There are so many exciting things to do in Valencia all year round. I have compiled this insider’s guide with plenty of suggestions to make sure you do not miss out on any of the local trends, fascinating culture and architecture, and delicious food and drink that this amazing city offers.
Valencia is one of those cities that have come up on people’s radar as a popular European city break destination only in the last few years.
Take ten years ago – a lot of people would not have heard of Valencia, let alone known where it was. At best they would have guessed that it was in a Mediterranean country. A pretty good guess, as it has that Mediterranean ring to its name.
I have family in Valencia, so I have been visiting on a regular basis for the last 15 years. During this time, I have seen the changes that this city has gone through.
I have to admit that I didn’t used to be overly impressed with the place. Unlike other Mediterranean destinations, I didn’t find it particularly warm, welcoming or interesting.
But this has changed in the last few years and I am glad I have seen it evolve into a city that invites you to explore its secrets and stories.
So grab some comfy shoes and get exploring this exciting city. With so much variety of things to do in Valencia, there is something for everyone!
Table of Contents
Valencia for Culture Vultures
City of Arts and Sciences
Welcome to the future… Actually, if the future looks like this incredible cultural and architectural complex, take me there right now!
Designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, the complex includes a concert hall, a science museum, Europe’s biggest aquarium and a 3D cinema with a 900-metre (yes, 900 metres!) screen amongst other amenities.
But what will truly blow your mind is the architecture itself. You will have seen nothing like it and it’s one of the main reasons to visit Valencia!
If you want to visit the science museum (Principe Felipe), the aquarium (Oceanogràfic) or the 3D cinema (Hemisfèric), you can purchase individual tickets or a combined ticket for the entire complex.
Top tip: Visit twice if you have time – once during daytime and once when it’s dark. You will be amazed how different the place looks when the lights come on.
Book your City of Arts and Sciences Tickets here
Oceanogràfic Tickets | Principe Felipe Science Museum Tickets
IMAX Hemisfèric Tickets
Modernist Architecture at the North Railway Station
The North Railway Station (Estación del Norte) is one of the architectural jewels of the Valencia.
Built in the modernist style at the beginning of the 20th century, the façade shows the most typical elements of Valencian culture – oranges, barracas (Valencian traditional houses), La Albufera lake and women dressed in traditional costumes.
The railway station is still actively in use today and it’s one of the busiest train stations in the country, with rail links to Madrid and some of Europe’s major cities. It is located in the city centre, so it’s easily accessible.
Top tip: Don’t just stay outside and admire the façade. Go inside to see the beautiful wooden ticket booths decorated with ceramic mosaics and murals.
The Round Square (Plaza Redonda)
The Round Square… I know, a complete oxymoron. But bear with me… This unique space is one of Valencia’s most charming spots. Or at least, it used to be.
It has recently been restored and the old fashioned haberdashery, lace and embroidery stalls that edged around the square have been replaced by, in my opinion, characterless modern stalls that now sell souvenirs.
That old town feel has disappeared, but I think it’s still worth a visit for its unique design. It is located in the centre of the old town, which can be a bit of a maze of narrow streets, so you may have to hunt around a bit to find it.
Top tip: Although it’s open most days, the best time to visit is on a Sunday morning. The stalls close at 2 pm but there are a few tapas bar in the square and the surrounding area. Perfect for a Sunday aperitivo.
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Valencia for History Buffs
Valencia Cathedral and The Miguelete
There was once a Roman Temple here, which later became a mosque. But on the 13th century construction of The Cathedral began and it went through a number of architectural styles until it became what it is now.
It’s worth stepping inside just to admire the intricately painted dome, and the Holy Grail used by Christ at the Last Supper is (allegedly) kept in there too. Although some allege that the real Holy Grail is Doña Urraca’s Chalice found in the Museum of Real Colegiata de San Isidoro in León.
You can climb the Miguelete (which means Little Michael) belfry tower for a fabulous view of Valencia’s old town.
Top tip: Entrance fee is €7, which includes an audio guide. But if you don’t want to buy a ticket, you can just pop in through the entrance in the Plaza de la Virgen during the service to check out the beautiful dome.
The Silk Exchange (La Lonja)
La Lonja is one of the most famous civil gothic monuments in Europe and it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It was built in the 15th century, Valencia’s golden age, and it was used for silk merchants to negotiate and work out contracts. There is also a prison within the building for merchants who did not pay their debts.
Entry fee is only 2 Euros Monday to Friday and free at weekends. So there’s no excuse not to visit really.
Top Tip: If you’d like to take photos of the spectacular Hall of Columns while it’s empty, be the first one to visit in the day when it opens at 10 am.
Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas
Now housing the González Martí National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts, this fabulously ornate palace will blow you away with the Rococo designs on its façade.
There is so much going on around the main entrance that you will struggle to process the details and make sense of it. But that’s the beauty of it… you can stare at it for hours and find something new you hadn’t seen before.
And the interior is just as opulent as the exterior.
Top tip: Entrance to the museum is €2.40 during the week and free at weekends, but it’s definitely worth paying the €2.40 to get the place for yourself.
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Serranos and Quart Towers
Built in the 14th century, both the Serranos Towers and Quart Towers are all that remains of the old town defence walls. There was a time when Serranos was used as a prison for nobility and Quart as a prison for women.
Entry fee is €2 each during the week and free at weekends.
Top Tip: Climb the stone staircases of Serranos Towers for the best view of the city of Valencia.
Valencia for Foodies
Explore the city through a food tour
One of the most exciting things that you can do in Valencia is taking a foodie tour. Everyone knows that Spanish cuisine is one of the most varied and delicious in Europe.
Ok, being Spanish myself, I am a little bit biased. But I do believe this to be true. And there is no better to discover the regional delicacies of Valencia than by taking a food tour.
From Ibérico jamón (Spanish cured ham), Valencian olive oils, saffron and, of course, the famous Valencian horchata de chufa (tiger nut milk).
A food tour not only takes you to these local gems to sample these beautiful morsels, but you will also learn about the differences between jamón serrano and jamón ibérico, the different types of olive oil, how to differentiate 1st and 2nd quality Spanish saffron and where in the world some of the now typically Spanish ingredients came from. Oh, and let’s not forget tapas and wines too!
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Central Market (Mercado Central)
Valencia’s Central Market is not just a foodie’s paradise, but it’s said to be one of the most beautiful market halls in Europe, housed within a modernist building built in the 1920s.
It is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Valencia, but in particular, if food is your main driver to choosing a destination.
Despite its popularity, it is still a neighbourhood market, where you can observe every day local life, and sample the best produce that the Valencian region can offer.
Top tip: Look out for the stalls with a ‘La Cocina del Mercado’ poster, buy some fresh fish or shellfish and take it to one of the little restaurants just outside to get it cooked for a small fee.
If you are a foodie travelling around Spain, you’ll be interested in this food tour
Taste of Granada – The Food Tour That Goes Beyond Tapas
Russafa Market
The Russafa area of Valencia has gone through a bit of a process of gentrification, however, it remains a typical Valencian neighbourhood, with its own neighbourhood market.
Markets are central to the local community in Spain, and Russafa market is a great place to observe everyday life and interact with locals. You can see, however, how it is all gradually changing, with the market catering to new demand.
Typical fresh food market stalls are slowly being replaced by specialist shops focusing on one type of product such as olive oil, honey, etc. Despite this, it is still one of my favourite spots in Valencia.
Top tip: Combine your visit to Russafa Market with breakfast in the Churrería in nearby Calle San Valero. Churros are a delicious typical Spanish breakfast.
VALENCIA DAY TRIP IDEA
Alicante Old Town
Valencia for Trend Setter
Discover Valencia’s Street Art
Say ‘street art tour’ and most people will think of cities like London and Berlin. But you probably didn’t know that Valencia is a street art lover’s paradise. Go hunting for the best pieces of graffiti and urban art in the area with a street art tour of the city.
I was blown away by the quality and creativity of local artists such as Deih, La Nena Wapa Wapa and Escif, and the cheekiness of David de Limón, who springs up on you where you least expect him.
We also found lots of cool murals by international artists such as Disneylexya, Fasim and Atila_the1.
Book your Street Art Tour of Valencia here
Russafa – Valencia’s hippest area
Formerly a working-class neighbourhood, as I mentioned earlier, Russafa has been going through a process of gentrification for a number of years now, with all the controversy that comes with it.
Russafa is now the ‘hipster’ quarter of Valencia, and home to some of the best tapas restaurants, cafes and art galleries in the city. From bookshop-come-cafes to small breweries and vintage boutiques, Russafa has everything for those looking for the latest trends.
Top tip: Visit Dulce de Leche Boutique Café and try their cold brew coffee. The perfect pick-me-up in the Valencian scorching weather.
Mercado Colón
Located in the heart of one of Valencia’s most important commercial areas, the Mercado Colón is one of the most emblematic Modernist buildings in the city.
His architect visited Antonio Gaudí’s workshop, and you can clearly see his influence. No longer a market, it was recently refurbished and it now houses a number of upmarket shops, bars and cafes, including one of the best Horchaterías (horchata bar) in Valencia.
Top tip: Visit at night when the market is all lit up. The building looks spectacular, but it’s the atmosphere here that makes this place special.
Go Local in Valencia
Discover the real Valencian Paella by cooking your own
If you think you’ve tried paella, but not in Valencia… think again.
What most people know as paella outside of Spain, is what Valencians know as rice and […] (insert chicken, seafood, etc). And don’t even mention chorizo as an ingredient to a local! The real Valencian paella has chicken, rabbit, garrafón (large white beans), green beans and, sometimes, snails. And that’s pretty much it.
But it’s not really that simple. You can learn the secrets of the real Valencian paella by making your own at a paella cooking class. Or you can read a full account of my own paella cooking experience here.
Top Tip: Try and book a morning class, which includes a visit to the Mercado Central where you will buy the fresh ingredients for your own paella. Well worth getting up in the morning for!
Book a Valencian Paella Cooking Class here
READ MORE
Paella Cooking Class in Valencia
Drinking horchata de chufa
Horchata is the typical Valencian drink par excellence. It is made from chufas (tiger nuts) which are grown only in a few regions of the world, one of which is Valencia.
It is a refreshing creamy white drink comparable to almond milk, and it’s usually accompanied by a fartón – yes, I know, not the most appetising name, but trust me… this light and sweet pastry stick is delicious! Dip it into your horchata and I can guarantee you’ll love it!
Top tip: Horchatería de Santa Catalina is the oldest and most famous horchatería in town. It’s over 200 years old, and it oozes history and tradition.
Drinking Agua de Valencia
The other Valencian speciality when it comes to drinks is Agua de Valencia (Valencian Water). But don’t let the name fool you.
Agua de Valencia is a refreshing cocktail that uses local ingredients such as cava and fresh orange juice, plus a bit of a gin and vodka kick. Dangerously good, it’s so easy to drink!
Top tip: Sant Jaume Bar (Carrer dels Cavallers, 51) used to be a pharmacy, but it is one of the best places to try Agua de Valencia. Go on, you will have earned it after all the exploring!
Water Tribunal (Tribunal de las Aguas)
And what on earth is a Water Tribunal? I hear you ask… Declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Water Tribunal of the plain of Valencia dates back to Muslim Spain in the 10th century.
Valencia is an arid area so this tribunal was set up to manage and protect the fair distribution of water amongst farmers and communities. Still going strong today, any irrigation disputes are brought to the Tribunal by a complainant, where the accused defends themselves and answers questions.
Based on this, the Tribunal makes a decision on the offender’s penalty. The Water Tribunal takes place every Thursday at 12 pm outside the Cathedral gate on the Plaza de la Virgen.
Top tip: If you want to witness the Water Tribunal up close, get there for 11 am, as it can get very busy. But bear in mind that some weeks everyone gets along and there are no disputes, so the Tribunal itself will get dismantled within a few minutes.
Chill Out in Valencia
Relax in any of the city’s fantastic beaches
Valencia just seems to have it all. Culture, food, nightlife… even excellent beaches! You can choose from a number of them too. Malvarrosa Beach is the most famous of all and the closest to the city.
It can easily be reached by public transport. It is really popular with both locals and visitors and it has lots of restaurants and cafes nearby.
Top tip: For a more peaceful day at the beach but not too far from the city, try Las Arenas Beach or La Patacona Beach. Both easily reached by bus or metro.
Turia Gardens (Jardines del Turia)
The Jardines del Turia snake through the city, on what used to be the Turia riverbed before its course was diverted outside the city.
In 1957 there was a devastating flood in Valencia which claimed many lives so to avoid another disaster, the river was drained, diverted and its course turned into a fabulous green open space.
It now acts as the lungs of the city and it’s a great place to spend the day, whether going for a picnic, a walk or a long cycle. It is also where the City of Arts and Sciences can be found.
Top tip: Get away from the hustle and bustle and find the perfect picnic spot here in the middle of the city.
Start planning your trip
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Valencia Spain 2020 - 15 Best Things To Do
Friday 15th of May 2020
Thank you for mentioning the best places to visit in Valencia, I'll be traveling solo by next year and would definitely take note of these places. It makes me more excited about seeing these beautiful photos.
Teresa Gomez
Thursday 11th of June 2020
Thank you for your comment. I'm really glad this post is helpful and I hope you have a fantastic solo trip by next year! :)
Jasmine
Wednesday 14th of February 2018
Hi! I saw your post on the Travel Bloggers Club and I just wanted to say I love the layout and content of this post. I'm thoroughly impressed :)
Teresa
Sunday 18th of February 2018
Thanks Jasmine. I’m so happy that you like it! :)
Lucy
Thursday 19th of October 2017
Great article with lovely photos, many thanks for sharing.
Teresa
Thursday 19th of October 2017
Thanks Lucy! I'm glad you like it :)
Andrew
Monday 14th of August 2017
Good read, another place I need to go to. I still haven't been to Spain yet!
Teresa
Tuesday 29th of August 2017
Thanks Andrew! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it. You need to make that visit to Spain soon! Believe me, you won't regret it :)
Nicola
Sunday 13th of August 2017
Wow I love your pics and there's so much info here! I will add Valencia to the list! @backpackingkiwis
Teresa
Tuesday 29th of August 2017
Thank you so much Nicola. I'm so glad you enjoyed the photos! Valencia is definitely adding to the list! :)