotels a bit earlier or later in the year means your money will go much further. Early March, April and then September, October and even November.

Is Valencia a Cheap City?

Valencia is certainly good value compared to some other Spanish locations. This might be because it is a popular holiday destination for Spanish tourists too.

Is Valencia Good for Singles?

Valencia is a great place for singles. It is easy to explore on foot or on public transport. There is plenty to see and it is a very safe city.

Valencia Holiday Conclusion

• Valencia is a great value destination to visit – with less crowds and better value than larger cities.
• It’s incredibly easy to explore on foot and there are wonderful attractions to enjoy.
• Valencia is a friendly, safe city that is easy to reach from the UK.
• If you are looking for a welcoming, authentic city to visit that is a little less visited you should visit Valencia. It also has the best orange juice you are likely to taste!

Other Articles You Might Like

If you found my Valencia city break article useful you might also like;

9 Great Things to Do in Valencia

Is Valencia Worth Visiting? – Yes it is and here’s why

If you would like some ideas for your next trip then check out my Travel Inspiration page

Further Reading

How to have a perfect weekend in Valencia: Your 3 day Valencia itinerary

By: Author Monica

Categories Europe , Spain

Did you see my last posts about why I think Valencia is the perfect destination for a weekend escape? If you didn’t, check that out first!

I fell head over heels in love with Valencia, Spain’s third city. I had a little longer than a weekend in Valencia but it’s the perfect city for a 2-3 day break from the UK.

Valenica caught me off guard as I hadn’t expected to love the city so much. I’m finding myself telling anyone who will listen why they should visit!

If you’re planning to visit Valencia for a long weekend, here’s my guide for a perfect weekend in Valencia.

How to get to Valencia

It’s easiest to fly to Valencia. You’ll find cheap flights with budget airlines all year round. There are more flights in the summer and you will find more bargains if you book in advance. Check out Skyscanner to see your best options.

The airport is very close to the city centre so a taxi from the airport to your hotel won’t cost too much. It was about €20 from the historical district of Valencia to the airport.

Where to stay in Valencia

I stayed at the Caro Hotel in the historical district and I can’t recommend this gorgeous hotel enough. It’s sleek, stylish and modern and filled with character as the building was the old Palace of the Marquis of Caro. The boutique hotel is simply stunning, the location is perfect, the staff were lovely and the breakfast was delicious – I recommend the eggs benedict (every day for 4 days!)

How long to go for

If you can, I’d make Valencia a long weekend visit. Friday morning until Sunday evening would be perfect. This weekend guide to Valencia is roughly based on these dates.

Things to know before you weekend in Valencia

Currency: Euro

Weather: Great – lots of sunshine and high temperatures. I visited in January and it was gorgeous.

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are best. Summer is VERY hot and you could be unlucky in the winter and have grey skies and rain.

How to get around: Cycle or walk

What to eat: Paella!

What to pack: Comfy shoes and casual clothes

 Here’s how to spend the perfect weekend in Valencia

Friday – explore the historic centre on foot.

For your weekend in Valencia, try and arrive early on your first day. Yes, even if that means booking the ridiculously early Ryanair flight. I know, no one likes getting up that early but it’s so worth it when you arrive early enough to have a full day in the city.

Arrive early in Valencia, dump your bags at your hotel, grab a map from reception and head out and explore.

If you choose to stay in the Caro Hotel then you’re perfectly situated near the historic centre to see all the main sights (another good reason to book this hotel!)

Travel Hack Tip

The medieval layout of the city is really confusing and, if you’re anything like me, you’ll get hopelessly lost down the narrow alleyways and the maze of roads lined with tall buildings. I’d recommend just walking and allowing yourself to get lost – just make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes and you have a card from your hotel so you can ask for directions or get a taxi back.

While you’re in Valencia’s historic centre, make sure you see…

Plaza de la Virgen – begin in this gorgeous square and soak up the atmosphere. Enjoy the mini gardens filled with orange trees, the buzz and excitement from visitors and admire the cathedral from outside and within. Check out the Basilica of the Virgin and get your photo taken next to the Turia Fountain.

There are bars, cafes and restaurants around the square but they are for tourists so expect the prices to be sky high.

Turia Fountain Valencia

Plaza de la Reina – On the opposite side of Plaza de La Virgen you will find Plaza de la Reina, a bustling square and one of the city’s hotspots. You’ll find lots of bars, cafes and tapas restaurants and plenty to keep you entertained as you enjoy the sunshine and people watch.

Central Market –  Take a wander down the nearby streets as they’re great for shopping. If you can, head to Central Market, an enormous market with over 300 stalls.

Afternoon pick-me-up –  During your weekend in Valencia you simply have to head to Horchateria de Santa Catalina , a very traditional café where you can have horchata and fartons . Horchata is made with ground tigernuts and tastes and looks like a very sweet milk. It’s served icy cold and usually enjoyed with fartons which is a pastry similar to a croissant sprinkled with icing sugar.

Just before sunset, head to the bell tower which is accessed through the cathedral in Plaza de la Virgen. You have to pay a couple of Euros to climb to the top where you’ll have gorgeous views over the city. Sunset is the best time of day to see this as it will look really pretty.

When you come down from the tower there will be a completely different atmosphere in the square as the lights flicker on and darkness descents.

Head back to the Caro Hotel and enjoy a cocktail in their stylish bar. Sit outside next to the lap pool and feel a bit like a movie star. (If you’re staying at the Caro Hotel you’ll get a voucher for a free drink)

The Spanish eat dinner very late at around 9pm. You will find restaurants serving food earlier but it’s best to wait until the local time to get the real atmosphere.

If you’d like a really special dinner during your weekend in Valencia then dine at Riff Restaurant where chef Bernd H.Knöller, a German chef who has 1 Michelin Star, cooks up a storm.

Your weekend in Valencia: Saturday

Your cycling tour around the city.

Breakfast – Today is a going to be a busy day, so prepare yourself with a big breakfast! If you’re staying at the Caro Hotel, start the day with eggs benedict – they were so delicious I had them every single day I was there.

Hire a bike

Head to Passion Bikes and hire a bike for the day or you could hire one for your whole weekend in Valencia.

Before you leave make sure you either have a map or locations pinned into Google Maps on your phone. It’s actually an easy city to navigate (minus the historical district) but you don’t want to waste precious time getting lost.

Turia Gardens

Head to Turia Gardens, one of Spain’s largest urban parks. The 9km park that snakes through the city is filled with things to see and do. The park is absolutely stunning and it gives Valencia such a unique character. It is filled with people exercising or just enjoying the gorgeous outdoor space and greenery.

Turia Gardens was originally a river and it was created due to a flood. Locals decided to redirect the river around the city to avoid flooding it again. The city was left with a dry riverbed which they turned into an incredible park.

Make sure you stick to the cycle lanes and make your way all the way to the west where the biopark is. Then slowly make your way east until you reach the City of Arts and Sciences. Make sure you stop to admire the many bridges along the way.

Take a look at Duncan’s post over on Urban Travel Blog for more info about Turia Gardens.

City of Arts and Sciences

Once you reach the City of Arts and Sciences take some time to admire the work of architect Santiago Calatrava. There is so much going on inside but the outside will keep you entertained for some time too. There are places to eat within the City of Arts and Sciences. Yes, they will be pricey but I think it’s worth it to eat in such a spectacular location.

Beach time!

Hop back on your bike and continuing cycling for about 15 minutes and you’ll come to the beach.

First you will come to Marina Real Juan Carlos where the Formula 1 Grand Prix was held. You will see the Veles e Vents Building and the Tinglados Old Stock Buildings. Keep cycling and soon you’ll see the gorgeous golden sands of Las Arenas Beach. There are bars and restaurants along the beach and a great boulevard for a slow stroll or to carry on cycling.

If you need a drink to cool off then check out Las Arenas Hotel . This 5* hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. The Neptuno Hotel is another good option and its Omega Terrace is a great place for a relaxing drinking overlooking the sea.

Dinner time

Head to Mercado de Colón this evening, a beautiful market often compared to London’s Covent Garden. It’s buzzing at night with stylish bars and restaurants – there’s lots of people watching to do here!

I’d begin at one of the cool bars upstairs before heading downstairs to Ma Khin Café , a healthy fusion food restaurant. Go for the tasting menu to try a little bit of all their specials.

Your weekend in Valencia: Sunday

Shopping, exploring and eating.

If you’re hoping to get some great photos then I recommend getting up early on Sunday morning and getting out and about in the city. You’ll see locals heading to church but other than that things will be pretty quiet.

Head to Cafe de las Horas , just off Plaza de la Virgen, for a coffee or a freshly squeezed orange juice. The coffee is great but the main attraction here is the grand and completely OTT decor. It’s gorgeous!

Head to the Ruzafa Area, the new hot spot of the city and often referred to as Valencia’s version of Shoreditch 10 years ago. It’s a multicultural area filled with artists, creatives, hipsters and students. It’s now attracting young professionals who like the alternative scene here and lots of stylish bars, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, markets and generally ‘cool things’ are popping up. This is a great place to spend a chilled out Sunday afternoon.

There are loads of places to grab lunch, snacks and drinks so stick around for lunch. I also recommend popping into El Desvan Del Cafe , they specialise in cocktails, cakes and G&Ts – is there anything not to love about that!?

Check out The Streets of Ruzafa on For 91 Days   for more info about the area.

I visited Valencia with The Travel Mob  with the support of Valencia Tourism. 

If you enjoyed this post you can follow along for more updates:

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Tuesday 26th of September 2017

Nice pictures and nice article shared its very interesting and informative i hope you enjoyed this place i really enjoyed this post thanks for it.

we are leaving traces

Saturday 24th of September 2016

we discovered Valencia in Feb. 2016 for the first time. Germany was still stuck in winter time and in Valencia it was already getting warm. We stayed for a couple of days and alsways had about 20°C - it was perfect. We felt in love with those historical buildings, tapas bars and individual shops. It seems to be that Valencia isn´t that touristic and a bit in the shadow of Madrid and Barcelona. For us it is a destination we will try to visit once a year.

CU and safe travels!

TheTravelHack

Thursday 20th of October 2016

I couldn't believe how gorgeous the weather was in Valencia. I wasn't sure if I just got lucky but it sounds like 20C winters are the norm!

Photo Story: Albufera Natural Park - Planet Travelers

Saturday 19th of March 2016

[…] Duncan visited Albufera with the support the Valencian Tourist Board and The Travel Mob during the #VivaValencia blogtrip. He also spent a (sunnier) day exploring the epic Turia park by bicycle and cafe hopping and vintage shopping in the hipster Ruzafa neighbourhood. For more planning tips check out fellow blogger The Travel Hack’s ideal Valencia itinerary.  […]

Wednesday 24th of February 2016

this has convinced me to go! I will be in Valencia in June :) Looks astounding

Yey, I hope you had an amazing time!

Saturday 20th of February 2016

What an awesome itinerary! The historic centre looks fabulous!

It is, it's definitely the highlight of the city.

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Valencia – Travel Review

By Paul Howard

Valencia is the third largest Spanish city after Madrid and Barçelona. Perhaps it’s a little overshadowed by them but, as a newbie, I found it both magnificent in appearance and confident in manner.

Arriving by air, the airport is just 9km from the heart of the old town (Ciutat Vella). If you’re flying, then try to get a window seat on the plane. As the approach turns over the Mediterranean it gives a birds-eye view of the coast and the city set against a mountainous backdrop. A perfect appetiser for what’s in store.

Jardines del Turia, Valencia

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Then, the colours and activities are at their peaks. Spring is when the Las Fallas fiesta brings some two-million visitors into town, with 24/7 activities and spectacular fireworks. Summer is scorching, ideal if you prefer the 4km of excellent beaches. I went just before Christmas, when temperatures were still a balmy 20°C. The Valèncianos were swaddled in their winter clothing but I found a t-shirt and a light sweater were enough, even at night.

“Mixes Catalan with a smattering of Moorish”

If you like Barça, or perhaps Rome, then I guarantee you’ll fall in love with València. It’s just as buzzy and exciting, but on a more manageable scale. My first week there has left me indelibly marked.

The Romans founded València as a place of retirement for soldiers. But it soon grew into a large port; historically on the silk route from the Orient, exporting v ast quantities of wine , produce and industrial goods around the Med. It’s dual-language too; Spanish and Valèncian, which mixes Catalan with a smattering of Moorish, reflecting an often turbulent past.

The River Túria once flowed through the heart of the city. However, after one catastrophic flood too many it was diverted around the city edge. Now the old river bed is the Jardí del Túria. It’s a beguiling park and garden, a green ribbon cutting through the city and an excellent way to navigate and explore. Getting around, whether on foot or by bike, is easy. The integrated bus, tram and metro are useful for exploring beyond the confines of the old town.

“Unmissable group of neo-futurist buildings”

The coastal end of the Jardí is where you’ll find the jaw-dropping Ciutat de les Arts I les Ciències, the City of Arts and Sciences. It’s one of the jewels in València’s crown and is now designated one of the Twelve Treasures of Spain . If you have time for only one thing, make this it.

It’s an unmissable group of neo-futurist buildings. These are mostly by architect Santiago Calatrava; a local boy now of world renown. It includes a science museum, a cinema/planetarium, Opera House, gardens, restaurants and an oceanographic park, all linked by walkways, trees, pools and the bridge known locally as El Jamonero. Set against a bright azure sky, it’s dazzling from any angle – a photographers’ dream assignment.

But the old town also has charms aplenty. Try the Plaça del Ajuntament, (City Hall Square) at night, with its bustling boutiques and neon-lit flower stalls. Around the corner is El Corte Ingles, the destination of choice for retail therapy until late.

“A visual and atmospheric delight”

The Cathedral makes for a more peaceful visit and contains, for believers, the Holy Grail. My favourite place was the enormous Mercado Central, a focal point for bars and restaurants. The market is in Modernista style, all glass with iron flounces. Inside, explore miles of stalls selling every kind of fresh produce, including seafood, vegetables, fruit, hams and snails. There are excellent wine stalls too, plus bars and tapas.

Valencia Cathedral

Eating and drinking are both brilliant and inexpensive here. Spend time lingering over lunch and eat your evening meal late. For people-watching, beer and gin until 3am, try the terrace at Cafe Negrito in the Barrio di Carmen. Meanwhile, Bodega Casa Montaña is a bohemian wine bar and restaurant down by the old fishing village of El Cabanyal that has 20,000 bottles of wine in the cellar, more on tap and authentic local food. It’s a visual and atmospheric delight too. Nothing seems to have changed since it opened in 1836.

As for the food, this is the home of Paella, which comes in many variations. But Valencianos don’t live by rice alone. I had excellent Gazpacho Manchego with snails and rabbit, but the range of tapas, seafood, meats and cheeses offered are glorious. And do try Horchata, a delicious cold drink made from tiger nuts and a local speciality. ¡Buen provecho!

images courtesy of Visit Valencia

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I’ve heard some very good things about Valencia in recent years. I visited as a kid, before much of the attractive contemporary architecture was constructed. It is, I thing on reading your feature, time to return.

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Top 12 Places To Visit In Valencia

If you're looking for a holiday destination that offers culture, history, and natural beauty all in one place, Valencia is the perfect spot for you.

Situated on the eastern coast of Spain, Valencia is home to some of the most stunning architecture and landscapes in the country. From its ancient cathedrals to its modern City of Arts and Sciences , there's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city.

And if that's not enough, Valencia also boasts miles of pristine beaches and lush countryside waiting to be explored.

What Are The Best Places To Visit in Valencia?

Here are the top 12 places you won't want to miss on your visit to Valencia.

1.   Plaza de la Virgen

The Plaza de la Virgen dates back to Roman times and is one of Valencia's oldest and most beautiful plazas. In the center of the plaza is an elegant Neptune fountain created by Silvestre Edeta, a local sculptor.

The square is surrounded by several important buildings, including the Palace of the Generalitat. Across from there is Valencia Cathedral Catedral and next to that is the most important Baroque church in Valencia, Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Forsaken (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Desamparados). This church contains a beautiful fresco on its dome ceiling, painted by Antonio Palomino in 1703.

Plaza de la Virgen is a central destination and a great place to start your walk through the historic downtown. There are also several cafes on the square, so it's a great place to stop for ice cream or a drink.

2.   Catedral de Valencia

Valencia Cathedral , or the Cathedral of the Holy Chalice, is one of Spain's most unique cathedrals because it is a combination of different architectural styles. The site on which the cathedral now stands has been steeped in history for centuries; first as an ancient Roman temple, then as a Moorish mosque. Construction on the cathedral began in the 13th century, with renovations taking place in the 15th and 17th centuries.

Be sure to walk around the entire building and take note of the different architectural styles used on each facade. Truly, a very unique building!

The Cathedral is beautiful and unique both from the outside and inside.

The Chapel of the Holy Grail inside the Cathedral contains beautiful vaulting and star motifs. It illustrates a scene with the 12 apostles in Heaven as well as the coronation of the Virgin Mary. The most precious item is a reliquary housing the Holy Chalice, which is an artifact from the early first century AD supposedly used by Jesus during Holy Eucharist.

The Cathedral of Valencia also has a museum, the Museo Catedral de València. You can also climb to the top of El Miguelete (the Miguelete Tower) for a panoramic view of Valencia's cityscape.

3.   Mercado Central

The Mercado Central is a beautiful marketplace built in 1928. The Art Nouveau building is adorned with stunning decorative ceramics ( azulejos) that are typical of the region. The hall contains hundreds of market stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and food products from Valencia as well as other areas of Spain.

Stop by in the morning for a coffee and to watch the locals go about their shopping. And pick up some fresh fruit while you're at it.

My personal favorite is the fresh juice. There are so many fruit flavors to choose from!

4.   Torres de Serranos

The Torres de Serranos, located in Valencia, is a grand fortification symbolic of the town. The structure represents one of the ancient gates into the Old Town and harkens back to a time when Valencia was surrounded by walls for defense purposes. These town ramparts were constructed during the 14th century upon Roman foundations.

The Serrano Towers have been restored to their original beauty and stand as a monument in the city. These courts not only offer an amazing view of the skyline but also transport visitors back in time. As you walk through the grand entrance, which is complete with Gothic details and shields from the city's coat of arms, you'll feel like you're stepping into another era.

Tip: Take the time to climb to the top of the tower. The entrance is free and you'll enjoy a beautiful view of the city.

5.   Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas

The Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas is famous for its luxurious exterior and intricately designed interior.

This 18th-century palace originally belong to a noble family, but now holds the González Martí National Museum of Ceramics, which opened in 1947.

Inside you will find over 5,000 examples of traditional pottery from Valencia and the neighboring area.

Additionally, there are many other fascinating pieces on display such as ancient Greek, Roman, and Arab pottery; as well as delicate porcelain originating from the Silk Route in China or Japan.

The collection also has some amazing modern art, including some of Picasso's works.

6.   Museo de Bellas Artes

The Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia is Spain's second-largest art gallery. The museum displays art from the 15th to 19th centuries, including works by important Valencian painters like Joaquín Sorolla and Francisco de Goya.

For any art lover, this is a must-see stop.

Gothic art lovers will be especially impressed, as there are several rooms containing artwork in that style. For a deeper understanding of the Valencian school, I recommend taking a look at the works of Pinazo and Benlliure included in the collection. This will give you an interesting look into the city's culture and rich art and historical tradition.

In addition to its outstanding Renaissance paintings--with Valencia being the point where this style entered Spain--the museum also features important works by Velázquez.

7.   Bioparc Valencia

At Valencia's zoo , the landscape of the park simulates native habitats as closely as possible to provide animals with the best environment.

Rather than separating different species, they exist together as if in their natural environments. For example, lions, giraffes, antelopes, and rhinoceros all live together on the savannah just like they would in nature. Gorillas live amongst the dense trees of an equatorial forest while hippopotami and crocodiles take refuge in the water to cool down.

The zoo is known for its large collection of African animals and its focus on sustainability.

8. La Lonja de la Seda

The Silk Exchange buildings are one of the hidden gems of Valencia many tourists miss.

The collection of buildings, constructed between 1482 and 1533, was once used for trading silk (thus its name, the Silk Exchange). It has always been a hub for commerce and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site .

The grandiose Contract or Trading Hall illustrates the prosperity and power of a major trading city in southern Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. The architecture is an exemplary example of the late Gothic style and is well worth a visit.

9.  Plaza Redonda

The Plaza Redonda, designed by Salvador Escrig Melchor in 1840, is one of Valencia's enchanting tourist attractions.

You can browse small stalls selling lace, embroidery, fabrics, and Valencian souvenirs while surrounded by traditional craft shops.

If you stand by the fountain in the center, you can take in the beautiful view of Santa Catalina's Late Baroque bell tower. The three-story building is capped off with a magnificent structure, which offers visitors a wonderful sight to behold.

10. Horchaterías de Santa Catalina

Horchata, a sweet drink that resembles milk, is very popular in Valencia. It's made of chufas--tiger nuts that originally come from Egypt but now are grown in Alboraya (located in the province of Valencia).

Oftentimes, you can get a farton (a sweet pastry) with your horchata in Valencia--and it's the perfect combination! This was my favourite combination.

Horchaterías de Santa Catalina located around the corner from Plaza Redonda is a beautiful cafe designed in the Art Nevou style and the perfect place to stop for a refreshing horchata.

11. Turia Park

If you're looking for a breathtaking place to take a walk or go on a run, the Turia Garden is your perfect spot.

This urban park in Spain crosses 18 bridges and boasts 9 kilometers of gorgeous green space. As a bonus, it's also full of historical landmarks and runs by some of the city's most popular museums.

Interesting fact: The gardens were once the riverbed of the Turia. After many flooding incidents, the river's course was changed to prevent future floods. This is why you'll still see many bridges throughout the park.

So if you're a runner, cyclist, nature enthusiast, or just looking for a beautiful place to relax with your family, the Turia Garden should be at the top of your list!

12. La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València

The City of Arts and Sciences is an incredible cultural and scientific center located in Valencia. The complex, which stretches two kilometers along the Turia River, was designed by world-renowned architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela.

The Ciudad complex is divided into six sections: the Hemisfèric IMAX Cinema, which screens 3-D digital films and serves as a planetarium; the Umbracle landscaped area with stunning views; The interactive museum of Science, environment, and Technology known as Museu de les Ciències; Europe's largest aquarium, Oceanogràfic; Palau de les Arts opera house; and lastly, Ágora concert space.

A contrast to the historic downtown, this avant-garde complex is worth a visit.

Wrapping Up And My Experience In Valencia

Valencia is a beautiful and historic city with plenty to see and do. From its stunning cathedrals to its modern architecture, there's something for everyone. And of course, let's not forget the delicious food!

I spent a week here in the summer of 2022 and would have gladly extended my stay. The city is easy to navigate and the people are friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend a visit to Valencia, whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly holiday.

From exploring Valencia's rich history to its exciting present, you're sure to have a wonderful time.

Have you been to Valencia? What was your favourite part of the city? Let us know in the comments below.

This travel experience was kindly contributed by Alisa Goz ,  a digital nomad, travel blogger, and passionate life-long learner.

• About Author
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I'm a travelholic and started visiting Spain around 10 years ago. Have travelled the length and breadth of this beautifully contrasting country. “Remember that happiness is a way of travel, not a destination.”

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