Hola! Welcome to Valencia, a vibrant coastal city on Spain’s southeastern coast where tradition meets innovation. Known for its futuristic architecture, golden beaches, and as the birthplace of paella, Valencia has something for every traveler. Whether you’re wandering the cobbled streets of the old town, marveling at cutting-edge design, relaxing in lush green gardens, or sunbathing on the beach, Valencia will charm you with its sunny vibes and laid-back elegance. We recently spent two days in this city and it stole our hearts in the blink of an eye, and we hope it’ll steal yours too! Vamos, let us show you things to do in Valencia, Spain.
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Valencia, Spain FAQ
Valencia is a vibrant Spanish city located in the Province of Valencia (it’s its capital city) on the Mediterranean coast known as Costa de Valencia. Thanks to its central location, Valencia makes a great base for exploring nearby gems like Xativa, Port Saplaya, Peniscola, and even Alicante.
Absolutely! Valencia is a must-visit destination in Spain. It offers a delightful mix of old town historic charm with cutting-edge design of the City of Arts and Sciences, relaxing beaches, and a vibrant food scene. What makes Valencia special is how it manages to feel both cosmopolitan and authentic, modern and historic, all at the same time.
Valencia is best known for being the birthplace of paella, a futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, Europe’s largest aquarium, vibrant Las Fallas festival held every March, long stretches of sandy beaches, and one of Europe’s largest urban green spaces – the lush Turia Garden. Valencia’s Cathedral is also home to what many believe to be the Holy Grail!
You need at least 2 full days to explore Valencia’s main highlights in the old town and the City of Arts and Sciences. With more days, you can also relax at the beach, enjoy the local food scene, and go on a day trip – all without rushing.
Valencia enjoys over 300 sunny days a year, so it’s great to visit year-round. But the best time to visit is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is warm but not too hot, and the crowds are smaller. If you want to experience the unique Las Fallas festival, be sure to visit in mid-March.
Things to do in Valencia, Spain
Valencia Old Town
Valencia old town is compact and walkable, with all the main landmarks located within a short walking distance from each other. And there’s no better way to discover it than just getting lost in a maze of its charming streets, taking time to soak up the vibe, and slowly exploring every corner. Impressive squares, historical landmarks, religious buildings, green spaces… There are many interesting places around which makes exploring the old town one of the best things to do in Valencia.
In Valencia Old Town, you’ll find points of interest like: Plaça de la Reina with Valencia Cathedral and Miguelete Tower, Plaça de la Mare de Déu with Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados and Turia Fountain, Plaça de l’Ajuntament with City Hall and Palace of Communications, Plaça del Mercat with Central Market, La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), Church of Santa Catalina, El Carmen neighborhood, Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir, Serranos Towers, Turia Gardens, and Jardines del Real.
Other squares worth exploring in Valencia include Plaça Redonda circular square surrounded by buildings, Plaça del Colegio del Patriarca lined with Valencia’s orange trees and with beautiful building of University Historical Library, small and peaceful Plaça del Negret and Plaça de Manises, and lively Plaça del Doctor Collado.
There are also a few museums and of course a lot of restaurants, cafes, tapas bars, horchaterías, and small shops around. Shortly, we’ll take a closer look at the most important Valencia highlights.
If you’re into quirky finds, don’t miss Europe’s narrowest building on Plaça de Lope de Vega, just 107 cm wide (unbelievable that someone once lived there!), or the adorable House of Cats in the El Carmen neighborhood which became a popular Instagram photo spot.
In Valencia you’ll find a few Tourist Offices, out of which few are located in the old town area. To learn more about their locations, visit the visitvalencia.com website.
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can take part in one of many Valencia old town guided tours. You can, for example, choose this well-rated Valencia Old Town Tour, Wine & Tapas, or if you want to add a bit of exercise to your day, this Valencia City Highlights Guided Bike Tour seems like an awesome choice!
Valencia Cathedral & Plaça de la Reina
Valencia Cathedral (es. Catedral de Valencia) is a stunning Gothic-style building located on Plaça de la Reina, one of the most beautiful squares in the old town. Construction began in the 13th century. The church was built over an ancient Roman temple that was later a mosque.
The Valencia Cathedral is famous for housing what many believe to be the Holy Grail – the chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper. You can see it in the Chapel of the Holy Chalice. Whether you’re religious or not, seeing this legendary artifact is a fascinating thing to do in Valencia!
Entrance to the Cathedral costs €10 for a normal ticket and €6 for a reduced one (July 2025). For current prices and opening hours visit the catedraldevalencia.es website.
Also, don’t miss climbing the Miguelete Tower (El Micalet), the cathedral’s iconic octagonal bell tower. After climbing 207 steps, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views over Valencia’s old town and its surrounding areas. The view is absolutely worth the effort!
Entrance to Miguelete Tower costs additional €3 for a normal ticket and €2 (July 2025) for a reduced one. You can do this as an addition to visiting a cathedral or solo. For current prices and opening hours visit the catedraldevalencia.es website.
Behind the cathedral, you’ll also find two peaceful and lesser-known squares – Plaça de l’Arquebisbe and Plaza de Décimo Junio Bruto. Both perfect for snapping beautiful photos and enjoying a moment of rest.
Plaça de la Mare de Déu
Plaça de la Mare de Déu, also known as Plaza de la Virgen, is one more picturesque square in Valencia old town. Here you’ll find a beautiful Baroque-style Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados – simple on the outside, but richly decorated inside (and free to visit). The square is also home to the historic Turia Fountain and a nice view of the cathedral from a different angle.
Spending time on Plaza de la Virgen is one of the top things to do in Valencia. It’s a perfect place to pause for a coffee, enjoy dinner on a terrace, or simply relax and do a bit of people-watching while soaking in the city atmosphere.
Plaça de l’Ajuntament
Plaça de l’Ajuntament, or Plaza del Ayuntamiento, is the largest square of Valencia and one of the city’s main hubs. It’s dominated by two beautiful examples of early 20th-century architecture: the elegant City Hall with its distinctive clock tower, and the grand Palacio de las Comunicaciones which was home to the local post and telegraph office for many years.
The square often hosts major city events (including key celebrations during the famous Las Fallas festival), and is beautifully illuminated at night.
National Museum of Ceramics
The National Museum of Ceramics (es. Museo Nacional de Cerámica) is housed in the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, a stunning 18th-century palace considered one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Spain. Take one look at its incredible façade, and you’ll see why – it’s a real masterpiece!
Inside, you’ll find the largest national collection of ceramics, dating from prehistory to the modern period, including a few pieces by Picasso. Beyond ceramics, you can also explore beautiful rooms like the Ballroom, Red Room, and Porcelain Sitting Room featuring original 19th-century furnishings, frescoes, marquetry, and period decor.
Entrance to the National Museum of Ceramics costs €3 for a normal ticket, €1.5 for a reduced one, and is free on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, (July 2025). For current prices and opening hours, visit cultura.gob.es website.
Visiting the museum is like stepping into centuries of art, architecture, and aristocratic splendor – and it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Valencia!
Serranos Towers
Serranos Towers (es. Torres de Serranos) are one of only two still standing medieval gates that were once part of Valencia’s ancient city walls. These massive Gothic-style towers were built in the late 14th century and guarded the northern entrance into the city. They also served as a ceremonial gateway and, later, even as a prison.
Today, you can climb to the top for lovely views over the Valencia old town and the Turia Gardens. The towers are considered one of the finest examples of late Gothic military architecture in Europe and are one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Visiting Serranos Towers is definitely one of the best things to do in Valencia, especially if you enjoy history, architecture, or simply a good view.
Entrance to Torres de Serranos costs €2 for a normal ticket, €1 for a reduced one, and is free on Sundays and holidays (July 2025). For current prices and opening hours, visit the visitvalencia.com website.
Quart Towers
Just a short walk from the Serranos Towers, you’ll find the second of Valencia’s surviving medieval gates – Quart Towers (es. Torres de Quart). They are another impressive remnant of Valencia’s ancient city wall, built in the 15th-century to guard western entrance to the city. And their facade is still marked with cannonball hits from the Napoleonic Wars in 1808! They were also used as a prison and are another great example of Valencia’s Gothic military architecture.
You can climb to the top of the towers for nice views of the surrounding streets and rooftops – not as far-reaching as from Serranos, but still rewarding. Visiting Quart Towers is one of the lesser-known things to do in Valencia, perfect if you’re looking to explore beyond the main tourist trail.
Entrance to Torres de Quart costs €2 for a normal ticket, €1 for a reduced one, and is free on Sundays and holidays (July 2025). For current prices and opening hours, visit the visitvalencia.com website.
Explore local attractions
El Carmen neighborhood
El Carmen is one of the most vibrant and popular neighborhoods in Valencia, located at the northwest corner of the historic center. Named after the nearby church and convent of Carmen Calzado, today it’s a lively area loved for its Mediterranean cuisine. But food is just the beginning – El Carmen is also full of art, history, and quirky hidden gems, making exploring it one of the most exciting things to do in Valencia.
Among the neighborhood highlights are the Portal de la Valldigna, a 14th-century archway that once marked the entrance to the Moorish quarter after the reconquest by Jaume I in 1238, and the Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir – often called the “Sistine Chapel of Valencia” thanks to its breathtaking baroque frescoes. You’ll also find already mentioned Serranos and Quart Towers within this neighborhood.
If you’re an art lover, you should visit Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània located in a former 13th-century convent now home to multiple modern art exhibitions, or the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM) – one of Spain’s top modern art museums.
Need more reasons to love El Carmen? Street art! This neighborhood is famous for its colorful murals and graffiti that add a modern touch to the historic setting. Be sure to wander down Calle de Moret and nearby alleys, and don’t miss the quirky House of Cats, a fun Instagram spot.
La Lonja de la Seda
La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) is one of the most beautiful buildings in Valencia and a must see for architecture lovers. It’s a unique example of Gothic civic style, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 15th century when Valencia was one of Europe’s most important trading centers for silk and other goods.
The highlight of La Lonja de la Seda is the spectacular Hall of Columns, where helical, palm tree-like columns stretch toward the vaulted ceiling. The beautifully carved stonework and soft light filtering through the windows create a magical, almost cathedral-like atmosphere. Beyond the main hall, you’ll find a few smaller rooms to explore, a peaceful courtyard, and a short video that explains the building’s fascinating past.
Entrance to La Lonja de la Seda costs €2 for a normal ticket, €1 for a reduced one, and is free on Sundays and holidays (July 2025). For current prices and opening hours, visit the visitvalencia.com website.
Central Market
If you’re a food lover, here’s one of the most delicious things to do in Valencia – visiting Central Market, Europe’s largest fresh produce market. It’s located in the beautiful Modernist building from 1928 and which you definitely should admire for a moment, but the real magic happens inside among the 250+ stalls.
Inside you’ll find everything from fresh seafood, seasonal fruits and vegetables, ham, local cheeses, spices, and all the ingredients that make Valencian cuisine so special. Central Market is the perfect place to sample local specialties, shopping for tasty souvenirs, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere.
Central Market is open from Monday to Saturday, from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. For current opening hours visit mercadocentralvalencia.es website.
Museums of Valencia
If you like visiting museums or are just in the mood for a dose of culture, Valencia has something for you too. Besides the ones already mentioned in the post, you can also visit the following ones.
Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia is Spain’s second largest art gallery housed in a magnificent 17th-century building on the edge of Turia Gardens. Inside you’ll find 2000+ artworks from the 15th to the 19th centuries, including pieces by renowned Spanish masters like El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez.
The Fallas Museum is dedicated to Valencia’s most iconic festival – Las Fallas. Inside you’ll find exhibits with the ninots (figurines) that were saved from the festival’s flames from 1934 onward. You’ll also learn about the process of how these giant sculptures are created and the history behind this unique festival.
For history lovers, La Almoina Archaeological Museum is a must. Inside, there’s an impressive collection of archaeological remains dating back from city founding by the Romans in the 2nd century BC to the Middle Ages.
City of Arts and Sciences
Visiting City of Arts and Sciences (es. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) is one of the most spectacular things to do in Valencia – it’s the crème de la crème of the city! It’s a futuristic scientific and cultural complex, designed by Valencia-born Santiago Calatrava, that has become Valencia’s most iconic landmark.
City of Arts and Sciences stretches along the former Turia riverbed and is home to several world-class attractions, ideal for visitors of all ages and interests. From interactive science exhibits to a huge oceanarium and an IMAX cinema, there’s something to wow everyone.
Palace of Arts
Palace of Arts (es. Palau de Les Arts) is the newest and the most spectacular of the buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences, at least in our opinion. Depending on which side you look at it from, it looks like a futuristic fish… or Darth Vader’s helmet! Either way, it’s a true architectural masterpiece that never fails to impress.
It was designed as a cultural centre, and hosts events like operas, concerts, ballet, and even open-air shows. If you’re curious to see what’s inside, you can join a guided tour or just buy tickets to one of the events.
Science Museum
Science Museum (es. Museo de las Ciencias) was designed to resemble a whale’s skeleton, which looks very impressive on the outside. It’s home to wide-range of interactive exhibitions focused on science, technology, and the human body. And it follows a philosophy of “not touching is prohibited” so be ready to get hands-on and learn by doing. Perfect place for curious minds of all ages!
Oceanografic
The star of the City of Arts and Sciences complex is Oceanografic – Europe’s largest aquarium. It showcases 7 different marine environments and is home to over 45,000 marine animals representing more than 500 species from across the globe.
From belugas and dolphins to sharks, penguins, seals, jellyfish, and colorful tropical fish, in Oceanographic you’ll get an unforgettable look at the wonders of the underwater world. Oh, and don’t miss the underwater tunnels! Visiting Oceanografic is without a doubt one of the most fascinating things to do in Valencia, for big and small travelers.
Hemisferic
Hemisferic was built to resemble an eye. It houses an IMAX cinema and planetarium. It opened in 1998 and it was the first building in the complex – and it’s still one of the most eye-catching!! Inside, you’ll find a large sphere that houses the projection room.
There are several shows daily, mainly science and nature related documentaries, usually around 45 minutes long. Be sure to check the schedule in advance and book the show that interests you most.
Umbracle
Umbracle is a beautiful open-air walkway and botanical garden. It’s a great place for a peaceful stroll among native Mediterranean plants and contemporary sculptures. It’s also a fantastic photo spot. Umbracle architectural design itself is stunning, with elegant arches casting artistic shadows, making it a fantastic photo spot.
Agora
Agora is home of CaixaForum Valencia, a multipurpose space that hosts temporary and permanent exhibits, live music shows, projections, and conferences.
Tickets to City of Arts and Sciences
You’ll need tickets to enter the Hemisferic, Science Museum, and Oceanografic. You can buy them separately or choose one of the combined ticket options that offer better value. We highly recommend buying tickets in advance online – you’ll save time and avoid long lines, especially during weekends and holidays. Also, plan to spend at least a few hours at both the Science Museum and Oceanogràfic to truly enjoy everything they offer.
To check out all the ticket prices and available combinations visit tickets.cac.es website. You can also buy your ticket via GetYourGuide or Viator website.
And if you’re interested in exploring Agora, visit the caixaforum.org website for information on current exhibitions, ticket prices and opening hours.
Explore local attractions
Turia Gardens
Another one of the top things to do in Valencia is exploring the Turia Gardens (es. Jardines del Turia), one of the largest urban parks in Spain. It’s a 9 kilometre-long green space which partially encircles the old town and City of Arts and Sciences. It was created in the former bed of the Turia River, whose course was changed in the 1960s to prevent flooding.
Turia Gardens connect many of Valencia’s major attractions, and are perfect for walking, cycling, or jogging. Along the way, you’ll pass through 18 different sections – from botanical gardens and quirky Gulliver Park playground (a must-visit if you’re traveling with kids) to sports areas and art installations. Best of all? It’s completely free to visit!
Beaches in Valencia
It’s no secret – Costa de Valencia is a summer beach paradise. And one of the most relaxing things to do in Valencia is without a doubt hitting one of its amazing beaches.
Along Valencia’s 20-kilometre coastline, you’ll find a variety of beaches perfect for soaking up the sun and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. The choice of sandy spots is wide – whether you prefer family-friendly shores within the urban area or quieter and more secluded spots right in the l’Albufera Nature Park, there’s something for everyone among beaches in Valencia.
Playa de la Malvarosa is Valencia’s most popular beach, located just about 20 minutes from the city center by metro, tram, or car. This wide, golden-sand beach stretches for over 1km and offers all the amenities you might need – showers, lifeguards, beach bars, and sunbed and umbrella rentals.
Playa de las Arenas and Playa del Cabanyal are also excellent options, located on the same long stretch as Malvarosa. All of them have been awarded Blue Flag status for their cleanliness and environmental standards.
Behind the beaches you’ll also find a scenic promenade lined with palm trees and dotted with beach bars. It’s perfect for walking or cycling, and serves as a great spot for sunset watching too! While there, don’t hesitate to explore the El Cabanyal neighborhood, known for its colorful tiled houses and historic charm.
If you’re looking for a quieter escape, head south to the beaches within l’Albufera Natural Park. There, you’ll find unspoiled stretches of beaches like Playa de El Saler, Playa de la Garrofera, or Playa de la Devesa. Surrounded by dunes and pine forests, these beaches offer a more peaceful experience perfect for those who want to relax away from the crowds and enjoy Valencia’s wilder side.
That said, we want to be honest about our experience. While the urban beaches themselves are wonderful, parking areas were a huge downside. Even in the low season, we encountered many self-appointed “parking attendants” in the free lots who tried to direct us into available spaces and then demanded money. We didn’t pay them and were quite worried about the safety of our car. An unpleasant surprise!
Food in Valencia
Valencia is a paradise for food lovers. From traditional local Valencian dishes to a wide choice of international cuisine, here you’ll find whatever your taste buds crave! There are many great restaurants across the city, but don’t forget to check out reviews to avoid falling into a tourist trap with bad food – after all, food is one of the most delicious things to do in Valencia!
No visit to Valencia is complete without trying authentic paella in its birthplace, best paired with a glass of local wine. For a dessert be sure to try horchata, the city’s signature drink made from tiger nuts (chufa). We recommend heading to Horchatería Santa Catalina or Orxateria Daniel (if you prefer a less sweet option) to try this refreshing beverage paired with some fartons or churros.
Fell in love with paella? Take it a step further and join a paella cooking class, learn how to make it, and bring a taste of Valencia back home with you. We recommend this delicious, 5-star rated Paella Cooking Class with wine tasting and a visit to Central Market.
Day trips from Valencia
Valencia is a fantastic base for discovering the Region of Valencia. Whether you’re into nature, impressive castles, charming coastal towns, or striking views, there’s something nearby for you. Here are some of our favorite day trips from Valencia:
- Day trip to Xativa to explore on of the most impressive castles in Spain
- Day trip to Port Saplaya to wander among very colorful seaside neighborhood often called “Valencia’s Little Venice”
- Day trip to Albufera Natural Park to relax on pristine beaches
- Day trip to Peniscola, a beautiful coastal town with a picturesque castle overlooking the sea
- Day trip to Alicante to explore impressive old town and enjoy vibrant Mediterranean vibes
- Day trip to Altea and Calpe to discover whitewashed streets, beautiful beaches, and the iconic Peñón de Ifach rock
Want more ideas? Don’t miss our full post on the best day trips from Valencia:
Explore local attractions
Las Fallas Festival
If you’ll be visiting Valencia in March, experiencing Las Fallas is one of the most unique things to do in Valencia. This UNESCO-recognized festival is one of Spain’s most famous events and turns the entire city into a massive open-air museum and celebration.
During Las Fallas, hundreds of gigantic satirical sculptures called ninots are installed throughout the city. These artistic creations, some reaching over 20 meters, are crafted over the course of a year by local artists and neighborhoods. They often depict humorous takes on political figures, celebrities, and current events.
The grand finale takes place on La Cremà (March 19th), when nearly all of the ninots are set on fire in huge bonfires across the city. Only the winning sculpture in each category is spared and moved to the Fallas Museum.
Another signature event is La Mascletà, a daily fireworks display at 2 PM in Plaza del Ayuntamiento. But it’s more about the thunderous noise than visual spectacle. Very popular, but in our opinion not worth seeing (unless you’re interested in standing in a huge crowd, inhaling tons of smoke, seeing nothing, and just hearing super annoying shooting sounds).
How to get to Valencia, Spain?
Valencia is located about 170km from Alicante, 140km from Benidorm or Peniscola, 60km from Xativa, 45km from Cullera, and 10km from Port Saplaya. The most convenient way to get to Valencia is by car, train or bus, depending on your starting point.
Where to park in Valencia?
If you’re traveling by car, you can choose from the many paid car parks in Valencia old town. We left our car for a whole day in Pàrquing Av. de l’Oest, located very close to Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Near Valencia urban beaches we recommend avoiding free parking lots with self-appointed parking attendants asking for money, and try to find a safe spot in a parking garage, like this Parking CLUBÖ Paseo de Neptuno.
To Valencia by train
Valencia has a train station, and you can quickly get there by train from cities like Alicante, Gandia, Xativa, Castellon de la Plana, and even Barcelona or Madrid. For example, a trip from Alicante will take 1 hour, 1h15 minutes from Gandia, and 3 hours from Barcelona.
To check out a map of available connections, visit acprail.com, and to learn more about routes that might interest you, visit the rome2rio.com website.
Valencia’s main train station (Station North) is located just a few steps from Plaza del Ayuntamiento, so you can easily get to Valencia old town on foot.
To Valencia by bus
From many places you can also reach Valencia by bus, although the trip will be longer than by train. For example, a trip from Alicante will take about 2.5 hours, 4h 15 minutes from Barcelona, and 30 minutes from Port Saplaya. To learn more about connections that might interest you, visit the rome2rio.com website.
Camping Valencia
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Coll Verd Càmping or Nomadic Experience – Motorhome Park Valencia might interest you. They are located close to Valencia.
Valencia with a guided tour
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details.
If you want to explore Valencia with a guide, we recommend taking part in this very interesting Top 25 Highlights Guided Bike Tour. Do you want to give your legs a break? Then this Valencia Complete Tour by Tuk Tuk will be perfect for you!
Looking for a unique local experience? Take a look at this delicious Tapas and Drinks Evening Tour or this Valencian Paella Cooking Class. And later, with a full tummy, you can take part in the Authentic Live Flamenco Show and immerse yourself in the traditional Spanish atmosphere.
Things do in Valencia, Spain – Summing up
As you can see now, Valencia is a true gem that effortlessly balances over 2000 years of history with cutting-edge modernity. Whether you’re admiring the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, wandering through medieval streets, relaxing on sandy beaches, or tasting authentic Valencian cuisine, Valencia offers an incredible variety of experiences. We hope our guide to the best things to do in Valencia will help you plan a perfect trip and you’ll leave with great memories! Enjoy!
Our opinion about Valencia
For us, a visit to Valencia was a pair of day trips from nearby Cullera, where we lived for a few weeks. We visited the city in mid-March, and during that time it was already quite busy with tourists (probably due to the upcoming Las Fallas celebrations). On our first visit, we spent around 8 hours exploring the old town, and on the second day, we spent around 6 hours in the City of Arts and Sciences.
Overall, we think Valencia is a nice and pleasant city to explore, and we can understand why so many travelers fall in love with it. It’s definitely one of the must-see destinations in the Valencian Community. We think that the old town is very pleasant to discover, and we especially enjoyed the Cathedral and Plaza del Ayuntamiento surroundings. And since we love horchata, trying it in its birthplace was a real treat too!
And the City of Arts and Sciences… just wow!. Architectural gem and a photographer’s dream definitely worth the hype. While we usually avoid places that keep animals in captivity, we decided to visit Oceanografic. And we weren’t disappointed – seeing so many marine species that otherwise we’d never see was a truly fascinating experience. And the underworld tunnels were just as wonderful as everyone says.
But not everything impressed us. As we mentioned earlier in the post, we found the parking lots near the beaches very unpleasant and La Mascletà was a bit too intense for our taste too. We also hoped to visit the Fallas Museum, but unfortunately, it was closed due to the ongoing festivities.
Still, apart from some minor letdowns, there’s nothing really to complain about. Valencia is a nice city worth exploring while in the region of Valencia, and a place we would happily return to one day.
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Valencia?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Valencia:
Where to sleep in Valencia?
MYR Plaza Mercado & Spa
MYR Plaza Mercado & Spa is a stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of Valencia, just a few steps from the Central Market. It offers spacious, modern suites with kitchenettes and contemporary décor for a comfortable stay. Guests can also relax in the exclusive spa, enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at the on-site restaurant, and explore the old town right outside the door.
Melia Plaza Valencia
Meliá Plaza Valencia is a chic 4-star hotel set on the lively Plaza del Ayuntamiento, in the center of the city. The rooms are elegant and comfortable, with some offering balconies and views of the square. Guests can enjoy a rooftop terrace with a hot tub, a fitness area, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes.
One Shot Colón
One Shot Colón is a stylish and modern hotel located on Valencia’s main shopping street, just a short walk from the old town and major attractions. The rooms feature sleek, minimalist design with high ceilings, large windows, and contemporary art touches. Guests can enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi, soundproofing, and easy access to nearby cafés, shops, and cultural sites.
Hotel Valencia Center
Hotel Valencia Center is a comfortable 4-star hotel located near the City of Arts and Sciences and the Turia River Gardens. It offers spacious rooms with classic décor, air conditioning, and all essential amenities for a pleasant stay. The hotel features a rooftop pool, gym, sauna, on-site restaurant, and convenient access to public transport and local attractions.
