By Soren Rivero
Offering coastal scenery, historic sights, and incredible cuisine, the city of Valencia is by far one of the best places in Spain to visit.
Whether you simply want to soak up the sun or immerse yourself in vibrant nightlife, this is your essential Valencia, Spain travel guide.
View our trips to Valencia or browse all vacation packages to Spain.
What to Know
One of Spain's most vibrant cities, rhythmic Valencia has a tune all of its own, felt from the heart of the city and all across the country. Designated on the perfect edge right on the Coast, this city is where golden beaches and archaic streets fuse with recent contemporary renovations.
As the third largest city in Spain, Valencia is often overshadowed by Madrid or Barcelona, but don't let that fool you. Valencia has its own rich history, mouthwatering cuisine (hello, birthplace of paella!), and a warm, welcoming energy that makes it a true hidden gem worth discovering.
Originally founded as a Roman colony over 2,000 years ago, Valencia has transformed into a dynamic, creative city that still holds its cultural roots. From the winding streets of the old town to the surreal architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences, it's a place where the past and future coexist. And yes, this is the famed Spanish city that literally sets things on fire during Las Fallas, its world-famous festival of fire and fireworks.
When to Go
If you want to soak in the best of Valencia, you'll have to time your trip properly. Like many other coastal cities in Spain, Valencia enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate — think hot summers, mild winters, and more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
Spring (March to May) is ideal, especially if you time your trip around Las Fallas in mid-March, when the whole city turns into a fiery, festive display of colors and culture. Summer (June to August) is peak travel season, and brings heat and beach weather, but also more tourists and higher prices. For a more relaxed experience, late September through early November offers warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and that golden autumn glow.
Pro tip: If you can try to avoid visiting in August, you might find it to be beneficial to your overall experience! This is a popular vacation month for locals, and many of them leave the city to travel or relax. Some smaller shops and restaurants shut down for the month.
How to Get Around
Be prepared to get those steps in, because you'll be doing lots of walking here!
Valencia is wonderfully walkable, especially within the city center and the old town (Ciutat Vella). But when you want to go farther — say, to the beach or the contemporary buildings in the Turia Gardens — the city's easy-to-use public transport makes things smooth and effortless. You've got buses, trams, and a clean, efficient metro system that's pretty straightforward.
One of Valencia's coolest features? The Turia Gardens, of course! This lush, roughly 6-mile green park that was once a riverbed connects many of the main attractions of the city together. You can walk, rent a bike, or even rollerblade your way through the city using this beautiful, car-free path. Taxis and rideshare services are also easy to find, but the city's flat terrain make bikes a fun and practical option.
What and Where to Eat
As the birthplace of paella, this is the city to visit if you want to try the real deal. Traditional paella Valenciana is made with chicken, green beans, and sometimes snails (yes, snails!). For something a little more coastal, try a seafood paella or a black rice dish colored with squid ink. In recent years, many restaurants have also added vegetarian/vegan paella to their menus.
And of course, it doesn't stop there. Try horchata, a refreshing drink made from tiger nuts, often served with sweet pastries called fartons. For snacks, grab some tapas at one of the city's many wine bars. Patatas bravas, esgarraet (salted cod and roasted peppers), or clóchinas (Valencian mussels) are all local favorites. For dessert, you'll definitely want to taste Valencia oranges for some slightly sweet taste of juicy sunshine. Want something more delectable? Try out the Spanish classic dessert, churros (preferably dipped in warm chocolate).
Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Central Market (Mercado Central) – a stunning art nouveau food hall packed with local delicacies.
- Casa Carmela – a beloved beachside spot for traditional paella.
- Colmado LaLola – for great tapas and sangria in the Valencia's historic center.
What to See
The City of Arts and Sciences
There's so much to do in Valencia, but one of the best is exploring the city's architecture and historical masterpieces. First, start off with the City of Arts and Sciences. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this creation appears like a space station dropped into the middle of a park. The complex includes an IMAX cinema, an interactive science museum, and L'Oceanogrà fic, Europe's largest aquarium. Even if you don't go inside, walking around and taking in the surreal skyline is worth the visit all on its own.
Valencia Cathedral and El Miguelete Tower
Visit the Old Town for some epic views, specifically the Valencia Cathedral, a unique creation blending together Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque styles. This cathedral even claims to be the house of the Holy Grail. Climb the Miguelete Tower for panoramic views of the city rooftops and beyond. It's a bit of a climb, so come prepared. If you're intimated, just know that the 360-degree views as a reward is worth every step.
Barrio del Carmen
You won't find many other places around Spain that knit together nightlife so efficiently with history as you will find in Barrio del Carmen. Wandering through El Carmen, you'll find cobblestone streets, medieval gates, trendy cafes, and colorful street art around every corner. It's one of the most atmospheric areas in the city, great for a daytime stroll or a nightlife crawl.
La Lonja de la Seda
La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) is one of Spain's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a proud jewel of Valencia. This late-Gothic building was once the center of the city's silk trade and is absolutely stunning inside and out, especially the twisted columns of the main hall.
Turia Gardens
Following a devastating flood in 1957, the plans for the original Turia River were diverted. The result was a division, with one side being a massive urban park, and the other side remaining as a beautiful floral display. This is a family-favorite activity in Valencia, as it's filled with playgrounds, fountains, gardens, and plenty of places to walk around or sit for a picnic. Locals love it, and visitors often say it's one of the most surprising and delightful parts of Valencia.
Playa de la Malvarrosa
Looking for some beach time? Head to Malvarrosa Beach, just a short tram ride from the city center. It's clean, wide, and has a long promenade lined with palm trees, seafood restaurants, and gelato shops. It's a great spot to get away from the city's main hustle and bustle, especially during the evening hours when you can watch the sunset.
Day Trips from Valencia
PeñÃscola
Looking for something right out of a movie? Take the approximately 1.5 hour bus ride to PeñÃscola, a coastal town with a castle that juts out into the sea and narrow whitewashed streets that give off major Mediterranean vibes. It was even a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Montanejos
Add some extra relaxation into your Valencia itinerary by taking a bus or car over to Montanejos National Park. With water that's as blue as the sky and just the right temperature, you can dip, swim, and hike along this beautiful mountain-lined natural park. The highlight, however, is the thermal springs that the park is mostly known for. Let go of your electronic devices for a couple of hours and find peace at this stunning park!
Albufera/ Albufera Natural Park
Head 30 minutes south of Valencia and you'll encounter the breathtaking Albufera, a freshwater lagoon and nature reserve (that's also the true birthplace of paella). You can take a boat ride, walk through wetlands full of birds, or just enjoy a tranquil sunset from the shore. And yes — there are restaurants nearby that serve the most authentic paella you'll ever taste.
Tip: You might hear locals and past visitors recommend taking bicycles down to Albufera. This is possible, and very rewarding in terms of scenery, but on bike, the trip increases to about 1 hour and 30 minutes, so just be prepared if you choose this option.
Tips and Tricks
- Learn some Spanish (or Valencian). English is spoken in many tourist areas, but locals really appreciate it when visitors try to communicate with them in Spanish, even if it's just a few basic phrases.
- Carry cash. While card payments are common, smaller cafes and market stalls still prefer cash.
- Plan ahead for Las Fallas. If you're visiting during this fiery festival (March 15–19), you'll definitely want to book your hotel early. It's an incredible experience, but the city can fill up really quickly. This also helps you save money as well.
- SPF is your best friend! Valencia gets a ton of sun. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle will go a long way.
Want to experience a city that feels like a perfect blend of history, futurism, and beach town? Click here to explore Valencia vacations, as well as other Spain getaways!
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