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Valencia, Spain

Destination Guide

Valencia

Spain

Best things to do in Valencia

36 curated attractions in Valencia, Spain. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - June, September - October

Average temp

19°C/66°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Valencia

Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, is defined by its unique blend of historical architecture and striking modern structures, most notably the City of Arts and Sciences. This sprawling complex of futuristic buildings houses museums, an aquarium, and an opera house, making it the centerpiece of cultural life. The old town showcases a wealth of historical sites, such as the Valencia Cathedral and the Torres de Serranos, while the Central Market offers local produce and traditional fare. The coastal location means you can easily shift from art to beach, however, many who visit do so primarily for the lively street life, festivals, and a taste of paella, which is what people actually come for.

Who it's for

Visitors who appreciate a mix of culture and leisure will enjoy this city. It's ideal for those looking to stroll between historic sites and modern attractions. However, anyone seeking a quieter or more traditional Spanish experience might find the crowds at major sites a bit overwhelming.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city center is walkable in about twenty minutes from end to end
  • Public transport includes a reliable metro system and buses that connect to the beach and further attractions
  • The high-speed train from Madrid takes about one hour and arrives at the modern Joaquín Sorolla station
  • Expect some confusion if you assume the beach is always within easy walking distance
L’Umbracle Terraza

L’Umbracle Terraza

Landmarks and Monuments
Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas

Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas

Castles & palaces
Plaza de la Reina

Plaza de la Reina

Squares & plazas
Plaza de la Virgen

Plaza de la Virgen

Squares & plazas
Plaza del Ayuntamiento

Plaza del Ayuntamiento

Squares & plazas
El Carmen

El Carmen

Old towns & historic quarters
Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM)

Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM)

Art museums & galleries
Real Basílica de Ntra. Señora de los Desamparados

Real Basílica de Ntra. Señora de los Desamparados

Churches & cathedrals
Church of San Nicolás

Church of San Nicolás

Churches & cathedrals
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia

Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia

Theatres & opera houses
Cabecera Park

Cabecera Park

Nature
Central Market of Valencia

Central Market of Valencia

Food markets & food halls
Miguelete Tower

Miguelete Tower

Observation decks & city views
Albufera Natural Park

Albufera Natural Park

National parks & nature reserves
City of Arts and Sciences

City of Arts and Sciences

Science & natural history museums
L'Oceanografic (Oceanarium)

L'Oceanografic (Oceanarium)

Aquariums
Bioparc Valencia

Bioparc Valencia

Zoos
Valencia Cathedral

Valencia Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Mestalla Stadium

Mestalla Stadium

Stadiums & sports venues
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia

La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia

Historic houses & mansions
Torres de Quart

Torres de Quart

Forts & citadels
Torres de Serranos

Torres de Serranos

Forts & citadels
Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia

Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia

Art museums & galleries
Valencia Street Circuit

Valencia Street Circuit

Stadiums & sports venues
Jardines del Turia (Turia Gardens)

Jardines del Turia (Turia Gardens)

City parks
Valencia Botanical Garden

Valencia Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens
National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts

National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts

Specialty & quirky museums
CaixaForum

CaixaForum

Cultural
Valencia History Museum

Valencia History Museum

History museums
Malvarrosa Beach

Malvarrosa Beach

Beaches
València City Hall

València City Hall

Historical Attractions
Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe

Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe

Science & natural history museums
Mercado de Colón (Colón Market)

Mercado de Colón (Colón Market)

Food markets & food halls
Valencia's Historic City Center

Valencia's Historic City Center

Old towns & historic quarters
La Estrecha

La Estrecha

Cultural
Valencia's Bullring (Plaza de Toros)

Valencia's Bullring (Plaza de Toros)

Stadiums & sports venues

Where to eat in Valencia

The places worth planning a meal around.

Horchatería de Santa Catalina

Horchatería de Santa Catalina

Spanish

★ 4.2 · 12,459 reviews

Casa Carmela

Casa Carmela

Spanish

★ 4.4 · 9,563 reviews

Orxateria Daniel

Orxateria Daniel

Spanish, Traditional Valencian · $5–$15

★ 4.3 · 2,563 reviews

Alegal

Alegal

Modern Spanish Tapas · $$

★ 4.2 · 1,209 reviews

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