Things to Do in Valencia, Spain

Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, is a captivating Mediterranean destination that seamlessly blends ancient history with cutting-edge architecture. Home to the iconic City of Arts and Sciences, this coastal gem offers visitors a perfect combination of cultural attractions, stunning beaches, and world-renowned cuisine. The birthplace of paella sits along Spain's eastern coast, where orange groves meet the sea and Gothic cathedrals stand alongside futuristic museums. The city's compact historic center, known as Ciutat Vella, houses centuries of architectural treasures including the Gothic Valencia Cathedral, the silk exchange La Lonja, and the bustling Central Market. Beyond the old town, Valencia's modern districts showcase innovative urban planning, particularly the transformed Turia riverbed that now serves as a green corridor connecting the city center to the beach. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, excellent public transportation, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, Valencia offers an authentic Spanish experience without the overwhelming crowds of Madrid or Barcelona.

Top Things to Do in Valencia

Explore the City of Arts and Sciences

This futuristic architectural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava is Valencia's crown jewel, featuring the Oceanogràfic aquarium, interactive Science Museum, and stunning opera house. The complex spans nearly two kilometers and represents one of the most important cultural and architectural developments in Europe. Each building offers unique experiences, from underwater tunnels with sharks to planetarium shows and world-class performances.

Booking Tip: Purchase combination tickets online (€37-45) for multiple attractions to save money. Visit the Science Museum in the morning when it's less crowded, and book opera or concert tickets well in advance. The Oceanogràfic requires 3-4 hours, so plan accordingly.

Take a Paella Cooking Class

Learn to prepare Valencia's most famous culinary export in its birthplace, where traditional paella Valenciana contains rabbit, chicken, beans, and saffron rather than seafood. Local chefs teach authentic techniques using traditional paelleras over wood fires, sharing family recipes passed down through generations. Classes typically include market visits to select fresh ingredients and end with enjoying your creation paired with local wines.

Booking Tip: Book classes for €50-80 per person that include market tours and wine pairings. Morning classes (10am start) offer the freshest ingredients and align with traditional Spanish lunch timing. Look for small group sizes (8-12 people) for more personalized instruction.

Discover Valencia's Historic Center

Wander through the atmospheric Ciutat Vella to see Valencia Cathedral with its mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque styles, plus the claimed Holy Grail. The area includes the stunning La Lonja silk exchange, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the vibrant Plaza de la Virgen surrounded by historic buildings. Don't miss climbing the Miguelete bell tower for panoramic city views.

Booking Tip: Cathedral entry costs €8 including the museum and Holy Grail chapel, while Miguelete tower access is €2. Visit early morning (9-10am) or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Free walking tours operate daily but tip guides €10-15.

Relax at Malvarossa Beach

Valencia's main urban beach stretches for several kilometers and offers golden sand, clear Mediterranean waters, and excellent beachfront dining. The wide promenade is perfect for cycling or strolling, while the beach itself provides volleyball courts, water sports rentals, and traditional chiringuito beach bars. The area transforms from family-friendly day spot to lively nightlife destination after sunset.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but sunbed and umbrella rentals cost €8-12 per day. Visit weekday mornings for the most space, and try beachfront paella restaurants between 1-3pm for authentic local dining. Water sports equipment rentals range from €15-30 per hour.

Experience Central Market and Surrounding Areas

One of Europe's largest fresh markets, housed in a stunning Modernist building with colorful tiles and iron architecture dating from 1928. Over 300 stalls sell everything from fresh seafood and Iberian ham to local oranges and traditional sweets, creating a feast for all senses. The surrounding area includes tapas bars, traditional shops, and the nearby Lonja silk exchange.

Booking Tip: The market is free to enter and operates Monday-Saturday until 3pm (closed Sundays). Go hungry and budget €20-30 for tastings and small purchases. Join food tours (€35-50) for guided tastings and cultural context, or explore independently with a morning coffee from one of the internal cafés.

Getting There

Valencia is easily accessible via Valencia Airport (VLC), located just 8km from the city center with direct flights from major European cities and connecting flights from worldwide destinations. The airport connects to the city via metro lines 3 and 5 (€4.90, 20 minutes) or taxi (€20-25). High-speed trains (AVE) connect Valencia to Madrid in 1 hour 40 minutes and Barcelona in 2.5 hours, arriving at the centrally located Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station. Regional trains and buses also connect Valencia to other Spanish cities, while the city's port welcomes cruise ships and ferries from the Balearic Islands.

Getting Around

Valencia boasts an excellent public transportation system including metro, buses, and trams operated by EMT Valencia, with single tickets costing €1.50 or 10-ride cards for €8. The city is extremely bike-friendly with over 150km of bike lanes and a public bike-sharing system (Valenbisi) available for €13.30 weekly. The historic center is compact and walkable, while the metro efficiently connects major attractions including the beach, airport, and City of Arts and Sciences. Taxis are affordable and plentiful, while ride-sharing services operate throughout the city.

Where to Stay

Ciutat Vella (Historic Center)

Eixample

Ruzafa

Malvarossa Beach Area

City of Arts and Sciences District

El Carmen

Food & Dining

Valencia's culinary scene revolves around its world-famous paella, best enjoyed at traditional restaurants near Malvarossa beach or in the historic center, with authentic paella Valenciana containing rabbit, chicken, and beans rather than seafood. The Central Market area offers excellent tapas bars and traditional eateries, while the trendy Ruzafa neighborhood features innovative restaurants and international cuisine. Don't miss horchata (tiger nut drink) at traditional horchaterías, especially the famous Horchatería Santa Catalina. For fine dining, the city boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, while casual dining thrives in the Carmen quarter with its mix of traditional taverns and modern bistros.

When to Visit

Valencia enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it a year-round destination. The best times to visit are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures range from 15-25°C, perfect for sightseeing and beach activities without summer crowds. Summer (June-August) brings hot weather (25-30°C) ideal for beach lovers but can be crowded and expensive. Winter (December-February) offers mild temperatures (10-18°C) and fewer tourists, though some beach activities may be limited. Las Fallas festival in March is spectacular but extremely crowded and expensive.

Insider Tips

Visit during siesta hours (2-5pm) when attractions are less crowded, but note many shops and restaurants close during this time

Try agua de Valencia, the city's signature cocktail made with orange juice, champagne, vodka, and gin, but be warned - it's stronger than it tastes

Take advantage of free museum entry on Sundays and avoid the crowds by visiting major attractions early morning on weekdays

Things to Do in Valencia