travel in valencia spain

14 Best Things to do in Valencia (City Trip Guide)

Valencia, the birthplace of Paella and the third-largest city in Spain , is often overlooked and underestimated in favor of its big brother Barcelona . However, it offers much the same in terms of its striking architecture, fantastic food, beautiful parks, and beaches. Not only this, but it comes with a big plus side- far fewer tourists and smaller price tags! Discover the best things to do in Valencia on a city trip.

Day 1 – Ancient Valencia

Welcome to historical Valencia. A city that is split into the old and new city. Spend your first day soaking up the history of the charming old town on foot. Start your morning early to avoid the crowds and make sure to grab yourself a typical Spanish breakfast of ‘tostada con tomate’ to gain energy for your day ahead. 

1. Eat Your Way Through the Central Market 

Mercado Central, one of the biggest markets in Europe , boasts some of the best local fruits, vegetables, and fish caught that morning. The market ceiling is a huge dome painted with oranges, Valencia’s trademark fruit. 

Here are all your hotel options in Valencia.

2. Valencia Silk Exchange

After the market, stroll across the road to the old Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) and buy a ticket for 2 EUR to go inside. Prepare to be blown away by the beautiful stained glass and stone pillars built to look like twisted palm trees. Alternatively, join a guided walking tour of Valencia’s Old Quarter and learn more about its history.

Tip: On Sundays the entrance is free.

3. Get Lost in the Streets of El Carmen

Valencia was under Moorish rule for hundreds of years, and this Northern African influence is clear to see within El Carmen with narrow roads, water features, and palm trees. 

Hotels in Valencia 😴

From the Silk exchange, the heart of El Carmen is only 2 minutes away. Get lost in the back streets and see the contrast between some of the oldest buildings in the city, next to modern and colorful street art- undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Valencia.

To learn more about Valencia’s fascinating history, join a walking , bike , or segway tour. You’ll be led by a knowledgeable guide who can tell you all the secrets of Valencia’s streets. Even better, join a food and history tour where you can stop off at various bars and restaurants to try the local delicacies.

Time for lunch? Saona (Plaza de la Virgen) does an amazing 3-course menu of the day for under 10 EUR. Be sure to book ahead.

4. Climb the Cathedral

After lunch, make your way to the cathedral of Valencia. El Micalet, the name of the cathedral tower, is a 207 steps climb but one hundred percent worth the beautiful views over Valencia and its many blue-domed rooftops.

Entrance: 2 EUR.  If you have an interest in religious history, visit the cathedral on your way down to see the Holy Grail!

5. Plaza de la Virgen

Once you have finished up at the cathedral, make your way under the Arco de La Calle de la Barchilla and around the cathedral to Plaza de la Virgen. At night the square really comes alive and is filled with people from circus performers to musicians. For dinner, get a delicious pasta around the corner at La Papardella.

Day 2 – Futuristic Valencia, Spain

The new City of Arts and Sciences is one of the most popular things to do in Valencia. Spend day 2 of your trip exploring the park and new city by bike. 

Join a guided bike tour exploring the City of Arts and Sciences

6. Cycle Through the ‘River’

Start your day by hiring a bike and cycling through the incredible 7 km long park, which winds around the city, admiring its many orange trees, palm trees, and water features. This used to be the River Turia, but as it was so prone to flooding, the river was redirected, and the area was turned into a green space for the people of Valencia. 

Tip: Make sure to cross over the Pont de las Flores when arriving into the park from the city center, a beautiful bridge made up entirely of pink flowers.

7. The City of Arts and Sciences – Unique thing to do in Valencia

At the south end of the park, you will find the ‘new city’ of Valencia. This extremely futuristic complex was designed by Valencian-born architect Santiago Calatrava and was only finished in 2005. Initially budgeted at 300 million euros, it is estimated to have cost three times the amount!

Get your entrance tickets here

Admire the eyeball of ‘La Hemisferic’, the shell of ‘La Palau de la Reina Sofia’, and the whale skeleton of The Science Museum. During the summer months, kayak or paddleboard in the water that surrounds the buildings.

Did you know? Valencia is also home to Europe’s largest aquarium, which is situated next to the city of arts and sciences. You can even enjoy an ‘underwater’ dinner experience here, where you dine among sea life.

Get your tickets for the aquarium here

8. Trendy Rusafa 

Make your way back to the city center via the neighborhood of Rusafa, one of Valencia’s coolest and most up-and-coming areas. Shop at one of the many vintage clothing stores and grab a healthy lunch at Bluebell Cafe or Artysana. 

9. Palau Marques de Dos Aguas 

On your journey back from Rusafa, make one last stop at the impressive marble mansion ‘Palau de Marques de Dos Aguas’, a symbol of Valencian wealth which is now a ceramic museum. This is arguably one of the most outstanding buildings to see in Valencia.

10. See a Flamenco show 

Although Andalucia is the home of flamenco, Valencia still does a great job of showcasing this traditional Spanish dance. See a late-night show at Cafe del Duende for only 12 EUR including a drink.

Get tickets for a Flamenco show

Hungry? Around the corner from Cafe del Duende is La Greta, serving some of the best tapas in town. Go before the show and order the Patatas Bravas.

Day 3 – Eat, Beach, and Repeat in Valencia

After two beautiful days of sightseeing, take your last day to relax and enjoy the best things to do by the sea in Valencia.

11. Colorful Streets of Cabanyal

On your way to the beach, do not miss the colorful houses of Cabanyal, which feel more reminiscent of Cuba than Spain . If you are in Valencia for more than three days, continue cycling to the colorful harbor of Port Saplaya, which has been coined as Valencia’s own ‘little Venice ’.

Getting there – From the city center, take the metro to Maritim Serreria and then the tram the rest of the way OR take the tram from Pont de Fusta, depending on where you are located. Even better, cycle! The city is extremely bike-friendly, with bike paths almost everywhere. 

12. Relax on Valencia beach 

Valencia’s beach lies just beyond Cabanyal, a long stretch of white sand lined with palm trees. At the closest end, you have Malvarossa, but if you have the energy, it is worth going a little further down to Patacona, which has lots of great beach bars and delicious places to eat.

Tip: Grab brunch at La Mas Bonita for great beach vibes!

13. The Old Gates of Valencia

Take the tram back to Pont de Fusta, where you can walk across the bridge to the Serrano Towers, one of the only remaining gates that used to surround the city. Climb to the top for views of the mountains surrounding Valencia. 

14. Valencia Rooftop Sunset 

Finish your Valencia city trip in the main city square, ‘Plaza Ayuntamiento’. Here you will find a rooftop bar where you can see spectacular views over the city during sunset.

How Much Does Valencia Cost?

Although Valencia is the third largest city in Spain, it’s considerably cheaper than other destinations like Madrid or Barcelona. You can eat in delicious restaurants for next to nothing, especially at lunch when a ‘Menu del Dia’ can cost as little as 8 EUR for 3 courses.

Costs of Traveling in Valencia

Travel on a budget in Valencia, from $320 − $350 USD weekly per person, mid-range $710 − $1710 USD, and high-end from $1630 − $2480 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $60 − $200 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $20 − $40 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $10 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $30 − $100 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $15 − $40 USD
• Activities: $3 − $5 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

How to Visit Valencia

Valencia has a fairly big airport with flights leaving to destinations all over Europe . If your city doesn’t offer flights to Valencia, consider flying into Barcelona or Madrid and taking a direct train from there.

The city is easily accessible from the airport. Simply walk downstairs to the metro from the terminal, and any line will take you to the main city stops, such as ‘Xativa’ or ‘Colon’, in around 20 minutes. Price: 4.90 EUR. 

Getting Around

Valencia is a small and walkable city. If you choose to hire bikes, you may not need to take public transport at all! However, there is a very affordable tram and metro with many stops throughout the city and down to the beach. The price for a 10-trip ticket is between 7.60 – 21 EUR, depending on which zones you need.

We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Where to Stay in Valencia

Accommodation in Valencia is reasonably affordable. Aim to stay in the city center, near to the old town or Rusafa, for easy access to the key sights.

For a more affordable option, stay a little outside of the center on the metro line for easy access to the city. Alternatively, find a hostel down by the beach.

Best Time to Visit Valencia

The best time to visit is out of the prime summer months when the weather is cooler, and it’s more pleasant to walk around and see all the things to do in Valencia.

During the winter months of December- February, the days are sunny, and the temperature is between 15-20 degrees. If you’re visiting during the summer months of June-September, expect highs of up to 40 degrees!

Extra: Experience ‘Las Fallas’ in March, a unique month-long festival that centers around the dates 15-19, where each district creates a giant sculpture, which is burned on the last night. Expect a lot of noise, fireworks, and street parties lasting until the early hours of the morning.

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Best Things to do in Madrid, Spain

Seville, spain: 14 best things to do, best things to do in barcelona (travel guide).

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I Love Valencia visited the city some time ago. I Love horchata also. Valencia is a lovely city

Incredibly extensive post. The city is expanding the metro and opening up more areas to visit by the water in the coming years too.

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Valencia   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Sergio Formoso | Getty Images

Why Go To Valencia

Valencia is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the wallet. The green hues found in the Jardí del Túria  contrast with the shimmering golden sand and sparkling cerulean waves lapping against its beaches. And the color of its oranges is as rich as the taste. Those who say this Spanish coastal city lacks any sense of charm may have never walked under the citrus trees as they drop blossoms onto the cobblestone streets or listened to the hum of the Valencian dialect amidst the produce stands of the Mercado Central . Although it has spent years hiding in the shadows of larger cities, Valencia now offers a mixture of Madrid 's history and Barcelona 's contemporary atmosphere for a slightly more wallet-friendly price tag.

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• # 3 in Best Cheap European Vacations for 2023-2024
• # 17 in Best Places to Visit in Spain

Best of Valencia

Best hotels in valencia.

• # 1 in Caro Hotel
• # 2 in Only YOU Hotel Valencia
• # 3 in Hotel Palacio Vallier

Best Things to Do in Valencia

• # 1 in Central Market (Mercado Central)
• # 2 in City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts y les Ciencies)
• # 3 in Turia Gardens (Jardi del Turia)

Popular Tours

Valencian paella workshop and visit to the Algiros market

(198 reviews)

from $ 69.48

Valencian Paella cooking class, Tapas and Market Visit

(547 reviews)

from $ 65.14

Valencia Highlights with Private Vehicle (Private Tour)

(32 reviews)

from $ 271.41

Valencia Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit Valencia are in April and May and September to October, the sweet spots full of warm weather and void of crazy crowds. In general, the city boasts a Mediterranean climate with consistently pleasant weather most of the year, although the extreme heat of August sees most locals shutting down businesses and fleeing north for cooler weather. Valencia sees an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. While average high temps range from 60 degrees in the cooler months to 85 degrees in the height of summer, don’t go unprepared for scorching hot days (and weeks), when the thermometer hovers around 95 to 100 degrees in July and August. Wintertime is pretty comfortable – between the mid-40s to mid-60s – and the city is more or less tourist-free. The downside is that certain attractions shorten their hours of operation.

Weather in Valencia

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Eat like a local Paella, a Spanish rice dish, originated in Valencia. Don't leave without trying it.

Drink like a local Valencians soak up their 300 days of sunshine on cafe terraces with a glass of wine or cold beer and several rounds of tapas. Don't be afraid to embrace their laid-back lifestyle.

Sleep like a local Do not expect to make plans with Valencians for the early afternoon. That time is reserved for the midday siesta , and many businesses are closed, apart from places like large department stores and eateries. Because of this, the Valencians generally do not sit down to dinner until 8:30 to 10 p.m.

How to Save Money in Valencia

Visit in the offseason Although some of the top sights switch over to winter hours, Valencia's hotels drop their prices from November to January.

Dine at the Mercado Central Plenty of restaurants centered on the Mercado Central offer prix fixe menus and great tapas for about 13 to 15 euros (around $14 to $16) per person.

Purchase a Valencia Tourist Card It comes with unlimited travel on the city's mass transit as well as free admission to municipal museums and monuments, discounts at the major museums, attractions and shops. Available in one- to three-day denominations, the cards are available for purchase at most tourist desks, in vending machines at the airport and online here .

Culture & Customs

Valencia is the capital of both the province and the autonomous community of the same name. It has two official languages, Spanish and the Valencian dialect of Catalan. (Be aware that Valencians prefer to call Spanish, or Espanol, Castellano, since Valencian, which locals consider a language and not a dialect, is Spanish too.) While Spanish predominates, the local government uses Valencian. This can create some confusion for visitors, as one or the other language (and sometimes both) may appear on streets signs. The bilingual residents of the city won't expect travelers from outside the province to know Valencian.

The siesta is observed in Valencia, meaning many businesses, including shops and some museums, will close for part of the afternoon, typically from around 1:30 or 2 p.m. to 4:30 or 5 p.m. The exceptions to this practice are restaurants, which may operate during the traditional siesta time, but close for a couple hours before reopening for dinner service around 8 or 9 p.m. (the standard starting time for the meal). Shopping malls and large supermarkets tend not to close for siesta. Many businesses (other than museums, cinemas, bars and restaurants) do not open at all on Sundays, or, if they do, will have shorter hours.

The official currency in Valencia is the euro (EUR). Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates often, be sure to check the current exchange rate before you go. Most restaurants and stores accept major credit cards. As in the rest of Spain, tipping is not common in Valencia.

What to Eat

The best Spanish cuisine in located on the winding streets of Center City (especially in the Mercado Central ), while another top option are the cafes and tapas bars near La Avenida del Puerto. Many restaurants offer prix fixe lunch menus, which are a great way to sample Spanish cuisine without spending too many euros. Remember that the Spanish do not normally sit down to dinner until 8:30 p.m. at the earliest. If you find that your stomach is rumbling before it's time to eat, follow the Valencians to one of the many tapas bars located throughout the city.

Valencia is the birthplace of one of Spain's most popular dishes, paella . The paella Valenciana is a mixture of rice, seafood, meat and vegetables flavored with saffron.

Valencia is also known for its orange groves. Don't miss your chance to sample this juicy fruit the way Valencians do. If you're looking for some refreshment after a long day of sightseeing, order an agua de Valencia – a cocktail typically made from gin, vodka, cava (Spanish sparkling wine), sugar and freshly squeezed orange juice – at a sidewalk cafe. 

Visitors should relax while in Valencia: Although the city sees its fair share of petty theft, for the most part it's very safe. Guard against any petty theft by keeping an eye on your possessions, especially on the beaches. You should also exercise common sense at night: Solo travelers should stray from walking through unfamiliar neighborhoods at night, and all should refrain from strolling the Turia gardens after dark.

The U.S. Department of State recommends exercising increased caution when traveling through Spain due to threats of terrorism. Consider signing up for the Smart Travel Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to stay up to date on any alerts.

Getting Around Valencia

The best way to get around Valencia is by metro, which reaches as far as the Valencia Airport (VLC) about 5 miles west of the city. Public buses help supplement the metro coverage, but these can be confusing. Instead, consider walking or renting a bike to the closest sights and activities. We recommend forgoing the rental car: parking is near impossible to find, and the city's narrow streets can make driving difficult for visitors. If you think you'll be relying heavily on public transportation during your trip, consider purchasing the Valencia Tourist Card , which offers free travel on metro, tram and bus for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

From the airport, you can take metro lines 3 or 5 – both of which link the airport to the city center. Alternatively, the Aero-Bus connects the airport directly to the city center, whereas bus route No. 150 stops several times in the towns of Manises and Quart de Poblet, as well as the Mislata suburb, along the way. Taxis are another (more expensive) option. Fares cost a minimum of 20 euros (around $21.86) and include an airport surcharge of 5.40 euros (around $6).

Entry & Exit Requirements

You'll need your U.S. passport to enter Spain, and remember that it must be valid for at least three months after your departure. To stay longer than three months, you'll need to obtain a visa before you arrive in Spain. Families should be prepared to show proof of relationship if they are traveling with children, since the Spanish government is working hard to prevent international child abduction. For more information on entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State's website .

The Torre del Miguelete offers spectacular views of Valencia.

Explore More of Valencia

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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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
• Virtual tours of Spain
• Spain themed gifts
• Monuments in Spain
• Long weekend breaks in Spain

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Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

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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.

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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
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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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Essential places in Valencia

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TOP 10 VALENCIA

We propose you the 10 essential places that you can not miss in valencia.

City Of Arts and Sciences Monuments

An impressive city that can be enjoyed both inside and out, whether by watching an opera or 3D IMAX film, or visiting the interactive museum or the largest aquarium in Europe.

Cathedral, Miguelete and Holy Grail

La Lonja (The Silk Exchange) Unesco World Heritage

Barrio del Carmen: A cocktail of history and leisure

Forget about maps and venture into the labyrinthine cobbled streets of this ancient quarter that flourished between the Muslim and Christian walls. Medieval buildings, palaces, frescoes, shops and restaurants you won't be able to resist. 

Central Market

Albufera Natural Park

Nature in its purest form, dreamy sunsets, boat trips and disconnection in capital letters. Like an urban oasis surrounded by rice fields and forest: that is the Albufera Natural Park, the place where paella was invented

Valencia's beaches: within the city limits or wild, the choice is yours!

If you like golden sands by the sea.  When you want to bathe in the sun on your towel (always with a good sunscreen) or relax under a parasol with a drink nearby... then your place in the world is the beaches of Valencia. Without doubt the best plan.

Valencia Aquarium Oceanografic

Marina of Valencia

Enjoy in your own style miles and miles of distinguished beaches with blue flags. Relax by contemplating the sea from one of the many restaurants on the promenade or from the avant-garde Veles e Vents de la Marina building.

The best museums where to lose yourself in and enjoy

The 34 museums of Valencia are there to suit all tastes. From the second largest art gallery in Spain at the Museo de Bellas Artes, to the IVAM's modern art, including the Museo Nacional de Cerámica, the Fallero, the Centre del Carme or the Bombas Gens art centre.

Turia Garden Valencia

Tour it by bike or on foot and see the 18 bridges that cross it. A lush 9-kilometer garden that keeps secrets inside: the Gulliver, the Palau de la Música, the City of Arts and Science...

Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir de Valencia

Ensanche and Ruzafa

Restaurants, leisure, shops and a lot of culture in the heart of Valencia. The shopping area par excellence, with many places to enjoy the gastronomy

Ceramics Museum. Marqués de Dos Aguas Palace

Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia

Bioparc Valencia Information

Barrio del Carmen and its Palaces

Strolling around its streets is a complete pleasure. El Carmen neighbourhood embraces you with its maze-like streets full of history, palaces, legends and leisure. Visit Torres de Quart and Miguelete to take in the spectacular views. Sit in Plaza del Negrito and have an Agua de Valencia, a typical Valencian cocktail, then continue your walk down Calle Caballeros and you will see how El Carmen will charm you bit by bit. Once it has, it will be one of the loves of your lives. For sure.

Plaza de la Virgen and the cathedral quarter

Do you love history? Learn more about the origins of the Holy Grail in the heart of Valencia. Visit the ancient cathedral, feel the thrill in the Basílica de la Vírgen de los Desamparados and discover cultural treasures such as l'Almoina. Just go to Plaza de la Virgin and wander around its surroundings. Let's go!

Plaza del mercado y Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)

Like a trip to the past where you won’t want to come back: this is how you will feel when you visit Valencia's Central Market. Located in a magnificent pre-modernist building, there are stalls serving top-quality food and a charming je ne sais quoi all around the area's markets. Just in front of the market is Lonja de la Seda, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is a must when visiting Valencia, as well as Santos Juanes Church just a few metres away.

Valencia is also all about art. And there are 34 museums! Culture activities are always a great idea as they make us think, feel and consider life from a different perspective. Enjoy the city's history, architecture and master pieces by famous artists from different eras, such as Goya or Sorolla at the Fine Arts Museum San Pío V. Visit the delightful National Museum of Ceramics in the Palace of Marqués de Dos Aguas. If you like contemporary art, you cannot miss out on IVAM, Centre del Carme or MUVIM.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento

Full of light and flower shops. The Square perfectly summaries the city's essence. It is joyful and full of colour, and its central fountain is surrounded by flowers and people wanting to immortalise the moment. There are majestic buildings nearby, such as Correos, a real treasure, the Estación del Norte train station, or the Town Hall itself that is the heart from which everything flows. Gunpowder and music in Fallas, a great atmosphere all year round, horchata stalls, theatres, restaurants and... lots of charm.

The Valencia's Marina and beaches

It is impossible to think about the city on the River Turia without mentioning the Marina and the beaches. It is a must to take a walk around the new trendy seafaring neighbourhood, El Cabanyal. A paella overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, sunbathing (luckily the sun is out almost all year round), an ice cream or a drink with friends at such a privileged place...these are just some of the cool things you can do in Valencia. Visit the port and see the 19th-century storage facilities (Tinglados), Edificio del Reloj (Clock Building) and Veles e Vents restaurant. You will love watching the sunset on one of the bar terraces.

The Albufera Nature Park

One of our favourite spots is only 10 kilometres away from the city: La Albufera Natural Park. Pure nature, dreamy sunsets, boat rides and being able to completely switch off for a while. Like an oasis surrounded by rice fields and forests. You should visit it if you want to understand the origins of Valencian cuisine. It will be magical. Will you let yourself fall in love with the area?

The Turia Garden

Valencia's green lungs crosses the city with a 9-kilometre long garden. Welcome to the Turia Garden! The old river course from the Turia River is now a large green space full of pedestrians, cyclists and people doing sports. If we go from one end to another, not only can we see true nature in an urban setting, but we can also find great monuments, such as Palau de la Música or the City of Arts and Sciences. It is a remarkable privilege!

Bioparc and Oceanogràfic

Visit Africa, Japan and even the Arctic without leaving Valencia. It is all possible at Bioparc and Oceanogràfic. If you love nature and animals, you cannot miss out. Whether you are alone or with your family, you will have a great time discovering the world through its fauna. Don't miss out! Tickets to Bioparc and the Oceanogràfic Get 15% off with the València Tourist Card

The City of Arts and Sciences

When the City of Arts and Sciences was opened in 1998, it seemed like something from a sci-fi film, but it is one of Valencia's most important signature buildings. And it is inevitable that this would happen, as Santiago Calatrava's architecture is charming. Hemisfèric, Science Museum, Umbracle, Oceanogràfic, Palau de les Arts, Ágora and the Assut d’or Bridge are seven monumental buildings that make up the City of Arts and Sciences. They are so special that each one will impress you. Discover them all!

Valencia in three days

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3 Days in Valencia: An Epic Valencia Itinerary

By: Author Laura Bronner

Posted on Last updated: November 16, 2023

Planning a long weekend trip to Spain’s most beautiful city? 3 days in Valencia is a great amount of time to explore all of the wonderful things to do, eat your weight in paella, and get out to the beach for a dose of Spanish sunshine.

There are so many amazing things to do in Valencia . I spent an entire month living here and even after exploring for 30 whole days, I was still finding more cool spots to check out.

If you have more time, consider adding a few extra days to explore some of the fun day trips from Valencia like Gandia, Requena, or Sagunto. The smaller towns around the Valencia region are packed with history and stunning beaches.

How Many Days in Valencia?

3 days in Valencia is a great amount of time to get to know the city, to eat at a few different local spots, and to spend some time at the beach. If you are able to spare 5 days or even a week, you can really dig deeper into the rich culture of Valencia.

It’s both a city packed with history and a beachside resort with stunning sandy shores and the Mediterranean coast. You can easily spend three or four days just enjoying all of the best beaches in Valencia .

Or you can spend your time in the city center visiting cool museums, sampling all of the tapas bars, exploring historical sites, and eating at the best paella restaurants in Valencia .

Explore the different plazas around Valencia.

Getting Around Valencia

Valencia city center is very walkable. If you base yourself around the city’s Ciutat Vella or old town, then you will be able to walk pretty much anywhere of interest within 20 minutes or less.

If you don’t want to walk during the heat of the day or you want to see a lot in a short period of time, you can utilize the metro system to get to outer neighborhoods or you can use the excellent bus network that takes you all over the city (and to the beaches, too!).

I recommend downloading two apps for bus travel in Valencia. The first is the EMTicket App. You can download it for Android here or Apple here . This allows you to buy up to 10 tickets at a time which will save you money on each individual ticket.

You can also pay directly on the bus with a contactless card (or Apple Pay), but you will pay the highest price for your ticket if you purchase it this way.

The other great app to help navigate the bus network is the EMT Valencia App. Download the app for Android here and Apple here . This app allows you to map the best route by bus from where you are to where you want to go. It gives up-to-date times on the arrival of each bus and shows you where you connect if you are changing buses.

Don’t miss out on all of the great tapas spots around Valencia!

3 Days in Valencia Itinerary

During your fun three days in Valencia, you will have time to explore most of the city center on foot and spend a few of your afternoons or evenings with your toes in the sand.

Since you’re only going to be in the city for a short amount of time, you want to choose the best neighborhood to stay in Valencia. The most central locations are El Carmen , Ciutat Vella (the old town), and La Xerea . If you would prefer to stay closer to the beach, then look for spots in El Cabanyal .

These are some of my top picks for places to stay when visiting Valencia for 3 days.

• Parker the Urban Flats : Located in the Extramurs neighborhood just to the west of Ciutat Vella, you can walk to the cathedral, central market, and El Carmen neighborhoods from this cute hotel apartment. This is ideal if you want to do some self-catering during your 3 days in Valencia but you want to enjoy the amenities of a hotel. Apartments start at €100 per night. Book a stay at Parker the Urban Flats here .
• One Shot Mercat 09 : Located right in the center of the Ciutat Vella near Valencia’s Central Market, you cannot be more centrally located than at this fantastic boutique hotel. Rooms start at €80. Book a stay at One Shot Mercat 09 here .
• Hotel San Lorenzo : Straddling El Carmen and La Xerea, this hotel is in a great location for exploring all of the fun things to do during your three days in Valencia. At San Lorenzo, you get old-world vibes with upscale finishes and excellent service. Rooms start at €90 per night. Book a stay at Hotel San Lorenzo here .
• Blanq Carmen Hotel : One of my favorite hotels in Valencia located in one of my favorite neighborhoods in Valencia. This hotel is exquisite. It has a rooftop pool to cool off in after a day of exploring. The breakfast here is delicious and the rooms are cute and comfortable. Walk to the best local tapas bars or across the street to Turia Park for a stroll through the park. Rooms start at €90 per night. Book a stay at Blanq Carmen Hotel here .

Day 1 of 3 Days in Valencia

On your first day in Valencia, you’ll want to get to know the city center and explore some of the historical sites.

Valencia Cathedral and Migeulete Tower

I recommend starting your day at the Valencia Cathedral. There is something inside this cathedral that draws visitors from all over the world.

Housed inside one of the chapels in the cathedral is the  Santo Cáliz or the holy chalice. It is believed that this chalice is the holy grail, the very cup that Jesus drank from during the Last Supper. Entrance to the cathedral costs €9.

While inside you can also see some 15th-century paintings, and a combination of different styles of architecture on display including Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and Neoclassical.

If you don’t mind much about exploring the inside of the Valencia Cathedral, you should at least climb up to the top of the cathedral tower. Enter the cathedral’s main doors and instead of heading to the ticket counter, turn left and walk towards the doors on the left side of the church.

Here you’ll pay €2.50 and climb all the way to the top of the Miguelete Tower. It is 206 feet or 63 meters tall and the views back over the city are incredible. Starting your 3 days in Valencia with this aerial view will allow you to get a good bird’s eye view of the rest of the city.

The Central Market is a must do whether you are in the city for 3 days or less!

Valencia Central Market

If you are feeling hungry, head for Escalons de la Lotja or Bar Central inside Valencia Central Market.

Whichever you choose for lunch, spend some time afterward visiting the stunning Central Market. The market is only open until 3pm every day and is completely closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

A market has stood in this location since 1839. Back then it was a completely open-air market without any cover against the elements. By the end of the 19th century, the city began to build a covered market that still stands today.

Now you can buy everything from cured meats, fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables, bakery bread, local cheeses, artisanal vermut , and even sandwiches and paella. There are over 1200 stalls inside the market, so you’re bound to find something delicious to tickle your tastebuds.

La Lonja de la Seda

Formerly the home of the city’s Silk Exchange, the Lonja de la Seda is one of the most beautiful sites to explore in Valencia. The museum is free on Sundays, otherwise, it is only a small €2 fee to enter. This also includes an audioguide which I highly recommend grabbing at the entrance.

The main exchange room is breathtakingly enormous and the ceiling in the meeting room upstairs should not be missed. You can explore La Lonja in about an hour and it is very close to the Central Market, so they are easily visited together.

The inside of La Lonja de la Seda is one of the most incredible spaces!

City Hall Square

Located only about a 5-8 minute walk from La Lonja de la Seda is the Plaça de l’Ajuntament, or the City Hall Plaza.

This huge plaza is surrounded by gorgeous architecture and is a nice place to spend some time. There are a few cafes and restaurants, so if you want to grab a cold Horchata (a local sweet, refreshing, and creamy drink) or ice cream, there are plenty of places around this plaza to do just that.

As the name of the plaza suggests, it is also home to the City Hall building. Open every day from 8:30-2pm, you might just have time to get in before they close for the day. Otherwise, make this the first thing you do on day two in Valencia.

Inside the City Hall building you can walk out onto the balcony and look out over the plaza. You can walk through the historical and very ornate ballroom. And you can walk into the meeting rooms to see where the local officials vote and make decisions. It’s completely free to enter.

Valencia City Hall building is a quick and interesting place to visit during your three days in Valencia.

Valencia Nord Station

If you didn’t arrive in the city through this station, you should make a trip here during your 3 days in Valencia. It’s a short 5-minute walk from the City Hall Plaza and it doesn’t take a ton of time to explore.

However, the inside of this station is absolutely beautiful.

When you enter through the front of the station, have a look at the old-style ticketing counters that are still used to purchase tickets today. There are also ticket machines near the entrance if you don’t want to wait in line or want to see what fun locations you can explore by train.

To the right of the ticket counters, just after you walk in, you will see a waiting room. Head in here and take a look at the intricate tile work. It is on the floor, on the walls, on the ceiling. Everywhere you look there are painted tiles, mosaics, and works of art.

Parc Central

If you have more energy left (or daylight, depending on what time of year you’re visiting), then walk behind the train station to Parc Central.

Not as popular as Turia, this central city park is a little oasis away from the chaos and noise of the streets that are mere blocks away.

There are benches to sit on in the sunshine, tons of grass to lay a blanket down on to read a book, and lots of walking (or jogging) paths to enjoy within the park. In the spring and early summer, the flowers are absolutely breathtaking in here.

The most delicious cockle ceviche that I enjoyed on my most recent trip to Valencia.

Dinner in Valencia

If you’re not used to the food culture in Spain, you may be shocked to learn that most restaurants don’t reopen for dinner service until 7:30 pm or later. Many locals won’t head to dinner until closer to 9/9:30 pm.

So if you are looking for great ambiance, make a reservation for around that time. If you are starving and want to eat as soon as possible, make a reservation for when most places open around 8 pm.

If you opt for a place that is open before 7:30 pm, just know that these restaurants are most certainly catering to tourists rather than locals, so the food may not be of the best quality.

A few places I love and that you can visit any night of your 3 days in Valencia are listed below. If you are in Valencia during the summer months, be sure to make a reservation at these places so you aren’t turned away at the door.

• El Molinon : an amazing cider bar that focuses on food from the Asturias region of Spain. The tapas here are some of the best in the city.
• La Lateria : A tapas bar that focuses on tinned seafood (an incredibly popular thing in Spain) as well as local cured meats and cheeses. Their vermut selection is one of my favorites and the cockle ceviche here is exceptional.
• Bodega La Rentaora : Top-notch tapas, cheeses, cured meats, and great service. A fantastic wine menu. Reservations are an absolute must in summer.
• Raices : Some of the best pizza in Valencia.
• Refugio : Spanish fusion food served tapas-style. A fun and different place to try delicious dishes.

The ceiling in the Lonja de la Seda.

Day 2 of 3 Days in Valencia

Depending on the weather and what time of year you are visiting Valencia, you will likely want to spend plenty of time outdoors. On your second day in the city during your 3 day Valencia itinerary, you will want to explore more incredible sites, perhaps with the aid of two wheels.

Rent a Bike or Take a Bike Tour

There are bike rental locations all over Valencia, especially in the El Carmen neighborhood and along the roads that lead to Turia Park.

If you want to get to know the city a little bit better, consider taking a morning bike tour . This is when it is coolest and you will get a chance to explore quite a lot in a short period of time. It usually includes stops around El Carmen, Plaza de la Reina (where the Valencia Cathedral is), and maybe even a visit to the City of Arts and Sciences.

If you want to take a bike tour in English that includes most of these stops, check this one out and book here .

If you opt to rent a bike yourself or you want to continue touring around Valencia on foot, then your next stop should be to take a walk through Turia Park. A good place to enter the park is near Serranos Tower.

Built at the end of the 14th century, Serranos Tower was one of 12 gates that formed part of the city’s fortification. It is only one of two gates that still remains. You can go to the top to look out over Turia Park, or simply stroll under it, cross the street, and head down into the park.

You may be able to tell by the walls and bridges and the shape of the park, but Turia used to have a river flowing through it. In the 1950s, the river burst its banks and flooded much of the city. After that happened, the government decided to reroute the river so that it no longer flowed through the city center.

In the 1980s, they began turning the dried-up dusty riverbed into the green space that you see today. Now there are walking paths, bike lanes, jogging paths, football fields, workout areas, tennis courts, and a huge children’s play area.

Walk or bike through the center of the park towards the southeast area of the city where you’ll find your next stop.

The Palace of Arts in the City of Arts and Sciences.

City of Arts and Sciences

Known as Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències in Valencian or Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Spanish, the City of Arts and Sciences is a beautiful part of the city that should not be missed on your three days in Valencia.

The construction of this area began in 1996 and the most recent building was completed in 2009.

Inside these different buildings, you’ll find an IMAX, a Planetarium, a theater, the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe, an interactive science museum, a botanical garden, and so much more.

Many people simply visit the outside of the buildings or they rent a paddle boat to get out on the water. I recommend at least getting close up to the buildings and exploring the area from different angles so you can see all of the unique architecture.

A giant slice of tortilla or have it in a sandwich!

Light Spanish Lunch

A close walk from the City of Arts and Sciences is a fun tortilla restaurant. Spanish tortillas are not like the Mexican wraps you may be more familiar with. Instead, Spanish tortillas, or Spanish omelets as they are sometimes called, are made with potatoes, eggs, and depending on who you ask, onions (a hotly debated topic all over Spain!).

But Tortillea Cerveceria is doing it every way except the traditional way. Have it sweet or savory, with the Lotus being the most decadent of them all. The ham and cheese, although simple sounding, is one of the best I’ve had.

For a more traditional option, walk back through Turia and find Quiosc La Pérgola . This little kiosk consistently ranks as one of the best places to have tortillas in the entire city. They’ll even through it in a baguette with aioli, called a bocadillo de tortilla .

Get to the Beach

The afternoon is and evening is always my favorite time to go to the beach in Valencia. Use the apps I mentioned above to get yourself from the city center to the beach by bus. Alternatively, a taxi or Uber in Spain usually costs about €10 from the city center to the Las Arenas beach .

There are three beaches within the city limits of Valencia that you can easily reach on foot, by bus, or by bicycle. They are all connected via the long boardwalk that runs from the marina to the edges of the furthest beach (which also happens to be my personal favorite beach), La Patacona .

In between La Patacona and Las Arenas, is Malvarossa Beach .

All three beaches are very similar, however, the closer you are to the marina, the cloudier and rougher the water tends to be. The beach closest to the marina is Las Arenas and the beach furthest away is La Patacona.

Patacona also takes a little bit longer to get to the city center, so many people don’t bother to make the effort when Las Arenas is so much closer and easier to reach. This means that Patacona is also much quieter than the other two beaches.

You can see why I favor this beach over the others.

Whichever beach you choose, you will have access to beach bars, umbrellas, and chairs to rent, plenty of sand to freely lay your towels out on, and some sporty spots for throwing a frisbee or playing volleyball.

The beaches in Valencia are well worth visiting on your trip to the city, especially on a hot summer’s day!

Tapas by the Beach

Pack some clothes to change into after leaving the beach so that you can stop at this historical tapas bar before heading back to the city center.

Casa Montaña was founded in 1836 and has been serving wine and tapas ever since. Sit amongst their wine barrels while you taste Jamon Iberico  and tons of different seafood options. The stuffed squid and fried sardines are two of my personal favorites.

The wine menu here is also one of the best I’ve seen in all of Valencia. If you are visiting during peak summer months, be sure to book a table at least a day in advance, especially on a Friday or Saturday night.

Day 3 of 3 Days in Valencia

Your final day in Valencia is a choose-your-own-adventure. I recommend starting the morning by the beach, especially if you are headed back to somewhere where you won’t get a chance to enjoy sun, sea, and sand again for a while.

If you get yourself to Malvarossa Beach, you’ll be perfectly poised to have a fun morning in the Mediterranean and then a lunch of traditional Valencian Paella.

Paella Valenciana

Did you know that paella wasn’t traditionally made with seafood? This dish, which comes from farming villages around the Valencia region, was actually first made with rabbit, chicken, butter beans, green beans, and sometimes even snails.

Of course, if you want seafood you should absolutely sample that instead. You’ll be able to have it with shrimp, mussels, and clams depending on which style of paella you order.

Two places that are within walking distance of Malvarossa Beach are El Trompo and Casa Carmela . Both serve up seriously fantastic food, although both also leave a little bit to be desired in the service side of things (but let’s be honest, most restaurants in Spain do).

Be sure to make a booking for lunch at either of these locations, they tend not to have any availability for lunch during peak season, especially on weekends.

Paella Valenciana is SO delicious, don’t miss trying it while you’re here.

Explore Valencia’s Museums

After lunch, make your way back to the city center to explore one or more of the city’s amazing museums.

For such a small city, Valencia is  packed with culture, history, and art. Depending on what you enjoy most, you’ll find one or more fun museums to check out during your 3 days in Valencia. On different days of the week, these museums offer free entry. Check their websites to book a free slot.

• Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts : This museum name may not inspire, but both the exterior and interior of this former palace will. On the ground floor of the museum, you’ll find old carriages used by the families who once lived here as well as some rotating art exhibits. Follow the marble staircase up to see how the other half live (or lived in this instance). The rooms have been decorated to demonstrate how this home would have been set up by 18th-century aristocrats.
• Art Modern Institute Museum of Valencia : Modern and contemporary art lovers will not want to miss exploring the different exhibits at this wonderful museum. Besides the Guggenheim in Bilbao , this might be one of my favorite modern art museums in Spain.
• MuVIM: Known as Museu Valencià de la Il·lustració i de la Modernitat, this museum is small but interesting. In the basement, you’ll find the ruins of an old fortress. On the main floor, you’ll find a complete scale model of the city as it looked during the 18th century. Upstairs is a small exhibition hall and then outside in a second building you’ll find a larger exhibition area with fascinating temporary art exhibitions.
• Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia : If you love places like the Prado in Madrid or the El Greco Museum in Zaragoza , you’ll love this fine arts Museum.

The inside of the Ceramics Museum is so worth exploring.

Final Night in Valencia

Your last night in Valencia can be a return to your favorite tapas bars, a fun night out around El Greco and the bars and clubs in that plaza, or perhaps a night spent on a tapas crawl tour so that you can celebrate with some new friends.

If you missed any of the restaurants and tapas bars I listed above from day one’s schedule, be sure to make a reservation at one of those spots. They are truly some of the best places to eat and drink in Valencia.

If you want to end your 3 days in Valencia with a flourish, consider booking a table at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants. I personally loved El Poblet . The service, food, ambiance, and wine were out of this world. It’s a meal I will not soon forget.

If you want to take a food and drink tour around the city, consider an option like this one where you can sample different local drinks and tapas with an experienced guide.

Perhaps you are a big football fan. If that’s the case you don’t want to miss seeing one of Valencia’s teams. The most famous being, of course, Valencia CF . They are in La Liga, the top league in Spain.

If the tickets are sold out or you’d like to support the older, slightly less successful team in Valencia, then get yourself tickets to Levante UD . They are in the second league in Spain, but the atmosphere here was, in my humble opinion, 10x better.

A match at Levante stadium is a fun way to see a totally different side to football in Valencia.

Your 3-day Valencia itinerary is yours to swap and change. Take some or all of these suggestions depending on what you want to do more of on your trip to Valencia. Perhaps you’re already spending time along the Costa Blanca or in Alicante which means your trip to Valencia doesn’t need much time at the beach.

Instead, swap out those beach times and explore more museums and historical sites around Valencia.

2 Days in Valencia: A Fantastic Itinerary (From A Local)

Valencia is the birthplace of paella, the cradle of Las Fallas , and for many, the best city to live in , so sooner or later, you might feel tempted to visit. Whether you decide to spend the weekend or include it in a longer Spain itinerary, 2 days in Valencia is just enough to scratch the surface and leave you longing for more.

That’s not to say you should postpone your plans until you have more free days. Yes, 3 or 4 days will allow you to see, taste and experience more of Valencia, but 2 days is a wonderful start for a first-time visit.

In This Article

About this 2 days in Valencia itinerary

Day 1: morning – walk around the city center of valencia, day 1: lunch – try the menú del día, day 1: afternoon – visit some museums, day 1: dinner – have tapas at a gastro market, day 2: morning – explore el cabañal and relax at the beach, day 2: lunch – eat paella, day 2: afternoon – visit the city of arts and sciences, day 2: evening – end your 2 days in valencia with a flamenco show, is 2 days in valencia enough.

Valencia has a great number of attractions and that number is only growing bigger. As the city is awakening to its new reality as a tourist hotspot, new museums, parks, and restaurants are popping up throughout the city.

I’ve designed this 2 day Valencia itinerary with active travelers in mind. This means that by following my itinerary you will be walking quite a bit, but I’ve also included plenty of tasty breaks so you can experience Valencia’s thriving coffee and food scene.

As for where to stay in Valencia during your 2 day visit, I recommend the Old Town, hands down. This is the best area if you want to be close to pretty much everything except for the beach.

To see the best of Valencia in 2 days, simply follow this itinerary. If you think you might have even less than 2 days, check out my 1 day in Valencia post. And if you have more time, check out my 3 days in Valencia itinerary .

The downtown features the oldest part of the city and this is where I suggest you start your 48 hours in Valencia. This area is comprised of 6 neighborhoods, each slightly different than the next.

The Old Town is where you’ll find some of the oldest and most striking buildings but also some of the most cutting-edge restaurants and shops. The best way to explore this part of Valencia is on foot, be it by joining a walking tour or exploring on your own.

When it comes to tours, you have plenty of options, including free walking tours. The best part of exploring Valencia with a local is that they will help you put things into perspective and you’ll likely discover some hidden gems you might not find otherwise.

I recommend you check out the tours below before you make up your mind.

If you want to venture on your own, here are some of the must-see spots around the city center. Depending on where your hotel or Airbnb is located, I suggest you start with the one that’s closest to you.

The City Hall and the City Hall Square are Valencia’s km 0, the heart of the city and the place where many events take place. The Town Hall itself can be visited every morning during work days and the visit is free. I really recommend you pop in to see the magnificent Salón de Cristal (Crystal Hall).

Also in the City Hall Square, the old Correos building has recently been converted into an exhibition space. Its imposing glass ceiling is reason enough to visit.

A couple of minutes away, the Mordernista-style North Train Station (Estación del Norte) and the bullring are two other impressive buildings. While the bullring is still in use and you might not feel comfortable visiting it, architecture-wise, it’s still beautiful.

Up next, I’d suggest you head to the Central Market (Mercado Central). This is the largest fresh food market in Europe and one of several must visit markets in Valencia . The Modernista architecture and the vast array of local produce make it a cathedral of the senses.

The market is open every morning from Monday to Saturday. Although it officially closes at 3 p.m., I don’t recommend you leave it to the last minute. This is a great spot for a coffee break or a mid-morning snack.

Across from Mercado Central, the UNESCO-listed Lonja de la Seda is another building worthy of your admiration. While beautiful on the outside, it’s even more impressive on the inside.

If you like heavily ornate Baroque churches, then prepare to be spoiled for choice. Many of Valencia’s beautiful churches are located in the Old Town and you should definitely visit at least one.

Next to Mercado Central and La Lonja, the Church of Santos Juanes won’t take much of your time, but it will definitely leave a long-lasting impression (book here). Not far away, the San Nicolás Church , nicknamed the Valencian Sixtine Chapel, is perhaps the most beautiful church in the city (book here).

If you want to see what might just as well be the real Holy Grail , make sure you budget some time for visiting the Cathedral . And if you like panoramic views, climbing the 207 steps up the bell tower is well worth it.

Come lunch, I recommend you look for a restaurant serving menú del día . You won’t have a hard time finding one and you won’t regret it.

The popular menú del día is a meal deal offered by most restaurants in Valencia. It includes a three-course meal and usually a drink. Sometimes, coffee is included as well, but most often than not you’ll have to choose between coffee and dessert.

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in Valencia . Valencianos love ending their lunch with a cup of coffee. They also love spending a good couple of hours chatting over lunch. So ordering a menú del día in a bustling restaurant is not only a culinary but a cultural experience as well.

The Old Town has hundreds if not thousands of restaurants. Of course, this can sound overwhelming, but I can recommend you some of my favorite ones, such as La Diva and Volteretta.

In the afternoon, continue your itinerary with a visit to some of Valencia’s best museums . As the third largest city in Spain, Valencia certainly has its fair share of noteworthy museums. While none of them are of the caliber of El Prado or Reina Sofía in Madrid they are the next best thing.

A short walk away from the Old Town, the Museo de Bellas Artes , is the second most important fine arts museum in Spain, after El Prado.

To get there, you simply have to cross on the other side of Turia Park and you’ll suddenly find yourself surrounded by thousands of fantastic masterpieces, some dating as far back as the Middle Ages. The best part? Unlike El Prado, this museum is completely free.

Another museum you can (and honestly, should) visit, is the Almoina archeological center. This unusual museum is situated in the Old Town, right behind the cathedral, and here you can learn about Valencia’s Roman origins while walking down the two millennia-old Roman roads.

There are many more museums in Valencia, all pretty much niched down and dedicated to a well-curated collection, be it Semana Santa, tin soldiers or rice, or local personalities.

With only 2 days in Valencia, it’s unlikely you’ll manage to visit many museums. But if you want to visit a third one, I’d suggest you choose the Ceramics Museum .

Situated inside the stunning Rococo palace of Marquez de Dos Aguas, this is the largest museum of its kind in Spain. The displays are hundreds, some thousands of years old and there’s even a set of plates designed by Pablo Picasso.

The first floor of the palace hosts the Museum of Sumptuary Arts, with gorgeously decorated rooms that will not let you indifferent.

Not too long ago, I’d have recommended you to have dinner either in the beautiful Mercado de Colón or in the Canovas area. These days, however, I believe you should head to the newly opened Mercado de la Imprenta .

This absolutely astounding gastro market in the Arrancapins neighborhood is only a short walk away from the city center, in a part of Valencia that until recently didn’t have much going for it.

So whether you are visiting Valencia for the first time or you are a repeat visitor, Mercado de la Imprenta will surely surprise you.

Housed in an old printing house, this gastro market is a welcomed effort to decentralize leisure and tourism and redirect people to the neighborhoods.

Here, you can dine on tapas, pinsa, burgers, sushi, or bao buns and wash everything down with a glass of draft beer or wine.

Most food stands, however, serve local dishes, with the added advantage that you can mix and match the plates as you like. This is great if you want to have a full culinary immersion in a fun and informal setting, without the pressure of having to order a whole meal.

Just be aware that Mercado de la Imprenta is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

If you are visiting Valencia on the first 2 days of the week, you still have plenty of options. For example, you could dine in the above-mentioned Mercado de Colón, in the nearby Canovas area, or even in the bustling Ruzafa neighborhood.

On your second day in Valencia, I recommend you take the metro and head to the El Cabañal neighborhood. This neighborhood is completely different from the Old Town, and will surely surprise you.

El Cabañal started as a fishing village separate from Valencia. But roughly a century ago, it became fashionable for the Valencian middle class to purchase a second residence here.

The influx of money was followed by an influx of ideas, and the whitewashed huts were soon replaced by Modernista-style houses.

When hearing Modernista, Gaudí’s lavish houses might pop to mind, but in El Cabañal, this style was adapted to the budget and taste of the Valencian middle class as well as the local climate. As a result, many of the facades are covered in colorful tiles with Modernista motifs.

I recommend you take your time to stroll along the streets of El Cabañal. It can be blissfully quiet here, contrasting immensely with the bustling streets of the Old Town. Personally, I have a hard time accepting that I’m still in Valencia whenever I visit, and you’ll probably experience the same.

After exploring El Cabañal, head to the beach, be it for a stroll, a drink or to relax on the sand.

Note: If you are visiting Valencia in the heat of summer, you might want to head to the beach first thing in the morning and explore El Cabañal later, especially if sunbathing is up on your list. The Valencian sun can be quite strong, so I wouldn’t recommend sunbathing in the middle of the day, and definitely don’t recommend skipping on the sunscreen.

Valencia has not one, not two, but three urban beaches.

Playa del Cabañal (also called Playa de las Arenas) is situated right next to the marina and borders the neighborhood with the same name. Next to it, Playa de la Malvarrosa is the most popular of Valencia’s beaches .

If you are looking for a more quiet beach experience, you can head to Playa de la Patacona. This beach is a bit further away and can only be reached by bus. The journey to and from the city center takes some 45 minutes, so if you only want to spend a couple of hours on the beach, you’re better off stopping at either Playa del Cabañal or Playa de la Malvarrosa.

Valencia’s urban beaches have fine golden sand and wide stretches of sand. Due to this, they rarely feel crowded. Plus you can enjoy a series of fun activities, from beach ball to sailing. Check out some of these activities below.

As I mentioned in the beginning, Valencia is the birthplace of paella . Well, not the city of Valencia per se, but the nearby village of El Palmar a few kilometers south.

El Palmar is situated on the shores of Albufera Lake, one of the best day trips from Valencia . But since you are visiting Valencia in 2 days, going all the way to El Palmar to eat paella doesn’t make much sense. Especially since Valencia has some absolutely fantastic paella restaurants right on the beach.

Most of the restaurants lining the promenade serve delicious paella, so you can pretty much stop wherever you feel comfortable and find a table. They really know what they are doing, since many of them have been preparing paellas for decades, so you are in safe hands.

One thing to take into account though is that the paella is made to order. This means you’ll have to wait some 40 minutes give or take for your paella to be served. But if you order a starter, the wait won’t seem long at all and it’s definitely worth it.

Another thing is that paella is always prepared for an even number of people (see these interesting paella facts to learn why). Also, paella is a rice dish first and foremost, so don’t expect a lot of meat or vegetables.

The point that I’m trying to make is that in Valencia, paella might not be exactly what you’ve grown used to in other parts of the world or even Spain. But this is the original recipe and I believe anyone should try it to form their own opinion.

Personally, I love paella the way it is prepared in Valencia and I wouldn’t change a thing.

But I had family and friends come over and some of them were less impressed, mostly because they had tried paella before and were either hoping for paella with chorizo (that’s a British invention!) or seafood paella that has more seafood than rice. Paella is a rice dish and the original recipe doesn’t even have seafood!

That being said, and while I definitely recommend you try the paella Valenciana (the one with chicken and rabbit), there’s a myriad of other local rice dishes you can try. Many Valencian dishes use rice as the main ingredient, but if rice is not your thing, you can try fideuá, paella’s lesser-known, noodly cousin.

Whether you visit Valencia in a day or a month, the one attraction that cannot miss from your itinerary is the City of Arts and Sciences .

This futuristic complex will surely captivate your imagination and will make you want to explore every nook and cranny.

Comprised of six interesting-looking buildings, most of which were designed by local architect Santiago Calatrava, this place was used for filming various TV series and movies, including Westworld and Tomorrowland. In fact, they are filming a new Star Wars movie here, as I write!

Walking around and admiring the buildings is completely free, but if you want to see an opera performance, an IMAX movie, or visit the science museum or aquarium, you must purchase tickets, ideally in advance.

The City of Arts and Sciences is a fantastic spot for a romantic stroll but it’s also a great place to visit in Valencia with kids .

The Oceanogràfic is probably the most family-friendly attraction in the city, as it is home to an incredible array of fish species and even some birds. They also organize dolphin shows and shark sleepovers, so if you are traveling with kids, this place is a must-visit.

If you don’t want to visit any of the buildings, but would still like to learn more about the City of Arts and Sciences and its architectural defiances and challenges, a tour of the complex might be right up your alley. You can check out some of the available tours below.

What better way to end your Valencia in 2 days itinerary than with a flamenco show? While flamenco is originally from Andalucia, Valencia has quite a few tablaos (venues where flamenco is performed) and they are pretty top-notch.

So whether you’ve attended a flamenco show in Seville or another part of Spain before and especially if you haven’t, seeing a flamenco performance in Valencia is a wonderful way to end your 2 days in the city.

Flamenco shows in Valencia typically involve both singing and dancing. Expect a lot of foot stomping and hand clapping. Traditional flamenco instruments such as the guitar and cajón are also commonly used.

The costumes tend to be colorful and eye-catching, often adorned with sequins and embroidery. The female dancers typically wear long, flowing dresses with ruffles or frills, while the male dancers wear tight-fitting trousers and shirts.

In many places, the audience is encouraged to participate by clapping along with the music. So don’t be shy and join in the fun!

Many flamenco shows in Valencia are accompanied by a drink or even dinner. Check out some of the most popular ones below.

If flamenco isn’t your thing or there’s no flamenco performance during your visit (most flamenco shows are organized in the second half of the week), you might want to check out one of the jazz clubs in the Old Town.

Two days is just enough time to visit some of Valencia’s highlights such as the City of Arts and Sciences and the historic Old Town, as well as relax on the beach for a couple of hours and sample some delicious local food (the world-famous paella included).

However, keep in mind that Valencia has much more to offer, including vibrant nightlife , interesting museums, beautiful churches, and a thriving tapas scene . If you have specific interests or want to delve deeper into the city’s cultural and culinary offerings, you might want to consider extending your stay.

Whether 2 days in Valencia is enough or not for you, will greatly depend on your personal preferences and the time you have available. Two days might be enough to give you a taste of the city, but most likely it won’t be enough if you want to explore all the attractions.

My 2 day itinerary reflects how I would spend 2 days in Valencia if I were to visit for the first time. However, if two days is all you have, make sure to plan your itinerary wisely and prioritize the attractions that interest you the most.

If you’d like to swap any of the activities or attractions I included for something that better matches your interests, make sure you check out my list of top things to do in Valencia for more inspiration.

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Home » Travel Guides » Spain » 15 Best Things to Do in Valencia (Spain)

15 Best Things to Do in Valencia (Spain)

Valencia has many of the things that attracts tourists to Spain , all in one place: The city has a vibrant old centre, with a knot of little streets and splendid medieval buildings like the UNESCO-listed Lonja de la Seda.

Valencia is also right on the Mediterranean, so you can laze on broad sandy beaches and tuck into delectable cuisine that draws on the sea. This is the home of paella, surely the most famous Spanish dish of all. There are also ultra-modern visitor attractions at the City of the Arts and Sciences, and it all goes to make Valencia one of Spain’s most complete destinations.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Valencia :

1. City of the Arts and Sciences

It can be difficult to wrap your head around the City of the Arts and Sciences. The attraction is a staggering ensemble of ultra-modern structures that are given an ethereal quality by the reflecting pools that surround them.

The whole thing was started in the mid-90s and the finishing touches were made in 2005. Within these gargantuan buildings are cultural venues and first-class family attractions like L’Hemisfèric, a planetarium and IMAX Cinema, or the breathtaking L’Umbracle, a botanical collection of plant species native to Valencia. Book ahead to avoid queues.

Top rated tour :  City of Arts & Sciences Tour with Rooftop Wine & Tapas

2. Oceanogràfic

The star of the City of the Arts and Sciences is this cutting-edge oceanarium that opened in 2003. With 45,000 individual animals from 500 different species, you won’t find another attraction on this scale in Europe.

The aquarium is organised by ten zones, each synthesising a distinct environment, and using real seawater pumped from Valencia’s waterfront. So at the Arctic tank you’ll get to see beluga whales swimming in a spacious and thoughtfully designed tank.

Elsewhere you can spot sand tiger sharks, penguins, walruses, dolphins and sea lions. It all adds up to a day out adults and little guys won’t soon forget.

Tickets are available online: Oceanogràfic Entrance Ticket

3. La Lonja de la Seda

This majestic late-15th-century building is a UNESCO site and held as the masterpiece of Valencian Gothic architecture. La Lonja de la Seda is the finest a monument to Valencia’s golden age, when the city was one of Europe’s main centres for trade and culture.

The name means “Silk Exchange”, where traders from far flung pats of the Mediterranean would meet and make deals. Inside you can marvel at the dainty twisting columns of the main hall (sala de contratación) and look up at the incredible detail of the vaulted ceilings. Its tough-looking crenellated outline sits right in front of the city’s central market.

Related tour:  City Highlights Tour in Jeep with Snacks & Drinks

4. Valencia Cathedral

The city’s solemn Gothic cathedral dates to the 13th and 14th centuries, with renaissance, baroque and neoclassical modifications made over the next few hundred years.  Go inside to see 15th-century renaissance paintings by artists such as the Valencian, Jacomart as well as several from Rome commissioned by Pope Alexander VI.

But the most fascinating part, and perhaps controversial, is the Chapel of the Holy Chalice. At the altar is one of a few chalices claimed to have been used by Jesus to institute the Holy Eucharist at the last supper. This agate vessel has been dated by archaeologists to between the 4th century BC and 1st century AD, but no scientific analysis as yet been made.

Included in : Medieval Valencia 1-Hour Segway Tour

5. El Miguelete

The cathedral’s octagonal bell-tower graces many postcards sent home from the city. It’s a Valencian gothic construction begun in 1381 and completed just under 50 years later. Originally it stood completely alone from the cathedral, but extensions in the late-1400s brought the two structures together.

If you’re feeling spritely, it’s possible to climb the 207 steps up a slightly precarious stairway to the top for great vistas 50 metres above the city. The big sight at the top is Miguel, the famous bell cast in 1432 and weighing over ten tons.

6. Casco Histórico

Like most historic centres in Spanish cities the heart of Valencia is made for wandering. All of the must-see sights in this part of the city are just couple of minutes away from each other.

Between each landmark is a maze of little streets with cafes, restaurants and local amenities or artisan shops.

To beat the heat in summer stop off at a square like Plaza de la Virgen for a cool glass of horchata, a drink made with ground almonds, tigernuts and a variety of grains and flavoured with cinnamon and vanilla.

On the southern side of the old-town seek out the Neo-Mudéjar Plaza de Toros (bullring) and the spectacular ticket hall of the Estació del Nord.

Recommended tour : Essentials and World Heritages Sites Walking Tour

7. Barrio del Carmen

The northeast side of the old-town is the youngest and most bohemian part of the city. El Carmen took shape in medieval times, situated outside of the 11th-century Moorish walls but within the Christian ones that went up in the 14th-century.

What’s great about this place is the way the palaces next to these cool, shaded alleys have been converted into hip boutiques, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Calle de Caballeros, which begins at Plaza de la Virgen, is where many nights out in Valencia will end up.

You can also see fragments of Valencia’s late-medieval defences, at Torres de Quart and Torres de Serranos.

8. Jardín del Turia

This astounding park brings you fresh air and relaxation right in the middle of the city. It came about in the 20th century after the River Turia burst its banks in 1957 causing great damage to the city.

The river was diverted and in the 80s its riverbed in the city was turned into nine kilometres of verdant green space. A total of 18 bridges still cross the riverbed, the oldest dating back to the middle ages, and are now just another part of the unusual scenery in the park.

Several landscape architects were drafted in to build these gardens, creating a scene of pine forest, orange groves, palms and paths that lead past sports facilities, play areas and fountains.

9. Central Market

Opposite the Silk Exchange is another prized landmark, the cavernous and palatial Central Market building. Even if you’re just sightseeing here you’ll love the building’s art nouveau metal and glass design.

Despite dating to the early-20th century it blends perfectly with the historic architecture in this part of the old city. And if you do feel like doing some shopping at the market you’ll be in foodie heaven. There are 400 small traders at the market, with 959 selling farm and sea-fresh produce at the best prices in the city.

If there’s a Spanish delicacy you love, like chorizo, jamón ibérico or manchego cheese, this will be your El Dorado.

10. Malvarrosa Beach

Within minutes of the old-town you could be sunning yourself on a Mediterranean beach. Malvarrosa is a wide strip of golden sand that stretches for a kilometre along the city’s seafront.

The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for all the amenities it provides, from lifeguard towers , a medical station, drinking fountains and showers, to its easily-navigable ramps and footpaths.

The great news is that won’t have to trudge far for a cold drink or bite to eat as there are permanent restaurants right on the promenade next to the beach.

11. El Saler Beach

Malvarrosa is a fine urban beach, but it might be that you want a more natural setting for you day next to the Mediterranean. In which case El Saler is the way to go: the beach starts some way south of Valencia’s port, which you’ll be able to see in the distance.

At 2.6 kilometres in length this beach means peace and privacy as you relax on white sands on the coast of La Albufera Natural Reserve.

Behind you will be little more than sand dunes and pine trees and in front moderate waves and a wash that shelves gently into the sea.

Suggested tour : Valencia: Albufera Jeep and Boat Tour

12. Hire a bike

Riding a bike on Spanish roads might seem like a hair-raising experience, but it’s perfectly safe in Valencia’s web of narrow streets, pedestrianised squares, parks and seafront promenades.

You’ll have the freedom to zip around Valencia’s top sights, head to the beach or take easy rides through the Jardín del Turia.

In 2012 the city implemented the Valenbisi bike sharing network, which is subscription-based and aimed mainly at Valencia’s residents. Still, there are numerous rental companies across the city, ilike PassionBike in Carrer de Serrans.

If you want best paella in Valencia, get off the beaten track and go to restaurants frequented by Valencians. There are plenty around Malvarrosa, and if possible it will always pay to make reservations.

Paella is probably Spain’s most famous dish, and it was first created right here. Everything that goes into it is local, from the rice grown in vast fields north and south of the city, and even the saffron that flavours the rice.

If you didn’t already know, the dish’s name comes from the large iron pans that it’s cooked and served in. You can pick from the traditional meat variety, with rabbit and snails, or go for the seafood version, with prawns and squid.

14. Parque Gulliver

If you’re walking the Jardín del Turia with little ones then make a stop at this imaginative attraction close to the City of the Arts and Sciences. It’s inspired by the classic work, Gulliver’s Travels, written by Jonathan Swift in the 18th century.

At the park you’ll feel like a Lilliputian, and kids while have a whale of a time scrambling over the giant figure of Gulliver prone on the ground.

There are slides, ramps, stairways and all kinds of little interactive features. Also part of the attraction is a skating area, giant chessboard and a mini-golf course.

15. Las Fallas

This celebrations that take place in Valencia in the build up to St. Joseph’s Day on the 19th of March could be the noisiest and most colourful of any fiesta in Spain.

Las Fallas marks the beginning of spring, and in the past the city’s carpenters would hold bonfires on the night before the 19th in honour of their patron saint. Slowly it developed into the awesome spectacle you can see today, with something special to see every day.

For example every day at two in the town square you can see the  La Mascletá, an ear-splitting firework display. And throughout the week “Ninots”, huge cardboard sculptures with satirical themes, make their way around the city streets and are eventually burned in the Cremà, massive fires on the night of the 19th.

15 Best Things to Do in Valencia (Spain):

• City of the Arts and Sciences
• Oceanogràfic
• La Lonja de la Seda
• Valencia Cathedral
• El Miguelete
• Casco Histórico
• Barrio del Carmen
• Jardín del Turia
• Central Market
• Malvarrosa Beach
• El Saler Beach
• Hire a bike
• Parque Gulliver

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This Spanish City Is the Birthplace of Paella — and It Gets 300 Days of Sunshine a Year

Here’s how to plan the perfect trip to Valencia.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

Often overshadowed by Barcelona and Madrid , Valencia has a ton to offer visitors in the way of history, gastronomy, and recreation. Arguably best known as the birthplace of paella and home to a striking cultural center, this palm-lined port on the southeastern coast of Spain is one of those rare destinations that celebrates old and new in equal measure. It boasts a wealth of interesting museums and emblematic landmarks, and the city buzzes with creative energy and was named the World Design Capital in 2022. And, of course, the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias ranks among the most beautiful places to visit in Spain . 

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

As foodies will attest, the local cuisine and availability of fresh ingredients — including vine-ripened tomatoes, juicy oranges, and rice — is outstanding. With a massive central market and many excellent restaurants around the city, you certainly won’t go hungry. And because Valencia enjoys 300 days of sunshine annually and has both lovely parks and beaches, it’s also ideal for travelers who like to spend time outdoors between sightseeing and eating. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer trip to the aptly nicknamed “City of Joy,” scroll on for our suggestions to maximize your time in Valencia. 

Vladone/Getty Images

Best Times to Visit Valencia 

Valencia is a fantastic city to visit at any time of year. Sure, picture-perfect summer weather brings more beachgoers in the warmer months, but the treasure trove of cultural attractions, delicious food, and mild climate sustains tourism throughout the year.

Best Things to Do in Valencia 

Valencia brims with historic attractions. Luckily, it’s also super walkable, making it easy to hit many of the must-see spots in a relatively short time. Kick things off in the medieval old town, a warren of cobbled streets with cafés, artisan shops, and eye-catching architecture. La Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchange), Valencia Cathedral, and Mercado Central are some of the most iconic buildings in the area. Travelers interested in the past should also visit San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir, Plaza de la Virgen, and Torres de Quart. 

Alessandra Amodio/Travel+Leisure

Voted one of the 12 Treasures of Spain, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias tops the list of must-see modern sights. Designed by local architect Santiago Calatrava, the striking complex features a ship-shaped opera house, IMAX dome theater, interactive science museum, open-air art gallery, and the largest aquarium in Europe.  

The magnificent Turia Gardens — an expansive park on the former riverbanks — covers grassy lawns, gardens, fountains, bridges, playgrounds, and multi-use pedestrian pathways. It’s also a short car or bus ride to Playa de la Malvarrosa. Locals and visitors pack the sandy stretch during the summer. Though, you’ll notice folks working on their tan, sipping drinks, and playing volleyball anytime the weather is nice (so, basically always). Bioparc Valencia recreates different natural habitats, so parkgoers get to witness what it would be like to see animals in the wild versus a normal zoo setting. 

Rafa Elias/Getty Images

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Valencia 

Paella was born in Valencia. While there’s certainly no shortage of places to savor Spain’s national dish, a handful of names stand out from the rest. A 100-year-old institution across the street from Playa de la Malvarrosa, Casa Carmela continues to draw crowds with its adherence to a traditional recipe passed down through generations. Don’t miss the typical Valencian paella with chicken, rabbit, and peas at Restaurante Canela . Navarro and Arrocería Maribel are other favored establishments for sampling sizzling socarrat-crusted rice dishes. The city also has plenty of tapas bars. Founded in 1836, Casa Montaña serves seasonal share plates alongside an impressive selection of wine. 

Julian Elliott Photography/Getty Images

One of the largest markets in Europe and an impressive example of art nouveau, Mercado Central is a sprawling, ornate venue that’s filled with vendors selling poultry, fish, meat, snails, produce, herbs, dried fruit, nuts, olive oils, and baked goods. It’s a great spot to sample local products and regional specialties. After browsing the stalls, snag a seat at Central Bar by Ricard Camarena for Valencian tomato salad, cod fritters, and flan. 

Best Places to Stay in Valencia 

Valencia’s artistic zeal and design pedigree very much come through in the accommodation options. Hotel Helen Berger , a stylish boutique stay in the old town, reflects the creative spirit of its environs. It’s vibrant yet relaxed with a crisp palette, sleek furnishings, and curated art. The penthouse suite flaunts a rooftop terrace that beckons guests to hang out for a while and soak up the sun. Even if Cosmo Hotel & Bar wasn’t such a design-driven standout, people would probably still check in for the location alone. But the fact that this chic, modern bolthole wows aesthetically and feels so genuinely welcoming just gives travelers even more reasons to book. The Lázaro Rosa-Violán-designed Only You Hotel Valencia glimmers with gold details and plush velvet, while a DJ spins tunes in the lobby restaurant. Hospes Palau de la Mar , a member of Design Hotels, is a refined base to unwind for a few days with sleek rooms and a spa. There’s also the independently operated and minimally minded Caro Hotel that’s set inside a 19th-century palace.

Visiting Valencia: The Complete Travel Guide

I have written many articles about visiting Valencia. From things to do in Valencia to where to stay, the best restaurants, and much more.

Valencia has been my home for a few years now and I love sharing tips to make your trip to Valencia the best it can be.

So, to make it easier for you, this is an overview of all the articles I have written about visiting Valencia.

Visiting Valencia: Everything You Need to Know for a Perfect Trip

1. the best things to do in valencia.

When you are planning to visit Valencia, you probably want to know what the highlights of the city are . 

And maybe a few hidden gems too.

In this article I give you a very practical list of things to do in Valencia. From sights to see to what to eat.

Valencia really is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. And, even better, many of the things I list to see and do are free!

READ THE ARTICLE

2. Things to Do With Kids in Valencia

Are you visiting Valencia with kids?

Then you’ll be happy to hear that there actually is a lot to do in the city to keep your kids entertained .

From museums focusing on kids to one of the most unique playgrounds you’ve ever seen…

3. Eco-Friendly Things to Do in Valencia

Valencia has changed a lot in recent years and has become a lot more eco-friendly. So much so that it was named the  European Green Capital of 2024 .

In this article I share a wide range of activities, places to visit, restaurants to try, etc., all with a more sustainable focus.

READ THE ARTICLE  

4. Where to Stay in Valencia: the Best Neighborhoods & Hotels

Valencia isn’t the biggest city you will ever visit, but it’s definitely big enough to have very distinct neighborhoods with different vibes and different pros and cons .

What the best place to stay is for you depends on your preferences.

In this article I share the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in, depending on what you want to see and do in the city.

5. How to Use the Metro & Save Money

Figuring out public transport when visiting a new city can be a pain.

Valencia only has a few metro lines so figuring out which one to take to where you want to go isn’t too difficult. Deciding which ticket to get gets a little bit more complicated though, especially if you don’t want to pay more than you have to.

In this article I explain how to use the metro when visiting Valencia, and specifically how to use the TuiN card , which can make using the metro cheaper and more convenient.

6. The Best Tapas Restaurants in Valencia

You can’t come to Spain without trying some tapas, right?

Valencia has a wide range of tapas places and some are definitely better than others.

If you’re visiting Valencia for the first time you’ll quickly end up in the touristy bars and restaurants that often charge too much for low quality, inauthentic food.

Therefore I wrote this article to help you find the better tapas bars around the city .

7. The Best Rooftop Bars in Valencia

It might just be me, but I love going to rooftop bars when exploring a new city.

It’s both a nice break from sightseeing and a great way to get a view of the city .

Valencia has a number of nice rooftop bars and I have been to all of them many times.

In this article I list all of the rooftop bars and their pros and cons.

8. The Best Paella Restaurants in Valencia

Did you know that Valencia is the birthplace of paella ?

So when you visit Valencia you definitely have to try some paella!

But the same as with tapas restaurants, many tourists visiting Valencia end up at restaurants that serve low quality paella and cater just to tourists.

Spoiler alert: most of the best paella restaurants are not in the city center or close to any of the must-visit sights.

So, you might have to factor in some extra time to get to these restaurants, but if you like authentic experiences I promise it’s worth it!

9. Taking a Paella Cooking Class in Valencia

Looking for something special to do when you visit Valencia?

Then I can highly recommend taking a paella cooking class !

It takes you to the local market to buy fresh ingredients and teaches you everything there is to know about this traditional dish.

Note: apart from the traditional paella you can also choose to cook a vegetarian or a seafood paella.

10. The Best Restaurants for Authentic Chinese Food in Valencia

Ok, tapas and paella are great, but after a few days of that, you might want to try something else.

And, Valencia has its own Chinatown with some great restaurants that are well worth checking out!

11. Camping Around Valencia

Although there are no campgrounds in the city itself, there are actually great options to go camping in the area.

Camping is very popular along the Spanish coast, especially as a summer vacation.

But not all campgrounds offer the same quality and facilities, which is why I wrote this article.

The article includes information about where to camp, rules & regulations, and a list of recommended campgrounds.

12. The Best Day Trips From Valencia

I’d say a complete Valencia travel guide should include some information about the surrounding area too.

Valencia is a great city to visit in itself. But if you have the time these day trips will give you a much more diverse experience.

From castles worth visiting to hikes, wineries, beaches and more.

13. Celebrating Las Fallas in Valencia

If you happen to visit Valencia in March you have to check out this festival!

Las Fallas is truly unique… It starts with fireworks and giant street parties and ends with the burning of impressive statues that took a year to build.

Valencians are very proud of this festival and as a visitor it gives you an interesting look into an important part of their culture.

In fact, Las Fallas is such an important festival that it even made it onto UNESCO’s World Heritage List !

Things to Know Before Visiting Valencia

1. the weather in valencia.

It can get really hot in summer, especially in August, and surprisingly cold in winter, mostly in January and February.

You might not think of Valencia as a destination where it ever gets cold, and although the temperature won’t normally ever drop below zero degrees Celcius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), most houses don’t have central heating and are poorly insulated. This makes a mildly cold day all of a sudden feel a lot more unpleasant than you expected.

In summer temperatures occasionally hit 40 degrees Celcius (104 Fahrenheit) and with many places not having air conditioning, and you probably wanting to explore parts of the city on foot or by bicycle, this heat can get quite annoying!

I’d therefore say spring and fall are the best times to visit Valencia .

2. Tipping in Valencia

Most locals leave no tip and therefore most local bars and restaurants don’t expect you to do so either.

That being said, many bars and restaurants in the more touristy parts of the city have gotten used to tourists tipping and therefore expect it more, but it is never mandatory.

Salaries in Spain are quite low, especially for hospitality staff, so tips will always be appreciated .

I’d recommend at least leaving some small change, up to 10% of the value of the bill.

Tipping taxis isn’t very common, but simply rounding up the fare is appreciated and makes a cash transaction easier for the driver.

Tipping hotel staff or hairdressers and other services is not a common thing to do in Valencia.

3. Siesta in Valencia

Although more and more shops stay open all day long, you’ll still find some smaller shops and other businesses closed for siesta, which can be anywhere between 1pm and 5pm.

Almost all bars and restaurants stay open, but several restaurants won’t serve food from around 4pm until 7 or 8pm, which, if you like an early dinner, is something to keep in mind.

4. Taxis in Valencia

Taxis are relatively inexpensive in Valencia. They are a great option to get to places that take too long by public transport, or to get home at night after the metro has stopped running.

It’s generally fairly easy to just hail a taxi on the street, but there are also two taxi apps : Cabify and Free Now.

Cabify is most similar to Uber, and Free Now is the app from the traditional Valencia taxis. Both are good and offer similar prices. I’d recommend downloading both, because I’ve had times where Cabify couldn’t find me a driver and Free Now could, and the other way around.

5. The Beach and the City are Far Apart

I love Valencia but there is one thing that’s a bit annoying: the city center and the beach are located just far enough from each other to make it feel as if you have to choose between the two.

If you are a beach person and your main reason for visiting Valencia is to enjoy time by the beach, then definitely make sure your accommodation is close to the beach.

If you are visiting Valencia as a city break, then I’d recommend staying in the city center. But just know that going to the beach might then require a bus ride, a metro ride, or both, and probably a taxi ride back if you want to stay by the beach in the evening, as metros stop running and buses become very infrequent.

Or you can of course do what more and more locals do: cycle between the city center and the beach.

6. In August Most Things Close

Shops, bars, restaurants, and government offices; many of them close for most, if not all, of August.

August is when the Valencians traditionally leave the city to spend time in their summer homes.

This combined with the August heat for me is a reason to not recommend visiting Valencia in August. But, the city does get nice and quiet in August which gives it a vibe that is different from the rest of the year.

Useful Articles About Spain

If you are visiting Valencia, you might find these articles about Spain helpful as well.

1. Things to Know Before Traveling to Spain

In this article I answer some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Spain.

From questions about safety and prices to dos and don’ts when in Spain.

2. The Best Time to Visit Spain

Spain is a diverse country and the best time to visit depends both on where you want to go and what your reasons for visiting are.

This article explains it all.

3. Famous Spanish Food You Should Try

If you are anything like me, part of your reason for visiting Valencia, or any new place, is to try the local food.

And apart from paella and tapas there are quite a few other Spanish delicacies worth trying.

4. Christmas in Spain

Celebrating Christmas in Spain is a bit different from celebrating Christmas in most other countries.

For starters, Christmas here lasts 14 days!

So if you plan to visit Valencia around Christmas time you might want to read this article to find out more about how Christmas is celebrated here.

5. Facts About Spain

Do you want to know more about Spain and the Spanish? Then this list of facts about Spain is for you.

From useful to surprising and some shocking facts…

Have a Great Time Visiting Valencia!

Enjoy your trip to Valencia and feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions about this beautiful city.

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Valencia: Tips and Tricks to Travel Like a Local

Don’t plan your vacation before reading through these must-know Valencia tips! From where to stay to how to avoid looking like a guiri – these are the Valencia travel tips you can’t miss. 

Planning on making Valencia, Spain your next travel destination? Then let’s go over all the must-know travel tips for Valencia that make it worth visiting . 

Use the table of contents to jump to a specific section or scroll through to read it all! 

Table of contents

1. where to stay, 2. when to visit, 3. how to get to valencia from the airport, 4. how to get around, 5. valencia language tips, 6. what to book in advance, 7. best places to book your trip, 1. top 5 things to do in valencia, 2. day trips, 1. sundays are free, 2. skip tourist spots, 3. bike rentals, 4. valencia tourist card, 5. cash or card, 1. get paella at the beach, 2. try other local dishes, 3. get an esmorzaret, 4. don’t expect to tip, 5. meal times, 1. very safe city, 2. don’t accept the rosemary, 3. don’t leave your phone on the table, 1. stores close mid-day, 2. athleisure wear isn’t generally acceptable, 3. refills & extra sauces aren’t a thing, 4. not everyone speaks english, go explore valencia, valencia travel planning tips.

First things first – if you’re coming to Valencia, tips on how to actually plan out the where , when , and how are the most important. 

So here’s what you need to know to plan a 5-star holiday ( without 5-star prices ). 

First, you’ll need to know where to stay . So let me give you one of the MOST important Valencia travel tips: do not get a hotel near the City of Arts and Sciences . 

And don’t be fooled when those Airbnb/Booking sites tell you that it’s a “centric location with views to the City of Arts and Sciences”. If you have great views to the CAC – you’re NOT in the center . 

I emphasize this so much because it’s a boring and inconvenient area for lodging. And it’s not usually much cheaper, either . The CAC is about 45 minutes walking or 35-40 minutes via public transport to the city center. So that’s fine to visit for the day – but not a trip you’d want to make over and over again.  

So absolutely go spend one morning visiting the area, but it’s more convenient to stick to other neighborhoods for lodging. 

Here are a few suggestions for where to stay in Valencia:

La Ciutat Vella

The historic center is a fairly large district with tons of lodging options. This is probably the most convenient location for tourists. You’ll have everything you need within reach and you can find a range of hotel pricing. 

Whether you’re looking for hostels, Airbnbs, or luxury hotels – this is my top recommended area to make the most out of your trip. 

What used to be its own town has transformed into one of the coolest parts of the city. Russafa is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the nightlife. 

This area is full of new bars and modern experiences. With gorgeous facades and a lively ambiance, it’s the perfect spot for people looking for some excitement. 

Since both Russafa and the historic center are busier areas with a bustling nightlife, you might want to find a place that’s more relaxed. 

If you’re looking for a quieter place to sleep that’s still accessible – go to Extramurs. This area is a 5-minute walk from the city center, but it’s a calmer area that isn’t 100% dedicated to tourism. 

It’s also located right next to the Àngel Guimerà metro station which is one of the largest and has a direct connection to the airport . 

El Cabanyal

For most tourists, I don’t usually recommend staying at the beach. It’s not very conveniently connected to the rest of the city. 

However, if you are set on spending every single day of your vacation at the beach – then I’d go for the Cabanyal area. It’ll give you those beach-town vibes with its classic architectural style. Plus, most parts of the area are only a few minutes’ walk from the beach. 

There aren’t many hotels directly on the coastline, except for luxury hotels like Las Arenas . But if you’re here for rest, relaxation, and a 5-star spa treatment – that’s the place to go. 

Obviously the next piece of advice you’ll need – when to visit Valencia . Tips on this one can vary, as it really depends on what you’re looking for. 

Let me break up the year into parts and you can decide which one works best for you:

If you want to come to Valencia in March , then you have to come at least from the 15th to the 19th. This is for Les Falles (in Valencian, Las Fallas in Spanish) – the city’s biggest festival. This is a UNESCO-recognized celebration that brings in over a million tourists each year. 

Valencia is a completely different city in March – it’s almost unrecognizable compared to the rest of the year. But if you want to see a celebration unlike any other, this is the time to come. 

The weather averages between 50F/10C to 66F/19C in March. The rain is really a hit or miss – with an average of 6 days of rain that month, it doesn’t usually mess up the festivities. 

April – June

This is one of the best times of the year to visit Valencia. The city has warm (but not too hot) temperatures and there are several celebrations throughout these months. 

The water might still be too cold for swimming, but the weather is great for other types of tourism. 

May tends to be the rainiest month of the year – with 8 days of rain. But luckily, it doesn’t tend to pour, just drizzle. So if you’re planning on coming in May , it might be a good idea to bring a small umbrella.

July and August

July and August are peak tourist season (outside of Les Falles). 

It’ll be sunny practically every day and the weather will be hot. The average temperature is around 90F/33C during the daytime. But during heatwaves and in the middle of the day, you can absolutely see temperatures up to 105F/40C.  

If you’re coming in July and August, make sure you’re prepared for the heat. Pack light clothes, sunscreen, and stay out of the sun from 12pm – 4pm. In July, it’s still light out until almost 10pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors without having a sunburn ruin your holiday. 

September – October

This is one of my favorite times to travel in Southern Europe. September through November gives warm (but not hot) days and cooler evenings. 

There’s only one big holiday in Valencia during this time (El Nou d’Octubre). But the weather and lighter crowds make it the perfect time to enjoy the city like a local. 

But to be fair, this is when you’ll get the most volume of rain. It doesn’t rain as frequently in this time when compared to May. But when it rains, it pours. 

November – February

The winter months in Valencia are moderate compared to other places in Europe. 

It almost never gets below freezing, so you won’t have to worry about snow ruining your vacation. 

Besides Christmas and the Epiphany (Jan 6th), there aren’t too many holidays during this time either. Outside of Christmas, this helps make this travel period the most budget-friendly. So if you don’t mind packing heavier clothes – this is the perfect travel time. 

Naturally, the most important part of the trip – how to actually get to Valencia . 

If you’re planning on traveling by plane, you’ll most likely fly into Valencia-Manises Airport (VLC). 

The airport is right outside the city and is very well connected. From there, you can get to the city center via taxi or metro . Here’s how you can take each of them:

I’d suggest taking a taxi if you’re in a group of 3+ people OR your hotel is at the beach area or Russafa . Those areas are more difficult to get to via metro (when you’re carrying luggage).  

Since the airport is relatively small, it’s quite easy to find a taxi right outside the Arrivals area. All the taxis are regulated by the city government and have the same, standard fees. The cars should also clearly have a bright neon Taxi sign with a green light if they’re available. 

You can expect to spend at least 20€ to get from the airport to the Valencia city center via taxi. From the airport, the rates start at around 5€, plus around 1€ per kilometer. There is also a 12€ minimum fee. 

The taxi can be a comfortable and safe option for travelers. But of course, they’re going to be more expensive. Depending on the time of day, they might also be slower than the metro. It usually only takes around 20-25 minutes if there isn’t any traffic, but at rush hour this can easily go up to an hour. 

The metro is my general recommendation for travelers since it is well-connected, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive. 

To take the Valencia metro from the airport , you’ll simply follow the signs from the Arrivals terminal. The signs will either say “Metro” or will have the logo of a circle with an “m” inside it. 

Once you make your way downstairs, you’ll need to purchase a ticket at the machine or the ticket desk. 

To get from the Valencia airport to the city center by metro, it will cost €4.80 per person, plus €1 for the metro card. You’ll want to choose the “Simple” ticket ( Senzill in Valencian and Sencillo in Spanish). 

For the zone, you’ll choose either “AB+” OR “Airport”. They’ve changed the interface a couple of times within the last few years, so keep an eye out for either of those. 

Then you just scan your card and jump on the metro. Both lines 3 and 5 will take you to Àngel Guimerà, Xàtiva, and Colón. These are the three most important stations for tourists. 

Pro Tip : Order the Valencia Tourist Card and you’ll get free public transport during your stay.

Let’s move on to some Valencia travel tips to help you navigate the city. 

You should know that the city isn’t enormous and that the city center is easy to walk around in. So if you’re planning on staying in the center, you probably won’t need to worry about public transport too much. 

But if you want to head out past the city center – or you’re just tired of walking, there are plenty of public transport options for you. 

• Public Buses
• Cabify (similar to Uber)

I find that The Metro is the easiest way to get around. It’s affordable, reliable, and can get you to most major parts of the city. There is also a direct connection to the airport terminal. So it’s definitely my favorite way to get around Valencia. 

A ticket to the airport will cost €4.80 (plus €1 if you don’t have the refillable card). But if you’re using it to get around the city (like to the beach or Russafa) – then you can get the Suma 10 ticket. This costs €8 and is worth 10 single trips. 

You’ll have to validate your card before getting on and after getting off at the turnstile to get in/out. 

Pro Valencia Tip : You can use the same refillable card for up to 15 people. So if one person buys the Suma 10, everyone else in the group can scan it to get in. This makes it an affordable option for 2-4 people. 

Here’s what I’ll say about the Valencia bus system .

• There is air conditioning
• It’s mostly reliable 
• It’s super slow

Most of the time, it takes longer to get somewhere via bus than it does by walking. The only exception is towards the City of Arts and Sciences. 

But it is cheap and easy to use. And the air conditioning is a lovely touch during the summer months. 

To grab a bus, each ticket is €1.50. You can either pay ( in cash! ) to the driver, or you can download the app and pre-purchase tickets that you show the driver as you get on. You can also get a package of 10 trips for €8.50. 

With the app, just remember that after purchasing the tickets – you have to click on “activate”. 

Just like I mentioned above, Taxis are safe and efficient in Valencia. While they’re not super expensive, I find that it’s not usually necessary to get a taxi unless you’re in a hurry. 

But if you need a taxi, there are taxi stands in the Plaça de l’Ajuntament and you can flag them down them easily on the main avenues. There’s also an app you can use, but personally I’ve never tried it. 

You can pay in cash or with a card at the end of your trip. Inside the taxi, you’ll also see the prices posted directly on the windows. 

Just note that not all taxi drivers will speak English. So make sure you have the exact address prepared or you practiced your language skills beforehand. 

This is a great alternative to getting around in Valencia, especially if you want to plan your trip in advance. 

Cabify tends to be a good option if you prefer the comfort of having a private car. It will likely be the most expensive option on the list, but it’s comfortable and easy to use.

There are some language-related things you need to know before planning your trip to Valencia. 

The most important one: not everyone is going to speak English.  

Typically, people who work in hotels will know basic English, so that’s not a problem. But not every waiter is going to speak English perfectly. So it’s important to know some basic phrases in the local language. 

Which brings me to an important question – what language do they speak in Valencia? 

The official language in Valencia is Catalan. Here, it’s commonly referred to as Valencian (but it is the same language as Catalan). 

But Catalan/Valencian is NOT the same language as Spanish. 

For an easy comparison – Catalan is as different from Spanish as Spanish is from Italian. 

In any case –  everyone here does understand Spanish, as it’s the co-official language. But you’ll earn some brownie points by impressing the locals with some basic phrases in Valencian. 

If you’re booking your trip to Valencia in advance, there are definitely some things you should book in advance. 

The most important ones would be:

• Your flight
• High-speed and long-distance trains
• Car rentals (if needed)
• Travel insurance (if needed)

Pro tip: Typically 6 months in advance will give you the best rates .  

But other things like entrance tickets to the cathedral or the Oceanogràfic don’t need to be purchased so far in advance. If you want to skip the line and get in quicker to the aquarium, you can just buy your ticket the day before. 

And the same goes for public transport options. Normal train tickets (i.e. not high-speed) can be the day of. The price won’t change for buying it earlier, so it’s just a matter of convenience. 

If you’re not an avid traveler, then you might not know where to even start looking. For the most part, you can use the same tools that you use to book trips to anywhere else in Europe. 

These are the tools I personally use and recommend:

• Skyscanner – great for looking for cheap flight deals. 
• Booking – my favorite site for finding hotels. 
• Airbnb – not always my first choice, but you can find the cheapest lodging here.
• VRBO – great for houses and lodging outside the city. 
• Omio – an easy tool to find high-speed train tickets anywhere in Europe.

Tips on What to Do in Valencia

Once you have all the major parts planned, it’s time to figure out how you’ll be spending your time in the Cap i Casal . 

So here are my top Valencia travel tips to make the most out of your vacation. 

While there are so many amazing things to do in Valencia , not everyone is going to have a ton of time. 

So if you only have a weekend – these are the top 5 things you can’t miss in Valencia. 

Wander The Old Town

La Ciutat Vella is one of the most impressive things to see in Valencia. The historic center is filled with unique architecture, maze-like streets, and plenty of hidden gems. 

And since the city itself isn’t enormous, you can easily wander through the streets and explore to your heart’s content. So don’t rush your way to see the major monuments. Take your time to marvel at the city and enjoy its details. 

Visit La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències

Designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava, the City of Arts and Sciences has become one of the symbols of Valencia. 

The futurist buildings display the city’s deep connection to the sea and the arts. With an opera house, an enormous science museum, and Europe’s largest aquarium –  you can easily spend several hours exploring the area. 

Even if you don’t want to go in the museums, you absolutely have to come to the area and enjoy these impressive landmarks. 

Go in La Llotja

La Llotja de la Seda is the silk trade market and is the symbol of the Valencian Golden Age. Built in the 15th century, it is an impressive market place with twisting columns and golden ceilings. 

La Llotja is the official name in Valencian, but you’ll also see it referred to as La Lonja in Spanish. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and it’s one of my favorite spots in the city. 

See the Holy Grail at la Seu de València

Head inside the cathedral to find the one and only holy grail (probably). The Valencia Cathedral (La Seu de València) is said to be one of the most likely locations for the holy chalice. Once you enter the main entrance, head to the right past a large archway. Inside, you’ll find the chapel with the holy grail in plain sight. 

The Cathedral is absolutely worth visiting – and not just for this religious relic. The architecture, the history, and the Incorrupt Arm of Saint Vicent the Martyr make this one of the best things to see in Valencia. 

Tips for seeing the holy grail – make sure to plan your visit . You can’t get in during mass, so check the opening times for this one!

Relax/Exercise in the Túria Gardens

The last of my top 5 things to do in Valencia – take a stroll through the Túria Gardens. The Jardí del Túria is an enormous green space that sprawls throughout the entire city. 

It used to be the old riverbed, but after a massive flood, the city decided to divert the river. Now the space is a huge park with soccer fields, playgrounds, botanical gardens, and plenty of spots to enjoy a picnic. 

The gardens are also perfect for a morning jog as there is a dedicated jogging lane throughout the almost 10km-long area. You can also take advantage of the bike lines on either side to get an express view of all the different sections. 

If you have some extra time while you’re in Valencia, I absolutely recommend taking some day trips to see some nearby towns. 

You can see the most important parts of the city of Valencia in around 3-4 days, so planning a day trip is a great option if you have the time. 

Here are some of the best towns to visit near Valencia:

• Chulilla 
• Les coves de Sant Josep (Vall d’Uixó)

One of the best ways to get to know any city is by jumping on a tour. 

Walking Tours are my personal favorite since you get an insider’s look at the most famous monuments. Plus you get a sneak peek at the tiniest details you never would have noticed on your own. 

So whether you go for a free tour or want to join a tapas route – don’t be afraid to join a group and enjoy some professional sightseeing. 

Valencia Tips: Budgeting

Valencia travel tips for budgeting is one of the biggest things everyone wants to know! Lucky for you – Valencia is an overall inexpensive city. 

I wouldn’t say it’s an exceptionally cheap city. But it is much more affordable than cities like Madrid or other European capitals. 

So here are my top Valencia travel tips to help stretch each euro: 

The majority of museums are actually free to visit on Sundays. 

So if you’ve been waiting to climb up the Serrans Towers to take a selfie overlooking the city – this is the day to do it for free. 

There are a ton of museums this applies to. But just remember that it doesn’t apply to everything in the city. The Cathedral and the museums at La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències are not free on Sundays. 

But it’s still a great way to save a few euros on your trip! Places like l’Almoina, l’IVAM, and l’Etnològic are all free on Sundays in Valencia.  

This might seem obvious, but a simple Valencia travel tip – avoid the tourist restaurants . Typically the food is going to be more expensive and lower quality. 

Now there are always going to be exceptions. And if you’ve tried a “touristy” restaurant and liked it – then that’s great! But in general, I would avoid eating at restaurants that:

• Are located on the main city squares (the city hall and the cathedral)
• Have people outside advertising 
• Offer paella at night
• Open for dinner before 7 pm
• Advertise their Agua de Valencia

Most of those restaurants are going to be purely for tourists. So my recommendation – explore the side roads or check out places in Russafa. You’ll find lots of hidden gems that Valencians actually go to. 

Here’s my favorite restaurants in Valencia .

If you prefer being active and don’t want to bother with public transport – bike rentals can actually be a more affordable option.

Especially if you plan to go to the beach or the City of Arts and Sciences frequently, this is a great way to do it. 

Most places let you rent bikes either by the hour or per day. It’s usually cheaper to do it per day. So to save the most money, plan to go to the places farthest away in the same day. This way, you’ll get there quickly on your bike and you’ll save money.

And to see the city center – you don’t really need a bike.

The Valencia Tourist Card is actually a really affordable option for travelers. You can choose either a 24/48/72 hour card that gives you unlimited access to public transport and discounts at most museums. 

There are a few different options for tourists. You can choose to include the aquarium and other attractions or just go for the public transport. 

There is also a 7-day card that gives you free access to the Cathedral . So you should definitely explore through the different choices. I usually don’t purchase tourist card when I’m traveling (since they’re usually not cheaper…). 

But Valencia’s travel card actually does turn out to be a great way to save money. 

My last Valencia travel tip for budgeting – you probably don’t need to bother with cash. 

Practically everywhere will accept your card. And in most cases, you’ll get a better exchange rate by just paying with your card than with cash. 

ATMs and exchange shops typically offer a really poor rate. If you absolutely need to have some euros before coming – go to your bank before leaving. 

However – many small shops will have a €5/€10 minimum. So if you think you might purchase some small souvenirs, a little bit of cash on hand is helpful. 

But if you’re going to a larger store (like Consum, Mercadona, El Corte Inglés) – there won’t be any minimums. 

Another option is getting a Wise Travel Card . This is a great option if you’re traveling to multiple countries.

Valencian Food Tips

If you’re like me, then the most essential travel tips are related to food. Because when I travel – I’m there for gastronomic tourism. 

And Valencia is known for its diverse cuisine and fresh food. Thanks to it being a coastal city AND an agricultural one – well, let’s just say you should bring some stretchy pants just in case. 

So here are some of my Valencia tips for the best food experience:

Naturally, everyone has heard of paella (pronounced pah-eh-ya). But there are a lot of misconceptions out there that have Valencians outraged. 

So when it comes to paella, here are a few things you should know:

• La Pepica is a favorite of mine
• Paella is a Valencian dish, NOT a Spanish dish
• Real paella has no chorizo, no onion, and no wine
• Flat green beans
• White beans (garrofó)
• Paprika and Saffron
• You can also find seafood paella with mussels and shrimp
• It’s named after the pan it’s cooked in 
• Paella is only eaten for lunch, not dinner

There is a lot of things to know about paella. Valencians are very proud of this now world-renowned dish. 

So head over to the beach or El Palmar to get an authentic paella . Then, make sure you warn your friends back home to never put chorizo in rice and dare to call it paella!  

Although paella is the most famous Valencian dish – it certainly isn’t the only one worth trying. 

Here are a few of my favorite Valencian dishes you should try:

• Arròs al forn 
• Orxata with Fartons

If I’m being completely honest, I actually prefer arròs al forn to paella. So if you head out to any restaurants with traditional Valencian cuisine, make sure to try these!

An important Valencia travel tip : Agua de València might have been invented here, but it’s primarily a drink for tourists. I’ve lived in the capital since 2018 and I’ve never seen a Valencian actually order this. 

Don’t get me wrong – it is tasty. So order it and enjoy your vacation if you want. But if you want a more authentic drinking experience, order un vermutet . 

One of my favorite aspects of Valencian food culture is the esmorzaret. 

It is a hearty mid-morning meal that usually consists of a small beer, a light appetizer, and a sandwich bigger than your forearm. 

There are lots of different variations, but it’s common to have the sandwich on fresh baguette-style bread, stuffed with different meats (botifarra, carn de caball, llomello, llonganissa en faves, etc), and some extra ingredients. 

So head to a traditional bar around 11 am and embrace this Valencian classic. 

My personal favorite is un entrepà de truita de creïlles amb allioli ( a sandwich with potato omelet and aioli ). 

This is one of the biggest Valencia tips – especially for American travelers. 

You do not need to tip in Valencia (Spain in general, for that matter). Restaurant workers are typically paid a full-time salary, so tipping isn’t necessary. 

If you had exceptional service, feel free to leave €1. It’s a nice way to say thank you, but it’s not meant to be a substitute for their normal wages. 

Tipping culture is almost non-existent in Spain . Although some American chains (like Starbucks) might try to coerce you into tipping, no Valencian would ever leave a 15/20% tip. 

When in Valencia, eat as the Valencians do. 

Meal times here are pretty drastically different when compared other English-speaking parts of the world. 

Typically, here’s what the meal times are:

• 7am-9am – Desdejuni (Desayuno in Spanish)
• 10:45-12:30 – Esmorzar (Almuerzo in Spanish)
• 2-3:30 – Dinar (Comida in Spanish)
• 5-7 – Berenar (Merienda in Spanish)
• 8:30-10:30 – Sopar (Cena in Spanish)

The biggest meal of the day is definitely el dinar – lunch. After this meal, people typically rest for a few hours. And since it’s the hottest time of the day, it’s the perfect time for a nap to regain energy and explore the city later. 

Valencians are pretty strict when it comes to these timeframes. Typically, if a restaurant is open for dinner at 5 or 6 pm, then it’s a tourist trap. 

Safety Tips for Valencia

In general, I’d advise travelers to take the same precautions in Valencia as they would in any European city. 

But in case this is your first time traveling, or you just want to be extra careful – here are some Valencia travel tips to stay safe. 

Overall, Valencia (and Spain as a whole) is a very safe place to travel to. While Barcelona is known for having a problem with pickpockets, it’s not a big issue in Valencia. 

Most streets are well-lit the entire night. Violent crime rates are incredibly low and mostly restricted to low-income neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. 

Personally, I’ve never had a problem – even walking home alone late into the night. 

But to be careful, here are a few travel tips to protect yourself in Valencia:

• Keep your phone in your front pocket (not the back)
• Make sure your bags are closed (if possible)
• Hold your bag in front of your body when in large crowds
• Don’t flash your money
• Ignore strangers that come up to talk to you

In general, Valencia is a very safe city. But, there are people with bad intentions anywhere in the world. So just take reasonable precautions and be aware of your surroundings. 

Something to be aware of – never accept rosemary,  flowers, or bracelets from people handing them out. This is a common scam in many places in Europe . 

Usually, they’ll offer to give you rosemary “for free”, but then demand an outrageous payment in exchange for not cursing you. And if you don’t pay (even if you try to hand it back), they might start screaming. 

It’s not really a dangerous situation. But it is an uncomfortable one that can easily be avoided. And if you are a superstitious person – then you probably don’t want to get cursed by them, anyway. 

So don’t make eye contact and pay attention to not accidentally accept anything. 

Another common mistake tourists make – leaving their phone on the table.

If you’re eating outside at a restaurant in a busy area, make sure to keep your phone put away. And if you bring a jacket, don’t leave your phone inside its pocket if you’re not wearing it. It’s super easy for a pickpocket to just walk by and grab your phone without you noticing. 

This is a small travel tip that a lot of tourists will overlook. Again, Valencia is a very safe city and most likely – nothing is going to happen. But it’s just important to be wary of your surroundings. 

Extra Valencia Travel Tips

Finishing up, let’s go over just a few extra travel tips for Valencia. These are some miscellaneous pieces of advice that aren’t game-changing. But they’re still important to keep in mind if you want to avoid looking like an obvious tourist:

Many stores will close from around 2:30 to 5 or 6 pm. This allows workers to go home, eat their lunch, and rest. 

So if you’re planning on doing some shopping while you’re in Valencia, keep this in mind. Larger companies (like Mercadona, Zara, etc)  probably won’t close, but mid-sized and small local shops will. 

My advice: embrace la siesta culture . Eat a big lunch, rest for a while, then head back out when you have the energy. 

If you’re coming in July or August, this is the hottest part of the day . And since there is daylight until almost 10 pm – you’ll be fine resting for a bit. 

This is important for all my American friends out there. 

Athleisure is not appropriate in Spain . Unless you’re planning on doing some exercise or going for a long walk – I’d recommend putting some more thought into your outfit. 

Now I’m not saying you need to be a fashion trend-setter or go completely formal. A t-shirt and shorts or a summer dress is perfectly acceptable during the day. Then during the night, people tend to wear something slightly more elegant when going out for dinner. 

Leggings or sweatpants or a backwards hat won’t get you in trouble, per se. But you might not be allowed in churches. 

And you’ll just stand out like a sore thumb . 

Another important travel tip: refills aren’t free in Spain . 

So every time you order a Coke or a water – you’ll be charged the price listed. 

You can order tap water for free in Valencia. It’s perfectly safe, but I don’t believe it tastes very good. And it’s generally recommended for travelers to order bottled water, just in case. 

And for the most part, restaurants aren’t going to have a large range of sauces. At most, they might have ketchup or mayo. But don’t expect buffalo sauce or ranch dressing. 

A basic travel tip for anywhere you go – don’t expect everyone to speak English. 

Spain has 5 official languages (Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque, and Aranese). So while many younger people speak fairly good English, you should take some time to learn some basic Catalan and Spanish phrases if you’re coming to Valencia. 

It’s a great way to connect more with the culture, make a good impression, and broaden your horizons. 

Tips, tricks, or anything else you need to come explore the city? 

If you have any questions about what to do in Valencia – just reach out! I’m always happy to help a fellow traveler fall in love with the city!

And don’t forget to browse through the rest of my articles for even more Valencia travel tips and guides. 

2-4 days is enough time to see the most important parts of the city. If you spend more than 4 days, I usually recommend taking a day trip to see towns nearby Valencia.

The #1 travel tip for Valencia is to enjoy paella for lunch at a traditional restaurant. Avoid eating it for dinner from tourist-trap restaurants in the city center.

In Valencia, people can speak Catalan (locally referred to as Valencian) and Spanish. Catalan is the official language and is used on all public signage.

Need help planning your trip to Valencia?

Here are the tools I use for the cheapest (and most reliable) vacation planning:

• 🏠 Booking – Affordable hotels and apartments
• 🏠 Hostel World – Safe and budget-friendly hostels 
• ✈️ Skyscanner – My favorite tool for cheap flights
• 🚗 Discover Cars – Best place for car rentals
• 🚄 Trainline – The easiest way to book local trains in advance
• 📶 Airalo – eSim cards for easy internet access while traveling
• 🦺 Safety Wing – The #1 travel medical insurance 
• 💸 Airhelp – Cancelled flight compensation (it’s free!)
• 💱 Wise – Easiest low-fee way to transfer currency 

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Is Valencia Worth Visiting? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

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How to Spend an Epic Week in Valencia, Spain

Posted by Anna | Jan 9, 2024 | Valencia | 5

Planning to spend a week in Valencia? – Let me share some local tips and suggestions to help you make the most of it.

• This post contains affiliate links from which I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). For more info, please read  my disclosure . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Visiting Valencia

About this post.

While most travelers visit Valencia for a day or a maximum of a weekend , many others like this Spanish destination enough to build a whole week-long itinerary across the region. No need to go further, while being an expat in Spain for almost 15 years, I still enjoy an occasional solo day trip to Valencia, and constantly keep discovering new places across the province.

So, do not expect that with one single week in Valencia, you will be able to see it all. Nevertheless, 7 days in Valencia is a great opportunity to go beyond the citybreak and explore some of the most unique landmarks of the region.

Curiously enough, I got the idea of writing this post while flying from Valencia to Belfast for our exciting 7-day trip to the Emerald Isle . That day, I had a wonderful Irish family sitting next to me. They were returning from their epic week in Valencia and were kind enough to provide me with local tips on Ireland. So, I realized there might be way more travelers planning to spend the whole of their summer holidays in Valencia. If you are one of them – this local´s one-week itinerary might be handy to make the most of your Valencia week.

About Valencia

Valencia is one of the most visited Spanish capitals: it usually appears on every Spain Bucket List right after  Barcelona and Madrid .

Due to its coastal location, the city is a popular stop for the  Mediterranean Cruises in Spain. Years ago you could easily find Valencia on the list of the most underrated Spanish cities , but not any longer. Nevertheless, Valencia is still way less touristy than the nearest Barcelona.

Together with the provinces of Alicante and Castellon, Valencia forms the autonomous community of Comunidad Valenciana (or The Valencian Community in English).

In order to make the most of your week in Valencia, make sure to scroll through my Valencia blog section , to discover even more regional gems.

What is Valencia known for

You have probably heard by now that Valencia is internationally famous as the birthplace of Spanish  paella , which is still a  favorite meal for the locals on Sundays .

But there is more to the story. Valencia was once the birthplace of a few  famous Spaniards in history : painters  Joaquin Sorolla  and  Vicente Benllure , the writer  Vicente Blasco   Ibañez , the movie director  Luis Garcia Berlanga , and the composer  Vicente Martin y Soler . Also, don’t forget the architect  Santiago Calatrava  (who created The City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia) and the scandalous  Borgia  family ( check the full list of Valencia sites related to them ).

The fans of the beautiful Spanish cathedrals will be delighted to find out that Valencia is an official home to the Holy Grail (the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper), one of Christianity´s most elusive relics.

Like most of the Spanish Bucket List destinations, Valencia ranks globally for one of the  Top Spanish Festivities in Spain –   Las Fallas  Festival (taking place every March).

As an epic coastal destination, Valencia is known for the biggest number of  high-rated beaches in Spain  (marked with a blue flag, a top local award). Some of the Valencia beaches are located within the city, like  Playa Malvarrosa  and  Playa Cabanyal , others could be an easy  Valencia Day Trip  (like  my favorite Benicasim ).

How much time do you need in Valencia

While most travelers plan to spend one day in Valencia , or a maximum of a weekend in Valencia , the city has way more to offer.

Especially, if you add a few Valencia day trips into your itinerary – even spending one single week in the area might not be enough. An interesting alternative is to plan a 7-day Valencia Road Trip .

Where to stay in Valencia

It really depends on your sightseeing plan.

If your travel goal is to enjoy a Valencia city break – pick central locations for your accommodation, like  MYR Puerta Serranos ,  Cosmo Hotel Boutique , or  Helen Berger Boutique Hotel .

In case you plan to do at least one  Valencia day trip by train  – hotels near the train station might be for you (since these are also quite central), like the stylish  Vincci Lys ,  Zenit Valencia , or the budget-friendly  Hotel 19-30 Valencia .

If you plan to rent a car and do some  hiking near Valencia  or  Valencia Day trips , booking a hotel in the old city center might not be the best idea: you will lose time in traffic and pay for the overpriced parking. I really like the modern neighborhoods near the city of Arts and Sciences:  Sercotel Valencia Alameda 41  or  AC Hotel Valencia by Marriott .

Unique Tours in Valencia

Popular tours to enjoy Valencia city include  Essentials and World Heritages Sites Walking Tour ,  City Highlights Guided Bike Tour , and  Segway Tour of Old Town .

If you love Spanish shows – check  Palosanto Flamenco Show  and  Flamenco Show with Dinner at La Bulería .

To enjoy a care-free day trip during your week in Valencia, book one of these top-rated tours:

• Albufera Day Trip with Boat Tour and Transfer ( check availability )
• Boat Tour Little Venice Portsaplaya ( check availability )
•  Caves of San José Guided Excursion ( check availability )
• Montanejos Guided Hike with Thermal Pools ( check availability )
• Utiel-Requena Cave & Winery Day Trip with Tasting ( check availability )
• Guided Cheese Factory Tour with Wine Tasting ( check availability )
• Morella and Peñíscola Day Trip with Transfers ( check availability )
• Day Trip from Valencia: Xàtiva and Anna ( check availability )
• Chulilla and the Hanging Bridges Day Trip ( check availability )
• Bocairent and Covetes dels Moros Day Trip ( check availability )
• Peña Cortada Aqueduct Hiking Day Tour ( check availability )

For more ideas check out my full article The Best Day Tours From Valencia .

What to eat in Valencia

The most famous things to try in Valencia are paella  and  horchata . For more ideas, check out my posts  Cute Cafe s  in Valencia  and  Traditional  almuerzo  in Valencia.

If you dream of experiencing the foodie arena of Valencia, you might enjoy one of these unique tours:  Daytime Tapas-Tasting Tour w/ Central Market Visit ,  Old Town Tour, Wine & Tapas ,  Traditional Paella Cooking Class & Dinner ,  Valencia Street Food Tour ,  Wine Tasting with Professional Sommelier , or  City of Arts & Sciences Tour with Rooftop Wine & Tapas .

More Valencia Travel Tips

To explore the Valencia region like a local – check all of my Valencia articles:  One Day in Valencia , Your Ultimate Guide to Planning a Weekend in Valencia ,  The Best Day Trips From Valencia,   Valencia With Kids ,  Breakfast in Valencia – Cute Cafes You´ll Love ,  Spanish Eating Habits – Almuerzo in Valencia ,  Valencia Day Trip to Manises , The Best Day Tours From Valencia ,  Valencia Hidden Gems Blog Series ,  The Coolest Hikes near Valencia ,  Beautiful villages of Valencia – Bocairente ,   Top Valencia Day Trips by train , Madrid To Valencia Road Trip , Fun & Adventurous Things to do in Valencia , An Ultimate 7-day Valencia Road Trip Itinerary , Unique Valencia Gifts to Get Right Now , Hiking to Penyagolosa: one of the Highest Peaks of Valencia , and  The Borgia Sights in Valencia .

One Week in Valencia: Itinerary

Day 1 – valencia´s old town.

You should dedicate the first day of this Valencia weekend to the city´s Old Town area. You can check the full itinerary in my post about one day in Valencia . My personal favorites in Valencia city are Museo Nacional de Ceramica  (one of the  top Ceramics Museums in Spain ) and San Nicolas de Bari & San Pedro Martir  (or San Nicolas Church).

Day 2 – Modern Valencia: The City of Arts and Sciences

On the second day of your week in Valencia, do not miss the iconic City of Arts and Sciences. It is a modern complex of unique buildings created by the famous Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava . The City of Arts and Sciences covers an area of 2 km and is located inside the former riverbed of the River Turia .

Actually, you might have already seen this futuristic architecture on screen since it has served as a filming location for Tomorrowland (2015), Westworld (2016), and Doctor Who (2017).

The most emblematic landmarks of the City of Arts and Sciences are:

• Museo de las Ciencias Principe Felipe ( book tickets in advance )
• Oceanografic Valencia ( book tickets in advance )

Both places are absolute must-stops if visiting  Valencia with kids ( you might even dedicate a full day to explore each of them).

Other popular experiences to enjoy around the City of Arts and Sciences are

• City of Arts & Sciences Tour with Rooftop Wine & Tapas ( check availability )
• City of Arts and Sciences Segway Tour ( check availability )
• Professional photoshoot at City of Arts & Sciences ( check availability ).

Day 3 – Portsaplaya & Authentic Horchata

Located only 20 minutes away from Valencia city center, Portsaplaya is often called by locals  Valencia´s little Venice . It is one of the most colorful places in Spain , full of boats and vivid tiny houses, which slightly remind me of the vibrant Italian capital.

The easiest way to visit Portsaplaya is to go by car or to book an organized boat tour from Valencia. Another alternative is to go by bus to Portsaplaya or by metro to the nearest small town Alboraya (and then take a bus to Portsaplaya from there).

Aside from enjoying the seafront promenade, the most popular activity of Portsaplaya is a 90-minute boat tour ( check availability ).

You can combine your trip to Portsaplaya with a visit to Horchateria Daniel  in  Alboraya , one of the most iconic places in the region to try horchata , a traditional local drink and one of the popular food souvenirs from Spain .

Day 4 – Albufera & Authentic Paella

Albufera is one of the most popular Valencia day trips since this place still preserves the authentic rural charm of the region. It is one of the few places where you can see the traditional Valencian countryside houses, called barracas .

Albufera is one of the best places to try authentic Valencian paella or even take a paella-cooking class ( check availability ). Some of the most top-rated traditional restaurants of Albufera are Nou Racó , Cañas y Barro , L’Establiment , and El Graner . Another iconic paella place is Casa Salvador in Cullera (one of my vintage Spanish cookbooks Los Mejores Arroces de la Comunidad Valenciana has been issued by this restaurant – unfortunately, for now, it is extremely expensive on Amazon).

An Albufera boat tour at sunset is considered to be one of the most unique experiences of the Valencian Community. Plus, in February Albufera is usually visited by migrating flamingoes. So, if your dates overlap – prepare a good camera with zoom for bird-watching.

It´s easy to visit Albufera from Valencia. You can either go by car, or bus (number 24 or 25), or book one of the organized tours:

• Albufera Day Trip with Boat Tour & Transfer ( check availability )
• Albufera Jeep and Boat Tour ( check availability )
• Cullera Old Town and Albufera Natural Park ( check availability )
• Bike Tour to Albufera lake – Private half day ( check availability )

Day 5 – Day Trip to Jativa and the Borgia sites

The small town of Jativa (or Xativa in Valencian) is one of my favorite Valencia day trips by train . This town is known for the first recorded paper mill in Europe (1056) and its connection to the famous Borja (or Borgia ) family. Two Popes of Rome from the house of Borja were born in the small town of Jativa. If you want to check more places related to the Borja in Valencia – check this Borja Route .

One of the most unique places to visit in Jativa is its castle, one of the dreamiest castles in the whole of Spain . You can check more details about my visit to Jativa in  this post .

You can visit Jativa on your own by car or train from Valencia, or book an organized tour to visit Jativa and the village of Anna.

Day 6 – Exploring villages of Valencia & Bocairente

The small town of Bocairente is often called one of the most beautiful villages in Spain .

However, Bocairente is also full of unique historical sites to explore: the historic quarter, the Moorish caves, the Ice caves, the Bullring, and the Parish church. You can check more inspiring photos from my visit to Bocairente in this post .

The easiest way to visit Bocairente is to go by car or to book an  organized tour to Bocairente from Valencia .

Day 7 – Hiking in the Valencia region

Most people visit the Province of Valencia in search of  beautiful beaches  and sandy coastlines. Therefore, you’ll be surprised to find out that there are actually many  amazing hikes in Valencia  that nature lovers simply can’t miss. 

The route of the hanging bridges of Chulilla is one of the most popular hikes near Valencia. The trail starts in the small town of Chulilla in the province of Valencia. To reach the trail you can go by car, or book one of the organized tours: Walking Tour of the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla ,  Chulilla Canyon Hike: private full-day tour , or  Chulilla and the Hanging Bridges Day Trip . Unfortunately, the public transport connection between Valencia and Chulilla is really bad. You can check more details about the hike in this post .

The only warning – this hike gets quite busy on the weekends . So if you are looking for secret hikes in Spain – do not pick the trail of the Hanging Bridges (consider  hiking in the nearest province of Castellon ). There are more lesser-known hikes in the Region of Valencia (  blog subscribers , don’t forget your freebie with the ultimate Valencia Region Hiking Checklist).

Need more help with planning your week in Valencia, let me know your questions in the comments below.

For more Spain travel tips and itineraries check my Pinterest boards  Best of Spain  and  Spain Travel Collection .

• Accommodation : For short stays, I usually book via Agoda , Booking , and Hotellook
• Tours&excursions : My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide and Viator
• City breaks&sightseeing: Go City helps to avoid multiple entry fees and paper tickets
• Travel Insurance : find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage , EKTA , and Insubuy
• Flights : To find the best deals I like WayAway and Aviasales
• Airport Lounge: Get independent airport lounge access worldwide via   Priority Pass
• Train&bus tickets : Currently, I book via RailEurope , Omio , and Busbud
• Car rental: To find the best deals I use Rental Cars , Discover Cars , and GetRentalCar
• Transfers: For individual transfer services I like Kiwitaxi
• For Foodies:  Eatwith  is great for finding culinary experiences with locals
• Suitcases&Luggage : To eliminate problems of early arrivals/late departures I find helpful Radical Storage
• Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: AirHelp is useful for all flight cancellation or delay claims
• To avoid roaming fees I use Airalo eSIMs around the world
• Budget-friendly stays: Check   Hostelworld to find the best deals around the world
• Events: To find the best offers I use  Ticketmaster  and    TicketNetwork
• Renting Bikes: to find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles I use   BikesBooking
• Package Tours: head to  CheapOair ,  Expedia UK ,  Tourhub, and   loveholidays
• For Bloggers : To monetize my blog I use Travelpayouts

About The Author

Traveling in Spain non-stop is my biggest obsession. Looking for Spanish hidden gems and local travel tips? - You are in the right place! Let me be your insider guide to Spain!

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Sweeet! I’m not going to lie, you had me hooked at the first mention of paella, but authentic paella in Albufera sounds amaaazing AND we can go hiking!? Valencia and the surrounding area sounds absolutely fabulous! Especially if we hiked to some of those gorgeous villages.

I’ve only been to Madrid so would love to visit Valencia for a week. Love paella so would awesome to treat myself to its origins. And would also love to do the heritage and historical walking tours.

Valencia looks beautiful! Thank you for the tips.

I’ve been to Spain 3 times but never to Valencia! I had no idea it was the birthplace of paella.

What a thorough itinerary..love all of the dining recs…thank you!

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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

Table of Contents

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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A local’s guide to Valencia: home of paella, one of Europe’s best food markets and a unique green space

Architect and graphic artist Juan Suay on the city’s rainbow-coloured market, bistros, bars and its unifying riverbed greenbelt

The Valencia region is well known for its citrus fruit, seafood and rice, but “gastronomy” has grown fast here in recent years. Compared with my girlfriend’s home town in France, though, a great meal isn’t madly expensive. A huge shellfish fideuà – a Valencian paella made with pasta instead of rice – costs €10.50 at Restaurante Yuso in the old city.

More often, we’ll go for tapas on the terraces in the Benimaclet district, near the university. La Negri opened two years ago and does Valencian specialities such as ham croquetas and truffled eggs, but the cooking isn’t all orthodox: they also experiment with red-shrimp gyoza and hoisin-beef bao .

Mid-morning, people stop for almuerzo , our version of brunch, dating from when workers needed a break from the fields. I usually have a pastry with a rum-spiked coffee we call cremaet .

Inspiration

Music has an emotional hold over Valencians, and everyone can appreciate it as it’s affordable. On Sunday mornings new bands will play free live shows at bandstands in parks such as Viveros/Jardins del Real and at La Pérgola at the marina. And a lot of bars host jam sessions: on Monday nights La Vitti invites instructors from the Valencia campus of Boston’s Berklee College of Music on stage (the €5 entry includes a beer).

Another of my favourite venues is Festinar , a cafe in El Cabanyal, an old fishermen’s district by the beach, known for colourful tiles on its buildings. Festinar puts on Thursday-night jazz concerts with pizza and beer: book on Instagram .

Neighbourhood

Valencia is a great city for cycling, so hire a bike and visit Ruzafa, a barrio just south of the neoclassical bullring . You will probably recognise Ruzafa from photographs of the covered produce market, with its rainbow-coloured window louvres , though it’s better known for its small bistros and bars, and for the vintage shops on Carrer de Cadis. There’s a calmer vibe around here than in the centre, which can get chaotic, and it has become so cool since it started gentrifying 15 years ago. The cafes seem to compete for Instagrammers, and every corner has a terrace for after-work cocktails – I like Cafe Tula for its ginebra (gin) list.

Green space

After floods practically destroyed Valencia in 1957, the city diverted the course of the Turia River, leaving the old riverbed that ran through the centre of the city empty and derelict. At one point the government wanted to turn it into a highway, but the community protested – it was amazing to see the power for change.

In the 1980s a massive landscaping effort began, and now the entire city centre is united by this green belt. Keep your hire bike and follow a route through the gardens , which run for six miles. At their eastern end is the famous City of Arts and Sciences , a complex of ultra-modern concert halls and museums designed by local architect Santiago Calatrava .

Valencians divide their nights into three parts: a post-work drink, then dinner, then serious drinking. It’s easy to dip into any of these, but I usually go out after work and stay out. We do have a late-night scene, though the clubs play mostly commercial European dance music and mediocre techno. The best venue by a mile is Barraca in Sueca, a small town 20 miles away in Albufera natural park . It’s reachable by bus, train or taxi, with beachy nightlife nearby before you head to the club – well worth the journey for a Berlin-style techno night.

Hotel Marqués House (doubles from €125) is in a restored manor in a central location. The bar – designed by local ceramic maker Lladró – makes a powerful agua de Valéncia , the city cocktail, with gin, vodka, cava and fresh orange juice.

Juan Suay moved to Valencia five years ago . His computer graphics practice, Quatre Caps , contributed to Valencia 360 – an exhibition to launch the city as World Design Capital 2022

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A Solo Woman Traveling

Boutique Travel Guides & All-Female Luxury Tours

Ultimate Guide for Solo Travel in Valencia Spain

If you are here for tips on solo travel in Valencia , you have come to the right place! I spent 3 weeks traveling alone in Spain, one week exclusively in Valencia!

In this post, I will share all the crucial information for solo travelers (especially, the ladies) in Valencia and surrounding areas of Southeastern Spain!

Get ready for an all-inclusive summary of my visit to one of my all-time favorite cities in Spain!

Human-written content, by me, and nearly all original images, unless stated. Posts could have affiliate links to help offset the cost of maintaining this blog. When you click on a link we receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you. See Our Affiliate Policy and Advertiser Disclosure for more info.

Feeling Hestiant to Travel Alone to Spain?

If this is your first solo trip or first time to Spain alone you could be feeling a bit anxious. I know I did when I made my way over the Atlantic by myself.

It is totally normal to feel a little uneasy about making such a big trip solo.

I want to assure you that there are so many benefits to going solo that you might not even be thinking of. My advice is to take it one day at a time and go with the flow.

Still have questions? Contact me !

What I Experienced Alone in Valencia

I really enjoyed my time solo in Valencia, Spain. Even if for just a day trip, you need to visit. Of course, I will argue you need much more than just one day here .

Valencia makes such a great solo destination as it is action-packed with so many things to do!

I spent an entire week in Valencia and I was able to see quite a bit of the city.

Alternatively, you could come for 3 nights and see a lot of the city.

For this guide, I will include all the must-see attractions and travel tips in order of importance.

Female Solo Travel in Valencia Essentials

🚗 Best rental car company in Valencia Spain is Discover Cars !

❤︎ Save money and free entrance to museums, public transport, and discounts at shops and restaurants with the Valencia Tourist Card !

🚲 See all of historic Valencia solo on this 3-hour small group Bike Tour !

🚶‍♀️Explore Valencia by joining a small group Walking Tour !

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Are you looking to be part of a tribe of like-minded travelers ? As a solo travel expert since 2009, I share my travel hacks and tips inside my exclusive FREE Facebook Group . Join today!

What Is Valencia Known For?

I was thoroughly impressed when I visited Valencia. This coastal city is known for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture.

It’s home to the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex of architectural masterpieces designed by Santiago Calatrava that includes an opera house, a science museum, and more.

The city has a variety of restaurants and bars that serve up traditional Valencian cuisine such as paella.

For art lovers, there are several museums and galleries displaying works of renowned Spanish artists like El Greco and Picasso.

Valencia is also known for its festivals such as Las Fallas or the annual celebration of fire that takes place in March.

❤︎ SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL TIP TO SAVE MONEY : Get The Valencia Tourist Card

Where is Valencia Located?

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and is located on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Nearby islands include Ibiza and my favorite for solo travel, Mallorca !

It lies on the Mediterranean Sea, about 200 kilometres (120 mi) south of Barcelona and 330 km (210 mi) north of Madrid.

Valencia’s location makes it a great destination for beach-going , as well as exploring the vibrant city and its culture.

Its proximity to other major cities, such as Alicante, Madrid, and Barcelona makes it the perfect place for a day trip or weekend getaway.

With its sunny climate, which I love, and stunning beaches, Valencia is one of Spain’s most popular destinations for female solo travellers.

📲 Downloadable Map of Valencia

📍 Download my pre-pinned Google map of all the best locations in this post!

My favorite restaurants, bars, hotels and top sights are all saved and ready to use!

👩🏻‍💻 Need Help Planning Your Trip? Get a customized itinerary !

Is Safety a Concern for Solo Travelers in Valencia?

Valencia is generally a safe destination for female solo travelers . I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe.

However, as with any city, it’s important to take basic safety precautions such as being aware of your surroundings and avoiding walking alone at night.

I always do my research when booking my accommodations and make sure to stay in a central location in the historic centre.

In new places, it is also smart not to overdo it when drinking alcohol, especially on a solo trip. When dining in Valencia I would limit myself to two drinks max.

To stay safe in Valencia, it’s best to carry only the necessary items. I recommend leaving at least one of your credit cards at the hotel safe along with your passport. I always just have a picture of my passport in my phone if should ever need it.

Additionally, make sure to dress appropriately and avoid flaunting expensive items. In other words, leave the fancy handbags at home!

I much rather travel basic and not worry about any of my belonging being a target or something I have to worry about.

Pro Safety Tip: Don’t let your cell phone battery die when traveling. Always have an external battery charger with you! Google Maps will suck your battery dry fastest than you are expecting!

What is the Best Way to Get Around Valencia?

I primarily got around the historic old town of Valencia on foot . However, Valencia has a clean and efficient public transportation system which includes buses, trams, and metro lines.

The city also has a bike-sharing system called Valenbisi with over 300 stations throughout the city.

Public Transport Valencia

If you have an iPhone, I recommend you download the free EMT Valencia Transit App .

This app has all the information you need to use public transportation in Valencia.

You can use the app to plan out your trip and track where the bus is at any given time.

Valencia Solo Travel Tip: Download Offline Google Maps before your trip!

What are Some TIPS for Solo Travelers in Valencia?

• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts when it comes to safety.
• Dress appropriately and avoid flaunting expensive items.
• Carry only the necessary items such as your phone, a little cash, one credit card, and a photocopy of your passport .
• Use public transportation or opt to walk around the city instead of taking taxis alone .
• Research restaurants and cafes before visiting to ensure that they are in safe neighborhoods for female solo travelers .
• If possible, try to stay in a hotel or hostel in a safe area close to the city center .
• When visiting attractions, try to go with a group and avoid going alone at night .

Solo Female Travel Safety Gear

Secondary Lock

Feel extra secure in your accommodations with this affordable secondary lock.

Portable Safe

Want to protect your valuables anywhere? This portable safe will do the trick!

Portable Wifi

Being connected makes me feel safe! Get a portable Wi-Fi device and have the internet everywhere!

Travel Insurance

I don’t care how safe the city is, things happen. I always get travel insurance anytime I travel!

Travel Apps for Women

Download 13 must-have travel apps for women

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Number in Europe : Dial 112 & Emergency Number in the United States: Dial 911

How Many Days Do You Need in Valencia?

Valencia is a charming and vibrant Spanish city that you can easily explore within 3-4 days .

Since it’s relatively small in size compared to other Spanish cities, such as Madrid or Barcelona, it won’t take up too much of your time.

On the other hand, if you want to really get to know Valencia fully and immerse yourself in the culture, you may need up to a week or more .

I found that there are so many amazing things to see and do in Valencia that it was difficult to narrow down my itinerary to less than a week.

The city is full of incredible architecture, museums, art galleries, markets, and festivals throughout the year.

Depending on your interests, you can also spend time lounging on the beach, exploring nearby towns, or going on a hiking trip into the mountains.

Best Time to Visit Valencia

The absolute ideal time to visit Valencia, Spain is between March and June.

Not to say it is the only time to book a solo trip, but it is the best time. I find that Valencia truly comes alive during the springtime.

It’s the perfect time to see the cherry trees bloom and enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of extreme overheating.

The temperature is mild and the days are long with plenty of sunshine. The nights may get cooler so it’s recommended to pack a light jacket or shawl for those evenings out.

Valencia is also known for festivals during this time of year including the Fallas Festival in March. The festival celebrates the arrival of spring with parades, fireworks, and beautiful art displays throughout the city.

Valencia’s Top Attractions To Do Alone

Join a Walking Tour of Old Town Valencia

Exploring the old town of Valencia solo is a must-do activity when visiting the city. This vibrant area is full of sights and sounds, making it a great place to wander around for hours.

Here you will find the stunning Cathedral de Valencia and its towering bell tower, as well as a variety of interesting shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.

After a day of exploring, you can relax in the Plaça de la Reina, where you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy some tapas and drinks with friends.

Be sure to take your time in old town Valencia, as there is plenty to discover in this lively area of the city.

When I visited I decided to join a walking tour so that I could meet new people and tour the city with a local guide.

It is a good idea to book your tour at least a couple of days ahead to ensure you get a spot.

The best walking tour to join for solo females is the Valencia Old Town Tour, Wine & Tapas in an 11th-century Monument !

Visit the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia

One of the many things to do in Valencia is visit the most beautiful historical landmarks. The Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady was quite impressive.

Also referred to as Valencia Cathedral , it is located near Plaza de la Virgen. Built-in 1238 and has been an important site for worship since then.

The building itself is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with tall towers and an impressive bell tower at its entrance.

Shop At The Valencia Central Market

When solo in the exciting city of Valencia, a visit to the Central Market is an absolute must! This iconic market holds over 1000 of years history, and Spanish culture and has been preserved in its current form.

Located near La Seu, it features two floors of colorful stalls overflowing with fresh produce from the region. If you have a kitchen at your accommodation it’s the perfect spot to pick up some local delicacies and have a taste of Valencia.

You can find anything from seafood, vegetables, fruits, meat, and cheeses to olives, nuts, and local beverages like horchata or even wine.

This market is the perfect example of Valencian culture at its best. The atmosphere is always lively with locals bargaining for their products while visitors take in the sights and sounds.

Don’t hesitate to interact with the local stall owners, as many of them are more than happy to share their knowledge about the products they offer. Not everyone will speak English as Spanish is the language of the county, but it’s worth a try.

I also found lots of souvenirs and plenty of unique items like traditional pottery, jewelry, and handcrafted items.

Check Out the Mercado de Colón

Visiting the Mercado de Colón is a great opportunity for female solo travelers to immerse themselves in an authentic Spanish experience.

The friendly atmosphere, affordable prices, and wide range of offerings make it a great place to find souvenirs and sample some local cuisine.

Make sure to check out the Mercado de Colón’s annual food festival for a taste of what Valencia has to offer.

Visit the Modern City of Arts & Sciences

No Valencia travel guide is complete without a mention of The City of Arts & City Center.

Visitors to Valencia should definitely explore the City of Arts and Sciences which features impressive architecture, a 3D planetarium, an IMAX theatre, and more.

This architectural masterpiece, located on the old Turia riverbed of the Turia River, was designed by Valencian architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. It spans an area of 350,000 m², making it one of the largest complexes of its kind in Europe.

The City of Arts and Sciences is divided into six impressive attractions, each offering a unique experience:

• Hemisfèric ( IMAX Cinema )
• Umbracle ( landscaped terrace garden with plants and sculptures from around the world )
• Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe ( the science museum with interactive exhibitions and activities )
• Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia ( performing arts center for operas, ballets, and concerts )
• L’Oceanogràfic ( Europe’s largest oceanarium )
• Agora ( a large rectangular open-air space for cultural events )

🎟️ Tickets for Oceanografic, the largest sea life center in Europe: Check Availability

Climb a Tower for A Great View

If you are looking for a great view of Valencia you can climb either the Miguelete Bell Tower or the Quart Towers.

Miguelete Bell Tower

The El Micalet “Miguelete Tower” is the bell tower of the Valencia Cathedral. To climb to the top you will need to pay 2 euros. It is worth the small fare for the sweeping views of the city of Valencia!

Hours of Operation: Summer from April to October, daily from 10:00 to 19:30. Winter from November to March, Monday to Friday 10:00 to 18:30, Saturdays from 10:00 to 19:00, and Sundays from 10:00 to 13:00 and 17:30 to 19:00.

Quart Towers

The Quart Towers of Valencia is a must-see for any female solo traveler visiting the city. The towers, built in the 12th century, were once part of the old city and are now two of the most visited tourist attractions in Valencia. From their imposing height, visitors can enjoy sweeping views over the city and out to sea.

The towers also have a rich history. Originally built as part of the defensive wall of Valencia, they were used to guard the city and protect it from attack. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the towers and learn more about their past.

Visitors who climb to the top can also enjoy stunning views over the old city and out to the Mediterranean Sea. The experience is unforgettable and a great way to take in all that Valencia has to offer.

Hours of Operation: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10:00 to 19:00 and Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 14:00.

Visit Museums of Valencia

Museum of fine arts valencia.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Valencia is located in the historic center of the city. This museum houses some of Spain’s finest collections from artists like El Greco and Goya.

Spend a day checking out the impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, ceramics, and other artworks representing the best of Spanish art.

The building itself is also a stunning sight, with its beautiful neo-classical facade and stunning interior details. Located in Plaza del Museo, it’s easy to get to by bus or walking.

As you approach the museum, you’ll notice its lush gardens, and once inside, explore the massive collection of artworks on display.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Valencia also hosts several special exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works from international artists that are sure to delight with their beauty and creativity.

With its impressive collections, stunning architecture, and special exhibitions, this museum is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for any female solo traveler.

Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 to 20:00, closed Mondays.

Boutique Museo Lladro

This unique museum is located directly in the heart of the city, making it an ideal spot to learn about local culture and art. Here you can explore a vast collection of hand-crafted porcelain figures from Spanish artist brothers Juan, Jose, and Vicente Lladro.

The museum offers guided tours of both the main building and its exhibition rooms, where you can see over 3,000 pieces from the brothers’ extensive catalog.

You’ll also be able to purchase your own porcelain figures from the gift shop onsite. In addition, the museum provides educational programs for visitors, such as special activities for children and family-friendly workshops.

Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 16:00.

Ceramic Museum

Valencia is home to many museums, but one of the most interesting for any female solo traveler is El Museo Nacional de Ceramica y de las Artes Suntuarias Gonzalez Marti .

This museum houses a collection of ceramics from various periods and locations in Spain. It features works by famous Valencian potters such as Juan de Larrea, Francisco Cabezas, and Vicente Acero.

Many of the pieces in the collection are decorated with traditional Valencian motifs and colors, making this museum a must-visit for any art enthusiast or anyone interested in learning more about Valencian culture and history.

The permanent exhibition includes pieces from all over the Mediterranean, and visitors can also take part in educational workshops to learn about the techniques used to create them.

Hours of operation: 9 am-3 pm Tuesday – Saturday and admission is free for anyone under 25 or over 65.

This makes it an ideal choice for a budget-friendly day trip during your solo travels in Valencia.

Spend Solo Time At The Beautiful Beaches

My solo trip to the incredible city of Valencia included some time enjoying the sun! If relaxing on the fine golden sands of the city beach sounds fun, I would highly recommend checking out La Malvarrosa Beach!

From the historic old town, the beach is roughly a one-hour walk! That is a bit far of a walk for most, so you can consider taking public transport.

On the bus, you can reach La Malvarrosa Beach in just 20 minutes. If you don’t feel like sunbathing, enjoy the palm tree-lined promenade and boutique-lined avenues.

✈️ Are Ready to Travel Alone?: Take The Solo Travel Readiness Quiz!

Join a Bike Tour to See Valencia

If you are looking to make new friends on this tip, the best way to do it is by joining a tour ! I had a great time on this affordable bike tour that takes you around the city centre.

The tour is around 3 hours, so you don’t have to commit your whole day. Visit the most popular site’s truly fantastical collection of buildings , such as the Valencia Cathedral.

Other highlights include the Turia River and the beautiful garden, Palau de la Musica, and the gigantic playground of Gulliver. You will also make a stop at the City of Arts and Sciences.

❤︎ BIKE TOUR: Check Rates & Availability

Top Rated Spain Solo Tours To Book

• Valencia Old Town Tour with Wine & Tapas in 11th Century Historic Monument
• Tuk Tuk Valencia – Complete Tour (Center – Arts – Marina – Beach)
• Discover Valencia Bike Tour

Where to Eat Solo in Valencia

When I first started solo traveling I used to be uncomfortable eating alone. But now, eating delicious food by myself is one of my favorite things about traveling alone.

I love the freedom of ordering whatever I want and either spending a long time or a short time dining.

Valencia Spain is also the birthplace of Paella, so it’s a must try in my opinion! It was actually the first place I have ever had Paella, and I have been dreaming of it ever since.

Overall, Spanish cuisine is my favorite, so dining alone in a city such as Valencia was a real treat.

Below are some of the best wine and tapas bars I found in Valencia!

Best Restaurants for Solo Dining in Valencia

Karak is a great place to enjoy an upscale meal on your own. This restaurant has creative European cuisine with tasting menus. I highly recommend you get a reservation if you plan to dine here.

Navarro is where I had my first-ever Paella! Sadly I do not have photos since my phone battery failed me after I got seated.

I would fly back to Valencia just to eat here again. You can get reservations by booking online, which I highly recommend.

Casa Montaña

If you are looking for great food and a traditional tapas restaurant , then you should make a stop at Casa Montaña. It is one of the oldest restaurants in Valencia.

I am a huge fan of Patatas Bravas, and Casa Montana did not disappoint!

Best Wine Bars in Valencia

On my solo trip to Valencia, I found the best wine bars! There are too many to list, but my top three favorites are listed below:

Vinostrum Bodega

I had the best time at Vinostrum Bodega , located in Plaça de Mossén Sorell. You can beat their selection of Spanish red wines and tapas.

Taberna La Sénia

If you are looking for a cozy little wine bar, Taberna La Sénia is the place for you. A charming wine bar I just happened to stumble upon by accident.

The section of wines changes often, or else I would recommend something. It is a very small place, but worth putting on your itinerary!

Bodega Albarizas

Bodega Albarizas boasts a casual and laid-back atmosphere and some of the best wines I had in Valencia!

A must-visit if you are looking for a wine bar in the city center of Valencia!

Where to Stay Solo in Valencia

I have a lot of thoughts when it comes to where to stay in Valencia and booking hotels and hostels when traveling alone as a woman.

My biggest piece of advice is to spend the money to stay somewhere comfortable and safe . If this means you have to save a little bit longer than normal, that’s ok.

People will tell you that it’s just where you are sleeping, you don’t spend much time there, so it doesn’t need to be fancy. In my solo travel experience, it needs to be a little fancy , as well as quiet and comfortable.

If your accommodations are less than great, it can impact your time at a destination.

For this reason, I am going to recommend the boutique hotels in Valencia I personally stayed at and checked out.

Pro Tip:  Even though I found Valencia to be super safe, I ALWAYS recommend getting   travel insurance  to avoid any mishaps. Lost luggage or getting sick can happen at any time.

MYR Marqués House

The rooms at the MYR Marques House are perfect for the solo traveling lady. These rooms are modern, and clean, and are in a great neighborhood in Valencia.

Located in the city center, this hotel and spa are highly rated among guests. Check rates & availability

If you are looking for a boutique hotel with a pool in Valencia, look no further! The Caro Hotel is pure luxury, and has the most incredible mattress! Is this hotel expensive? Yeah, a little bit, but it’s so worth it!

Located a 4-minute walk from the Valencia Cathedral, it is the perfect place to stay solo. Check rates & availability

Cosmo Hotel Boutique

In the heart of Valencia is the Cosmo Hotel Boutique ! A perfectly located hotel just 700 metres from Norte Train Station.

It is a 3-star hotel that features private rooms, a terrace, a bar, and an onsite restaurant! A great hotel for any solo female traveler! Check rates & availability

Where to Travel Solo From Valencia?

If you are solo in Spain and are looking for smaller cities to travel to from Valencia, you should consider Granada! Granada is located in southeastern Spain, approximately 5 hours away by car .

When I visited Granada from Valencia I decided to save time and fly. There is also a train to Granada, but the journey is around 8 hours.

So the choice of how to get to Granada is up to you! Be sure to research and plan your time in Granada ahead.

Seville, Spain is also a great place for solo female travel from Valencia! If you find yourself in Seville you can do a tour to Granada easily.

If visiting Seville in the summer months, I suggest you find a hotel with a pool . Seville gets incredibly warm!

Conclusion: Spain Solo Travel Valencia

In conclusion, Valencia is an amazing destination for female solo travelers . With its vibrant culture, stunning historical attractions, and vibrant nightlife scene, there’s never a dull moment in Valencia.

I found it to be a very safe city with plenty of activities and transportation options tailored to solo women travelers .

Whether you are looking for some adventurous activities or want to just relax, Valencia is the perfect destination for your solo female travels.

I hope you enjoy this wonderful city as I did and may you come home with unforgettable memories and experiences!

FAQs Valencia Solo Travel

Yes. It is safe for solo females to take the bus or metro from Valencia Airport to the city center. The travel time should be around 25-30 minutes on both.

If you are traveling alone to Valencia with a lot of luggage, you should plan to take a taxi to the city center. The cost is around 21 euros and takes around 20 minutes.

The best time for a solo trip to visit Valencia is in the late spring to early fall. The weather will be warm and the city will be buzzing with excitement. The most popular festivals in Valencia happen in the summer months.

Love the Valencia Travel Guide? Pin it for later!

Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

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Wealth of Geeks

Things To Do in Valencia, Spain

Posted: December 30, 2023 | Last updated: December 30, 2023

If you love the sea, nice weather, and delicious food, then you must visit Valencia, Spain. Apart from enjoying the beach, Valencia offers so much more for everyone’s taste. It’s the city where you can experience the authentic Spanish lifestyle.

12 Incredible Things To Do in Valencia, Spain

Valencia got its name from the Latin word “Valentia, “which, in broad translation, means strength and courage. Due to its phenomenal geographic location, the harbor, and the large number of sunny days throughout the year, people have always fought for the city on the banks of the Turia River. These are our picks for the top things to do in Valencia.

1. Be Amazed by the City Arts and Sciences

The City Arts and Sciences was founded after a horrible natural catastrophe in 1957. The Turia River has grown due to the significant rains in the mountains and has taken many lives. The local parliament has come to a decision to move the riverbed, and in its former place to build an object which will forever change the city’s looks.

In The City Arts and Sciences, you can visit the largest oceanography museum in the world. It is also a home for “El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, “where operas, ballets, and concerts are held. Another brilliant thing in the establishment is “L’Hemisferic “. It is an authentic building built in the shape of a human eye. Visitors can enjoy laser shows, IMAX cinema, and many other things ” L’Hemisferic ” offers.

2. Buy Local Produce at the Central Market

One of the most beautiful markets in Europe was destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout history. Apart from buying local food and wine, you can also enjoy the scenery as this market is a sight you will always remember. The Central Market is a perfect place for foodies!

3. Release Your Inner Child at la Tomatina

If you want to experience an unforgettable adventure, this is one of the things to do in Valencia you simply should not miss. The La Tomatina festival occurs every last Wednesday of August. The festival began in 1945 when the two groups of locals started a food fight. The point of a festival is to throw soft, rotten tomatoes at the other opposing group.

4. See the Holy Grail

La Tomatina isn’t the only place where you can experience the adventure. The Valencia Cathedral is home to The Holy Grail. A chalice was believed to be used by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper. The government decided to limit access to the cathedral in 2002, making the story about The Holy Grail more believable but also shrouded by the cloak of mystery.

5. Enjoy the Wildlife at Bioparc Valencia

Located in the former riverbed of the Turia River, Valencia’s Bioparc is home to over 150 animal species originating in Africa. The park is divided into four parts, each with its animal type. It is a place that shouldn’t be missed.

6. Try the Spanish Cuisine

Can you imagine going to Spain and not trying all the different specialties of Spanish cuisine? Just imagine yourself sitting in a beach restaurant while sipping local wine and snacking on a homemade Paella. Once you are done, you can treat yourself to a Sangria! If this isn’t enough to convince you to visit Valencia, we don’t know what is.

7. Escape the Crowds in Albufera Natural Park

If you want to escape the city crowds, this is a place for you. The natural park is located outside the city center, and you can enjoy the surreal views while you are in it. Also, you can take a boat, bike, or walk around the park. The Albufera is home to many birds and other animals, so you will always hear the soothing sound of birds chirping.

8. Walk on the Beaches

Valencia has over 320 sunny days per year. Considering that, you can always go swimming no matter the time of the year. Valencia has many beaches , including regular, unclothed, or ones with a “party” atmosphere. We suggest a 5-mile sandy beach called Norte de Peniscole Beach.

9. Visit la Lonja de la Seda

UNESCO itself protects this architectural jewel. The object represents the golden age of Valencia and is built exclusively in the Gothic style of architecture. In it, you can see the relics from Valencia’s ancient history. Make sure to check the middle tower, it is a place where the local government imprisoned merchants who were in debt.

10. See the Dolls in the Fallas Museum

There is a local festival in Valencia that occurs every March. The locals build dolls from different materials and call them Fallas. The festival and the dolls represent Valencia’s day-to-day happenings, politics, and local culture. On the 19th of March, the dolls are burned. The last 2 Fallas that survive the burning are stored at the Fallas Museum and are open for the public to see.

11. Admire Art at Institut Valencià D’Art Modern

The Museum of Modern Arts in Valencia was opened in 1986. It showcases many paintings and sculptures but also other forms of modern art. It is also home to a large number of artworks by Julio Gonzalez, who was a close friend of Pablo Picasso. It’s a place that every art geek should visit.

12. Grab a Cocktail at El Carmen

El Carmen is a district in Valencia famous for its cafes and restaurants. It feels separated from the city as it gives away an edgy and unorthodox vibe. It is also considered the most LGBT-friendly place in the city.

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Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Umbraphiles feeling the post-eclipse blues should start checking the expiration date on their passports.

The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA . 

In North America, only a partial eclipse will be visible, so if April’s event made you an eclipse chaser and you want to see totality, you’ll need to head overseas.

Here’s what you’ll need to know before packing your bags:

Do you need a passport or visa for the best destination?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they’re planning to stay for less than 90 days.

Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel for U.S. passport holders.

Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel in much of Europe, meaning if you decide to make a multi-country trip out of your eclipse adventure, you won’t need to clear customs if you’re coming from much of the rest of Europe, either.

One major change for travelers to Europe from the U.S., however, is that electronic preauthorization will become a requirement beginning in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement will apply to all four open countries in the path of totality. 

Depending on the state of the Ukraine war, travel to Russia may or may not be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it’s unclear what the paperwork requirements will be by then.

Is it better to see it from the beach?

Beaches can be a great place to see the eclipse because there are few natural obstacles blocking observers’ views of the sky. The 2026 path of totality passes over beaches on Spain’s northern and southeastern coasts, as well as over islands in the Mediterranean Sea including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The eclipse will also pass over coastal areas in Greenland and Iceland, according to the National Solar Observatory . 

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Will there be eclipse cruises or flights?

Almost certainly, although most operators have not announced specific plans yet. 

Cruise lines will also offer more viewing opportunities. Princess Cruises “has created a bespoke itinerary aboard Sky Princess to position the ship near Spain on that date,” according to a spokesperson for the line. The cruise will open for bookings on Princess’s website on May 23.

Cunard Line has sailings on its Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne vessels that will put passengers in prime spots to watch .

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Holland America Line is also planning multiple sailings around the event, though details are still to be announced. “Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, previously told USA TODAY in an email.

The 5 best places to explore by bicycle in Valencia

Apr 16, 2024 • 7 min read

Explore the Old Town or head further afield on a former train line with these top rides around Valencia © martin-dm / Getty Images

With over 200km of cycle paths and 300 days of balmy sunshine, Valencia is an ideal biking city that’s entirely flat, spanning a grid system with access to coastal boardwalks, expansive boulevards and cinematic nature parks. 

Not only that, Valencia’s well-thought-out urban regeneration turned an oft-flooding river into a lush winding park, making for one of Europe’s more unique cycle routes and a fabulous way to wind towards the Mediterranean. In fact, such is Valencia’s progress in continuously adding cycle lanes, green spaces and sustainable transit initiatives that it was awarded the European Green Capital 2024 . 

So on that note, here are some of the best places to ride in Spain ’s third-largest city.

1. Turia Gardens

Best for families

Torres de Serranos to the City of Arts and Sciences; 3.1 miles (5km)

After a devastating flood in 1957 when nearly three-quarters of Valencia was inundated by floodwater, the city diverted the Turia River around its western outskirts to the Mediterranean Sea. The drained riverbed was then converted into a serpentine parkland running for 5.5 miles (9kms) through the city to the space-age City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) complex. 

The 14th-century Torres de Serranos towers are a good place to begin a cycle through the Turia Gardens (Jardines del Turia) as they’re near many of the city center bike hire shops, and are an interesting historical sight in their own right. Rolling down the stone ramps, access to the park’s cycle lanes is easy and soon you’ll be gliding past tall palms, bright flowerbeds, angular sculptures, sports fields and languid parks with locals picnicking under the sun.

Look out for the Puente de las Flores on the way south; it’s one of many bridges, but this one is lined by hot pink hanging flowers and makes for a gaudy photo stop. Eventually the bizarre shapes of the City of Arts and Sciences will appear on the horizon, and the pools and promenades flanking the buildings mean there’s ample space to marvel at the architecture. They’re host to some fascinating exhibitions, and there’s the world-class Oceanogràfic zoo just behind which is perfect for families (you can actually see some of the zoo’s multicolored birds from the path behind the enormous curved L’Agora building).

2. Seafront Promenade (Paseo Maritimo)

Best for leisurely coastal rides

Marina to La Patacona; 2.5 miles (4km)

Starting from the extended arm of its marina, Valencia’s beaches sweep north for several kilometres and are 200 yards wide in places. They’re also entirely separate from the city center, so the atmosphere here feels like an escape to an unhurried seaside town.

Look out for the huge crisscrossing flags fluttering outside the marina (one Spanish flag and the other denoting the region of Valencia), as this is the best place to begin a leisurely ride along the palm-fringed boardwalk flanking the beach’s golden sands. 

Head north along Playa de las Arenas where some of the busiest hotels and restaurants look out toward the glittering Mediterranean, including the ornately-tiled La Pepica where writer Ernest Hemingway regularly visited for paella in the 1930s.

This section may involve a bit of slaloming as it’s busy with dawdling tourists, but things ease off a little after turning the right-angled corner up to Playa del Cabanyal. Glide past locals throwing themselves around on the sand playing volleyball, and consider a beer and bocadillo pitstop at the Beachbol bar, where its wooden deck and sun-faded parasols look like they could be basking in the Caribbean.

Continue up to Playa de la Malvarrosa , arguably the most well-known of Valencia’s beaches. Dotted with restaurants, there are rows of handy bike racks behind the palms meaning you can stop if you’d prefer to eat here instead. Bring Valencia’s most relaxed cycle route to an end at the idyllic  Playa de la Patacona , where lazy hammocks are available for rent if you want to watch the sun go down in comfort. 

Love beaches? Here are the best in Valencia. 

3. The Old City 

Best for soaking in the sights

Loop starting and ending at Plaza de la Virgin; distances vary

Central Valencia’s old town is a whitewashed collection of medieval cathedrals, lively squares, narrow alleys and handsome boulevards. It’s also where the majority of bike hire shops are. Essentially, it’s a place for an easy-going ride to take in the sights, with no particular route to follow though I’d try to avoid the busy shopping hub of Carrer Colón, and especially the often gridlocked area near Valencia’s Modernista train station (Estación del Norte) . 

I’d suggest beginning by rolling through the Plaza de la Virgen , with its ornate fountain sculpture watched over by the gothic  Catedral de Valencia  (the Basilica of the Virgin Cathedral) and the soaring bell tower El Miguelete . Head south beside the cathedral’s imposing walls before emerging into the now fully pedestrianized Placa de la Reina, with its bright palms and busy bistros showing how much nicer things can look without cars (go back in time on Google Streetview if you don’t believe me).

A short ride down Carrer de Sant Vicent Màrtir brings you to the Plaça de l'Ajuntament, arguably the most spectacular of Valencia’s squares with its multicolored fountains and grand neoclassical Ayuntamiento dominating the scene (another busy main road was removed from here in recent years).

If you head west past the Gothic Torres de Quart towers and dreamy botanical gardens, you can join the Turia River Garden for a lush glide toward the Torres de Serranos and loop back to Plaza de la Virgen.

4. L'Albufera Nature Park 

Best for nature enthusiasts

Pinedo to El Palmar; 7.7 miles (12.5km)

While Valencia’s beaches are away from the busy center, they’re still very much part of the city. But if you want a real escape then  Parque Natural de la Albufera (L'Albufera Nature Park ) might be the answer. Sitting just south of Valencia, this bucolic landscape of rice fields, swaying reeds, swooping cormorants and a vast lagoon looks nothing like the rest of the city. 

Public transit is an option, but riding there is easy too with the flat terrain and a dedicated cycle lane running parallel to the coast at Pinedo. It’s a good 30 to 40 minutes to the lagoon however, so I’d recommend this only to those in good physical condition (especially if visiting during the humid summer). 

Shortly after the lagoon appears, you’ll come across the Mirador El Pujol and this is a good spot to enjoy electric boat rides around the lake with a guide who’ll explain the park’s biodiversity and how the sustainable new boats don’t disturb nature. 

Continue down Carrer de Vicent Baldoví or head off onto one of several side paths where the silence and tranquility of L’Abufera really comes into its own. The journey along Carrer de Vicent Baldoví concludes at the small hamlet of El Palmar, where there are a host of friendly neighborhood restaurants to relax with a traditional paella or an Agua de Valencia. 

5. Via Verde Xurra

Best for getting off the beaten path

Torre Miramar to Puçol; 10 miles (16km)

As well as redeveloping its untrustworthy river, Valencia has also put its former rail lines to good use and the Via Xurra is a meandering 16km greenway that once formed part of the old Valencia to Zaragoza line. Now a pink tarmac pathway, it’s an easy-going flat route the entire way. 

Beginning at the Torre Miramar roundabout in the Benimaclet neighborhood, it passes through pretty olive and orange groves, then past the village of Alboraya before emerging into languid farmland after the Carraixet river. 

The route continues through villages and groves with the distant Sierra Caldonera mountains in the distance all the way up to the town of Puçol. Feel free to turn back here, though there are some curious sights if you feel like venturing east toward the coast, including the 13th-century Puig Monastery and the Marjal de Rafael wetlands.

Tips for cycling in Valencia

• While Valencia has made huge strides with its cycling infrastructure, it can still feel like a very car-centric city, especially outside the old center. So make sure to stay in your cycle lane and watch out for traffic at all times. 
• The city’s Valenbisi bicycle hire scheme allows visitors to pick up a bike from 275 stations across Valencia available 24/7. A one-week pass costs €13.30 and is best for visitors.
• There are plenty of independent bike hire shops in the old town, especially around Plaza de la Virgen.

Ready to plan your trip to Valencia? Here are your next steps:

Looking for more great experiences? Here are our top picks in Valencia . Navigate like a local with these tips for getting around . Find out which neighborhood fits your vibe . And these experiences don't cost a thing .

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Female gang of pickpockets are arrested after targeting tourists in Spain’s Valencia

A GANG of street thieves have been arrested in Valencia City after robbing a group of Chinese tourists.

The four women operated in a popular sight-seeing spot by the City of Arts and Sciences.

The Valencia Policia Local said they used accessories like glasses and bags as signals to communicate with each other to mislead victims.

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They had struck previously in the same area and the police mounted a special operation on Friday to catch them.

They were spotted on Avenida Lopez Piñero where they approached a tourist bus.

The women walked over to a group of tourists and surrounded one of them to see what they could steal.

One of them took a wallet from a backpack as her three colleagues distracted the victim.

The tour guide witnessed the theft, and together with the tourist, they fought back against the thief and recovered the stolen item.

She then ran off towards the City of Justice building, but police officers arrested her and the rest of her crew.

All four women were carrying a large amount of items such as sunglasses, umbrellas, hats and scarves, which they hoped to make identification of them harder in security camera videos.

• Chinese tourists robbed
• City of Arts and Science
• Female thieves target tourists
• The Olive Press
• Valencia City
• Valencia Policia Local
• Valencian Community

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Alex Trelinski

Alex worked for 30 years for the BBC as a presenter, producer and manager. He covered a variety of areas specialising in sport, news and politics. After moving to the Costa Blanca over a decade ago, he edited a newspaper for 5 years and worked on local radio.

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Spain is about to make it much harder for wealthy foreigners to buy their way into residency

• Spain plans to end "golden visas" for non-EU citizens investing €500,000 in real estate.
• The reform addresses unaffordable housing for young Spaniards confronting high home prices.
• Other EU countries including Portugal, Greece, and Ireland have changed or shut down similar programs.

Spain will no longer hand out "golden visas" to foreigners willing to pay big bucks for them.

The Spanish government said on Monday that it plans to scrap a type of visa that allows non-European Union citizens to obtain residency permits after investing at least 500,000 euros, or $542,805, in real estate. About 10,000 such visas were issued since the program's 2013 start, the Associated Press reported .

The exact details of the end to the golden visa program have not been ironed out, so it's not yet clear what happens to those who already invested in or moved to Spain.

Visas for foreign investors, launched by European countries to fill budget holes after the global financial crisis, have been popular with people who want to move to countries with better political, cultural, or business climates. But governments like Spain that offered the visas now see them as a political risk, as affordable housing, especially for young people, becomes a top concern.

In the last year, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Greece have all shut down or tightened their golden visa programs for similar reasons.

Spain's reform comes as home prices become ever-more unaffordable, especially for young people struggling with high unemployment. The age at which young people leave their parents' home in Spain rose to 30 years old last year, compared with the EU average of 26, according to the OECD.

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Prime minister Pedro Sánchez said at a press conference on Monday that most of the property investment from foreigners has been concentrated in key Spanish cities like Barcelona , Madrid, and Valencia, which all face housing crunches.

In those cities, it's "almost impossible to find decent housing for those who live and work there and pay their taxes every day," Sánchez said on Monday. "This isn't the model of the country that we want, it's not the Spain that we want."

Average Spanish rental prices have increased 40% in the last decade, while young people's salaries have grown under 10%, per the OECD.

The country will continue to court foreigners through its digital nomad visa , which launched last year. That visa does not require investment, nor does it offer a path to citizenship.

Investment migration consultancy Henley & Partners said in 2023 that it saw more Americans inquire about residence and citizenship by investment than in any other year.

Portugal's version , which was revamped last year to require foreigners to invest in areas outside of real estate, was the most common path for the firm's US clients.

Such visas are also gaining popularity outside Europe.

In 2011, New Zealand granted citizenship to billionaire PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel, who had only spent 12 days in the country but made a series of local investments. In 2018, New Zealand banned foreigners from buying existing homes following a housing affordability crisis, similar to Spain and Portugal's current situation.

Meghan Morris contributed to this report.

Watch: Was Italy's $1 home scheme worth it?

• Main content

Budimir misses unforgettable last-gasp penalty and Osasuna loses to Valencia

The Associated Press

April 15, 2024, 5:55 PM

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PAMPLONA, Spain (AP) — Ante Budimir missed what may be the worst penalty kick of his career and his embarrassing stumble cost Osasuna after it lost at home to Valencia 1-0 in the Spanish league on Monday.

Budimir was awarded the disputed spot kick in the fourth minute of stoppage time, and the penalty was upheld after a long video consultation. But the Croatian striker barely made contact with the ball and it trundled into the arms of the disbelieving goalkeeper.

Osasuna’s top goalscorer this season with 16, Budimir adopted a stop-start approach to the kick but it failed miserably in a dramatic end to the match.

“He has apologized three times to me and he doesn’t have to ask for forgiveness,” Osasuna coach Jagoba Arrasate said. “It’s inevitable that we’ll remember this play. That’s part of the game.”

Andre Almeida’s angled drive in the 18th minute put Valencia ahead and proved to be the difference between the sides.

Valencia rose to seventh place, three points behind Real Sociedad in the last of the European spots.

Osasuna remained 11th, equal on points with the two teams above it, Villarreal and Getafe.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/Soccer

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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