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- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
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Why Visit Valencia
Valencia boasts over 2,000 years of history. Ciutat Vella and El Carmen showcase Gothic architecture, including La Lonja de la Seda and Valencia Cathedral. Santiago Calatrava's City of Arts and Sciences offers a striking modernist contrast, among the best reasons to visit Valencia.
Among the top attractions in Valencia is the Turia Gardens, a 9 km park in a former riverbed, perfect for cycling. Explore the City of Arts and Sciences or visit L'Albufera Natural Park for its unique wetland ecosystem and stunning sunset boat rides - a local evening favorite.
For what is Valencia famous for? Its authentic paella, traditionally made with rabbit, chicken, and garrofó beans, not just seafood. Explore the bustling Central Market for fresh ingredients. Don't miss horchata de chufa with fartons, a refreshing local tiger nut drink and pastry.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Mar-May & Sep-Novmild, pleasant weather, moderate crowds
- Jun-Aughot, peak tourism season
- Dec-Febcool, occasional rain, fewer tourists
- #LightClothes
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #PowerAdapterTypeC
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 with beaches & day trips
- Euro (€)
- Spanish & Valencian
- English understood in tourist areas
- #CityOfArtsAndSciences
- #ValenciaCathedral
- #CentralMarket
- #TuriaGardens
- #LaLonjaDeLaSed
- #Oceanographic
- Taste paella
- Explore the Old Town
- Visit Albufera Natural Park
- Enjoy nightlife in Ruzafa
- Attend Las Fallas Festival (March)
Recommended Hotels in Valencia by Experience
Things to do in Valencia
Discover
Uncover things to do in Valencia by visiting sites like the Old Town, the City of Arts and Sciences, and the Central Market, showcasing unique architecture and vibrant life. Indulge in Valencia attractions for every traveler.
Experience
Engage in things to experience in Valencia, from cultural activities at the Valencia Theatre to seasonal festivals. Join culinary tours or explore the beaches, perfect for cycling and outdoor adventures.
City of Arts and Sciences
Futuristic complex housing museums and an aquarium.
Valencia Cathedral
Gothic cathedral showcasing diverse architectural styles.
Turia Gardens
Park in a former riverbed featuring walking paths.
Central Market
Historical market displaying local produce and goods.
Las Fallas Festival
Spring festival with fireworks and giant sculptures.
Albufera Natural Park
Scenic park known for wetlands and rice fields.
Bioparc Valencia
Zoo focusing on animal conservation in natural habitats.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To reach Valencia, fly into Valencia Airport (VLC). For a seamless Valencia airport to city center transfer, use Metro lines 3 or 5 (25 min, ~€4.90). RENFE offers a train to Valencia from major Spanish cities, arriving at Estació del Nord.
Getting Around
Explore with ease using public transport in Valencia. Metro and bus networks cover the city. The Valencia Tourist Card offers unlimited travel and discounts. Renting bikes is excellent for the Turia Garden; a car rental in Valencia is best for day trips.
Local Essentials
For Valencia travel tips for first-timers, always validate your ticket; fines are common. Purchase a Bonobus card for cheaper fares. Valencia's old town is walkable. An insider tip: Most small shops close between 2-5 PM for siesta, plan accordingly.
Where to Stay in Valencia
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore a new take on traditional local cuisine in Valencia with dishes like paella, horchata, and buñuelos. Enjoy atmospheric late dinners and a rich café culture that emphasizes social dining and leisurely meals.
Enjoy
Make sure you taste unique flavors at Restaurante Navarro for paella and other classic Mediterranean specialties, or enjoy fresh tapas at La Pepica. Visit Casa Montana, one of the best bars in Valencia. Book well ahead for a cozy night!
Restaurante Navarro
Mediterranean seafood and healthy options, reservations recommended.
La Pepica
Famous for its seafood paella, arrive early to beat the crowd.
Asador San Telmo
Reserve this Steakhouse for weekends to avoid waits.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Valencia cultural activities include the iconic Las Fallas in March, a must-see spectacle of giant papier-mâché figures, which culminates in fiery effigies as well as religious processions during Holy Week, showcasing centuries of devotion.
Enjoy
Explore modern Valencia tours and events like the Rototom Sunsplash reggae festival and the International Film Festival (FIC V). Experience contemporary art installations and live music venues year-round.
Las Fallas
Giant effigy festival with fireworks and parades in March.
Semana Santa Marinera
Solemn religious processions along the waterfront in April.
Feria de Julio
Month-long summer festival with concerts, fireworks, and markets.
Rototom Sunsplash
Major international reggae festival held in August.
València Streetcircus Festival
Street performance and contemporary circus acts in September.
Festival de Cinema de València (FIC V)
Showcasing international and national cinema each October.
Gala de les Arts Falleres
Awards ceremony for the best Fallas sculptures in February.
Valencia in spring is just something else
The City of Arts and Sciences alone is worth the trip. The architecture is wild - like nothing I've seen before. The food scene around El Carmen is great too, lots of local spots that aren't overpriced. Really easy city to get around.
Best paella I've had in my life
Went specifically to try authentic Valencian paella and it did not disappoint. The real deal here is paella valenciana with rabbit and green beans - nothing like what they serve back home. La Malvarrosa beach is lovely too, great for a walk after lunch.
Great city for a long weekend
Valencia is walkable, affordable and has a lot going on. El Carmen neighborhood has cool street art, good bars and feels very local. Didn't feel crowded like some other Spanish cities. Weather in January was mild and pleasant, nothing like what I expected in winter.
Perfect beach city break
La Malvarrosa is such a nice beach - wide, clean and way less packed than Barcelona's beaches. The promenade is lovely for a stroll. Fresh seafood restaurants right by the water are a must. Valencia really delivers if you want sun, food and a city feel all in one.
Fallas was absolutely insane - in the best way
The Fallas festival is unlike anything I've experienced. The street sculptures are massive and incredibly detailed. The noise from the mascletà in Plaza del Ayuntamiento hits you in the chest - literally. The whole city goes all in and the energy is contagious.
Underrated food city - seriously
People talk about Barcelona and Madrid but Valencia's food scene is no joke. Horchata and fartons from a local granjas is a must try - sounds weird, tastes amazing. Mercado Central is stunning and the produce is so fresh. Great spot for food lovers.