Valencia
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Things to do in Valencia

Things to do in  Valencia

Welcome to Valencia

In trademark Spanish style, Valencia combines Moorish treasures and fabulous food with fiery flamenco, a gorgeous beach, and a museum scene to rival Madrid. Historic highlights come in the form of Torres de Serranos, Valencia Cathedral—home to an agate chalice, which some believe is the Holy Grail and the mummified arm of a saint—and the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda). First-time visitors can orientate themselves on a walking, bike, Segway, or hop-on hop-off bus tour, to see places such as Plaza de la Virgen, Bioparc Valencia, and the old town. As the birthplace of paella, Valencia offers no shortage of culinary opportunities, with food tours of every kind, including tapas, horchata, wine and—of course—paella, and cooking classes for those who want to get hands-on. Combine a sightseeing tour of Valencia’s historic center with a visit to Central Market (Mercado Central). In the City of the Arts and Sciences complex (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias), buildings reminiscent of science-fiction movies house the Valencia Oceanografic (L’Oceanografic) and Valencia Hemisferic, home to an Imax cinema. Other Valencia must-dos include a flamenco show, a day trip to Albufera Natural Park, and a guided visit of the Lladró Museum, which must be booked in advance. Plus, with fast trains departing for Barcelona, Madrid, and major cities in Andalucia, Valencia serves at a great gateway to the rest of Spain.

Top 15 attractions in Valencia

Valencia City of the Arts & Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)

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Situated along Valencia’s old Turia riverbed, the visually striking City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias) was the work of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The spectacular architecture is just part of the appeal of this futuristic complex though, which is also home to a science museum, planetarium, and more—all popular with families.More

Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda)

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One of Valencia’s best-known landmarks, the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the city. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries as a hub for the city’s silk and commodities traders, the exchange is a marvel of Gothic architecture.More

Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos)

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The twin stone Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos), built in the 14th century as Valencia’s main exit toward Barcelona and Northern Spain, are one of only two remaining portions of the original city walls. What once served as prison cells and a triumphal arch are now thought to be the largest Gothic city gateway in Europe.More

Valencia Cathedral (Seu)

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Valencia Cathedral is famous the world over for its holy chalice, which many believe to be the Holy Grail of Christian legend. It’s also a fantastic place for fans of architecture, integrating Gothic, baroque, and Renaissance elements into its construction.More

Valencia Central Market (Mercado Central de Valencia)

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A highlight of Valencia’s Old Town, the Valencia Central Market (Mercado Central, or Mercat Central in Valencian) is also one of the city’s quintessential culinary destinations. Built in 1928 and celebrated for its Art Nouveau architecture, the covered market is one of the largest in Europe, housing hundreds of fragrant food stalls.More

Barrio del Carmen

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Located in the Old Town, Barrio del Carmen is the oldest and most charming neighborhood of Valencia, where medieval towers and historic landmarks stand next to vibrant street art. Hip and trendy, El Carmen offers an eclectic assortment of shops, restaurants, and bars, and it is a popular destination with locals and visitors.More

Turia Riverbed Gardens (Jardí del Túria)

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One of the largest urban parks in Spain, the Turia Riverbed Gardens (Jardí del Túria) stretches 6 miles (9 kilometers) across central Valencia. Built on the former Túria riverbed, diverted to prevent flooding, this green lung now boasts miles of cycling and walking trails, lush gardens, fountains, and other scenic features.More

Plaza de la Reina

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The Plaza de la Reina, dating from 1878, marks the center of Valencia and is home to cafes, terrazas (outdoor seating areas, and one of the city’s oldest restaurants, Horchatería Santa Catalina. Towering over the plaza is the Valencia Cathedral, a gothic structure believed by some to be the home of the Holy Grail.More

Albufera Natural Park (Parque Natural de la Albufera)

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Albufera, south of Valencia, is home to Spain’s largest lake and some of the country’s most scenic wetlands and lagoons. The park’s natural biodiversity features hundreds of native plants and 340 bird species, including rare and endangered ones. Locally grown rice is featured in many regional dishes, such as paella.More

Valencia Oceanografic (L'Oceanogràfic)

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One of several attractions within Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, the Félix Candela–designed Oceanografic (L’Oceanogràfic) is not only architecturally impressive. It also ranks among the world’s best aquariums, with more than 45,000 animals representing over 500 species from the world’s main marine ecosystems.More

Institut Valencià d'Art Modern (IVAM)

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Contemporary international and Spanish art are showcased at Valencia’s renowned Institut Valencià d'Art Modern (IVAM).Educational courses, workshops and concerts accompany the gallery’s permanent collection, and temporary exhibits are also displayed here.The Centre Julio Gonzalez houses the exhibitions, while the underground Sala de la Muralla hosts temporary shows and highlights the medieval ramparts unearthed during the building’s construction. Central to the collection is the gallery’s display of sculptures and drawings by Miguel Navarro.More

Valencia Bullring (Plaza de Toros)

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Regardless of your stance on bullfighting, a visit to the Valencia Bullring (Plaza de Toros offers insight into an important part of Spain’s cultural heritage. The 19th-century structure features quintessential Spanish bullring characteristics such as a multi-leveled exterior, brick arches, and a sand-filled arena.More

Valencia Royal Gardens (Jardines del Real)

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Located where a royal palace once stood (later demolished in 1810), the Valencia Royal Gardens (Jardines del Real) are one of the city’s loveliest public green spaces. Connected to the larger Turia Riverbed Gardens, the gardens brim with orange and palm trees and host walking paths and ornamental gardens.More

Plaza del Ayuntamiento

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The center of Valencia’s civic activity, the Town Hall Square welcomes many festivals throughout the year, from the spectacular bonfires of Las Fallas in March to an ice skating rink in December.More

Quart Towers (Torres de Quart)

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Once upon a time, Valencia had four gates that allowed for passage through its medieval wall. Come the 19th century, the city needed to grow, so that stony barrier was demolished, leaving only two gates behind, one to the north, and the other to the west, the 15th-century Quart Towers (Torres de Quart).Acting as Valencia’s western gate, the Torres de Quart led to the pueblo Quart de Poblet, from which they got their name. Over the centuries, the towers have weathered their fair share of battles; in fact, reminders of Napoleon’s bombardment live on in the gate’s canon-ball-pocked outer walls (which now tend to fill with birds’ nests instead of weaponry). Though the Torres de Quart’s original purpose was as a passageway, for centuries they acted as a prison: first one for women, starting in the 1600s, and later as a military prison, from 1813 until 1932.These days, you can explore the ancient gate by visiting and scaling its interior. Once inside, you can work your way up the tower’s steep spiral steps to reach the lookout point above, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.More

Trip ideas

How to Spend 2 Days in Valencia

How to Spend 2 Days in Valencia

How to Spend 3 Days in Valencia

How to Spend 3 Days in Valencia

Top activities in Valencia

Valencia Old Town Tour with Wine & Tapas in 11th Century Historic Monument
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Tapas and Sightseeing Tour

Tapas and Sightseeing Tour

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Discover Valencia Bike Tour

Discover Valencia Bike Tour

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Luxury Authentic Tapas Tour

Luxury Authentic Tapas Tour

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Valencia Bike Tour from the City to the Beach
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Thermal Springs Adventure
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Thermal Springs Adventure

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Valencian Paella cooking class, Tapas and Market Visit
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Valencian Paella Cooking Class with Tapas and Sangria EVENING
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All about Valencia

When to visit

Valencia’s Mediterranean climate means it’s warm enough for the beach even in spring, with the added benefits of fewer crowds and cheaper hotels. Travelers visiting close to Easter should look for the Holy Week (Semana Santa) processions, which are part of the city’s unique maritime-themed celebrations that pair religious pomp with fishing-village culture.

Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
CEST (UTC +1)
Country Code
+34
Language(s)
Catalan

People Also Ask

What is Valencia famous for?

Valencia is famous for being the birthplace of Spain’s national dish—paella. It’s also known for its wonderful weather, picturesque Old Town, and architectural wonders such as the City of Arts and Sciences. A final claim to fame is Valencia Cathedral, which many believe is home to the Holy Grail.

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Is 3 days enough in Valencia?

Yes. Three days is enough time to explore Valencia’s key attractions. Visit the futuristic architectural complex of the City of Arts and Sciences, see the Holy Chalice at Valencia Cathedral, go to the UNESCO-listed Silk Exchange, and soak up the sun on the sandy shores of Playa de la Malvarrosa.

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What can you see in Valencia in one day?

Head straight to the pretty cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Grab some lunch and foodie souvenirs at Valencia Central Market, and visit Plaza del Ayuntamiento for great shops and art deco architecture. Other top sights to see are Valencia Cathedral and the UNESCO-listed Silk Exchange.

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Is Valencia worth visiting?

Yes. Valencia is worth visiting for its impressive architecture, nearby beaches, and great food — it’s the home of the iconic Spanish rice-based dish, paella, so be sure to try it. With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, Valencia is also beloved for its great weather.

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Is Valencia cheap to visit?

Yes. Valencia is relatively cheap to visit, especially compared to larger Spanish cities—such as Barcelona and Madrid. Valencia Central Market is a perfect spot to eat tapas or pick up groceries. Also look out for the menu of the day at restaurants for cheap, multi-course eats.

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Is Valencia a dangerous city?

No. Valencia is not dangerous and is generally thought of as a safe place to visit. However, just like in other large Spanish cities, pickpockets sometimes operate in the city’s busy tourist areas. Be vigilant when visiting crowded places, and don't put your valuables on display.

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Valencia information

Number of Attractions

29

Number of Tours

355

Number of Reviews

8,621

Currency

EUR
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