Budget: Average 500€
Most Suitable for: Solo travel, couples, family
Trip length: 3 days+
As one of the biggest cities in Spain and capital of its own independent province Valencia is well worth a visit.
I mean, any city that turned a dried up river bed into a 12km long park and birthed the iconic paella dish we all know and love has to be seen doesn’t it!
Intrigued yet? Keep reading for all my top Valencia tips and highlights!
Getting around
Valencia isn’t huge in terms of the central area. The main attractions are very walkable and the walks are pleasant.
it is highly recommended that you buy the Valencia tourist pass. You can find this here offering you discounts on attractions, public transport and even some restaurants. I’d recommend checking it out and seeing if it’s right for you but it will likely be worth it if you’re planning to visit lots of museums and attractions or use public transport from the airport.
Please note that Uber is unavailable in Valencia but taxis are very reasonable and reliable in my experience.
Top 10 things to do in Valencia
Here are my top highlights
- The city of arts and sciences
Perhaps the sight Valencia is most famous for – The city of arts and Sciences. This place is incredible. I’m not usually a fan of modern architecture but this collection of buildings is seriously impressive and in my opinion an essential not just in Spain but in Europe.
I’d recommend spending a whole day here, maybe more if you prefer a relaxed pace. You can walk around the buildings for free and there is certainly a lot to see just from that. If you don’t want to enter any of the museums there are boats and pedalos you can rent to row around the small lakes.
You can also go cart around the grounds, or just admire the buildings while enjoying a drink or an ice cream ! A lot of people seem to like taking Instagram pics in front of the magnificent backdrop so if you’re inclined get your best fashion look ready! You can walk here along the Turia park or get the bus line 6 from the city!
Out of the different museums you have the Oceanographic, the Prince Philip science museum, the hemisferic IMAX cinema, the Palau de les artes reina Sofia the umbracle and the Agora events and exhibition space. For the best value you can buy combined tickets to visit different buildings. Expect to pay around 35€ to visit the aquarium and another attraction at time of writing. You can get tickets online to avoid big queues. For more info about each of the buildings read on!
The Oceanographic is by far the most important attraction in my opinion. . The fish swimming above your head in the walkways was just magical and there’s a lot of information about sustainability and environmental issues with our ocean too for keen learners!
The oceanographic
If you’re there definitely check out the phenomenal dolphin show but get there early to get in! I won’t start talking about the ethics around aquariums but I felt like the tanks inside were mostly spacious and the animals seemed well cared for. The aquarium complex is huge with its own restaurants, cafes and kids areas. You can’t bring your own food but the price of the cafeteria food was surprisingly reasonable.
The Prince Phillip Science Museum is interactive and from what I’ve seen great for children. They have some interesting exhibitions. You can access the ground floor for free so can decide if you’d like to see more but the building itself is the main attraction so if you have limited time or energy I’d give this one a miss.
The Hemispheric is a spherical screened IMAX cinema. We watched a documentary about space called Secrets of the Universe which was strongly physics based and packed with scientific information. I believe most of the screenings are more documentary style so unlike the science museum I wouldn’t recommend this for children or people who don’t like rather intense documentaries. I really enjoyed though and it’s interesting to see the technology that was so awe inspiring when it was opened in the 90s.
The Reina Sofia museum of arts showcases the best modern and avant-garde art the city has to offer, very suiting to the building which in itself is modern art!
The huge Agora event space was closed for renovations when we were there but if you’re lucky you’ll get to see an event or concert there!
The Umbracle is a garden topping the car park. It is just a garden but the arquitecture is beautiful and the palm trees are somehow so aesthetic among the futuristic buildings. It’s a great place to escape the rush of the tourists and enjoy some peace and qui
2. The old walled city
As one might expect, the old city is a complete contrast from the modernism of the city of arts and sciences. It’s like experiencing two opposite worlds in one place. You’ll find plenty of beautiful buildings and attractions here so you can just walk around and soak up the Valencian vibes or learn loads about the city. It is also a great area for bars and restaurants. Scroll down to the food and drink section for my recommendations.
Plaza de Virgen
A great place to soak up the atmosphere of the city with beautiful views of the cathedral and basilica, fountains and statues.
Gate towers
There are two sets of towers that were originally entrance gates to the walled inner city. The serranos and quart towers which are so beautiful especially at sunset. You can climb up to the top of the Towers for views over the old city.
Walking tours
I would highly recommend doing a walking tour of the city. Valencia is such a great place to do this kind of tour as it’s so walkable. There are so many hidden secrets and if you are solo travelling its a great way to make friends. I’m a huge walking tour fanatic though.
3.The beautiful Cathedral and churches of Valencia
Cathedral
The Cathedral of Valencia is really a sight to see, even if you’re just admiring it from the Plaza. This part Romanesque-part Gothic building is particularly special as it is the place most likely to house the true Holy Chalice according to religious fanatics. Entrance costs €8 for a standard adult ticket at time of writing.
Religious or not the paintings are incredible and there is a free audio guide explaining them. The cathedral also houses a museum with more art, inscriptions and other belongings dated as far back as the Roman era discovered in the church. Something unexpected that I loved was the Roman burial ground underneath the museum. I hadn’t even seen it advertised but it was a very interesting excavation with real human bones that were found on display – not for the squeamish.
Additionally for the best panoramic views in all the city you can climb all 207 steps of the Cathedral’s Miguelete tower.
Church of San Nicolas
If you had to choose one religious venue to visit I would recommend this one even over the cathedral. All of the walls and ceilings are painted with so much detail. There are many (areas with the gates) with scenes described by the free audio guide. I found this place just gave a very special and safe feeling although not religious myself. You can also check out the basilica and plenty of other small decorated churches but unless you are very into religious buildings these will give you the gist.
4. Central Markets
One of the things I love most about Spain is its huge markets with all the fresh food and spices you could wish for and Valencia Mercat Central is no different. It has many stalls selling vegetables, meats, cheese, spices, fish, alcohol and so on. You can even do cooking classes there and learn to cook a traditional paella which I highly recommend! If staying in self catering accommodation this is the place to be to get in on the food on the locals. As a jamon addict I bought a few packs to enjoy back home.
5. La lonja
The silk market. The building was beautiful with marble everywhere and the impressive original wooden doors still intact from around the 16th century but the appeal for me wasn’t the building itself. The part I found the most impressive was the story behind it which I learned listening to the audio guide. Valencia was the first place in Europe to manufacture silk which grew its riches very quickly and there are some very interesting myths about how these silk worms were acquired. There is also a silk museum associated if you want to learn more about what happened.
6. The Turia
The Turia is a river that was diverted due to terrible floods it caused the city. Eventually the dried up river bed was turned into a very long park. You’ll find all sorts if activities like yoga and cycling here or just enjoy the walk.
7. Beaches and promenade
Valencia really has the best of both worlds in that you can enjoy beaches too. The two main beaches are La Maravilloso and Las Arenas. Both are lovely Sandy beaches beside a promenade which you can enjoy the views and eat snacks and ice cream. El cabenyal was a fisherman’s village but became very cool and modernised. There are some great bars here as well as outstanding restaurants that I will include shortly!
8. Bioparc
I haven’t been here personally but it is said to be a marvellous and very natural zoo with the original African fauna of the animals well recreated. Entry costs €26.90 at the time of writing.
9. New city
Valencia has an abundance of shopping opportunities in the newer city with luxury designers. There is also a really cute modern foodie market that is the perfect place to enjoy a tipple and tapa
Plaza ayuntamiento
THE meeting square of Valencia. You can find all sorts of events and markets here
Valencia nord
The beautiful north train station decorated in Valencia main export, oranges!
Monteforte gardens
beautiful small gardens with flowers, statues- instagrammable, free entry
The bullring
It IS still active which is obviously an ethical issue for a lot of people, Spaniards included. It may be interesting to do some research on this integral yet difficult part of Spanish culture before deciding if you’d like to visit. There is a darker past of this bullring than the slaughter of bulls but I won’t leave any spoilers here.
10. Fallas festival
If you are lucky enough to be in Valencia in March you won’t be able to avoid this awesome festival! If you’re after peace and quiet you should avoid by all means. It involves huge floats made by the local people, fireworks, and partying until the early hours! You can also visit the Fallas museum to see some of the winning floats.
To stay
After all that eating drinking and sightseeing you’re going to need somewhere to stay!
I haven’t stayed at all of these but I’ve asked friends and combed through reviews so you don’t have to ! So here’s the best.
Budget/Hostels
- Home Youth Hostel Valencia
Pros: Location, no bunkbeds, good vibes, friendly staff with lots of reccomedations and activities!
Cons: Lots of stairs if you are on the top floor and mobility limited.
- Hostel Antigua Morellana
Pros: Run by a freindly family, excellent location, clean, nice private rooms, fresh pastries provided in morning
Cons: Street outside is a bit noisy, no full breakfast option
Mid range
- L&H Gran Via Valencia
Pros: Aesthetic design, soundproof rooms, rooftop terrace with small pool, excellent breakfast, great service and welcome Cava
Cons: nothing other than rooms on the smaller side
- Catalonia Excelsior
Pros: Amazing breakfast and food, friendly staff, extremely central yet soundproof
Cons: Parking will be difficult if you have a car
Luxury
- Hotel Balneario Las Arenas
Pros: One of the most Luxurious hotels in the area. I stayed here and you will truly be looked after here with concierge services, pristine pools and an amazing breakfast. Set in a historical venue.
- Hospes Palau de la Mar
Pros: True 5-star service, staff very attentive. Quiet but close to tourist spots, very effective AC in summer, complementary use of spa, historical building, Valet parking, excellent breakfast.
Cons: Although the area has its own vibe, it’s a little far from the city to just hop in and out
Cons: Nothing
Food and Drink
Firstly there are some traditional foods that I would recommend trying in Valencia.
Orange juice
It should be so that all visitors to Valencia must try the orange juice by law. It’s is the tastiest and sweetest in all the world. Just make sure it is fresh. You can try this is most cafes and bars.
Traditional paella
Traditional paella is with chicken, rabbit, green beans and sometimes snails, not seafood as many people think before visiting! . Unfortunately paella is never made for a single person so you will need a friend (sorry solo travelers!)
If you do prefer seafood with your paella though, you’ll find it, often advertised as Arroz del mar and La Pepica does an amazing one. I really recommend going to a nice Arrozeria for paella as it will be unlike anything you’ve ever eaten, so delicious!
Try it at:
- La Pepica for seaside vibe and beach views, wonderful seafood or traditional paella
- El Canyamelar near the city of sciences, the set menu has very generous portions!
Fartons and horchata
This one is controversial as the taste of the nut milk (Horchata) is a bit strange but very healthy! You can find it around the city but allegedly the best is at Horchateria Santa Catalina
Tapas
Obviously when in Spain you’re going to want to try some tapas. You will find decent tapas in most small bars but here are my favourites>
- Casa Montaña – A legendary 185 years old tapas bar, the oldest in Valencia. An excellent atmosphere and very popular.
- El Cidreria- Based in the old town this unique tapas bar takes inspiration from northern Spanish food. You will find some well known dishes but also more unusual authentic ones such as pigs trotters. They are serve traditional Spanish cider to wash it down! They are extremely friendly and will be happy to make you recommendations.
Other notable restaurants and bars
- El asador de araña – a traditional grill house that is perfect for meat lovers. The interior is absolutely beautiful.
- Mercabanyal-lots of different restaurants and bars not super authentic but nice to chill out, great beach club for young crowd.
- Old town bars such as Radio city bar, Cafe negrito etc.
- Bella de Cadiz eccentric bar in Russafa area with vintage collection and dolls.
Thanks for reading!
I hope you find this guide helpful and have a wonderful time in Valencia! Please let me know if you have an Valencia secrets in the comments!
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Awesome guide, top! ☺️
Thank you, glad you found it helpful 🙂