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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

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

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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

Last Updated: February 16, 2024

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Valencia

1. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences

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

2. Throw tomatoes at La Tomatina

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

3. Wander Casco Histórico

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

4. Retreat to the Albufera

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

5. Cross Calatrava’s Bridge

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

Other Things to See and Do in Valencia

1. take a free walking tour.

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

2. Admire Valencia Cathedral

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

3. Explore Central Market

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

4. Visit La Lonja

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

5. Celebrate Las Fallas

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

6. Cycle the Jardí del Túria

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

7. Lounge on the beach

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

8. Eat paella

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

10. Explore the Sagunto Roman settlement

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

11. Check out Valencia’s towers

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

12. Visit the Ceramics Museum

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

13. Wander the Museum of Fine Arts

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

14. Visit the Caves of Sant Josep

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

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

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

Valencia Travel Costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Backpacking Valencia Suggested Budgets

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

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

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

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

Valencia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

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

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

Where to Stay in Valencia

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

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

How to Get Around Valencia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to Go to Valencia

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

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

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

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

How to Stay Safe in Valencia

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

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

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

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

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

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

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

Valencia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

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

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

Valencia Travel Guide: Related Articles

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

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 7 Best Hotels in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Seville

The Perfect 3 Day Granada Itinerary

The 7 Best Hostels in Seville

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

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

Valencia Old Town Tour with Wine & Tapas in 11th Century Historic Monument

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from $ 81.46

Albufera Natural Park Tour with Boat Ride from Valencia

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from $ 64.08

Valencia Private Walking Tour with Official Valencian Guide

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from $ 97.75

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.

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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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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.

33 Best Valencia Travel Tips: Visit the Birthplace of Paella

• Post author: Naddya and Svet
• Post category: City Travel
• Post published: December 15, 2021

One of the top jewels of Spain’s crown is its third-largest city – Valencia.

Although sometimes overshadowed by Barcelona and Madrid, Valencia is definitely worth visiting , too.

From dazzling beaches and bustling nightlife to mouth-watering traditional dishes and unique local culture, there’s a myriad of reasons to visit the city.

And to make every minute of your time count, we’ve prepared 33 Valencia travel tips for you.

In this guide, you’ll find things to do before you leave home, budget and weather tips, and the most delicious dishes to order while exploring the best neighborhoods of Valencia.

Ready to discover this overlooked Spanish gem?

Then, use the navigation below and happy browsing.

Start Planning Your Trip to Valencia with Our BEST Recommendations:

⭐ Top Tours in Valencia ⭐

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

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

⭐ Best Accommodations in Valencia ⭐

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

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

⭐ Easiest Transportation Options in Valencia ⭐

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

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

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Preparation – Things to Do Before You Go to Valencia

As with all tourist places, it’s a good idea to prepare a bit before going to Valencia . The following Valencia travel tips will save you headaches when you reach your destination.

• Visa requirements. As Spain is a part of the European Union, a visa is not necessary for all citizens of the EU and for US citizens with a passport valid for at least another 6 months. For a complete list of visa requirements, visit the official website of the EU.
• Official language. Downtown or at the beach, you’ll most probably do fine only speaking English. However, outside of the most touristic areas, you might need to use some of that slightly forgotten high-school Spanish. On top of that, Valencia is a proud speaker of its own dialect, called Valenciano . Don’t worry if you don’t understand a word of it, though, as everything is bilingual and also written in traditional Spanish.
• Mind the heat! If you decide to visit Valencia amidst the summer months, prepare yourself for scorching hot temperatures. It’s not a good idea to explore the stone streets of the Old Town during midday hours, as the heat is almost intolerable. Hydrate as much as possible and treat yourself to a scoop or two of ice cream .
• Observe the siesta hours. It might be an unpleasant surprise that some businesses and stores close for a good chunk of the day for the traditional Spanish siesta. It usually takes place between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, but hours may vary slightly. Check in advance whether that small family shop you’d love to buy a souvenir from is open during afternoon hours.
• If you’re going to visit the Cathedral or other churches, mind the dress code. In spite of the high temperatures during the summer, church officials will not show understanding for your tank top or hot pants. Be sure to cover your shoulders – even a light silk scarf will do the trick – and wear below-knee-length skirts for women. Men are not allowed in with shorts.

Weather – When Is the Best Time to Visit Valencia

Valencia’s climate is a dream. It consists of hot summers, mild winters, and over 300 sunny days annually. Even during the coldest months, the average temperature is around 63°F (17°C), so a visit to Valencia is a good idea in every season. Check out the best Valencia travel tips for each time of the year below.

• Spring can be rainy but quite warm, with an average temperature of 66°F (19°C).  Several events are worth  visiting in Valencia in that period. As in many other European cities, a traditional Carnival is the February highlight. It is a great chance to dress up, take part in wild street parties, and enjoy the fireworks. Another interesting celebration is Las Fallas, a 5-day festival in March. Spectators can watch the parade of huge papier-mâché puppets that are burned at the end of the festivities.
• The hot summer in Valencia is the perfect time to enjoy sandy beaches and a refreshing swim. June, July, and August offer an average high of 82.4°F (28°C), almost no rainfall, and lots of sunshine. The city gets quite crowded. Picnics, gatherings, and open-air events take place almost everywhere. The blooming student population in Valencia lends vitality and energy to its nightlife. Countless bars offer the delicious local drink Agua Valenciana – a mix of cava, orange juice, gin, and vodka. Be sure to relish a glass in one of the lively bars in the El Carmen neighborhood, or get a classy cocktail in the trendy cafes of Ruzafa . Finish the hot night with a dance marathon in Valencia’s discos.
• Fall is the best time to discover nature in and outside the city. During September, October, and November, Valencia breathes differently with its summer tourists gone. This is the perfect time to appreciate amazing views over the autumn sea. You could also enjoy the sunset at Albufera National Park situated a mere 6 mi (10 km) from the city. The world-class Valencian marathon also takes place during the fall months. The city’s flat streets are great for running. So, if you do have the ambition to finish a marathon, the prestigious Valencian race is a fantastic opportunity.
• During the mild winter, the Christmas spirit dominates the Valencian city landscape. Spend time wandering around the beautifully decorated streets. Don’t pack your thickest coat since daily temperatures rarely drop below 53.6°F (12°C). You’ll find the most popular Christmas markets in front of the cathedral and around the Central Market. Try the scrumptious typical winter foods, such as the traditional turrón , and gawk at the hand-crafted souvenirs.

Money-Saving Travel Tips: How to Stretch Your Bucks in Valencia

It’s not necessary to deplete your pockets in order to enjoy Valencia. In this section, we’ll unveil a few tips on how to spend quality time and save some money .

• Many of Valencia’s museums are free to enter. Enjoy the works of Velázquez and Goya in one of Spain’s largest art collections at the Museo de Bellas Artes . Another option is the Museo de Historia de Valencia with an exhibition that displays 2,000 years of city history. You can make use of a free entry for the bullfighting museum – Museo Taurino – on Sundays and public holidays. The Ceramics Museum is also open for a free visit on Saturday evenings and on Sundays.
• Valencian tap water is perfectly safe to drink. If you decide to travel to Valencia during the hot summer days, you’ll need to hydrate yourself often. The cost of buying bottled water quickly adds up. Avoid this unnecessary expenditure by bringing your own water bottle. You can refill it at one of the many water fountains throughout the city since the water is safe to consume.
• Rent a bike for an easy and budget-friendly way to sightsee. The ex-capital has over 93 mi (150 km) of bike lanes. Offers are galore. The most popular bike rental service is called Valenbisi . Other companies are more costly but with a wider variety of options, such as Doyoubike Rental or BIKES and ROLL . By hopping on a bike, you’ll be able to enjoy the city in a much more personal manner than any touristic bus can ever offer.
• Save up on ATM withdrawal fees. Be aware that most banks in Spain charge for money withdrawals. A bullet-proof way to avoid their fees is to pay by card, which is possible almost anywhere in Valencia. If you do need cash, the following banks don’t charge: Eurocaja Rural, CajaSur, and Deutsche Bank. Regardless of the bank, the ATM will display the charge price prior to withdrawing. If it seems high to you, you can always terminate the action.

• Participate in a free walking tour. As with most major cities, free walking tours are also a thing in Valencia. They’re a great way to get to know the city on foot and only spend a symbolic amount to compensate the friendly guides. One option is Free Tour Valencia which offers a tour every day and will show you the main tourist sights.
• Spend the day in the marvelous Turia park. A magnet for locals and tourists alike, this park is a wonderful place to have a picnic, do some sports, or spend a peaceful afternoon in the tree shades. Turia is quite interesting, as it is built inside a dried-out riverbed. City authorities cleverly decided to turn it into a green area running through a large part of town.
• Some of the metro stations in Valencia are worth a visit. Even if you don’t ride the metro, it is worth going underground, just to feast your eyes on the beautiful Alameda Metro Station , for example. Its design is the work of Santiago Calatrava – an internationally renowned Valencian architect. Another station that attracts tourists is Colón Station featuring Sala Lametro – a cultural exhibition space.

Food & Drinks in Valencia: The Mediterranean Delicacies You Should Try

Spoil yourself with the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. Below, we’ve listed the most scrumptious Valencian foods and drinks that you must try.

• The Valencian paella is to die for. The famous Spanish dish originated in the Valencian region. The classic paella features fried chicken and rabbit meat, tomatoes, local beans and, of course, rice. Your discerning palate might also like the other variants that epitomize seafood or other meats.
• Try fideuà, a popular dish with seafood. This Valencian treat closely resembles paella but is made with vermicelli noodles instead of rice. The noodles assist in bringing out the rich taste of the seafood, as they absorb a large amount of the broth while cooking.
• For a non-touristy taste, order Arroz al Horno. Valencianos seem to love the combo between rice and meat. Arroz al Horno will please all meat lovers as it combines blood sausage, pork ribs, and bacon with veggies, chickpeas, and rice.
• If you like pizza, you’ll fall in love with cocas . These flatbreads can be sweet or savory, and toppings vary. There are vegetarian and vegan options, varieties with fish or meat, and all flavors imaginable. Valencian people might spend a good amount of time trying to persuade you that the local coca precedes and ultimately beats pizza in the race for the most delicious topped dough. We personally won’t dare disagree!
• Love spicy food? Then, all-i-pebre is for you. The dish could be quite hot, so ask the waiter before ordering it. As a typical Valencian food, all-i-pebre is a scrumptious eel stew with paprika and chili smothered in a rich sauce that will call for bread. Beer goes great with it, too.

• Enjoy esmorzaret, the Valencian brunch. The esmorzaret is an ancient custom born out of necessity. Work in the fields had to start early in order to avoid the heat. So, sometime between morning and lunch, workers were already starving. They replenished their strength with a mid-morning snack of olives, pickled vegetables, and lupin beans, followed by a sandwich. Nowadays, the best places to treat yourself to esmorzaret in Valencia are Bar Marvi, La Pascuala, and Casa Guillermo.
• Turrón – a celebration for those who have a sweet tooth. The typical Christmas candy originated in Arab cuisine and is still widely sold today. There are plenty of different flavors and textures, so make sure to try as many as you can and bring some back home. It will be highly appreciated!
• One of the most popular local drinks is called Agua Valenciana , meaning Valencian water. Made with vodka, gin, cava, and orange juice, this cocktail was invented in 1959 in the bar Cafe Madrid de Valencia and has not lost its popularity since.

Transport: The Best Options to Get Around Valencia

Given the relatively small size of Valencia and the mild dry weather, riding a bike is one of the best ways to get around town. However, there are several other transport options you should consider. Read on!

• Manises Airport serves Valencia and is situated 5 mi (8 km) away from the city. With one single terminal, the rather small Manises Airport is the closest one to Valencia. It offers connections to about 20 European countries. The transfer to and from the city is easy. Metro lines 3 and 5 need about 15 minutes to reach the center.
• You can also use Alicante Airport when traveling to Valencia . Situated 99 mi (160 km) away, it might seem somewhat far, but there are convenient transport options. The bus company Alsa offers shuttles between Valencia and Alicante with ticket prices starting at €5.35 ($6.05).
• Combine the metro and the tram networks to get around fast. The metro lines are a great way to visit more remote areas, and combining it with the tram lets you travel all around Valencia effortlessly. A single ticket costs between €1.40 ($1.60) for one zone and  €3.60 ($4.05) for four zones. You can also get a 10-journey card available for €10.00 ($11.30), called bono transbordo . On weekdays, the metro and tram run between 4:00 AM and 11:30 PM, and on weekends – between 5:00 AM and 12:30 AM.
• The bus network in Valencia is quite convenient, too. Riding the city bus offers a chance to enjoy some of the tourist sights without having to pay the high prices of the Bus Turistico. A single ticket costs €1.50 ($1.70). Alternatively, you can buy a bonobus – a combined 10-journeys ticket for €10.50 ($10.70), of which €2.00 ($2.25) is for the card. The buses run between 4:00 AM and 10:30 PM on a weekday. There is a night bus service until 2:00 AM on weekdays and 3:30 AM on the weekend. Download the EMT València app for useful information such as waiting times, bus schedules, and a city bus map.

Where to Stay – The Best Neighborhoods in Valencia

The neighborhoods of Valencia mix modern innovation with ancient austerity. The city’s unique atmosphere is quite versatile. In the following section, you’ll find our Valencia travel tips to help you select the best area for your stay depending on your interests and preferences.

• Book your stay in Ciutat Vella if you’re a history buff. If it’s your first time in the city, and you’re wondering where to stay in Valencia , the Old Town is your best pick. To get a good feeling of what Valencia looked like a millennium or two ago, wander around the ancient stone buildings of Ciutat Vella . The Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline and proudly holds a chalice that locals will convincingly tell you is the Holy Grail itself. Take a picture at La Plaza de la Reina, get a quick churro on the go, and be on your way to explore further.
• El Carmenis a favorite among the neighborhoods of the Ciutat Vella. The Old Town in Valencia consists of five small neighborhoods called barrios in Spanish. The most popular one is El Carmen. Countless bars, restaurants, small shops, street art, and vibrant nightlife are what make this barrio a favorite among tourists and locals alike. We’re sure you’ll love it, too!
• Ruzafa is without a doubt the “cool-kid” area in Valencia. Home to a vibrant nightlife, slick bars, vegan restaurants, and amazing cupcake bakeries, it draws the city’s youngsters like a magnet. Among other things, it’s also famous for the colorful building of the Ruzafa Market . Should you get hungry from the bustling social life around you, rest assured that fine dining is right there. Famous Valencian chefs have opened their restaurants in the barrio . Our recommendations include Canalla Bistró by Ricard Camarena and Quique Dacosta’s Mercatbar .
• If you’re in Valencia for the beach, rent a room in El Cabanyal district . Situated right behind the lovely beach of Las Arenas , El Cabanyal has a unique atmosphere. It was a separate fishermen’s town until recently and is still a great place to taste the famous seafood paella. The charming small houses, the beach proximity, and a good connection to the city center via metro or tram make it an excellent choice to stay while in Valencia.
• For a quiet stay, choose Benimaclet . Similar to El Cabanyal , Benimaclet was a separate municipality until 1972. It has therefore retained a much more relaxed and cozy atmosphere compared to other parts of Valencia. This is the type of place where everyone knows their neighbor. Several universities built their campuses here, so plenty of local and international students live in the area. It’s well connected both to the Valencian airport and the city center.

Which Is Your Favorite Valencia Travel Tip?

There you have it – the top 33 Valencia travel tips for your visit .

As a place full of history and traditions, heart-stopping art and architecture, divine local cuisine, and breathtaking nature, it’d be a shame to miss this town on your Spanish itinerary.

Madrid and Barcelona might be more famous than the birthplace of paella. But don’t let that stop you from traveling to Valencia, especially if you’re seeking unforgettable adventures.

We hope this Valencia travel guide will help you organize your trip, so you can have a total blast.

Now, it’s your turn:

What’s your favorite Valencia travel tip?

Share with your tribe in the comments below!

Naddya and Svet

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Valencia travel blog — the fullest valencia guide for first-timers.

Dubbed the Orange City, Valencia – the Spain’s third largest city has its own a strange charm: Not too big to make you tire and not too small to make you bore. Valencia balances for a weekend trip, while also filling you up for a long vacation with many memorable experiences: Pristine beaches, wonderful climate, unique and vibrant culture, stunning architecture, delicious food, cheap cost… Exploring Valencia will definitely not disappoint you. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Valencia – the vibrant coastal city of Spain for the first-time? Let’s check out our Valencia travel blog (Valencia blog) with the fullest Valencia travel guide (Valencia guide, Valencia tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

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Valencia travel blog: Overview of Valencia

Valencia (or València as the locals call it) is a city located in central and to the east of Spain, next to the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Valencia is one of the few Mediterranean cities that still keep its language and long cultural traditions, music, dance, cuisine, handicrafts and unique local festivals. This is also home to attractive tourist attractions with many imprints of an ancient city with beautiful, winding cobblestone streets, a towering medieval fortress.

This place was originally built as a resting place for Roman soldiers after battles. Throughout its more than 2,000-year history, Valencia passed through the Roman period and from time to time was under the ruling of the Moors and the Spanish. This gives the city a special interference in architecture, cuisine, culture… Today, you can easily see Muslim buildings next to Christian buildings. Valencian cuisine also “remains” somewhere with the taste of the Moors, but not completely disappeared.

Once an independent country, Valencia has its own language that is still preserved today. If you know Spanish, listen to Valencian people talking to each other but don’t understand anything, plz don’t doubt your level! It’s not the dialect, they’re talking in Valencian.

Valencia travel blog: 5 reasons to visit Valencia

These are the 5 biggest reasons you should put Valencia on your travel “blucket list”:

• The year-round warm climate is the first reason many travelers choose to come to Valencia. Winters are still cold, but not as harsh as most other parts of Europe thanks to its prime geographical location next to Mediterranean Sea.
• The “divine” Spanish Paella dish originated in Valencia. Here you will enjoy the purest and most delicious Paella that is hard to find elsewhere.
• Vibrant festivals take place throughout the year. The most famous one is Las Fallas with giant effigies erected throughout the city. In addition, the weird tomato-throwing festival called La Tomatina in the nearby town of Buñol is a famous festival known around the world.
• Valencia has well-preserved, thousands and hundreds of years old heritage sites. Besides, there are super modern buildings – great gifts for those who love architecture.
• Unlike Madrid and Barcelona, ​​traveling to Valencia is quite cheap and very safe, a good choice when you are fed up with insecurity and expensive in other big cities (perhaps because the city is not too big, so pickpockets “do not like” this place too much, LOL).

Valencia travel blog: When to go?

With 300 sunny days a year, it can be said that it is always a good time to visit Valencia. However, the midsummer months (July and August) are very hot, the temperature can reach 40 degrees Celsius. You should avoid going to Valencia during this period.

In terms of climate, the months of spring to early summer (April – June) or late summer – autumn (September – October) have beautiful weather, the temperature not too high, warm enough to swim in the sea but not too harsh, it is the best time to visit Valencia.

In the middle of March, although it is still a bit cold, the very unique Las Fallas festival will take place, it is worth to wearing warm clothes to wandering around streets at midnight and take part in this unique exciting festival.

Valencia belongs to Spain. Spain belong to the Schengen area, so international tourists need a valid Schengen visa to come here. If you are living and studying in countries in this bloc, you can go without any matter!

Valencia guide: How to get to Valencia?

The fastest and most popular way to get to Valencia is by train from Madrid or Barcelona. Train tickets can be bought on the Renfe website of the national railway company. You can also travel from some other cities as shown in the table below:

Train ticket price list to Valencia:

Train lines depart from Madrid will running through Cuenca. If you have time, you should combine visiting this city with its impressive hanging houses!

If taking the high-speed trains (AVE), you will arrive at Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station. From here, you can walk to Jesús metro station or catch a transfer bus (free) to the Nord Station.

Other trains will stop at Nord Station, located next to the old town, which is very convenient to travel. From here you can catch the metro or bus to other areas.

If the train ticket is too expensive, you can travel to Valencia by bus, although it is slower but the price is quite cheap:

Avanza ( www.avanzabus.com ) / Tel: +34 902 02 00 52: Running 10 trips/day on the Madrid – Valencia route, costing about €17-35. Traveling time is about 4 hours. The traveling time of express and normal buses on this route are not much difference, just different in terms of amenities and ticket price.

ALSA ( www.alsa.es ) / Tel: +34 902 42 22 42: There are more than 15 bus trips per day on the Barcelona – Valencia route, the fare is about €6-35. Yes, only about €6 (if you buy early) you can comfortable to travel between these two cities. Traveling time is about 4-5 hours. Route Alicante – Valencia with more than 20 trips per day, fare €5-25, running time about 2 and a half hours. This bus company also operating buses from Almería, Benidorm, Granada, Málaga, Murcia, Sevilla and France (Marseille, Paris, Toulouse).

While Autobuses Jiménez, Bilman Bus, Hife, Autobuses Buñol, La Concepción, Autocares Herca, Travicoi connect Valencia with other cities and small towns.

Flixbus, Linebús, Eurolines and Starbus operating international routes from Portugal, Andorra, France, Belgium…

All buses stop at Valencia Bus Terminal (Estación de Autobuses de Valencia). From here, you can walk to El Carmen area or take bus no. 8 to get to the city center.

Blablacar and car

Blablacar rideshare service from Madrid and Barcelona to Valencia for about €15-30. Travel time from both cities is about 3-4 hours.

If you want to self-driving, Valencia has a modern network of motorways connecting to other cities:

• Highway A-3 Madrid – Valencia.
• The Mediterráneo AP-7 highway running from south to north along the length of the Mediterranean coast to Barcelona and then connects to the French motorway network.

The two ferry companies Trasmediterránea and Baleària operate ferries to Valencia from Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Algeria:

Unless you want to try a new experience, you should take the ferry because it is both time consuming and rarely offers promotions like flying. You can check ferries timetables, routes here .

There are many daily cheap flights from other cities in Europe and also from Morocco in Africa to Valencia. You can go to flight ticket hunting sites like Google Flight , Kayak , Skyscanner or Momondo to find tickets, very easy.

If there is no flight to Valencia from your stay, you can find a flight to Alicante, Barcelona or Madrid and then take a train or bus to Valencia. Although it will take more time, but you can take advantage of visiting these 2 cities.

Note: There is currently no direct flight from Vietnam or other Southeast Asian countries to Valencia. You can fly to major cities in Europe and then fly to Valencia.

Getting from airport city center

Valencia has only one airport called Aeroport de Valencia (VLC), about 10Km from the center. When searching for airline tickets, you just need to fill in the name of the city, no need to worry about buying the wrong ticket to other distant airports.

There are two easiest ways to travel between the airport and the city center are bus and metro:

• Bus: Bus no. 150 runs between the airport and the city center in about half an hour. The two main bus stops in the center are Ángel Guimerà and Avenida Barón de Carcer, 26. Ticket price is €1.45.
• Metro: Metro lines 3 and 5 connect the airport and the city center in about 20 minutes. There is a trip every 15 minutes. The single ticket price is €3.90 but you should not buy this ticket but should use the TuiN card for only €2 or go for free with the Valencia Tourist Card. The main metro stations in the center are Ángel Guimerà, Xàtiva and Colón.

For more details about vehicle types, stations, timetables, prices… you can refer here .

Valencia travel blog: Getting around Valencia

Most of the main attractions are located in the old town. So, even though it is the 3rd largest city in Spain, you can fully explore Valencia on foot or by bicycle. If you want to rent a bicycle, you can refer Valenbisi rental service at a very economical rental price.

3 popular public transport when traveling to Valencia are bus (EMT), tram and metro. To buy tickets, you need to buy a Móbilis Card and then “top-up” the tickets you want to use.

To get to the sea and harbour, the best way is to take a combination of metro and tram. Single ticket price of €1.50. If you traveling by metro and tram a lot, you should buy a 10-journey ticket Bonometro (10-trip ticket) (€7.60) or a top-up TuiN Card (each trip in zone A only costs €0.76).

If you want to go to Albufera to watching sunset, you can take bus number 24 or 25 (these two routes are the same, only in the last section is divided into two different directions). Bus fare is €1.50/way, Bonobús 10-journey ticket costs €8.50.

Also, you can take the Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour for 24 or 48 hours. This bus tour will take you to main tourist attracions with unlimited travel times within its time frame.

• Valencia: 24 or 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket

To be able to use a combination of bus, tram and metro, you can buy a 10-journey ticket Bono Transbordo (€9.00) or a Valencia Tourist Card.

Valencia Tourist Card

With this card you can travel for free with all Valencia public transport (bus, tram, metro) and get discounts to access, visit many tourist attractions, shopping, restaurants, and tourism services in Valencia. Cards cost €15, €20 and €25 respectively for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The 7-day pass, excluding transportation, costs €12. If you travel, visit or shop a lot, you should consider using these cards to save money.

• Valencia: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Valencia Tourist Card

Buy online to get 10% off card price. To learn more about Valencia Tourist Card and buy it online, you can refer here .

Valencia travel blog: Where to stay?

When renting an accommodation in Valencia, you can choose the following areas depending on the purpose of your trip:

• If you traveling to Valencia by plane, you should find accommodation near the stops that metro lines 3 and 5 pass, especially the 3 stations of Ángel Guimerà, Xàtiva and Colón. These stations are located close to the old town, so it is very convenient to travel and visit.
• The areas around Ciutat Arts I Ciencies (City of Arts and Sciences) are for travelers who love the modernity. However, this area does not have metro, you can only use bus or taxi.
• Area near the sea: Of course for visitors who want to sunbathe and swim in the sea. There are many restaurants, bars and pubs suitable for partygoers. From here you can take tram or bus to the city center.
• Albufera area: Quite inconvenient for travel, only bus lines 24 and 25 connect to the center. However, there are many beautiful scenes here, wild beaches and even nude beaches. Albufera is also the place to watch the most beautiful sunset in Valencia.
• The Cabanyal area is being cleared, so it is quite complicated, you should not rent accommodation in this area.

In terms of cost, the room rates in Valencia is quite cheap, from only €12 you can find beds in hostels. Double rooms cost from €30 with a convenient location, not too far away like other big cities.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Venecia Plaza Centro ( Booking.com ).
• Hotel Ilunion Aqua 4 ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Hotel Kramer ( Booking.com ).
• Hotel Melia Valencia ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Check out more top rated and best hotels in Valencia on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Valencia blog: What to to and where to go?

Old town and plaza de la virgen (valencia cathedral).

Wandering around the old town will give you the feeling of stepping back in time with its well-preserved hundreds of years old buildings. The most prominent of these are probably Valencia Cathedral of Plaza de la Virgen. It is the soul of the city, with a combination of Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Classical architecture. Not only a church, this place is also a museum with many special masterpieces.

Visiting Valencia Cathedral, do not forget to find a small chapel inside the cathedral that preserved the original of the Holy Grail (The Holy Chalice of Valencia), which is said to have been used by Jesus at the Last Supper and if you climb up 207 steps of the Miguelete belltower, you will be able to enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of the city.

One of the Cathedral’s treasures are the Renaissance frescoes of the main altar, which were rediscovered ten years ago by removing the Baroque vaults that covered them.

Address: Plaça de l’Almoina, s/n, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain Architect: Pere Compte Opened: June 23, 1262

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences)

In stark contrast to the ancient look of the old town, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias complex with super modern architecture will overwhelm visitors. Splendid, magnificent, unique works make you think of sci-fi movies about the future. But everything here is real, you can see, touch to feel with all the senses. It includes a cinema with widescreen, planetarium and laser light projection room.

The project was inaugurated in 1998 by architect Santiago Calatrava – a Valencian resident. The cinema L’Hemisferic with 13,000m² is twice as large as Europe’s largest planetarium, the fancy design is modeled on the model of a giant eye, with the cinema room as the pupil. L’Hemisferic’s dome has an eyelid-like structure that can be closed or opened. This cinema officially opened in 1998 to serve exhibitions on science and art of the city of Valencia.

This complex is an open area, you can walk around for free. Only when you want to enter the buildings do you have to buy tickets.

Address: Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain

Experience 2 World Heritage Sites

Valencia owns 2 World Heritage Sites that you cannot miss in your Valencia trip:

La Lonja (Silk Exchange Market): A group of buildings with Gothic architecture from the 16th century. This was once the largest silk trading market in Europe.

Water Court: Intangible cultural heritage from the 8th-13th centuries, still taking place regularly every week.

Garden of the Turia

The Jardines del Túria (Garden of the Turia) was once a river but has since been transformed into a huge park. You can take a walk or cycling along this park to reach the complex of Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.

Address: Av. de Manuel de Falla, s/n, 46018 València, Valencia, Spain Hours: Open 24 hours

From the center, you can take the tram to reach Malvarrosa or Cabanyal beach. These are 2 beaches near the city, so there are all services to serve visitors. Because of this, these 2 beaches are always overloaded in the summer, so I don’t like it very much.

To avoid crowds, you should take a bus to the southern beaches outside the city like Autocine, El Saler, which are very deserted and clean. Note that in addition to the fresh water shower, there are no restaurants here, so you need to bring your own food and water.

Valencia National Ceramics Museum

González Martí National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts is housed in a 15th-century palace that has been reconstructed in the Rococo architectural style. The entrance in front of the door is highlighted by a statue of the Virgin Mary, water gushing from the statue’s hands. The museum houses and introduces visitors to traditional ceramic products from different locations, including Greek, Arabic, Roman and prehistoric times.

Address: Carrer del Poeta Querol, 2, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain Hours: 10AM–2PM, 4–8PM/Monday: Closed Founded: February 7, 1947

Bioparc Zoo

If you are a nature and animal lover, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the Bioparc Zoo. This zoo was built in 2008 and is located along the Turia gardens. Currently, this zoo is the habitat of many different animals, including many rare and precious wildlife species native to Africa.

Address: Av. Pío Baroja, 3, 46015 València, Valencia, Spain Hours: 10AM–7PM Notable animals: Hope, Ebo, Vito, Mohr, Apollo, Juanita

Plaza de Ayuntamiento

A place that is considered the heart of Valencia city that you should visit is Plaza de Ayuntamiento Square. This is a beautiful large square located right in the heart of city center. Surrounding the square are many important structures and buildings such as the Cinematography Institute and Teatro Rialto (Rialto Theater), Valencia City Hall and the post office, etc. In the middle of the square is a circular fountain, a statue of the hero of Valencia, Francesc de Vinatea. This square also where regularly takes place many important events and exciting festivals in Valencia. Therefore, this is always one of the busiest and busiest areas of Valencia city.

L’Oceanografic Aquarium

Oceanogràfic is the largest aquarium in Europe. It’s a Valencia tourist attraction that shows true homage to our planet’s sea and ocean. L’Oceanografic Outdoor Oceanographic Institute in water lily-shaped architecture covering an area of 110,000 square meters with glass tunnels, containing more than 11 million gallons of water, gathering 45,000 marine life of 500 species, such as sharks, white whales, seals, dolphins, penguins… The aquarium is divided geographically into ten different parts, from the North Pole to the equator.

• Oceanogràfic Valencia Entrance Ticket

Address: Carrer d’Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1B, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain Hours: 10AM–6PM

El Cabanyal Neighborhood

As a famous tourist attraction located on the coast of La Malvarrosa. It is located on the east side of the city, where houses are clustered with colorful ancient architecture and impressive paintings on the walls.

Central Market

Valencian cuisine has much to be proud of and you can find it all at the Central Market with full of local products from fruit, seafood to crafts, souvenirs as well as Mediterranean flavors.

Albufera National Park

The most perfect place to enjoy nature when traveling to Valencia is the Albufera National Park. This is an area with large lakes, deserted beaches, rice fields and a place to watch stunning sunset. Albufera is also the cradle of legendary dish Paella, come and feel the fatty taste of this unique dish!

Bologfera Natural Park is 10 km from the city, here you can watch the dreamy sunset, take a boat ride. Like an oasis surrounded by rice fields and forests. You should visit it if you want to learn the origins of Valencian cuisine.

Visit El Palmar and try some of the typical dishes, such as all-i-pebre and llisa adobada. Enjoy food in a new way by learning about its origins. Stroll along six of the possible walking routes in the nature park, spot birds and aquatic plants, and have a real fishing experience in the largest lake area in Spain.

Address: mata de l’antina,, Valencia, Spain Established: July 23, 1986

Las Fallas Festival

Las Fallas, the biggest festival in the city, takes place in mid-March every year. Ninots of all sizes erected throughout the city from March 15 to the night of March 19 will be burned. The festival attracts many visitors from all over the world.

If you like festivals, noise and bustle, you should go to see Las Fallas, and if you like quiet, you should stay away because it is super noisy. Some Valencians even have to move away to avoid noise during festival time.

If you do not have the opportunity to go to Valencia in time for Las Fallas, you can go to the Museo Fallero (Fallas Museum) to admire the works that are kept every year.

Valencia travel blog: What and where to eat?

Like everywhere else in Spain, restaurants in Valencia are open very late. Lunch time at 2pm and dinner time at 9pm. Restaurants and bars open about 1 hour before this time frame. Some restaurants that cater to tourists open all day, but you should not eat at these places because the food are quite expensive and not very tasty.

The tap water in Valencia is said to be potable, but it’s usually hard to drink because it tastes weird. You should buy large bottles of water at supermarkets at a very cheap price of only €1/8l bottle, then extract it into a small bottle, bring and drink it gradually.

Must-try dishes in Valencia

Legend has it that Valencia is the birthplace of the famous Paella, a type of rice cooked with seafood or chicken and rabbit. I really like this dish. A lot of eateries in Valencia serve paella, but the quality is vary. People often say “Paella in Valencia is both delicious and has the best taste” and often forget the following sentence “but that doesn’t mean paella in other places is bad and every restaurant in Valencia is good”. Therefore, you should research carefully to find the best place to eat.

You can try paella at Barraca Toni Montoliu , Casa Roberto or Casa Carmela with “confirmed” quality.

A variation of paella, prepared similarly but replacing rice with small pasta is also loved by many locals.

Horchata (orxata)

A famous Valencia specialty drink made from chufa tubers grown right in the surrounding fields. Traveling to Valencia in the summer without trying this drink is a big omission. In terms of form and method of making, it is quite similar to make soy milk in Vietnam. Spanish love sweets, so horchata is usually added a lot of sugar and so sweet. Personally, I prefer unsweetened horchata because it has a very good taste, not overwhelmed by the sweetness.

Do not drink horchata from street food vendors because it is not very tasty, go to stalls specialize selling horchata called horchateria to enjoy. If you don’t mind going far, head to Alboraia, where the best chufas are grown with many famous horchaterias.

Agua de Valencia

Agua de Valencia is a popular local drink, made from water, cava (sparkling wine), orange juice, gin and vodka, quite attractive.

Tinto de verano

Tinto de verano is not a typical drink of Valencia, but in the middle of a hot summer afternoon, sitting at a restaurant by the beach, sipping its sweet and passionate taste, it is worth a try.

Where to eat?

The secret to eat cheap and delicious when traveling to Valencia in particular and the whole of Spain in general is to find lunch sets (called Menú del Día) for only about €10 including 2 main dishes, drinks and dessert. Make sure to eat full and sit in a restaurant.

The place with the most restaurants and the most affordable prices is the Barrio de Carmen area. Here there are many shops with different styles for you to choose from.

If you are tired of Western food, you can go to the Chinese area (on the “side” of the Valencia Nord station) to find Asian food at very cheap and diverse food.

Some restaurant I really like:

Mattilda (Carrer de Roteros, 21, 46003 Valencia): This restaurant has a pretty good paella lunch menu, but it only serves from 2 people or more.

Restaurante Taberna Gallega (Gran Via de les Germanies, 9, 46006 Valencia): This restaurant specializes in Galician region cuisine. It looks ugly from the outside but the food is extremely delicious, the price is super cheap, only €10 for a set meal (dinner with the same price as lunch). Moreover, this price includes wine. And really good wine, not a booze that doesn’t want to be tasted. The first time I ate at this restaurant, I was so fascinated that dinner, I came back to eat again in the evening, and continued drinking because it was irresistible.

Horchateria Toni (Carrer Colon, 11, 46120 Alboraia): Easily accessible by metro. The horchata and ice cream here are delicious.

Horchateria Toni (Av. l’Horta, 1, 46120 Port Saplaya): The same owner as the shop above, so the quality of horchata is the same. This shop is quite far when reach by bus, but it has a very good location close to the beach and right next to the small Venice area – Port Saplaya is very beautiful. My favorite dish in this shop is not horchata but super delicious chestnut ice cream.

Some tips to save budget when eating in Valencia

When traveling to Valencia, you can temporarily forget about buying home-cooked food to save money. The reason is that food in Valencia is very cheap and varied, it can be said that you can find food at any price. These are 2 most economical ways but you can still enjoy local cuisine:

Takeaway shops are very popular with people. These places often have Plato del Día (dish of the day) for only about €2.5. Other dishes are usually from €3-4/part and guarantee full. However, these stores are not located in the center, but only in residential and student areas, most of which are in Bernimaclet. If you see a place where food is displayed in a glass cabinet with the word “Para Llever” (takeaway food), you can go in and eat delicious and cheap right away.

If you want to saving more and more, you can go to supermarkets to find ready-made meals for only €2/box, with all kinds of food. Take it home to warm up in the microwave for a few minutes and you will have a delicious hot meal. It’s not great, but it’s not bad.

Valencia travel blog: Entertainment and nightlife in Valencia

Valencia has a wide variety of entertainment activities with live music, theatre, events, sports, cinemas… You can find daily updated information at the tourist offices or via websites: Love Valencia , AU, Hello, Cartelera Turia .

Valencia’s two main football teams are Valencia CF and Levante UD. If you like football, you can go to the Mestalla stadium or the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia to watch a match to satisfy your eyes.

Valencia blog: Traveling cost

As you can see above, the cost of traveling to Valencia is inexpensive. Except for the tickets to get to Valencia, every day here you only need to spend about €40 to be able to explore comfortably. The longer you stay, the more benefits you get with daily and weekly tickets. If you only eat with food buy from supermarkets or takeaway food and don’t use transportation, it can be even cheaper.

But anyway, don’t save too much, sometimes spending money to have fun is also bring memorable experiences.

Valencia travel blog: Some notes before you go

• Although it is a safe city, vigilance is needed. Don’t leave your belongings careless or careless about money.
• If you ride a bicycle, lock it properly. Repeat: Lock your bike well. Although it’s safe for visitor, but vehicle is not safe at all, be careful.
• Choosing a place to stay that suits your needs, tourists often stay near the old town for easy sightseeing.
• Always keep your travel tickets carefully to avoid losing them. If found without tickets or invalid tickets will be fined up to €100.
• Most attractions are closed on Mondays, so if you come to Valencia on this day, you should go to the beach or head to Albufera area.
• Don’t be afraid to communicate with strangers. Valencia is quite safe and the people are very friendly, so don’t worry too much when someone starts a conversation. As long as you are not too gullible, you will be fine, sometimes you will even find new friends.

Valencia blog: Summary of budget tips when traveling to Valencia

• Book in advance for all pre-bookable services to get the best price: Air tickets, trains, accommodation, Valencia Tourist Card…
• If you only take the metro/tram, use the TuiN Card.
• Buy 10-journey tickets, daily tickets or Valencia Tourist Card to save on travel costs.
• Maybe consider taking a taxi or Uber if traveling in a group.
• Rent a Valenbisi bike and change your bike every 30 minutes instead of renting by day.
• If you go in a large group, you can try AirBnB with family apartments.
• Take advantage of visiting places for free. Lots of attractions are free on Saturday and/or Sunday mornings before 2pm.
• If you visit a lot, you should buy a Valencia Tourist Card to get a discount on ticket prices. Remember to buy online to get 10% off.
• Buy meals at the supermarket or at takeaway stores.

Above are my “secrets” to have an economical trip to Valencia and many memorable experiences. Hope this article helps you get the best information to plan your trip. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to comment!

Valencia blog: Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Valencia you can refer to

• City of Arts and Sciences Tickets in Valencia
• Valencia Old Town Walking Tour With Tapas Experience
• Valencia Segway Tours
• Bike Tour in Valencia
• Valencia City of Arts and Sciences Tour with Rooftop Wine and Tapas
• Valencia: Catamaran Cruise with Swim Stop
• Valencia: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Sparkling Wine
• Valencia: Sunset Catamaran Crusie with Cocktail
• Valencia: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour
• Valencia: 48-Hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus & Oceanogràfic Ticket
• Valencia: Pub Crawl With Free Shots
• Valencia: Catamaran Cruise with Drink

Are you looking for more top things to do in Valencia: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And Spain here .

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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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About Or Amir

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.

The New York Times

Travel | 36 hours in valencia, spain.

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Travel | 36 Hours

36 hours in valencia, spain.

By INGRID K. WILLIAMS JUNE 23, 2016

Artistic and culinary innovation continue to transform every corner of this perpetually sunny city. Related Article

It’s been several years since Valencia unveiled the last major structure in a complex of headline-grabbing architectural landmarks — among them a futuristic aquarium, opera house and science museum — collectively known as the City of Arts and Sciences. But don’t think that Spain’s third-largest city has been idling since then. Flashes of innovation have continued to transform every corner of this perpetually sunny metropolis , from creative restaurants reinterpreting culinary traditions to daring street artists animating historic lanes. Influences now range from Moorish to modern, yet some things in Valencia , like a perfect pan of paella , remain thankfully unchanged.

36 Hours in Valencia

Explore street view, find things to do in Valencia and sign in to your Google account to save your map.

1. Renewable Energy , 4 p.m.

El Carmen may be the barrio best known for its vibrant street life, but a new urban experiment is turning a pocket of the historic center into the liveliest place in town. Opened in 2013, the Mercado de Tapineria is essentially a permanent pop-up, with three retail spaces on two adjacent plazas that are completely overhauled each week. Browse the current incarnations of these so-called “Ephemeral Stores,”which have previously stocked everything from tailored turtleneck dresses by theValencian label Uke to industrial light fixtures and costume jewelry from a local antiques dealer. Adding to the market’s energy are two restaurants and regular events on the plazas, including live music, art installations and public picnics.

2. Evening Aperitif , 7 p.m.

With dinner still hours away, spend the early evening in the company of an aperitif. For a local craft beer, try Tyris on Tap , a laid-back bar that opened last year with taps pouring their own creative microbrews, like the Valencian-style IPA, or VIPA. To while away the hours more glamorously, visit Café de las Horas where the scarlet drapes, trompe l’oeil walls, candelabra and chandeliers make the bar feel like a Victorian boudoir that happens to serve top-shelf gin-and-tonics like a saffron-infused gin with Nordic Mist tonic, saffron strands and an orange slice (10 euros , or $11.35 ).

3. Sweet Carolina , 9 p.m.

For a glimpse at how the esteemed and eminently dapper Spanish chef Quique Dacosta is redefining modern Valencian cuisine, book a table at his stylish tapas restaurant Vuelve Carolina. This gorgeous space — blond -wood paneling, double-height ceiling, long wooden bar, smooth wood tables — fills with fashionable Valencianos dining on delightful plates like the foie “cubalibre,” made with a rich rum-and-cola sauce inspired by the cocktail. Other innovative dishes include the potato soufflé filled with liquid egg yolk and the bright sashimi of butterfish with ponzu, yuzu and citrus. Dinner for two, about 75 euros.

4. Jazz Joint , 11:30 p.m.

Listen for the reverberations of Valencia’s buzzing live-music scene along the winding lanes in the Carmen district. If you don’t stumble upon a tune that resonates, swing by the reliable Jimmy Glass Jazz Bar , whose unassuming entrance gives little hint to the musical talent that performs inside. The narrow, intimate space means the crowd tucks tightly around the sliver of a stage where local music students, jazz pianists and touring trios jam late into the night.

5. Feel the Burn , 10:30 a.m.

The cherished annual Fallas festival — for which Valencianos spend weeks constructing elaborate papier-mâché monuments and satirical figurines that are promptly set aflame during the celebration — happened back in March. But you can still learn about the fiery fiesta at the Museo Fallero (2 euros). One of the festival’s cartoonish ninots, as the baroque figurines are called, is traditionally saved from the flames and moved to the museum, which displays ninots dating back to 1934. Equally fascinating is the collection of vintage posters advertising the festival that illustrate evolving artistic trends across the decades.

6. Shop Spain , 1 p.m.

It’s immediately clear why “Hecho en España” is the slogan at the boutique Simple : the labyrinthine shop is jam-packed with diverse artisan al goods made throughout the country. Looking for a wardrobe upgrade? Consider the espadrille sandals or the soft scarves of merino wool from Grazalema. Hungry? How about sardine-shaped chocolate bars? Home in need of new décor? Weigh the merits of dried lavender bouquets and PETA-friendly taxidermy in the form of bull heads made of wicker.

7. Lunch Counter , 2 p.m.

A walk through Valencia’s Mercado Central , one of Europe’s largest and oldest food markets , is guaranteed to elicit hunger pangs. When that happens, join the line at Central Bar , a terracotta-tiled tapas bar sandwiched between vendors. Run by the star chef Ricard Camarena, this efficient, bustling spot serves a menu built on products from the surrounding market, from fried artichokes in season to plump boquerones (anchovies) with passion-fruit ceviche. Always on the menu is the classic tortilla bocadillo — a wedge of warm potato-and-onion omelet inside a crusty Parisian-quality baguette — which is as spectacular as it is simple. Lunch for two, about 25 euros.

8. Wall Wizards , 5 p.m.

The most impressive art in the city is arguably the sophisticated street art splashed across many surfaces in Carmen. To tour this outdoor gallery, start near Plaza del Tossal, where a Biblically-sized snake-bearded Moses resides, and a little f a rther north, snails pull a Brobdingnagian horse. Then walk to Calle de los Jardines to see a flowery scene with kawaii (cute) characters and a masked Mexican wrestler riding a carp below a fluttering hummingbird. On Calle del Museo, look for No . 9, where a miniature house for cats — with a n entryway used by resident felines — is detailed down to the window dressings. From there, head south on Calle del Pintor Fillol to pass more distinctively sunny handiwork from the artist Julieta XLF,David de Limón’s skinny ninjas and , most appropriately, a rabbit and a chicken battling above a paella pan.

9. Conserve the Sea , 9 p.m.

Canned supermarket tuna bears little resemblance to the high-quality tinned seafood available in Spain. Good thing, because tins make up the majority of the menu at La Conservera , an adorable tapas place in the gentrifying Ruzafa district. With its long marble counter, hanging scale and illuminated “Pescadería” sign, the casual space could be confused with a fishmonger’s shop. And the stacks of colorful tins arrayed along the front wall are not just décor , they’re also the tasty provisions: plump preserved mussels, smoked trout in olive oil, spicy tomato-topped mackerel. Paired with a basket of crusty bread and cold cervezas, dinner for two is about 20 euros.

10. Ruzafa Romp , 11:30 p.m.

The southern barrio of Ruzafa has quickly morphed from a working-class and immigrant neighborhood into a prime night - life district. Along the main drag, Calle del Literato Azorín, join the sociable Valencianos gathered at popular spots like Ubik Café , a bookshop/bar where you can sip a house vermouth amid stacks of well-thumbed novels. Later visit the nearby Olhöps Craft Beer House , a new beer bar with pale-wood benches and canary-yellow shelving that wouldn’t be out of place in Scandinavia. Try one of the rare Spanish craft beers on tap, like the excellent strawberry-infused saison from Navarra’s Naparbier brewery.

11. Dueling Chufas , 11 a.m.

Spanish horchata, or orxata in the local vernacular, is a refreshing beverage that has little in common — beyond the beige hue — with Mexico’s milky cinnamon-and-rice version. Made from water, sugar and the tubers called chufas (tiger nuts), this native Valencian drink has a subtle flavor akin to almond milk. To conduct a taste test, head to Mercado Colón , an elegant former food market with a gorgeous Spanish-Modernist fa c ade, a soaring iron-and-glass roof and Gaudí-esquemosaics. The restored market hall houses several caf e s, including Casa de l’Orxata ,which serves a bracing, sugar-free version of the drink. Compare that with the traditional preparation at Horchatería Daniel , an artisanal producer based in Alboraia, the chufa-farming area just north of the city.

12. Palmar Paella , 2:30 p.m.

Valencia is known for its paella, but to get to the bottom of the city’s most famous dish, ride bus No. 25 about 15 miles south to the village of El Palmar, around which the revered rice actually grows. Little more than a handful of sleepy streets and low-slung houses, this tiny town is packed with endearingly dated restaurants specializing in paella that locals swear beats any arroz in the city center. One solid choice is Restaurante Bon Aire , a bi-level space that fills with boisterous groups enjoying long Sunday lunches centered on enormous shared pans of paella Valenciana, made with chicken, rabbit, duck and snails (lunch, 40 euros for two). Afterward, visit one of the riparian outfits touting “paseos en barca” for a relaxing boat ride (about 5 euros) into the wetlands of Albufera National Park, and spend the postprandial hour peacefully floating amid tall grasses and wading birds.

In an ideal location near the Mercado Central, the Vincci Mercat (Calle de la Linterna, 31; vinccimercat.com; from 132 euros) is a boutique hotel that opened last year with 68 spacious, comfortable rooms and a small rooftop pool.

Near the city’s grand cathedral, the 26-room Caro Hotel (Calle del Almirante, 14; carohotel.com; from 190 euros) occupies a 19th-century palace with notable architectural details from Gothic arches to an original Roman mosaic. Elegant, minimalist interiors by Francesc Rifé are heavy on polished marble and modern furnishings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get to know the neighbourhoods

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

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

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

Read more on Spain travel :

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

Explore by bike

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

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

Head to the beach

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

Wander galleries and landmarks

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

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

Experience Las Fallas

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

Where to stay

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

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Hotel Amenities

Health & wellbeing.

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

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

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

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

Where to eat

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

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

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

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

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

Where to drink

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

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

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

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

Where to shop

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

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

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

Architectural highlight

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

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

What currency do I need?

What language do they speak.

Spanish, but many people speak English.

Should I tip?

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

How should I get around?

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

What’s the best view?

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

Insider tip

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

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Experience Valencia Through The Eyes of Locals

Serendipity can be liberating – and there’s no better place to embrace it than in Spain. The country is a great place to adopt a more laissez-faire approach to travel, with its open, receptive culture and people who are always happy to put you at ease. On a whistle-stop tour of local recommendations, I got to experience some of the most interesting stories, people and places the country has to offer.

A city of artisans

This journey took me to Valencia, the country’s third-largest city,  on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula. I didn’t really know what to expect; only that it was this year’s World Design Capital, which was evident from the moment I disembarked at  Norte Railway Station , a modernist structure covered in colourful mosaics that tell the tale of the city. There, I am welcomed by Pepa Salazar ( @pepasalazar ), a Valencian-born fashion designer best known for her collaborationsng with Spain’s most exciting pop stars. Her work is heavily influenced by the rich history of Valencia’s music scene of recent decades.

She took me to  Sombreros Albero , the country’s oldest milliner, established in 1820 and stocking a dizzying range of styles, from swimming bonnets to cowboy hats. “Valencia is a city of artisans,”she said, going on to describe the unique appeal of fallera dresses, traditionally worn for Las Fallas, the Valencian World Heritage festival. Pepa also recommended horchata, a local drink made from tiger nuts, served in many of the cute cafes of  Mercado Colon .

World design capital

Shopping and drinking aside, a trip to the World Design Capital wouldn’t be complete without a visit to City of Arts and Sciences , the expansive complex housing some of Valencia ’s most exciting cultural spaces. One is  CaixaForum , an innovative multidisciplinary hub in the show- stopping arches of the Agora building. This concert hall and museum is the perfect venue for my meeting with Hugáceo Crujiente, a trailblazing drag artist.

Hugáceo Crujiente ( @hugaceo.crujiente ), a competitor on the inaugural season of Drag Race España, found their creative freedom in the streets and clubs of the  Russafa neighbourhood. “With colourful murals all around, a strong community and literally any music genre you can imagine, it feels like the heart of the city,” they tell me. Roaming Russafa with Hugáceo and their friends opened parts of Valencia to me I would probably never have found on my own.

Where nature meets culture

Though the city has a strong cultural focus, it also stands out for the way it integrates nature into the urban landscape. Next to the popular sandy Las Arenas beaches is  Valencia Marina , a venue with an exciting mix of sporting, gastronomy and nightlife options. Another great spot is  Turia Gardens , the city’s key green space, which has a scenic cycle path that transports you to an oasis of calm just a short distance from the centre.

The enchanting light

The final stop on my Valencian voyage was  Carme Contemporary Culture Centre or CCCC , where I met local illustrator África Pitarch ( @africapitarch ). “This is one of my favourite places in the city,” she says as we walk through the magical Gothic courtyard of the gallery. When I comment on the almost cinematic surroundings, África responds: “One of the most important things we have here is the light. It’s beautiful, unique and it characterises our art – Valencia-born Joaquín Sorolla was a master at capturing it.” It feels fitting to end my tour at a place that captures the essence of the city so well. Valencia is a place where old meets new in the most natural and unfussy way. And right now, it’s a must-visit.

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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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For many, Valencia’s enviable perch on the Mediterranean would be enough of a draw. Not so for the city itself: Valencia has been reinventing itself at a heady pace, and shows no signs of slowing down. Well on the way to equalling – indeed, eclipsing in some instances – the cosmopolitan vitality of Barcelona and the cultural variety of Madrid, Spain’s third-largest city has finally shaken off its slightly provincial former reputation. In the last decade and a half, a vast, iconic La Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias cultural complex has been established, the state-of-the-art metro has continued to expand and dozens of hip new bars, restaurants and boutiques have injected new life into the historic centre. Valencia has also fully redeveloped its beach and port area, in part sparked by its hosting of prestigious yachting jamboree, the America’s Cup. Nevertheless, despite its size and stylista cachet, Valencia retains an unpretentious if tangibly charged air.

Valencia and Murcia

Around valencia, north of valencia: the costa del alzahar, the golfo de mazarrón, lorca and around.

Always an important city, Valencia was fought over for the agricultural wealth of its surrounding huerta. After Romans and Visigoths, it was occupied by the Moors for over four centuries with only a brief interruption (1094–1101) when El Cid recaptured it. He died here in 1099, but his body, propped on a horse and led out through the gates, was still enough to cause the Moorish armies – previously encouraged by news of his death – to flee in terror. It wasn’t until 1238 that Jaime I of Aragón permanently wrested Valencia back. It has remained one of Spain’s largest and richest cities ever since.

Valencia has long boasted some of the best nightlife in mainland Spain. Vivir Sin Dormir (Live Without Sleep) is the name of one of its bars, and it could be taken as a Valencian mantra. The city is alive with noise and colour throughout the year, with explosions of gunpowder, fireworks and festivities punctuating the calendar. Valencia’s fiestas are some of the most riotous in Spain and the best is Las Fallas, March 12–19, which culminates in a massive bonfire where all the processional floats are burned.

The most atmospheric area of the city is undoubtedly the maze-like Barrio del Carmen (in Valenciano “de Carmé”), roughly north of the Mercado Central to the Río Turia, extending up to the Torres de Serranos and west to the Torres de Quart. This once-neglected quarter continues to undergo regeneration, as buildings are renovated and stylish cafés open up next to crumbling townhouses, all of which makes for an incredibly vibrant, alternative neighbourhood. The city walls, which, judging from the two surviving gates, must have been magnificent, were pulled down in 1871 to make way for a ring road, and the beautiful church of Santo Domingo, in Plaza de Tetuan, has been converted into a barracks – it was from here that General Milans del Bosch ordered his tanks onto the streets during the abortive coup of 1981. This incident, however, isn’t representative of the city’s political inclination, which has traditionally been to the left – Valencia was the seat of the Republican government during the Civil War after it fled Madrid, and was the last city to fall to Franco.

The oldest part of Valencia is almost entirely encircled by a great loop of the Río Turia, which is now a landscaped riverbed park. In 1956, after serious flooding damaged much of the old town, the river was diverted. The ancient stone bridges remain, but the riverbed now houses cycle ways, footpaths and football pitches, as well as the astonishing Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias, Europe’s largest cultural complex. As further proof that Valencia is ever inventing itself, the city is now getting its own Central Park. The 23-hectare Valencia Parque Central is currently being built on old rail lines, in the area of the new Sorolla train station, and is one of the city’s – if not Spain’s – largest redevelopment projects to date. The massive park will include plazas, promenades, children’s gardens, an art centre, an amphitheatre and more.

Valencia’s main beach is the Playa de la Malvarrosa to the east of the city centre, which becomes Playa de las Arenas at its southern end.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Spain, created by local experts

9 days  / from 2422 USD

Andalucía Explored

Discover the best of Andalucía's breathtaking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards, and more, as you travel through spectacular scenery dotted with pueblos blancos and bordered by rugged mountains and coast en route to Granada, Seville, Ronda and Jerez de la Frontera.

4 days  / from 631 USD

A culinary experience in Seville

Explore the cuisine and surroundings of Seville in Andalucia. From Iberian ham over sherry wines to the production and secrets of olive oil, this tour is an ideal weekend getaway. Decide yourself if you prefer a rental car or a chauffeur-driven car to explore the beauty of Andalucia.

10 days  / from 3721 USD

Spanish Honeymoon

Discover Andalusia, starting with the cultural city of Seville, then on to Córdoba and Granada, home of the stunning Alhambra Palace. Next you'll visit Granada and the Albayzin Arab quarter, then enjoy a stunning hot-air balloon ride, before ending your trip with a luxury boat trip from Marbella!

Tailor-made trips for   Spain

Named “El Levante” after the rising sun, this lush region is the part of Spain that wakes up first. Valencia has the Mediterranean Sea as its front yard, while the inland huerta is one of the most fertile in Europe, crowded with orange and lemon groves, date-palm plantations and rice fields still irrigated by systems devised by the Moors. Paella originated in these parts, and a juicy orange is named after Valencia. Evidence of the lengthy Moorish occupation can be seen throughout, in the castles, crops and place names – Benidorm, Alicante and Alcoy are all derived from Arabic. The region also encompasses the historical Murcia, which offers a fascinating contrast to the sun-and-sand debauchery on the water. Explored from one end to the other, this is a land of ancient and modern, of beauty and beastliness.

The growing self-assurance of the region is evident in the increasing presence of Valenciano – a dialect of Catalan – which challenges Castilian as the main language of education and broadcasting in the area. There are even a few extreme trains of thought that challenge the dialect’s Catalan origins, but those beliefs have remained largely on the margins.

Murcia is quite distinct, a comunidad autónoma in its own right, and there could hardly be a more severe contrast with the richness of the Valencian huerta. This southeastern corner of Spain is virtually a desert and is some of the driest territory in Europe. It was fought over for centuries by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans, but there survives almost no physical evidence of their presence – or of five hundred years of Moorish rule, beyond an Arabic feel to some of the small towns and the odd date-palm here and there. The province’s capital city of Murcia, with its lovely cathedral and terrace tapas bars, makes for a comfortable base for exploring the region.

Much of the coast is marred by heavy overdevelopment, with concrete apartment blocks and sprawling holiday complexes looming over many of the best beaches. However, away from the big resorts, particularly around Denia and Xàbia (Jávea) in Valencia, there are some attractive isolated coves, while the historic hilltop settlements of Altea and Peñíscola are undeniably picturesque, if touristy. In Murcia, the resorts of the Mar Menor are reasonably attractive and very popular with Spanish families in high season; the best beaches are in the extreme south, around Águilas, where you’ll find some dazzling unspoilt coves. The increasingly vibrant cities of Valencia and Alicante are the major urban centres, and there are several delightful historic small towns and villages a short way inland, such as Morella, Xàtiva and Lorca.

The Valencia area has a powerful tradition of fiestas, and there are a couple of elements unique to this part of the country. Above all, throughout the year and more or less wherever you go, there are mock battles between Muslims and Christians (Moros y Cristianos). Recalling the Christian Reconquest of the country – whether through symbolic processions or re-creations of specific battles – they’re some of the most elaborate and colourful festivities to be seen anywhere, above all in Alcoy. The other recurring feature is the fallas (bonfires) in which giant carnival floats and figures are paraded through the streets before being ceremoniously burned.

Getting around by public transport is relatively straightforward with frequent train and bus services, though you’ll need your own transport to really explore the area. The motorway network is excellent, but tolls are quite pricey.

Valencian cuisine

Gastronomy is of great cultural importance to the Valencians. Rice is the dominant ingredient in dishes of the region, grown locally in paddy fields still irrigated by the Moorish canal system (acequias). Gourmets tend to agree that the best paellas are to be found around (but not in) Valencia, the city where the dish originated. The genuine version doesn’t mix fish and meat – it typically contains chicken, rabbit, green beans, garrofón (large butter beans), snails, artichokes and saffron – and should be prepared fresh and cooked over wood (leña), not scooped from some vast, sticky vat; most places will make it for a minimum of two people, with advance notice.

Other rice-based dishes vary around the region: arroz negro is rice cooked with squid complete with ink, which gives the dish its colour, and served with all i oli, a powerful garlic mayonnaise. Arroz al horno is drier, baked with chickpeas. Fideuà is seafood and noodles cooked paella-style. The most famous, arroz a banda, is found on the south coast around Denia – it’s rice cooked with seafood, served as two separate dishes: soup, then rice. Around Alicante, you can try arroz con costra, which is a meat-based paella topped with a baked egg crust. Apart from rice, vegetables (best a la plancha, brushed with olive oil and garlic) are always fresh and plentiful.

The sweet-toothed should try turrón, a nuts-and-honey nougat, which you could follow with a horchata (or orxata), a rich drink made from tiger nuts (chufas) or almonds (almendras).

Book a seafood paella cooking class and Ruzafa market visit

La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

More than any other project, the breathtaking Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences, or CAC), rising from the riverbed, symbolizes the autonomous government’s vision for Valencia and its quest to establish the city as a prime tourist destination. The giant complex – Europe’s largest cultural centre – consists of a series of futuristic edifices designed mainly by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava.

The architecture itself is simply stunning. Even if you only have a day or two in the city, it’s well worth the effort getting here to take in the eye-catching buildings surrounded by huge, shallow pools. Calatrava’s designs adopt an organic form, his technical and engineering brilliance providing the basis for his pioneering concrete, steel and glass creations. However, despite near-universal acclaim for its architecture, the complex has not completely escaped criticism. Some feel that the vast cost of constructing it should have been used to tackle the city’s pressing social issues, while others have been less than overwhelmed by some of the content inside the Ciudad’s startling structures.

In your explorations, stroll through the Umbracle, a series of eighteen-metre-high arches towering over a landscaped walkway shaded with vegetation from throughout the region, including palms, honeysuckle, bougainvillea and, of course, orange trees.

The Hemisfèric, one of the more astonishing buildings of the complex, is a striking eye-shaped concrete structure – complete with lashes, and an eyeball that forms a huge concave screen used to project IMAX movies, laser shows, nature documentaries and more.

Museo de las Ciencias

The colossal Museo de las Ciencias (Science Museum), whose protruding supports make the building resemble a giant sun-bleached carcass, is crammed with interactive exhibits about science, sport and the human body that are sure to appeal to children, from a colourful 3D representation of DNA to a Foucault Pendulum, which at 34m is one of the longest in the world.

Parque Oceanográfico

The Parque Oceanográfico, designed by Félix Candela, is one of the world’s largest aquariums. It’s divided into multiple zones, with beluga whales in the Arctic area, Japanese spider crabs in the temperate zone and a kaleidoscopic collection of reef fish, sharks and turtles in the seventy-metre tunnel that forms the tropical zone. The park also has all manner of splashy events, including the thrilling (though pricey) Encuentro con Tiburones (Shark Encounter), where you can scuba-dive with sharks; and a penguin visit, popular with kids, where you can feed Humboldt penguins and view their hatchery and rearing area. In the summer, the aquarium sometimes opens for night visits, while the restaurant is a sleek underwater space where you dine with fish darting past your table.

Book your fast-track tickets to the Parque Oceanográfico

Palacio de les Arts Reina Sofía and L’Ágora

The majestic pistachio-nut-shaped Palacio de las Artes is a high-tech performing arts palace, with renowned musical director Lorin Maazel at the helm. Stages and halls of varying sizes – all with splendid acoustics – host ballet, opera and classical-music concerts, among others. Performances are staged throughout the year, and it’s well worth snagging a ticket to see one. The equally impressive 80m L’Àgora (open for events only), is a multifunctional space inaugurated in November 2009 to host the Valencia 500 Open tennis tournament, and now features various events, from sports meets to the glittering annual Valencia Fashion Week.

Book a guided tour to the Palacio de les Arts Reina Sofía and L'Ágora

The port and the playas

Barcelona famously transformed its waterfront from drab to dazzling, and Valencia has done something similar to its city coastline, having significantly spruced up its beaches and boardwalk over the last decade. In 2007, Valencia became the first European port since 1851 to host the America’s Cup (which was staged here again in 2010), and to celebrate the event, parts of the forgotten waterfront were redeveloped, with a gleaming new marina and the eye-catching Veles e Vents (“Sails and Winds”) structure designed by British architect David Chipperfield helping to transform the area. The Valencia Street Circuit was also constructed in the port area as the race site of the 2008 Formula One European Grand Prix, which will continue to be held here until 2014.

As for beaches, you can catch some rays on the soft sand of the broad and breezy playas Malvarrosa and Las Arenas, which are backed by the Paseo Marítimo and extend along the waterfront. The outdoor cafés, bars and clubs here are particularly popular in the summer months. There are a number of ways to get to Malvarrosa and Las Arenas, but one easy route is to take the #5 metro at the central Colón station to Marítim Serrería, and switch to the #6 line to Neptú, from where you can walk north along the boardwalk to the sands. You can also catch buses from Plaza del Ayuntamiento, often supplemented during the summer by buses from various points in the centre; ask at the tourist office.

Fallas: Valencia on Fire

Valencia erupts in a blaze of colour and noise for the Fiesta de las Fallas, March 12 to 19. During the year, each barrio or neighbourhood builds satirical caricatures or fallas, some as tall as buildings. These begin to appear in the plazas at the beginning of March and are judged and awarded prizes before being set alight at midnight on March 19, the Nit de Foc – traditionally, carpenters celebrated the beginning of spring by decorating the torches (foc in Valenciano) they used over winter and adding them to a ritual bonfire. The fallas are ignited in succession – and the last to go up are the prize winners. Each falla has a small model or ninot beside it, usually created by the children of the barrio. These are exhibited in La Lonja before the fiesta begins, and the best displayed in the Museu Fallero; the rest are burned with the fallas.

During the fiesta, processions of falleros, dressed in traditional costume and accompanied by bands, carry flowers to the Plaza de la Virgen, where they are massed to create the skirt of a huge statue of La Virgen. The daily Las Mascaletas firecracker display (2pm in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento) sees the whole city racing to this central square for a ten-minute series of body-shuddering explosions. There are also nightly fireworks, bullfights, paella contests in the streets and chocolate y buñuelos stalls. Finally, around 1am on March 19, the falla of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento goes up in flames, followed by the last thunderous firework display of the Nit de Foc.

Valencia is known for its horchata – a drink made from chufas (tiger nuts) served either liquid or granizada (slightly frozen), and accompanied by long, thin cakes called fartons. Legend has it that the name horchata was coined by Jaume I, shortly after he conquered Valencia. He was admiring the huerta one hot afternoon, and an Arab girl offered him a drink so refreshing that he exclaimed, “Aixó es or, xata” (this is gold, girl).

There are horchaterías all over the city: the two oldest are Santa Catalina (daily 8am–9pm; t963 912 379) and El Siglo (daily generally 8am–9pm; t963 918 466), both in Plaza Santa Catalina. One of the better-known spots to cool your throat is Daniel, Avda. de la Horchata 41 (daily 10am–1am; closed mid-Dec to Feb; t961 858 866, w horchateria-daniel.es ; mPalmaret), where you can sit on the breezy terrace. In the historic Mercado de Colón, try the excellent La Casa de l’Orxata (daily Mon–Fri 7.30am–10.30pm, Sat & Sun until 2am; t963 527 307, w www.casadelaorxata.com ), who make their smooth horchata with traditional methods and organic ingredients, and sell it from street carts around town.

Traditionally, however, the best horchata comes from Alboraya, formerly a village in the Valencian suburbs, now absorbed into the city – take metro line #3. One old-time spot is Subies, Carretera de Barcelona in the Almássera neighborhood of Alboraya (daily 8.30am–11pm; t961 854 673), where three generations have been honing their craft.

Week before Lent: Carnaval

Águilas’ carnaval is one of the wildest in the country. Vinaròs also has good carnaval celebrations.

March/April

12–19 March: Las Fallas de San José

Valencia’s Las Fallas is by far the biggest of the bonfire festivals, and indeed one of the most important fiestas in all Spain. The whole thing costs over €1 million, most of which goes up in smoke (literally) on the final Nit de Foc when the grotesque caricatures, fashioned from papier-mâché and wood, are burned. Throughout, there are bullfights, music and stupendous fireworks.

19 March: Día de San José

Smaller fallas festivals in Xàtiva, Benidorm and Denia.

Third Sun of Lent: Fiesta de la Magdalena

Castellón de la Plana celebrates the end of Moorish rule with pilgrimages and processions of huge floats.

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

In Elche, there are, naturally, big Palm Sunday celebrations making use of the local palms, while throughout the week there are also religious processions in Cartagena, Lorca, Orihuela and Valencia. The Easter processions in Murcia are particularly famous, and they continue into the following week with, on the Tuesday, the Bando de la Huerta, a huge parade of floats celebrating local agriculture, and, on the Saturday evening, the riotous “Burial of the Sardine” which marks the end of these spring festivals.

April 22–24: Moros y Cristianos

After a colourful procession in Alcoy, a huge battle commences between the two sides in the main square.

1–5: Fiestas de los Mayos

Fiesta in Alhama de Murcia, and Moros y Cristianos in Caravaca de la Cruz.

Second Sun: La Virgen de los Desamparados

The climax of this celebration in Valencia is when the statue of the Virgin is transferred from her basilica to the cathedral.

Third Sun: Moros y Cristianos

23–24: Noche de San Juan

Magnificent hogueras festival in Alicante (and San Juan de Alicante) with processions and fireworks, culminating as huge effigies and bonfires are burnt in the streets at midnight. It’s celebrated on a smaller scale on the beaches of Valencia (Malvarossa, Cabanyal and Aloboraya) with bonfire-jumping. Altea also celebrates with a popular tree-bearing procession and a bonfire in the old town.

Early July: Fiestas de la Santísima Sangre

Dancing in the streets of Denia, plus music and mock battles.

15–20: Moros y Cristianos

In Orihuela.

Second week: Feria de Julio

Valencia hosts music, bullfights and above all fireworks, ending with the Battle of the Flowers in the Alameda.

Penultimate weekend: FIB

Benicàssim’s international music festival, a massive party bringing together the major names in alternative and electronic music.

25–31: Moros y Cristianos

Villajoyosa sees battles by both land and sea.

4: Festa del Cristo de la Salut

Festival in El Palmar with processions by boat into the lake.

Mid-Aug: Misteri d’Eix

Elche presents a mystery play, based on a drama dating back to medieval times.

14–20: Feria de Agosto

Xàtiva’s fair has a very extensive cultural dimension including concerts, plays and exhibitions, plus bullfights and barrages of fireworks.

Local festivities in Denia.

Last week: La Tomatina

A riotous free-for-all of tomato-throwing takes place in Buñol on the last Wednesday of the month. There’s also a music festival in Morella.

Local fiesta in Sagunto, and at the same time the great Moros y Cristianos festival and a mystery play in Elche.

4–9: Moros y Cristianos

In Villena.

Second week:

Bull-running through Segorbe’s streets.

8–9: Les Danses

Celebrations in Peñíscola’s old quarter include a human tower construction.

22: Fiesta de Santo Tomás

In Benicàssim with bands and a “blazing bull”.

Second Sun: La Virgen de Suffrage

Benidorm celebrates its patron saint’s day.

Fashion forward

Move over Madrid and Barcelona, and make room for fashion diva Valencia. The city has a rich and vibrant fashion culture, and twice a year, in spring and autumn, the glossy Valencia Fashion Week (w www.valenciafashionweek.com ) sees catwalk shows from all the latest and greatest local and national designers. Valencia’s home-grown designers have made a splash in the international scene: look out for the flamboyant, gypsy-inspired pieces of Francis Montesinos; the sexy styles of Alex Vida; the urban look of Alejandro Sáez de la Torre; bold, geometric swimwear from Dolores Cortés; Higinio Mateu’s frisky dresses; and the avant-garde, flouncy threads of Tonuca. Shoes and accessories rival the clothes, with such renowned designers as jeweller Vicente Gracia, whose reinvented antique brooches have been worn by the Queen of Spain herself.

Where to shop? You can find both local and international designs throughout Valencia, from small boutiques to big department stores, particularly around the old town and city centre, including the Eixample (Ensanche) district, between Calle Colón and Gran Vía del Marqués del Turia; and Calle Jorge Juan by Mercado Colón.

There are a number of good day-trips to be made from Valencia, including a visit to the monastery at El Puig or a meal at some of the region’s very best paella restaurants at El Palmar, El Perelló or El Perellonet.

La Albufera, just 12km south from Valencia, is a vast lagoon separated from the sea by a sandbank and surrounded by rice fields. Being one of the largest bodies of fresh water in Spain, it constitutes an important wetland, and attracts tens of thousands of migratory birds – a throng composed of 250 species, of which ninety breed here regularly. In the Middle Ages, it was ten times its present size but the surrounding paddies have gradually reduced it. After growing contamination by industrial waste, domestic sewage and insecticide, the area was turned into a natural park. Whether you’re into birdwatching or not, the lagoon area makes a relaxing change from the city.

It’s possible to “hop on, hop off” the Valencia Bus Turístic and tuck into a lunch of paella, or eels with all i pebre (piquant sauce), in the lakeside village of El Palmar, which is packed with restaurants. On August 4, El Palmar celebrates its fiesta; the image of Christ on the Cross is taken out onto the lake in a procession of boats to the illuent, or centre, of the lake, where hymns are sung. Another 2km farther along the road to El Perelló is the tiny village of El Perellonet, where you can also sample some of the best paella in Spain.

All pulped out: La Tomatina

La Tomatina – the tomato-throwing festival of Buñol – is about as wild and excessive as Spanish fiestas get. Picture this: 30,000 people descend on a small provincial town, at the same time as a fleet of municipal trucks, carrying 120,000 tonnes of tomatoes. Tension builds. “To-ma-te, to-ma-te” yell the crowds. And then the truckers let them have it, hurling the ripe, pulpy fruit at everyone present. And everyone goes crazy, hurling the pulp back at the trucks, at each other, in the air … for an hour. It’s a fantasy battle made flesh: exhausting, not pretty and not to everyone’s taste. But it is Buñol’s contribution to fiesta culture, and most participants will tell you that it is just about as much fun as it is possible to have with your clothes on. Not that you should wear a great deal.

La Tomatina has been going since 1944 but has got a lot bigger in recent years, following a string of articles in the press in Spain and abroad. The novelist Louis de Bernières was one of the first foreign writers to cover the event: he wrote a superb account that is reprinted in Spain: Travelers’ Tales, and concluded that, if he planned his life well and kept his health, he could attend another nineteen Tomatinas, before he would be too enfeebled for the occasion.

If the idea appeals, then you’ll need to visit Buñol on the last Wednesday of August (but call the Valencia tourist office just to check, as some years it takes place a week early). You can get there from the city by train or bus in around an hour, but try to arrive early, with a spare set of clothing that you should leave at a bar. The tomato trucks appear on the central Plaza del Ayuntamiento at around noon, and then the battle commences: this is no spectator sport – everyone is considered fair game. At 1pm, an explosion signals the end of the battle and nobody hurls another speck of tomato for the next twelve months. Instead, the local fire brigade arrives to hose down the combatants, buildings and streets, and a lull comes over the town. And then, miraculously, within the hour, everyone arrives back on the street, perfectly turned out, to enjoy the rest of the fiesta, which, oddly enough, includes such refined pursuits as orchestral concerts in the town’s open-air auditorium. For more information, check out the festival website w tomatina.es , or try the town’s own website w bunyol.es .

Most of the Costa del Alzahar north of Valencia is dotted with beach resorts, with some of the best sands around Benicàssim, north of the provincial capital, Castellón de la Plana. Farther north still, the historic walled city of Peñíscola commands a spectacular cliff-top location, while Vinaròs is more port than resort. Apart from the appeal of the coastline, there are fine Roman ruins at Sagunto, sweeping mountain scenery and good hiking around Segorbe and Montanejos, while the fortified town of Morella is definitely worth a visit for its castle and Gothic architecture.

There’s not much else along the stretch of coast north of Benicàssim until you reach PEÑÍSCOLA, 60km away. The setting is one of Spain’s most stunning: a heavily fortified promontory jutting out into the Mediterranean, zealously shielding its warren of alleys and lanes with perfectly preserved medieval walls. Yet it’s also one of the starkest – immediately below the old walls, the requisite line of eyesore high-rises snakes out along the seafront like a besieging army.

The breezy Paseo Marítimo is a pleasant place from which to take in views of the sea, and the resort’s slender beach is well kept, if busy. The farther north you get from the castle, the quieter it becomes. There’s also a smaller cove beach, Playa Sur, 200m west of the old town.

MORELLA, 62km inland on the road from the coast to Zaragoza, is one of the most attractive – and possibly most friendly – towns in the Castellón province. A medieval fortress town, it rises from the plain around a small hill crowned by a tall, rocky spur and a virtually impregnable castle that dominates the surrounding countryside. A perfectly preserved ring of ancient walls defends its lower reaches. The city was recovered from the Moors in the thirteenth century by the steward of Jaime I. He was reluctant to hand it over to the Crown, and it’s said that the king came to blows with him over possession of the town. Today, Morella hosts an annual festival of classical music in the first two weeks of August.

Festival Internacional de Benicàssim

The annual Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB; w fiberfib.com ) in late July draws tens of thousands to hear the world’s biggest names in alternative pop and rock. Over the years, it has pulled in everyone from Depeche Mode to Oasis and, more recently, The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys. The dance tents are generally just as buzzing as the live-music stages, with DJs playing all night long. A four-day festival ticket is €165, or €240 with free camping for eight days around the event at the massive campsite.

South of Cartagena, much of the scenic coastline down to the border with Andalucia is undeveloped, with a succession of fine coves lying beneath a backdrop of arid, serrated hills. The region’s main resorts, El Puerto de Mazarrón and Águilas, are both fairly small scale and easy going, mainly attracting Spanish families. Public transport is limited, however, so you’ll need your own vehicle to get to the better beaches.

ÁGUILAS, 47km from Mazarrón and almost on the border with Andalucia, is hemmed in by the parched hills of the Sierra del Contar. Along with the cultivation of tomatoes – one of the few things that can grow in this arid region – fishing is the mainstay of the economy here, and a fish auction is held at around 5pm every day in the port’s large warehouse. Carnaval is especially wild in Águilas, and for three days and nights in February, the entire population lets its hair down with processions, floats and general fancy-dress mayhem.

Águilas is also popular for its plentiful beaches, and the area has a superb year-round climate. The town itself has managed to escape the worst excesses of tourism, and retains much of its rural charm and character.

The beaches

You’ll find sandy beaches, and over thirty small calas (coves) in the vicinity – those to the north are rockier and more often backed by low cliffs, while the best are the wonderful, fairly undeveloped cuatro calas south of town. You’ll need your own wheels to reach these beaches, which get better the farther you get away from Águilas, but all are signposted. The first two, Calarreona and La Higuérica, have fine sands and are backed by dunes and the odd villa, but 6km south of Águilas where the coast is completely wild, the ravishing back-to-back sandy coves of Cala Carolina and Cala Cocedores are simply superb.

If you don’t have your own transport, you’re better heading for the chain of beaches north of Águilas served by regular buses (generally mid-July to end of Aug only). Playa Hornillo is a nice beach with a couple of bars (and you could actually reach it by walking from the train station), while Playa Amarillo is decent but in a built-up area. The bus also passes playas Arroz, La Cola and finally Calabardina (7km from town). If you feel energetic, you could head across Cabo Cope to yet another chain of beaches beginning at Ruinas Torre Cope

Many of the historic villages of inland Murcia are accessible only with your own transport, but one place you can reach easily is LORCA, an attractive former frontier town whose historic centre, on the hill between c/López Gisbert and the castle, still has a distinct aura of the past. For a time, it was part of the Córdoba caliphate, but it was retaken by the Christians in 1243, after which Muslim raids were a feature of life until the fall of Granada, the last Muslim stronghold. Most of the town’s notable buildings – churches and ancestral homes – date from the sixteenth century onwards.

Today, Lorca is famed for its Semana Santa celebrations, which outdo those of both Murcia and Cartagena, the next best in the region. There’s a distinctly operatic splendour about the dramatization of the triumph of Christianity, with characters such as Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and the royalty of Persia and Babylon attired in embroidered costumes of velvet and silk. The high point is the afternoon and evening of Good Friday.

Earthquake in Lorca

On May 11, 2011, Lorca was shaken by a 5.2-magnitude earthquake, said to be the most serious tremor to hit Spain in fifty years. Parts of town – particularly the old quarter – were levelled, and ten people were killed. While some tourist sights have reopened, a number are still being repaired, and you may encounter construction as the town rebuilds.

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updated 10.05.2021

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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!

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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 !

Looking for a Solo Female Travel Community?

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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Home > Spain > Is Valencia Worth Visiting?

Is Valencia, Spain Worth Visiting?

Valencia Is Not for Everyone

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

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

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

Do you want to visit quintessential Spain?

If so, don't visit Valencia .

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

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

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

Are you looking for a beach holiday?

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

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

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

Are you looking to escape from tourists?

Keep looking because tourist swarms have found Valencia.

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

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

Do you like eating cheap meals?

Valencia's worth visiting for its menu del dias.

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

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

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

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

Are you looking for a base to explore Spain from?

If so, don't pick Valencia .

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

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

Do you love rice?

If so, Valencia's worth visiting .

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

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

Speaking of nuts…

Do you love almond milk?

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

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

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

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

Are you a street art aficionado?

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

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

Valencia street art tours run daily between April and September.

Do you know someone who lives in Valencia?

Then visit Valencia !

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

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

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

Are you visiting Spain in mid-March?

Valencia's worth visiting for Las Fallas.

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

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

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

Do you enjoy working out outside or running while traveling?

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

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

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

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

Are you concerned about safety?

Don't worry because Valencia is super safe.

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

Are you traveling with younger kids?

Visit Valencia .

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

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

Do you like exploring cities by bike?

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

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

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

Do you like being close to nature?

If so, then don't visit Valencia .

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

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

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

The Best Hikes Around Valencia, According to A Local Guide

Valencia Day Trips: Ranking Our 7 Favorite Getaways

Final Verdict

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So that means…

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

Related Guides

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

How We Stumbled Off the Beaten Path in Spain

Valencia Off the Beaten Path City Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What do you think? (Leave a Comment.) Cancel reply

In Search of Authentic Paella—and Other Great Rice Dishes—in Valencia

V ALENCIA, Spain—I can’t get enough of Spain’s great composite city. With the bustle of Madrid, the beauty of Barcelona, the orange trees of Seville—and a sunny, dry climate that outshines the bunch—Valencia has drawn me back, time and again. But during my various visits, I have managed to miss what for many people is the whole point of going in the first place: honest-to-goodness, tradition-bound, Valencian-style paella.

The near-mythical, savory-rice dish known as paella valenciana gets its name from the wide and shallow cooking vessel that allows the ingredients to fry, then simmer, then fry again. The real deal always includes chicken, rabbit and locally grown rice, flavored with paprika and saffron. Then come seasonal vegetables—anything from artichokes to flat beans to fava beans—with a finite list of add-ons that runs from snails-in-their-shells to a rosemary sprig.

Ideally cooked over an open flame, the pan helps to distribute the rice in a thin layer. And this, in the final stages, creates a distinctive gooey crust at the bottom, called socarrat. For true paella connoisseurs, the socarrat is the dish’s crowning glory, setting it apart from its culinary cousins, the risottos, pilafs and biryanis. Paellas are brought to the table in those pans, and it is considered proper to scoop, scrape and/or just devour the contents from there, or to politely transfer them to a more-private plate.

In previous stays, I had had some woeful, would-be paella dishes to-go. So this past February, I left behind the midwinter drear of Berlin, where I live, and headed for balmy, incandescent Valencia, where it already felt like spring.

An education

It turned out that I had a lot to learn. Paella valenciana is just one of hundreds of rice specialties made in and around Valencia—from the restaurants of the city proper, to the wetlands where rice is grown, to the historic and mountainous hinterland. By the end, I was a lot wiser, a little bigger, and flat-out in awe of what Valencians can do with their rice.

For a crash course on all matters rice-related, I called Santos Ruiz, managing director of Arroz de Valencia, or Rice of Valencia, the public body that oversees the quality of the region’s signature rice crops—senia, bomba and albufera.

Unlike basmati, which infuses Middle Eastern pilafs with a particular aroma, or the Italian varieties of rice used in risotto, which lend it a creamy texture, Valencian rice is prized for what it takes rather than what it gives. “When you make a paella,” says Ruiz, a 51-year-old Valencia native, “you’re not looking for the flavor of the rice. You’re looking for the flavor of the ingredients.”

Rice-wise, Ruiz takes a long view. The grain’s cultivation on the Iberian Peninsula began right here on the Valencian coast, he says, when it was imported by the ruling Arabs in the ninth century. But paella itself is a comparatively recent invention. Though now a decidedly elaborate, vaguely luxurious dish, legend identifies it as a centuries-old make-do solution for shifts of hungry farmhands, who cooked whatever they had on hand with some rice, then ate it together right out of the pan. Ruiz says his own research shows that paella valenciana in its established form is even more recent—a product of the 20th century. Regardless of its origins, paella is regarded by Valencians these days as a communal affair—something to be prepared at home for large groups, probably over the course of many hours. Ruiz compares it to an American barbecue.

The now-standard approach to paella valenciana hasn’t prevented local chefs from devising dizzying varieties. Paella here can depart from strict Valencian protocols by limiting itself to vegetables. It can take in all manner of seafood, or selectively combine, say, salt cod with cauliflower. Meloso is a gumbolike rice soup cooked in a cauldron. It goes well with seafood, but can also be good with a meaty mélange of duck, pork, beef and turnips—or just pumpkin and beans. Arroz al horno, or baked rice, is cooked in a casserole and derives its complex flavors from a rich, day-old stew. Then there is fideuà, which, instead of rice, consists of fine noodles cooked paella-style with a range of potential ingredients.

Traditionally, says Ruiz, each of the three main rice dishes is associated with certain days of the week. Paella—the most time-consuming, most challenging, and “most elegant,” he says—is associated with long Sunday lunches. Arroz al horno, made from Friday’s lunch leftovers, was then served for lunch on Saturday. And easy-peasy meloso was something to put together on a weekday.

Not just for tourists

I ate only in restaurants while in Paella Country, as opposed to sampling the talents of home-based chefs. I regretted limiting myself in this way, at first. But, as it happens, a sea change is under way in the Valencia region, says Ruiz. Newer rice-themed restaurants here, once regarded as the domain of tourists, have started to attract locals in droves, and older restaurants are upping their game when it comes to rice.

One of Spain’s most celebrated chefs, Quique Dacosta, whose namesake restaurant an hour south of Valencia has three Michelin stars, is also the proprietor of Llisa Negra in Valencia, where a socarrat-only paella riff is served—no fluffy bed of rice or topping, just crusty flavorful socarrat with a side of saffron aioli. Dacosta, for his part, says that when he wants to order rice in a restaurant, he heads near the foothills of La Calerdona, one of the mountain ranges that mark the Valencian region.

I did as he suggested, eventually. But while still in historic Valencia, a city marked by its late-medieval golden age, I also visited a more-traditional, 73-year-old restaurant called Navarro for my first paella valenciana.

Succulent, thanks to the perfectly cooked chicken and rabbit, and vaguely vegetal due to the seasonal artichokes, it had a socarrat with a slight umami kick. Somehow the overall effect was both pungent and subtle, informal—eaten out of a pan, with a spoon, after all—but still refined. Ah, I thought, I get the point.

Valencia, one of Europe’s great container harbors, is filled with marine light. But the city center turns away from the Mediterranean, giving its expansive beach a separate, resort-like quality. Just north of the center, La Pepica attracts Valencians and out-of-towners with its rice-themed meals and sky-blue tiled interior. There is also lunch-only Casa Carmela—Key West on the outside, Beverly Hills on the inside.

A first bite of meloso

Some 10 miles south, in the village of El Palmar, you can eat paellas and melosos while overlooking the region’s best-known rice fields. For my first experience with a meloso, I went to Bon Aire and ordered the version with red prawns, a local favorite. The heady purple stew reminded me of lobster bisque.

Another inviting town, Xátiva, an hour southwest of Valencia, is the birthplace of Pope Alexander VI of the Borgia dynasty—a proud native son here, but remembered elsewhere as a notorious libertine. There I enjoyed arroz al horno de Xátiva, or rice baked in a mixed-meat stew, topped with potatoes, tomatoes, garlic and sweet-and-spicy blood sausage. After checking out the medieval and Renaissance attractions in town, I made my way to El Túnel, a stylish restaurant in the shadow of the town’s fortified castle. Its version of the local baked rice just blew me away.

The oven gives it a different kind of crust than a fired paella. The hearty results were less refined than a paella and less perfumed than meloso, but easier, somehow, to eat. I would gladly eat this every Saturday, I thought to myself.

For my final meal of the trip, following Dacosta’s recommendation, I booked a lunch at Rioja, a century-old hotel and restaurant in Benissanó, a tiny town with medieval fortifications and a sturdy-looking 15th-century castle. It’s a short walk from the last stop on the Valencia metro.

It was time to try fideuà. I ordered a version with duck, wild mushrooms and foie gras. The noodles were nearly lacy—a lovely, light vehicle for the intense ingredients.

My whirlwind rice tour was at an end, but it left me wondering about dessert. Ruiz assured me that Valencian rice can come in just about any guise, but never sweet. For arroz con leche, Spain’s cinnamon-infused take on rice pudding, he suggested next time I go north, to Asturias, a green region hugging the rough Bay of Biscay and known for its dairy products.

My trip was finished. But I began mulling over the sequel—a tour of Spain’s Rice Pudding Coast.

J.S. Marcus is a writer in Berlin. He can be reached at [email protected].

Valencia, European Green Capital 2024, is the ultimate destination for a spring retreat 

As Valencia’s Councilor for Large Projects, José Marí Olano, celebrates Spain’s Sustainability Day in London by participating in a panel discussion about biodiversity, we are reminded of the incredible green treasures Valencia holds. 

Valencia provides a unique getaway, combining the vibrant atmosphere of a lively city alongside green spaces you’d expect in the countryside, making for the perfect spring getaway. The recent launch of a guide called ‘Green Routes of Valencia’ also now means visitors can make the most of these spaces. The ‘Green Routes’ focus on three key areas: nature, sustainable mobility, and recovery of public space in their exploration of the city. The routes can be done individually or all combined into one large route tracing everything from the longest urban park in Europe, the Turia Gardens, to the birthplace of paella in the Albufera Natural Park.

Getting there

With the combinations of the warm temperatures, beachside delights and a rich historic culture in the Old Town, Valencia holds the ingredients for a wonderful getaway. Whatsmore, direct flights are available across the UK and Ireland, including departures from Bristol, London Gatwick, Stansted, Heathrow, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cork, Dublin and most recently, Birmingham, with fares starting from £47 return per person.

What’s new?

Tickets are still available for music festival Deleste from 17th -19th May 2024. The festival is set to have iconic British bands perform including James, responsible for iconic hit “Say Something” set to headline.

Bombas Gens Art Centre reopened last month, revealing its latest technological advancements. The digital art space is currently showcasing an exhibition on Salvador Dalí, entitled “Dalí gone cyber. Art, science and technology”. The art centre offers an immersive journey through the work of the Catalan artist depicting how his genius was influenced by science and technology.

Eurowings offers most extensive Spain program ever in 2024 with more than 600 weekly…

Guide to rules for travelling abroad in 2024

The Fallas in Valencia begin

What are Britons top travel destinations for 2024?

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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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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 . 

Cruising Altitude: What it was like to see the eclipse from a plane

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 .

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

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.