Valencia, as well as being the third largest city in Spain, is one of the most popular destinations in the country because it has history, tradition, culture, beautiful architecture, good weather, food, beaches and a variety of leisure options. A source of inspiration for artists such as Joaquín Sorolla because of the sea, its special light and typical oranges, Valencia is a destination that is sure to impress every traveller. Immerse yourself in this Mediterranean city and discover the things to see and do in Valencia.
18 must-see places in Valencia
1. Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral is one of the city’s greatest architectural icons, built between the 13th and 14th centuries, with its eclectic style incorporating Renaissance, Baroque and neoclassical features, inspired by Roman and Arabic styles.
The cathedral is as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside, so a visit is highly recommended. Admission is free to the central part of the cathedral, but if you want to visit the rest of the rooms, general admission is €8.
Opening hours: Generally open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am to 5.30pm throughout the year, but opening times vary throughout the year, so it is best to check the timings directly on the website.
2. Plaza de la Reina
The Plaza de la Reina is one of the most popular squares in the city, and no wonder, as it is one of the most beautiful squares in Valencia. In addition to its intrinsic beauty, it has bars and shops which bring it to life, and one of the city’s architectural icons: the Micalet, the Cathedral’s bell tower.
3. Serranos Towers, a symbol of Valencia
Declared a monument of Historic-Artistic Interest, the Serranos Towers are another of the city’s emblems that you can always find on any itinerary in Valencia. Built at the end of the 14th century, this monument was a gateway to the old walled city in the Middle Ages. Throughout its history it has had different uses, including as a prison, and today it is one of the most interesting cultural visits in Valencia.
Climbing to the top of the tower will allow you to better appreciate the Gothic architectural details, the ribbed vaults, the gargoyles, the coats of arms. You can also to enjoy the views over the historic centre of Valencia and the Turia riverbed.
The visit lasts approximately 15 minutes and is free of charge (temporarily). Timetables: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-2pm and 3-7pm. / Sundays and public holidays, 10am-2pm. May be closed due to inclement weather.
4. Malvarrosa Beach
Malvarrosa Beach is the most popular and therefore the busiest beach in the city of Valencia due to its sandy expanse and its location in the city. This beach is perfect if you are looking for a good place to practice sports. Also, it is an ideal environment to spend a sunny morning while you have a nice swim and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea. Its long and pleasant promenade is home to some of Valencia’s best restaurants, such as the century-old La Marcelina and La Pepica, and in summer it is lined with stalls selling souvenirs and beach gear.
5. Turia River Garden, one of the most pleasant places in Valencia
Also known as the lungs of Valencia, the Turia garden is a beautiful park of about 6 km in which you can breathe all the purity of nature in the middle of the city. Where the river Turia used to flow, it is now a space where you can play sports, take a walk with the family, relax and even see iconic buildings such as the Oceanographic Park, the Museum of Arts and Sciences, etc.
6. Valencia Central Market
Visiting the Central Market of Valencia is certainly an experience for all the senses. Moreover, the building has spectacular architecture as well as a great variety of stalls, some of which have been in the central market for approximately 100 years. You will find everything you need. From fresh meat and fish to fruit, vegetables and a wide variety of dried fruits and nuts. Also, you will find the Central Bar of the famous Ricard Camarena, one of the best chefs in the country. Here, you can sit at the bar and enjoy seasonal dishes with local produce.
The people are always friendly and pleasant to deal with. Moreover, it is an ideal place to spend a morning and take home a good culinary product. Even if you’re not interested in buying anything in particular, take a stroll around and enjoy the life of the market and its stalls.
Opening times: Monday to Saturday from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.
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7. The Silk Exchange
All we can say about this place is that it is symmetry made reality. The Lonja is one of the most beautiful places in Valencia with its long spiral columns in white and yellow tones. Balanced perspectives that lead us to the Valencia of the Merchants with that characteristic Valencian Civil Gothic tone.
There is no excuse not to visit this place when in Valencia, as the views it offers are breathtaking. Let yourself be amazed by the spectacular ceiling in the first-floor hall and the beautiful interior courtyard. Take in every detail that this impressive building has to offer, such as the gargoyles and decorative figures on the main entrance arch.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00. Sundays: 10:00 to 14:00. Entry fee: 2€.
8. Valencia City Council
Valencia’s Town Hall Square is one of the most beautiful and impressive squares in the city. From its benches, where you can sit and rest after a stroll through the historic centre, you can see some of the most striking buildings in Valencia, including the neoclassical City Hall. On the other hand, it has a large pedestrian area where you can stroll around and stop to take photos, beautiful both during the day and at night. It is also close to cafés, restaurants and shops that you can visit after admiring this iconic building.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 15:00. Price: free
9. Valencia Bullring
Come and see one of the most beautiful squares not only in Valencia but in Spain. You’ll be impressed by the architecture of this imposing neoclassical bullring. It is inspired by the Roman Coliseum and the amphitheatre at Nimes in France. In addition, it has a long history of bullfighting performances by great bullfighters. Also, it has been used for circuses, concerts, sporting competitions and political riots since its inauguration in 1859.
The Plaza de Toros de Valencia is located in the city centre, right next to Valencia’s Estación del Norte and very close to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Don’t miss this magnificent building, especially at night when it is fully illuminated!
10. The Quart Towers
The Quart Towers are two impressive late Gothic towers that functioned as fortified gates in the medieval wall of Valencia. Today, projectile marks can be seen in their structure that tell the history of this city. These walls have endured three wars: the War of Independence from the French, the War of Succession and the Spanish Civil War.
Walk around every corner of the Quart Towers up to the top and you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful view of Valencia – a must-see!
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00, Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00. Price: 2€.
11. Colón Market
Enjoy this incredible modernist building with its attractive architecture and design. Inside you will find a wide variety of restaurants, shops, florists and bars ideal for sharing moments with friends or couples enjoying its spacious terraces and the good atmosphere it offers. It is a very popular place, especially at weekends.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 7:30 to 2:00, Friday and Saturday from 7:30 to 3:00.
12. Saint Nicholas of Bari and Saint Peter the Martyr
It is a parish church in Gothic style which will amaze you with its decorative paintings and vinyls on the ceiling and walls. It is located in the Plaza de San Nicolás, between the neighbourhoods of La Seu, El Carme and El Mercat. The entrance fee is 7 euros and it is popularly known as the Valencian Sistine Chapel. What are you waiting for?
Opening times: January to June: Monday: worship hours only. Closed for tourist visits. Tuesday to Friday from 10:30 to 19:00. Saturdays from 10:00 to 19:00. Sundays from 13:00 to 18:00. From July to September: Mondays: worship hours only. Closed for tourist visits. Tuesday to Friday from 10:30 to 19:00. Saturdays from 10:00 to 18:30. Sundays from 13:00 to 19:00.
13. Visit Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences
One of the most popular places for visitors is its City of Arts and Sciences, a complex that combines contemporary architecture, leisure and culture in a single space. As mentioned above, it is located in the Turia River Garden and is so impressive that it is worth a visit in its own right.
Joint ticket to the three City of Arts and Sciences sites: Oceanográfic, Science Museum and L’Hemisfèric: from 29.50€.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 18:00, Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00.
14. Principe Felipe Science Museum
The Science Museum is one of the most spectacular buildings in the City of Arts and Sciences. Inside we can enjoy several interactive scientific exhibitions to bring science and technology closer to the citizens, especially the youngest ones. At night this imposing building puts on a light show taht will leave you in awe as you watch the sunset in the City of Arts and Sciences, where the reflections in the water are like a white mirror that contrasts with the night.
The lower floor has free admission, where several temporary exhibitions are usually held. The rest of the building has other exhibitions where an entrance fee is required, ranging from €3 for school groups to €8 for general admission.
15. Oceanografic of Valencia
The Oceanografic of Valencia, recognised as the largest aquarium in Europe, recreatews the most important marine ecosystems of our planet. Located in the City of Arts and Sciences, it will activate your imagination and provide one of the best experiences.
You will find the longest underwater tunnel in Europe, enormous sharks and the only family of beluga whales in Europe. With huge, well-built facilities, this aquarium will immerse you in marine life and let you experience the wonders of the deep sea. Admission per person is around 20 euros.
16. The Hemisfèric
L’Hemisfèric was the first building in the City of Arts and Sciences complex to be completed. Designed and built by Santiago Calatrava, it represents a great human eye, the eye of wisdom, according to the architect. Inside, visitors will be amazed by the large number of audiovisual projections on offer.
L’Hemisfèric houses a large concave screen of 900 square metres, where large-format cinema, 3D cinema, IMAX Dome and digital projections with astronomical and planetarium representations are projected. Outside, the building is surrounded by turquoise-coloured sheets of water that give the building a futuristic and clean atmosphere.
17. The Umbracle
L’Umbracle is probably the most striking and modern urban garden you have ever seen. Its architecture is reminiscent of a spine that rises above a beautiful promenade of palm trees and when the sun goes down it becomes a lively terrace where you can enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Valencian night.
Albufera Natural Park
And so we go from the cobbled streets of the city centre to nature in its purest form, only a few kilometres from the city.
The Albufera Natural Park is located on the outskirts of Valencia, specifically just 10 km away by car. You will be able to appreciate the wildlife in its full splendour, the different endangered species, both aquatic and terrestrial, that can be found in the Devesa forest and the restored dunes.
Enjoy nature, breathtaking sunsets, rice fields and forests, as well as long boat trips to relax, disconnect and enjoy the scenery. It is one of the most representative and valuable coastal wetlands of the Valencian Community; the boat trip takes approximately 40 minutes, so come and enjoy the flora and fauna of Valencia!
The boat trips take place every day from 10:30 am until sunset and cost €6.
Discover 14 other unique destinations to visit around Valencia.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Travel map to visit Valencia
Here is our map with the places we recommend visiting in Valencia so that you can organise your trip easily and quickly. You can also add important documents such as travel tickets, hotel reservations and even invite your friends to be part of the itinerary organisation. Using Passporter is free of charge and will help you travel in a more organised way. You have the option of registering on the website or downloading the app to keep everything centralised and in your pocket 🙂
What is the best festival in Valencia?
Las Fallas de Valencia
Las Fallas is the main festival in the city of Valencia. They are celebrated every year from the 14th to the 19th of March and during these days, the city dresses up in festivities, colours and celebration. The Fallas attract thousands of visitors for its spectacle and beauty, as it is a unique festival it has been declared of International Tourist Interest by UNESCO, as well as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Fallas festival is a very special and eagerly awaited moment for Valencians throughout the year, as the preparation of the festival itself, as well as the ninots, the figures that make up the falla, begins several months beforehand. During the Fallas, the streets not only become art galleries, but also host other typical Valencian celebrations such as the mascletás, a series of massive and deafening pyrotechnic explosions, the parades of falleras and falleros and the offering of flowers to the Virgen de los Desamparados.
The Fallas festival is one of the most impressive celebrations in all of Spain, so we recommend that you visit the city at this time of year and enjoy the atmosphere.
Where to eat in Valencia?
Gastronomy is one of the pillars of Valencian culture, with dishes that cross all borders and are iconic not only in the region, but of the whole country. The best example of this is paella, which, despite being an international dish, is eaten nowhere like in Valencia. Here are some places where you can try the best Valencian rice.
- La Pepica and La Marcelina: Although they are two different restaurants, we mention them together as they are neighbours and both share the fame of being two of the best rice restaurants in Valencia. They are located on the Malvarrosa beach and their more than 130 years of experience guarantee their fame and quality. Price of paella per person: 14.30 and 14.80€ respectively.
- Casa Carmela: Also centuries old and on the Malvarrosa beach, Casa Carmela is famous for its paellas made with orange tree wood and respecting the original recipe that great-grandmother Carmela passed down from generation to generation. Recommended by the Michelin Guide. Price of paella per person: 17.50€.
What to see in Valencia in one day?
Making the most of the close proximity of the recommended places, we will prepare a route that lets you tvisit some of these places in just one day.
- The Silk Exchange
- Saint Nicholas of Bari and Saint Peter the Martyr
- Botanical Garden of the University of Valencia
- Quart Towers
- Serranos Towers
- Real or Viveros Gardens
- Cabecera Park
- Valencia City Hall
- Plaza de la Reina
- Plaza de la Virgen
What to see in Valencia in two days?
For your second day, we have the perfect route that will take you through most of the central area of Valencia.
- City of Arts and Sciences
- Valencia Bullring
- Colón Market
- Garden of the River Túria
- Valencia Central Market
What to see in Valencia in three days?
Last but not least, we have the perfect tour for your third day in the modern city of Valencia. This tour, unlike the others, will focus on the nature and life that bathes the outskirts of this capital, so you’ll be a little further away from the city centre, but we assure you it will be worth it.
- Morning at Malvarrosa Beach
- Sunset at Albufera Natural Park
Tips for your trip to Valencia
- Visit Valencia in spring and autumn, when temperatures are more pleasant and there are fewer tourists than in summer.
- If you are travelling to Valencia Spain during Fallas, be sure to look for accommodation in advance, as it is a very busy week.
- Pyrotechnics are a key part of the Fallas. If you are sensitive to loud noises, we advise you to bring some form of protection such as earplugs.
- Take care to respect the environment and public spaces: protect the beaches and don’t leave rubbish.
- In summer, remember to always wear sunscreen and cool clothes, as it can be very hot and the sun is very intense.
- Cover yourself in case of an unexpected event: travel with insurance.
- Valencia is a safe city, but as in any place, it is better to be careful with your belongings in the most touristy and crowded areas.
How to plan your itinerary of the places you want to see in Valencia?
Sign up or download the app to discover all of its useful features.
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
- Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location.
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
- Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited to the app so you can inspire other users.
If you need help planning your itinerary, read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Example of everything you can do with the Passporter app:
Frequently Asked Questions
To get to Valencia you have 4 options:
Firstly, you can arrive by train to Estación del Norte or Valencia Joaquín Sorolla. Secondly, you can also get to the city by bus to the Valencia Bus Station, located near the historic centre. On the other hand, you can fly to Manises airport, which is located just 8 km from Valencia. Finally, you can get to Valencia by boat, using services such as Trasmediterránea.
The climate in Valencia Spain tends to vary according to the seasons. If you decide to travel during the summer season, the hottest days will be around 32º C (July to September). On the other hand, if you come in winter, you will find cold days with an average temperature of 11º C (December to February).
The first metro is usually at 6:21 am, the last one to leave is at 23:27 pm.
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