Valencia’s best things to do range from a classic rococo-style palace to cutting-edge architecture, alongside a massive market hall and a 9-kilometer long city park. For us, Valencia is the perfect Spanish city break, offering days of endless fun with its diverse activities. Here, you can mix beach life with cultural experiences and indulge in the delicious Valencian cuisine, all while wandering through the city’s vibrant center.
Explore the best of Valencia with our detailed guide that highlights both must-visit attractions and hidden gems. Keep reading to create your ideal itinerary for a city trip to Valencia.
Where is Valencia located in Spain?
Situated on the east coast of Spain, Valencia is part of the Valencia region, famous for its stunning beaches and charming city breaks. Nestled between Barcelona and Alicante, this lively city is an excellent starting point for exploring the Spanish coast.
Traveling to Valencia is a breeze with budget-friendly direct flights available from most European destinations.
What Valencia is Famous For
As a favored destination for city trips, Valencia is celebrated for its dynamic atmosphere. The city is globally renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, highlighted by the annual Fallas Festival, groundbreaking architecture often featured in sci-fi movies, and culinary delights like paella and the Agua de Valencia cocktail.
Valencia claims the origin of the iconic Spanish paella, a flavorful dish prepared with rice, saffron, a variety of vegetables, and proteins like chicken, rabbit, or seafood. This dish is a gastronomic staple throughout the city.
The avant-garde La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencia, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, stands as a major cultural and architectural landmark. This futuristic complex is home to several museums, an opera house, and an impressive aquarium.
Valencia bursts into life during the annual Fallas Festival, famous for its towering papier-mâché sculptures that are spectacularly burned on the festival’s final day. We have enjoyed this vibrant event firsthand, complete with parades of traditionally dressed women, stunning fireworks, and intricate sculptures scattered around the city.
Valencia is also famous for its oranges, grown in the region’s fertile soil and favorable climate, making them a sought-after export worldwide. A must-try for food enthusiasts is the ‘Agua de Valencia,’ a refreshing cocktail made with fresh orange juice, Spanish cava, and a splash of gin or vodka, finished with a hint of orange liqueur.
Best Areas to Stay in Valencia
Valencia offers a range of neighborhoods, each with its own character, making choosing where to stay in Valencia an exciting challenge.
Reading tip: discover more about the top 5 neighborhoods in Valencia, complete with hotel recommendations.
Booking.comCiutat Vella, the historical heart of Valencia, is where you can feel the city’s past alive in the ancient walls, narrow alleys, and monumental buildings like the Cathedral of Valencia and La Lonja de la Seda. Ideal for those who want to be within walking distance of major attractions and soak up Valencia’s authentic vibe, it’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors eager to explore the city’s historic and cultural core. El Carmen, often referred to as a separate area, is actually the charming northern part of Ciutat Vella.
Ruzafa is Valencia’s artistic and trendy quarter, home to a vibrant, creative community. It’s packed with independent boutiques, art galleries, and fashionable restaurants, and is known for its lively nightlife with numerous terraces. Ruzafa is perfect for travelers looking to experience the city’s trendy, youthful side.
El Cabanyal, once a fishing quarter, is located right on Valencia’s beachfront. It retains its traditional charm with brightly tiled houses and narrow streets, offering an ideal locale for those who want beach access while being just a quick metro or bike ride from downtown attractions.
Quatre Carreres is primarily noted for the remarkable Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a futuristic architectural ensemble designed by Santiago Calatrava. Though the neighborhood itself may not offer much else, its strategic location between the old city and the beach makes it a practical choice.
Eixample is distinguished by its broad avenues and upscale apartments. This area is the go-to for luxury shopping and dining in elegant restaurants. Blending 19th-century architectural grace with modern conveniences, Eixample is perfect for those seeking a luxurious stay in Valencia.
Valencia Map
20 Top Things To Do in Valencia
#1 Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
Valencia’s most celebrated landmark is, without a doubt, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. You might recognize the modern architecture of this complex from films and TV shows, where it often sets the scene for futuristic worlds.
Inspired to create a Bilbao effect — transforming a city through striking architecture like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao — this innovative and progressive complex was developed. It was designed by the globally renowned Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava and built in the late 1990s, with the final part completed in 2009.
The complex includes various facilities, with the initial building finished in 1998 and the latest in 2009. Highlights of the City of Arts and Sciences include the Hemisfèric, an IMAX cinema that doubles as a planetarium; the Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe, an interactive science museum; and l’Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe, featuring marine species from all global seas.
If you’re visiting Valencia with kids, don’t miss out on Parque Gulliver. This iconic playground is built around a giant sculpture of Gulliver, where kids can climb and explore, sliding down its numerous slides.
You can explore the grounds of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias for free. Visitors can wander among the impressive buildings and appreciate their unique designs without charge, only paying to enter the buildings. Additionally, access to the Gulliver playground is completely free.
#2 Jardín del Turia
Valencia’s largest city park, the Jardín del Turia, is a must-see. This extensive park is easily recognizable on any city map as it was created from an old riverbed. Following the devastating flood of 1957, the decision was made to divert the Turia River and transform the old riverbed into a lush green zone, completed in the 1980s.
The park has become a beloved spot for relaxation, sports, and cultural events. It offers walking and biking paths, numerous playgrounds, and grassy areas perfect for picnics. Notably, the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is also built within this former riverbed. We have enjoyed several walks through the park, discovering new sections each time, as it meanders around the city center for 9 kilometers.
#3 The Cathedral of Valencia & El Miguelete Tower
The Cathedral of Valencia, officially named Catedral de Santa María de Valencia, was built between 1262 and 1356. This majestic cathedral, erected on the site of a former mosque, showcases a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. The cathedral features three picturesque main entrances—La Puerta de la Almoina, Puerta de los Apóstoles, and Puerta de los Hierros—each with distinctive stylistic features.
The cathedral is renowned for housing the Holy Grail, said to have been donated by King Alfonso V of Aragon in 1436 and later restored after it was damaged in 1785. Within its walls, you’ll also find artworks by Francisco Goya and other valuable relics, including the left arm of Saint Vincent.
Adjacent to the main entrance is the Micalet Tower—known as El Miguelete in Spanish—a Gothic tower dating back to the fourteenth century. A climb up its spiral staircase rewards visitors with sweeping views over Valencia, making it a popular spot for those looking to capture the city from above.
#4 Mercado Central
Every Spanish city boasts a central market hall, and Valencia’s Mercado Central is the standout. Constructed between 1910 and 1928, it holds the title of Europe’s oldest continuously operating covered market. It is among the largest in Spain and features stunning Art Nouveau architecture.
The market is famed for its breathtaking 30-meter high dome, constructed from iron, glass, and ceramics, alongside unadorned brick side wings adorned with stone and ceramics. We were truly taken aback by the scale and design of this market hall. Housing over 300 stalls, Mercado Central offers everything from fresh produce and meats to specialty items like shellfish and saffron. While souvenirs are available, the market serves as a shopping hub for both tourists and locals alike.
Hidden Gems: Don’t overlook other market halls in Valencia, such as Mercado Ruzafa. Although smaller and less visually striking, it provides a more authentic market experience with fewer tourists. Another gem is the Mercado de Colón, built in 1916, offering its own unique charm.
#5 The Trendy District of Ruzafa
Right next to the old center, you definitely need to visit Ruzafa, renowned as Valencia’s trendiest district. Just a quick five to ten-minute walk from Ciutat Vella will bring you into the heart of this bustling neighborhood. Ruzafa is a vibrant area, alive with terraces, chic boutiques, trendy coffee shops, concept stores, and vintage outlets.
Ruzafa also shines as a culinary hotspot, offering a diverse range of dining options. Whether it’s trendy cafes or cutting-edge dining experiences, it’s a delightful place to enjoy a meal. At night, Ruzafa truly comes to life. The district is filled with terraces and venues where you can soak in live music and a convivial atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to savor the local favorite, Agua de Valencia.
Deep in the heart of Ruzafa is the Mercado Ruzafa. This local market is less frequented by tourists and provides a more authentic experience than the more renowned Mercado Central. You’ll find an array of fresh products here, ranging from traditional Spanish treats to freshly caught fish and olives.
#6 The Fallas Festival and Fallas Museum
By sheer coincidence, we visited Valencia during the globally famous Fallas Festival in March. It’s the largest street festival in Spain, a comprehensive event that fills the city with celebrations and towering papier-mâché sculptures known as ‘Fallas’. These pieces are placed throughout the city and dramatically burned at the festival’s conclusion.
The festival enchants visitors with vibrant parades, spectacular fireworks displays, and women dressed in traditional costumes. For five days, nearly all of Valencia’s center is closed to car traffic, turning into a massive festival area. You can stroll through the city and encounter the various Fallas statues, crafted by the many Fallas associations.
The traditional costumes worn by the Fallas women, or ‘falleras’, are particularly impressive. Each Fallas association features two main falleras—a girl and a woman—supported by many ladies-in-waiting. These women don traditional attire throughout the festival. Additionally, there are parades over two days featuring hundreds of women and girls in silk dresses, walking through the city to offer flowers to the Virgin Mary by association.
Even when it’s not festival time, you can visit the Fallas Museum year-round. Located near the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, the museum showcases a selection of the finest small Fallas figures that have been saved from being burned each year. While entry is inexpensive and free on Sundays, the museum is relatively small but offers a deep dive into this unique tradition that is deeply ingrained in the local culture of Valencia.
#7 Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas
One of the most ornate buildings in Valencia is the historic Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, now housing the Museo Nacional de Cerámica y Artes Suntuarias, or the National Ceramics Museum. This 18th-century palace, built in an extravagant Rococo style, boasts a striking façade and a spectacular alabaster main entrance.
Currently, the palace is home to the most impressive ceramics collection in Spain. While we found the collection itself somewhat less engaging, the true beauty lies on the first floor where you can explore the former palace rooms with their stunning interiors. The entrance fee is a modest few euros, and the museum offers free admission on Sundays.
#8 Torres de Serranos
The Torres de Serranos is a remarkable gateway built in 1392. Initially serving as a major defensive gate and one of the primary entrances to old Valencia, these towers have seen various uses over the centuries, including as a prison for nobility from 1586 to 1887.
Today, the Torres de Serranos is open to visitors. With an admission fee of just €2, the towers also host official events, including the opening ceremony of the Fallas Festival. This historical structure not only offers a glimpse into Valencia’s past but also provides panoramic views of the city from its vantage points.
#9 Jardins del Real
The Jardins del Real, a hidden gem tucked away in the northeast of Valencia’s city center, boasts a rich history that dates back to the sixteenth century. Originally part of the Royal Palace, which stood here until it was destroyed during the Spanish War of Independence in 1810, only the foundations and a few gates of the palace remain, still visible within the park today.
Initially serving as the royal gardens, and later around 1900, as a municipal tree nursery, Jardins del Real was opened as a public city park in 1912. The park now hosts 167 different species of trees and plants, and features broad palm-lined promenades, a charming rose garden, a vintage birdhouse from 1933, various sculptures, fountains, a children’s playground, and a picturesque pond complete with a waterfall.
#10 Museo de Bellas Artes
The Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia is among the most esteemed art museums in Spain and offers free admission. It is housed in a grand historic building adjacent to the Jardín del Turia, and showcases a collection exceeding 2,000 works. The collection includes paintings by celebrated Spanish masters such as Velázquez, El Greco, and Francisco Goya, alongside pieces by Italian, Dutch, and Flemish artists, including Hieronymus Bosch.
The museum itself is architecturally significant, occupying a former monastery. The stunning blue dome is particularly impressive, and the grand entrance features a meticulously restored Baroque door that opens into a vast central hall under the dome. From here, visitors can explore various galleries that house both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
While we personally were not overly impressed with the museum’s collection—historical and ecclesiastical art isn’t exactly our cup of tea—the fact that it’s free makes it a worthwhile visit if you’re nearby. On hot days, the museum’s air conditioning provides a pleasant break from the midday heat.
Hidden Gems: For more free museum experiences in Valencia, we were also taken with the modern art museum CCCC (Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània). Even if contemporary art isn’t your primary interest, the beautiful old monastery setting alone is worth the visit. Another tip: right opposite the CCCC, you’ll find La Casa dels Gats, a charming and often-photographed painted depiction of a house, complete with a balcony and door.
#11 La Lonja de la Seda
La Lonja de la Seda is an essential stop in Valencia for anyone interested in historical architecture. This former Silk Exchange is a Gothic masterpiece from the fifteenth century, located at the Plaza del Mercado. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it represents a stunning piece of cultural and architectural heritage.
Constructed between 1482 and 1548 during Valencia’s Golden Age of the silk trade, the complex features the grand Sala de Contratación, a space where traders once congregated to conduct business, and the adjoining Consulado del Mar, where the maritime tribunal was held. The trading hall is particularly striking, with its slender, spiral columns and a vaulted ceiling. Visitors can explore the interior of La Lonja de la Seda for just €2.
#12 The Churches of Valencia
Valencia is rich in historic churches, each showcasing distinctive architectural styles. We visited many and would like to share a few notable ones with you.
The Església de Santa Caterina Màrtir is admired for its elegant and restrained interior, featuring impressive arches that create a serene, almost minimalist ambiance. Sant Joan del Hospital, one of Valencia’s oldest churches, also features a simple, classic interior.
In stark contrast, the Parroquia de San Nicolás de Bari is lavishly adorned in Baroque style inside, earning it the nickname “The Sistine Chapel of Valencia”. It is decorated with elaborate frescoes and detailed artwork. While most Valencia churches offer free entry, there is a small fee to enter San Nicolás.
The Basílica de la Mare de Déu dels Desemparats is known for its lavish interior and stunning ceiling, housing a famous depiction of Sebastian. The interior of the Iglesia de Sant Martí is striking with its white walls and baroque gold detailing on the vaulted ceiling, which includes a coffered ceiling above the altar, adding an extra layer of depth to the space.
#13 Plaza de la Reina
Plaza de la Reina is one of the most iconic squares in Valencia, primarily famous for hosting the magnificent Valencia Cathedral, a major city landmark.
The square is named after Queen María de las Mercedes of Orleans, the first wife of King Alfonso XII. Its origins trace back to 1878, the year of Alfonso XII and María’s marriage. Historically, it was intended to serve as the city’s main square, similar to a Plaza Mayor found in other Spanish cities.
#14 Plaça Redona
Contrasting with the expansive Plaza de la Reina, Plaça Redona is a tucked-away treasure situated between Plaza Ayuntamiento and Plaza de la Reina. Its most striking feature is its unique circular shape, created by the surrounding buildings.
Plaza Redonda is known for its distinctive round form and the four access paths that lead under the buildings encircling it. These buildings, which mainly house souvenir shops on their ground floors, form a ring around a central fountain dating back to 1850. This fountain is beautifully decorated with bronze faces, from which water elegantly streams.
From 2008 to 2010, the square underwent significant renovations that restored the original hues of the buildings. During a later renovation, the historic market stalls were replaced with modern ones, and a contemporary sunshade was installed, giving the square a more modern feel. However, some locals believe these changes have somewhat diminished its traditional charm.
#15 Plaza de Torros
The Plaza de Toros de Valencia is a prominent bullfighting arena constructed between 1850 and 1860 by Valencian architect Sebastián Monleón Estellés. The design of this arena draws inspiration from Roman architecture, reminiscent of the Colosseum, which influences its neoclassical style characterized by an almost Colosseum-like appearance with 384 arches.
The arena has a seating capacity of about 10,000 spectators. While originally designed as a venue for bullfighting, today it also hosts a variety of other events such as concerts and festivals. This adaptation has allowed the arena to serve a broader, more humane purpose beyond the controversial bullfighting practices of the past. Nevertheless, bullfights are still occasionally held here.
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