Planning a visit to Valencia, Spain? This vibrant coastal city, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and world-renowned cuisine, offers a plethora of attractions and activities that cater to every type of traveler. From exploring the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and wandering through the historic Barrio del Carmen, to indulging in delicious paella and relaxing on the beautiful beaches, there are countless best things to do in Valencia, Spain. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, our comprehensive guide to the top attractions and activities in Valencia will help you make the most of your visit. Dive into the dynamic culture, captivating history, and exciting adventures that make Valencia one of Spain’s most beautiful destinations.
10 Best Places to Visit in Valencia
Here’s a guide to the best places to visit in Valencia, Spain, complete with essential travel information for each destination. Whether you’re a history aficionado, nature lover, or beach enthusiast, Valencia has something for everyone.
- Futuristic Architectural Complex: A cultural and architectural marvel featuring an array of scientific and artistic buildings.
- Top Attractions: Explore the Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema and planetarium), visit the Principe Felipe Science Museum, and walk through the L’Umbracle.
- Activities: Museum visits, interactive exhibitions, and photography.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but spring and autumn offer mild weather for outdoor exploration.
- How to Get There: Accessible by bus, metro, or car. The nearest metro station is Alameda (Lines 3 and 5).
- Nearby Attractions: L’Oceanogràfic and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia.
- Historic Gothic Cathedral: Known for its architectural beauty and religious significance.
- Top Attractions: Visit the Holy Grail Chapel, climb the Miguelete Tower for panoramic views, and admire the Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque elements.
- Activities: Guided tours, attending services, and photography.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with fewer crowds during weekdays.
- How to Get There: Centrally located in the Plaza de la Virgen; accessible by bus or metro. The nearest metro station is Colón (Line 3).
- Nearby Attractions: Plaza de la Reina and the Basilica of the Virgin of the Helpless.
- Verdant Urban Park: A lush, green park stretching over 9 kilometers, created from a former riverbed.
- Top Attractions: Walk or bike along the pathways, visit the Gulliver Park, and relax in the shaded picnic areas.
- Activities: Walking, jogging, cycling, and picnicking.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather.
- How to Get There: Accessible by multiple entrances throughout Valencia. The nearest metro stations are Alameda and Túria.
- Nearby Attractions: Bioparc Valencia and the City of Arts and Sciences.
- Largest Aquarium in Europe: A part of the City of Arts and Sciences complex, showcasing marine life from various ocean ecosystems.
- Top Attractions: Explore the Arctic and Antarctic zones, visit the Dolphinarium, and see the Underwater Restaurant.
- Activities: Aquarium tours, watching marine shows, and dining.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with fewer crowds during weekdays.
- How to Get There: Accessible by bus, car, or metro. The nearest metro station is Alameda (Lines 3 and 5).
- Nearby Attractions: Hemisfèric and the Principe Felipe Science Museum.
- Bustling Market Hall: One of Europe’s largest and oldest operating public markets, housed in a beautiful modernist building.
- Top Attractions: Shop for fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade goods. Don’t miss the fish market and jamón stalls.
- Activities: Shopping, dining, and exploring local flavors.
- Best Time to Visit: Mornings, especially during weekdays, to experience the market at its liveliest.
- How to Get There: Centrally located in Valencia; accessible by bus or metro. The nearest metro station is Xàtiva.
- Nearby Attractions: La Lonja de la Seda and Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- Gothic Masterpiece: A UNESCO World Heritage site emblematic of Valencia’s golden age of commerce.
- Top Attractions: Admire the intricate stone carvings, visit the Golden Hall, and explore the orange tree courtyard.
- Activities: Guided tours and photography.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with fewer tourists in the early morning or late afternoon.
- How to Get There: Centrally located in Valencia; accessible by bus or metro. The nearest metro station is Xàtiva.
- Nearby Attractions: Central Market and the Valencia Cathedral.
- Immersive Zoo: An innovative zoo that allows visitors to immerse themselves in natural habitats.
- Top Attractions: Explore the Savannah, Madagascar, Equatorial Africa, and the Wetlands.
- Activities: Animal encounters, educational programs, and feeding sessions.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather.
- How to Get There: Accessible by bus or car. The nearest metro station is Nou d’Octubre (Line 3).
- Nearby Attractions: Turia Gardens and Cabecera Park.
- Serene Wetland Park: Famous for its freshwater lagoon and rich biodiversity.
- Top Attractions: Enjoy boat trips on the lagoon, visit the El Palmar village, and watch the sunset from one of the viewpoints.
- Activities: Birdwatching, boat rides, and hiking.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for bird migrations and mild weather.
- How to Get There: Accessible by bus or car from Valencia.
- Nearby Attractions: El Saler Beach and Dehesa del Saler.
- Historic Square: A central square surrounded by iconic landmarks, perfect for relaxing and soaking in Valencia’s atmosphere.
- Top Attractions: Visit the Turia Fountain, the Valencia Cathedral, and the Basilica of the Virgin of the Helpless.
- Activities: Sightseeing, dining at outdoor cafes, and attending local festivals.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- How to Get There: Centrally located in Valencia; accessible by bus or metro. The nearest metro station is Colón (Line 3).
- Nearby Attractions: Almoina Archaeological Museum and the Plaza de la Reina.
- Popular Urban Beach: Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying beachside activities.
- Top Attractions: Relax on the sandy beach, swim in the Mediterranean Sea, and stroll along the Paseo Marítimo.
- Activities: Sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for beach activities; spring and autumn for a quieter experience.
- How to Get There: Accessible by bus, car, or tram. The nearest tram station is La Malvarrosa.
- Nearby Attractions: Port of Valencia and the Valencia Marina.
10 Best Things to Do in Valencia
Whether you’re scaling heights, diving deep, or exploring rugged terrains, there are countless best things to do in Valencia, Spain, for adventure enthusiasts. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top adventure activities in Valencia with essential travel information for each.
- Mountain Adventures: Montanejos is renowned for its climbing routes and scenic hiking trails.
- Top Routes: La Pared Negra for climbing and Sendero de los Estrechos for hiking.
- Activities: Rock climbing, hiking, and swimming in natural pools.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and clear trails.
- Travel Tip: Wear sturdy climbing shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Nearby Attractions: Montanejos Hot Springs and Río Mijares.
- Underwater Exploration: Discover the vibrant marine life and underwater landscapes of Cullera’s coast.
- Top Dive Sites: Cullera Lighthouse Reef and the Cullera Cave.
- Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling, and underwater photography.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for the warmest water and best visibility.
- Travel Tip: Dive centers offer equipment rentals and guided dives for all skill levels.
- Nearby Attractions: Cullera Castle and Cullera Beach.
- Urban Kayaking: Paddle through the heart of Valencia on the scenic Turia River.
- Top Routes: Start from the City of Arts and Sciences and paddle towards the Turia Gardens.
- Activities: Kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife spotting.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for warm weather and calm waters.
- Travel Tip: Kayak rentals and guided tours are available from local operators.
- Nearby Attractions: City of Arts and Sciences and Turia Gardens.
- Scenic Rides: Explore the tranquil landscapes and diverse ecosystems of Albufera Natural Park on a bike.
- Top Trails: Dehesa del Saler and El Palmar.
- Activities: Biking, birdwatching, and nature photography.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and bird migrations.
- Travel Tip: Rent bikes locally and bring binoculars for birdwatching.
- Nearby Attractions: El Saler Beach and Albufera Lagoon.
- Water Sports Thrills: Valencia’s Playa de Malvarrosa is a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- Top Spots: Playa de Malvarrosa and Playa de las Arenas.
- Activities: Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and beach lounging.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with the best wind conditions from May to September.
- Travel Tip: Local schools offer equipment rentals and lessons for all skill levels.
- Nearby Attractions: Port of Valencia and La Marina de Valencia.
- Climbing Heaven: Chulilla is famous for its limestone cliffs and extensive climbing routes.
- Top Climbing Spots: El Balcón and El Oasis.
- Activities: Rock climbing, hiking, and canyoning.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for optimal climbing conditions.
- Travel Tip: Local guides offer climbing tours and equipment rentals.
- Nearby Attractions: Chulilla Castle and the Roman Aqueduct.
- Aerial Adventure: Soar above Valencia’s picturesque landscapes with a hot air balloon ride.
- Top Launch Sites: Near Montserrat and El Bosque.
- Activities: Ballooning, sightseeing, and aerial photography.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning and late afternoon for the best flight conditions.
- Travel Tip: Book tandem flights with certified operators and dress warmly.
- Nearby Attractions: Montserrat and the Valencia countryside.
- Underground Exploration: Discover the stunning underground world of La Vall d’Uixó’s caves.
- Top Caves: San Jose Caves with its underground river.
- Activities: Caving, boat tours, and exploring.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though spring and summer offer more frequent tours.
- Travel Tip: Join guided tours for safety and the best experience.
- Nearby Attractions: La Vall d’Uixó and Almarda Beach.
- Soar High: Experience the thrill of paragliding over the stunning Valencian landscape at El Palomaret.
- Top Locations: Launch sites in El Palomaret and La Safor.
- Activities: Paragliding, sightseeing, and aerial photography.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with the best conditions in spring and autumn.
- Travel Tip: Book tandem flights with certified instructors and ensure you are fit for the experience.
- Nearby Attractions: Sierra de Mariola and La Safor.
- Scenic Rides: Explore the rugged beauty of Sierra Calderona on horseback.
- Top Trails: Ruta de los Puentes Colgantes and trails near Serra.
- Activities: Horseback riding, hiking, and nature photography.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and scenic beauty.
- Travel Tip: Book guided tours in advance and wear proper riding attire.
- Nearby Attractions: Serra Castle and the Natural Park of Sierra Calderona.
Travel Information for Valencia
Valencia is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and a plethora of activities, Valencia is a must-visit destination on Spain’s southeastern coast. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide for Valencia, packed with essential travel information for Valencia, Spain
- By Air: The main airport serving Valencia is Valencia Airport (VLC).
- Flights: Direct flights from major European cities and some international destinations.
- Travel Time: Approximately 2-3 hours from most major European cities.
- By Train: Valencia is well-connected by the Spanish high-speed train network AVE.
- Main Station: Estación del Norte.
- Travel Time: Approximately 1.5-2 hours from Madrid and 3-4 hours from Barcelona.
- By Bus: Numerous bus services connect Valencia with other major cities in Spain.
- Bus Station: Valencia’s Estación de Autobuses.
- By Car: Valencia is accessible via major highways.
- Car Rentals: Available at the airport and throughout the city.
- By Ferry: Ferries connect Valencia to the Balearic Islands.
- Spring (March to May): Mild and pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and the famous Las Fallas festival in March.
- Summer (June to August): Warm temperatures ideal for beach activities and vibrant nightlife.
- Autumn (September to November): Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful fall landscapes.
- Winter (December to February): Cooler weather, perfect for exploring without the summer heat.
- City of Arts and Sciences: A futuristic complex featuring scientific and artistic buildings like the Hemisfèric and Principe Felipe Science Museum.
- Valencia Cathedral: A historic Gothic cathedral known for its architectural beauty and religious significance.
- Turia Gardens: A lush urban park created from a former riverbed, ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling.
- L’Oceanogràfic: The largest aquarium in Europe, showcasing marine life from various ocean ecosystems.
- Central Market: One of Europe’s largest public markets, offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and handicrafts.
- La Lonja de la Seda: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
- Bioparc Valencia: An immersive zoo that allows visitors to experience natural habitats up close.
- Albufera Natural Park: A serene wetland park famous for its diverse birdlife and freshwater lagoon.
- Plaza de la Virgen: A historic square surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Turia Fountain and Valencia Cathedral.
- Malvarrosa Beach: A popular urban beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beachside activities.
- Public Transit: Valencia has an efficient public transportation system with buses, trams, and metro lines operated by EMT Valencia.
- Buses: Extensive network covering urban and suburban areas.
- Trams and Metro: Four metro lines and four tram lines connecting key areas of the city.
- Car Rentals: Ideal for flexibility to explore the surrounding areas.
- Rental Agencies: Available at Valencia Airport and various locations in the city.
- Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis are readily available, and rideshare services like Uber operate in Valencia.
- Biking: Valencia is bike-friendly with numerous cycling routes and a bike-sharing service called Valenbisi.
- Luxury Hotels: Experience opulence at Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort, SH Valencia Palace, and The Westin Valencia.
- Boutique Hotels: For a unique stay, consider Caro Hotel and Hotel AlmaPamplona.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Hotel Villacarlos, Hostal Venecia, and hostels like Russafa Youth Hostel.
- Vacation Rentals: Use platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to find apartments and homes with charming views.
- Paella: Authentic Valencian paella made with rice, saffron, and various meats or seafood.
- Horchata: A refreshing drink made from tiger nuts, often served with fartons (pastries).
- Fideuà: A seafood dish similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice.
- Bunyols: Sweet fritters often enjoyed during the Las Fallas festival.
- Markets and Local Produce: Visit local markets like Mercado Central and Mercado de Colón for fresh produce and traditional foods.
- Local Markets: Discover fresh produce, regional products, and artisanal goods at markets like Mercado Central and Mercado de Colón.
- Boutique Shops: Explore unique boutiques offering local fashion, crafts, and souvenirs in El Carmen and Ruzafa districts.
- Department Stores: Shop at El Corte Inglés and Aqua Multiespacio for a wide range of products.
- Specialty Shops: Visit Turrones Ramos for traditional Spanish nougat and Lladró for exquisite porcelain figurines.
- Weather: The weather can vary, so pack layers and be prepared for both warm and cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings.
- Language: Spanish and Valencian are the official languages, but many locals speak English.
- Currency: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash for small purchases is useful.
- Safety: Valencia is generally very safe. Exercise standard precautions and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas.
- Greetings: A friendly “Hola” (hello) and “Gracias” (thank you) go a long way.
- Dining Etiquette: Punctuality is appreciated. Wait to be seated and let your host lead the way.
- Dress Code: Dress casually for outdoor activities. Smart casual is suitable for dining out.
- Respecting Nature: Follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles to help maintain the pristine natural environment.
- Hiking and Walking Tours: Discover scenic trails in Turia Gardens and Albufera Natural Park.
- Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the rich waters with local tours and charters.
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Explore the serene waters of the Turia River.
- Biking Tours: Cycle through Valencia’s picturesque landscapes and urban routes.
- Boat Tours: Take a boat tour on the Albufera Lagoon for unique views of the natural park.
- Windsurfing and Kitesurfing: Ride the waves at Playa de Malvarrosa and El Saler Beach.
- Paragliding: Soar above the stunning landscapes around Valencia with guided tandem flights.
