Discover the best Things to Do in Valencia, Spain, from historic sights and beaches to paella, museums, cycling, and more today.
How to plan your trip to Valencia and where to go when you get there?
Here’s a detailed guide of the best things to do in Valencia, from historic sights through to the Mediterranean beaches paella cycling, museums and that sunset at Albufera.
There is something wonderfully relaxed about Valencia. It has most of the awe-inspiring architecture you’d expect from a big Spanish city but it doesn’t feel like a place where you have to go running from sight to sight to keep up.
One second you’re cycling through a park that’s the size of Hyde Park; the next, you’re eating paella by the sea; then it’s into some centuries-old streets and then (say, for example) it’s on the tube to another downtown district for a drink in the sunshine.
The combination of activity and laid-backness is what makes Valencia Spain such a rewarding city break.
If I were planning a Valencia itinerary completely from scratch I wouldn’t go anywhere near the city’s great monuments and sights. I would intersperse them with beaches, outdoorsy pursuits, good food and neighborhoods. That way, you get to know the city instead of just taking photographs of it.
So whether you are here for 24 hours, a long weekend or a few days, these are the best things to do in Valencia, Spain.
If you want the ultimate, complete list of things to do in Valencia, Spain, this guide gathers together the historic attractions, beaches , foods and day trips for you to enjoy.
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What You'll Discover:
1. Discover the City of Arts and Sciences
One of the first famous sights of Valencia you’ll recognize from photographs is the City of Arts and Sciences.
Its out of this world design looks almost like something, which has been dropped from beyond another planet into the center of the city.
The futuristic construction was built as a major cultural and scientific attraction. Key sights include the Oceanographic, Science Museum and Hemistich.
The City of Arts and Sciences is referred to as a must-see by Visit Valencia. (Visit Valencia Blog)
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
Web Address: Quatre Carreres, 46013 Valencia Valencia Spain
Phone: +34961974686
Surprisingly, you don’t have to enter every building. Sitting back in the grass and gazing at the water reflecting the impressive architecture can be quite enjoyable.
Allow: 2 5 hours
Best for: Families, couples and architecture enthusiasts
Tip: If you have only a limited time in Valencia, only visit the parts of the complex that really draw your interest, rather than trying to do everything.
2. Walk through Valencia’s historical Old Town
In a vastly different vein, head to the Old Town, also known as Ciutat Vella.
This area is perfect for floating by sights and enjoying its wonderfully labyrinthine alleys, historic buildings, plazas and cafes.
If you find this area, you’ll also be able to squeeze in several of Valencia’s major sights, namely the Cathedral, Central Market and La Lonja de la Seda.
Visit Valencia lists these on its list of historic-centre sights.
Allow: 2–4 hours
Best for: History, photography, architecture and first-time visitors
3. Visit Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral Web
Address: Pl. de la Almoina, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain
Phone: +34963918127
Valencia Cathedral sits in the heart of the historic centre and is one of the city’s most important religious and architectural landmarks.
The cathedral is particularly interesting because of the mixture of architectural styles that developed over its long history.
Inside, you’ll find religious artworks and historic details, while the surrounding square provides a pleasant place to stop and take in the atmosphere.
Visit València also notes the cathedral’s association with the Holy Grail, another reason it attracts visitors interested in history and religious heritage. (Visit Valencia Blog)
Allow: 45–90 minutes
Best for: History and architecture
4. Climb El Micalet for a city view
El Micalet Web
Address: Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Spain
If you enjoy viewpoints, add El Micalet, the cathedral’s famous bell tower, to your Valencia itinerary.
Yes, there’s a climb.
But that’s part of the fun.
Once you’re at the top, you’ll get a different perspective on the historic centre, with the city’s rooftops and surrounding urban landscape stretching out below you.
It’s one of those experiences that works particularly well after you’ve spent some time walking around the Old Town because you can finally look down and understand how the different parts of the city fit together.
Allow: 24 hours Best for: History, photography, architecture, and first-time visitors 3. Go to Valencia Cathedral Valencia Cathedral Valencia Cathedral web: Pl. de l’Almoina, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46003 Valencia, Spain Phone: +34963918127 Valencia Cathedral is located in the center of the old city and is one of the most important religious sites in the region. The cathedral is definitely worth a visit because of the blending of styles that are present because of its long construction process. Relax in the plaza and enjoy its environment, for you will be surrounded by art work in the cathedral and you will also find historical features through your visit. Visitors will find the Holy Grail connected to the cathedral, so much interest in history and religion nearby! Valencia Tourist guide 4. Climb El Micalet for a view of the city El Micalet El Micalet web: Ciutat Vella, 46001 Valencia, Spain If viewpoints interest you, El Micalet, the bell tower of the cathedral is a good addition. Yes, there’s a climb. But it’s part of the adventure. Once you’ve made it to the top, you’ll be treated to a fresh perspective on the historic centre of the city, with the city’s rooftops and the urban sprawl around it spread out below. I find this is a great thing to do after spending time wandering around the Old Town because then you finally get to look down and see how the city is laid out. Duration: 3060 minutes Best for: Panoramic views and photography.
5. See La Lonja de la Seda
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
Website: C/ de la Llotja 2 Ciutat Vella, 46001 Valencia Valencia Spain
Telephone: +34962084153
La Lonja de la Seda or Silk Exchange is one of the great historic buildings in Valencia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Visit Valencia Blog)
Its architecturally Gothic design is of course striking, but it is the word that it’s connected to the time when Valencia was a center of Mediterranean trading that gives this building special significance.
If you’re already in the Central Market, then don’t bypass La Lonja either. They are perfect complements for the same walking route.
Duration: 30-60 minutes.
6. Visit the Central Market of Valencia
Central Market of Valencia
Central Market of Valencia
Web URL: C/ de Palafox 13 Ciutat Vella, 46001 Valencia Valencia Espana
Telephone: +34963829100
If you are a food fanatic then you will not want to miss the Central Market of Valencia, a place where you will not need a detailed itinerary, just get lost in the smells and the colors.
Walk through the several stalls, observe what locals buy, get samples and just find out about the flavors of the ingredients.
I do recommend going in the morning and combining it with La Lonja and the Old Town as it will give you a natural half day route without a need to constantly find yourself between different districts.
Time needed: 45-90 minutes
Suitable for: Gastronomic enthusiasts, bloggers and tourists.
7. Explore the Turia Gardens on foot or by bike, one of Valencia’s most famous attractions.
The park used to be the**. This is now a place to walk, cycle, run, be relaxed and for leisure activities. (Valorize Valencia Blog)
Jardin del Turia
Web Address: Calles Pintor Lopez, C/ de Sant Pius V, 46003 Valencia Valencia Spain
Phone: +34963100010
Now I really start to understand Valencia as a travel destination, the city doesn’t make the choice between exploring the city by foot and outdoors activities; you can have your Gothic buildings in the morning and turn out to be outdoors cycling in the afternoon.
Duration: 1-3 hours
Best for: cycling, walking family and being relaxed for outdoors lovers who are willing to do some active things in Valencia Spain, the Turia Gardens would be an ideal place to start.
8. Visit the Oceanographic
The Oceanografic is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Valencia, set within the complex of the City of Arts and Sciences.
It mainly concentrates on underwater environments with its indoor nature so if you are traveling with kids in tow or if the rain happens to be uncharacteristically excessive during your trip it can be a good indoor event.
Visit Valencia regards this as one of the City of Arts and Sciences highlights. (Visit Valencia Blog)
Duration: 24 hours
9. Enjoy the beach in Malvarrosa Beach
Valencia’s greatest benefit is the relative comfort in combining sightseeing of the city and relaxing at the beach.
Malvarrosa is one of the most renowned urban beaches in Valencia.
Other popular urban beaches include Las Arenas and Cabanyal.
Visit Valencia identifies urban beaches as being quite accessible, and surrounded by dining and recreational options. (Visit Valencia Blog)
So don’t make the mistake of thinking you must have a distant beach vacation. In Valencia, you are at the ancient streets in the morning, then on the Mediterranean later in the afternoon.
Duration: 24 hours
Best for: beaches relaxing walking, families
10. Wander along Valencia Marina
After relaxing in the sand, head to Valencia Marina.
Its an ideal location for a gentle walk, mainly if you’re looking to do a more leisure activity after the hectic sightseeing day.
Similar to the beach, you can combine enjoyable scenery with great food and drink.
And honestly, that’s a good Valencia strategy in general: don’t over-schedule the entire day.
Make time for aimless wandering.
11. Eat authentic Valencian paella
You can’t do a guide of things to do in Valencia without mentioning the dish.
It has become synonymous with Valencia and the country’s official tourism bureau says ‘Valencian paella is a traditional local dish, made with rice that is linked to the Albufera region and local ingredients.’ (Visit Valencia Blog)
Here’s my two cents though: don’t treat paella as a meal to eat in between sightseeing; let it be an experience.
Sit down.
Relax.
Enjoy it.
Spend some more time with the people you’re travelling with.
Revel in really you’re having a dish that originates from the area where it developed its traditions.
If you’d like to go even further into the gastronomy of the area, you could always go towards Albufera, where paella has even more established local ties. (Visit Valencia Blog)
12. Explore Albufera Natural Park
If you’ve got an extra half-day, Albufera Natural Park should be your first destination.
Albufera
Go to Albufera nature park boat trip paella sunset go back to Valencia.
That third day is where the days start to be a bit more like the real deal.
Best things to do in Valencia by type of traveler
Regardless of the kinds of things to do in Valencia, Spain appeal to you most, this handy breakdown by traveler type will help you decide.
If you’re
Give attention to these
First visit
Old Town Cathedral Central Market, City of Arts and Sciences
A pair
Albufera sunset beach Marina, paella
Traveling with kids
Oceanographic, Science Museum Bioparc Turia Gardens
A food lover} a thanks to tasty food.
Central Market paella horchata, Albufera
A history enthusiast
Cathedral, La Lonja, Old Town, Serranos Towers
An outdoor tourist
Turia Gardens cycling beaches, Albufera
When your budgets are tight
Old Town, Turia Gardens beach squares and self-guided walks
Visit for a single day
Historic centre + City of Arts and Sciences
A 3 day visit.
Doc 7: Historic City + Modern City + Albufera; 8.Mar, t H 995; it consists of three parts: historic city (centre historical), modern city (moderno) and the Albufera.
What is the best time to go to Valencia?
The answer really hinges on what you are looking to get out of your trip.
Would be more appropriate for beaches and swimming.
Walking and sightseeing are more comfortable during the drier seasons, as you’re out and about so much.
And if you are visiting in the off season don’t think the city stops being a tourist destination. Valencia has museums, historical buildings, shops, many restaurants and indoor attractions that are perfect for the less than predictable weather. (Visit Valencia Blog)
If you are making a special trip to attend a major festival or event, it’s wise to confirm the dates before making your reservation.
How many days do I need in Valencia?
I’d suggest:
1 day: plenty for the highlights, but you’ll still have to rush!
2 days: from the old centre into the new attractions and along the beach.
3 daysMore comfortable and enough time to visit Albufera.
45 days: perfect if you prefer to do more sightseeing at a slower pace and want to add extra day trips/museums/beach time.
It’s not about covering the greatest number of sights.
Is providing a room in which to enjoy them.
Is it worth going to Valencia?
For those wanting everything all in one: if you want a Spanish place with history as well as modern architecture, beaches , parks and good food, then have it all in one trip to Valencia.
The historic centre offers medieval and Gothic architecture. The City of Arts and Sciences creates spectacular contrast with the modern side of the city. The Turia Gardens links various sections of the city through an enormous green corridor, and the Mediterranean coast is very near, making one day at the beach go within reach. (Visit Valencia Blog)
And there’s Albufera.
And paella.
And the gorgeous act of sitting outside in the evening with nothing else to go to.
That’s most likely the only quality of the Valencia experience I would attempt to hold on to at all costs.
Key Takings
- The largest error you can make when planning things to do in Valencia is over doing it.
- Valencia emphasizes a downside.
- Check out the cathedral Wander around the Old Town Visit the Central Market Pedal on the Turia Gardens. Be amazed by the City of Arts and Sciences. Head for the beach, have some paella and then, if you want to, head out to Albufera, and watch the sunset over the water.
- Official tourism information 4.6 Emphasising the complementary and integrated aspects of the components of the destination: Valencia’s old town, the City of Arts and Sciences, the Turia Gardens, the beach, and the Albufera The individual attractions are presented as complimentary components of a wider destination. (Visit Valencia Blog)
- And that is how I will do the trip.
- “Collect not places. Collect experiences.”
- Since long after you don’t remember the tenth building you shot, you’ll still be able to taste and remember the feeling, what it was like to eat your first Valencian paella; to bike through Citua de Turia; to see the sun dip behind Albufera.
- No matter how you plan to spend your trip, the top things to do in Valencia, Spain will show that the city can be enjoyed both by planning well and by going with the flow equally.
- Those are the moments that will make a trip to Valencia the trip you’ll actually remember.
Additional Resources
- Official Tourism Website: Official destination information covering attractions, beaches, food, neighborhoods, activities, and travel planning.
- Valencia: Spain’s official tourism portal with information about Valencia’s historic sites, beaches, food, culture, and experiences.
- Valencia Experiences: Official recommendations for experiences and itineraries in Valencia.
