Visit Valencia in Spain: What to do and see in Valencia?

Today, I take you to Spain, to discover the third largest city in the country: Valencia. To visit Valence is to discover an attractive city which welcomes several million tourists each year. It is famous for its historic center, for its gastronomy but also for its essential city ​​of arts and sciences. The city, which revolves around a park of more than 110 hectares, also benefits from a particularly mild climate.
We will see in this article how visit Valencia in the best way, we will discover the must-see places in Valencia as well as the good addresses of the city.

Visit Valencia: 

• Prepare well for your visit to Valence
• Visit Valence: What to do and see in Valence?
• Practical advice for visiting Valencia
• Things to know about Valencia
• My opinion on Valencia

Opt for the Valencia Tourist Card

The Valencia Tourist Card is a pass valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours that allows you to benefit from numerous discounts on museums and the main monuments of the city.
The card also includes free public transport in the city including to and from Valencia airport. Learn more

Prepare well for your visit to Valence

Here you will find some information to prepare your stay in Valencia: plane tickets, accommodation or transfer from the airport.

Preparing for your visit to Valence: 

• Buy your plane ticket to Valencia
• Book your accommodation in Valencia
• Reach the city center of Valence from its airport
• Book the main activities in Valencia

Buy your plane ticket to Valencia

The city of Valence is easily accessible from many French airports such as:

• Bordeaux
• Marseille
• Toulouse
• Paris
• Lyon
• Nantes

The flights vary depending on the time of year and some of them are only effective from April. This is for example the case for Lyon.
I invite you to use the new generation price comparison, ulysse.com, for flight search.

Book your accommodation in Valencia

Regarding the search for accommodation, I invite you to take a look at our article dedicated to the question of accommodation in Valencia.
You can also discover some housing ideas at the bottom of the article.

Reach the city center of Valence from its airport

First, let's take a look at what will certainly be the first stop on your trip to Valencia: reach the city center of Valence from the airport.
It could not be easier. A metro directly connects Valencia airport to the city centre.
The airport is at the terminus of 2 lines (line 3 and line 5), so it is impossible to take the wrong direction. Both lines connect to the city center. These separate after crossing the historic center of Valencia.
If you want to reach Valencia station, you will have to get off at the stop: Xativa. This stop, together with those of Colón and Alameda, serves the city center of Valencia.
Tickets are purchased via vending machines. It will cost you 5€ for a trip from the airport to the city center.
You can also opt for a 24, 28 or 72 hour tourist pass which includes transport between Valencia airport and the city centre.
If you wish, you can also opt for a private transfer from Valencia airport directly to your accommodation in the city center.

Book the main activities in Valencia

We will detail all the activities to do in Valencia a little further down in this article, but if you want to have an overview of the activities and visits to book in Valencia, here are the main ones:

Visit Valence: What to do and see in Valence?

Valencia is a city full of things to do and see. A relatively large city with nearly 800 inhabitants, making it the third largest city in the country. Let's review the essentials of a visit to Valencia.

Note that it is possible to book a guided bus or bike tour of Valencia that will allow you to quickly discover the main places of interest in the city.

What to do in Valencia?

• The square of the Virgin
• Valencia Cathedral
• The central market
• The Silk Market
• The Fine Arts Museum of Valencia
• I left him from Colón
• The bullring of Valencia
• The City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia
• Turia Park
• The Botanical Garden of Valencia
• Valencia Biopark
• Valencia beach
• Valencia festivities
• The gastronomy of Valencia

Take a guided bike tour of Valencia
Go on a guided tour of Valence in French and by bike!
A three-hour tour that will take you to see the main places of the city such as the cathedral, the turia park and, of course, the city of arts and sciences. Learn more

The square of the Virgin

Let's start our tour of Valencia's must-sees with its main square: Plaza de la Virgen.
Plaza de la Virgen is one of the most beautiful squares in Valencia. It is surrounded by the basilica of the virgin, the cathedral of Valence or the municipal library.
In the center of the square stands the fountain of the Turia. Created by Manuel Silvestre Montesinos, the Turia Fountain has long been called the Fountain of Neptune because the central figure was thought to be Neptune. In reality, the fountain represents the Turia, the river that crossed the city. The eight female statues represent the 8 tributaries of the river.
The square is one of the most pleasant places to have a drink or even eat.
Just behind the basilica is the Place de la Almoina as well as the archaeological center of La Almoina which collects vestiges of the Roman Empire.

Valencia Cathedral

Located in the heart of the city, the Sainte-Marie de Valence cathedral has a particular shape and, unlike most cathedrals, it is embedded in the middle of other buildings which makes it rather discreet. Its bell tower is also located outside the cathedral.
Like many cathedrals in Spain (such as the cathedral of Seville for example) the cathedral of Valence was built on the foundations of an old mosque, itself built on the site of an old Roman and then Visigoth temple.
After the reconquest of the region from the Arabs by Jacques I of Aragaon, the old mosque initially served as a place of Christian worship before being transformed into a cathedral.

The cathedral is a mixture of styles even if its Gothic side largely predominates. It was restored in the XNUMXth century in the Baroque style and then neo-classical in the XNUMXth century.
I recommend visiting the cathedral. The entrance will cost you 5€ with an audio guide in French provided. You can discover many chapels as well as magnificent paintings. Some stained glass windows still testify to the Muslim history of the cathedral.

It is impossible to talk about Valence Cathedral without mentioning the chalice it houses. For some, this chalice is none other than the famous Holy Grail used to collect the blood of Christ. Chalice that you can see in one of the chapels of the cathedral.

Attached to the cathedral, we find the "Micalet" or Miguelete, a tower from which you can enjoy a lovely view of the city and the surrounding area.

The central market

To visit Valence is also to visit its places of life and the central market of Valence is undoubtedly one of them. The central market, or Mercado Central de Valencia, is none other than a huge covered market where countless vendors of local products gather. You will find stalls of fish, fruit and vegetables or even meat like the famous Palanca, a century-old stall.
The architecture of this market is quite singular and deserves a look. The market is open Monday to Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 15 p.m.

The Silk Exchange

La Lonja de la Seda, or "silk exchange", is one of the most beautiful buildings in Valencia. Built at the end of the XNUMXth century, this building was intended to be a place of exchange between traders from all over Europe.
Located opposite the central market, the longa de la seda is one of the most beautiful buildings in the flamboyant Gothic style that exists. This style is particularly characterized by the amazing twisted columns that support the building. La Lonja de la Seda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inside, there is also a pretty patio adorned with orange trees.

The Fine Arts Museum of Valencia

Located not far from the city center of Valencia, on the outskirts of the Turia Park, the Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia is a place that art lovers should not miss.
Located in a magnificent XNUMXth century building, the Valance Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful in Spain, it is even the second largest art gallery in the country. It houses numerous paintings by illustrious painters, including a self-portrait by Vélasquez.

I left him from Colón

The Colón market is located in the Eixample district, a district built during the extension of the city. Eixample means “extension” in Valencian.
This market is originally a covered market like the central market. However, the latter being too far from the new district, a new covered market was then built in 1916. Its purpose, like the central market, is to offer fresh and quality products. Over the years and with the arrival of many stores, the market lost its interest.
It was in 2003 that it was completely restored and rehabilitated to become one of the places of life in the district. The Colón market is home to many restaurants, bars and shops. It is very pleasant to enjoy the terraces of the market at the end of the afternoon, once the heat has subsided.
The market is surprising for its architecture. A huge building constructed of brick and ornate metal. A visit to the Colón market is a visit that I recommend during a stay in Valencia.

The bullring of Valencia

The bullring of Valencia or Plaza de Toros are none other than the bullring of the city of Valencia. Built between 1850 and 1860, these arenas can accommodate more than 12 people. They are still used today for various performances, bullfights, of course, but also sporting events such as Davis Cup tennis matches.
These arenas can be visited every day except Monday, from 10 a.m. to 20 p.m. Unfortunately, I could not tell you more because, for lack of time, I could not visit these arenas. I will update this article the next time I visit Valencia.

The City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia

Visiting Valencia is inevitably visiting the city of arts and sciences.
The city of arts and sciences of Valencia is located at the mouth of the old river, the Turia, today diverted because of its vintages which flooded the city, in particular in 1957. The complex extends today over more than 350m000.
Undoubtedly the most touristic place in the city, the city of arts and sciences of Valence welcomes several million tourists every year. This set of buildings with a modern or even futuristic design aims to democratize art and science as much as possible.
The first building to be inaugurated was the Hemisferic, in 1998; the latest is the Agora, in 2009.

The city of arts and sciences is divided into 7 places:

L’Hemisfèric

It was the first building of the complex to be inaugurated, in 1998. The Hemisfèric is a 3D cinema as well as a planetarium. The room, with 300 seats, invites locals and tourists alike to watch various types of films aimed at teaching you more about history, the universe or nature.
The particular shape of the Hemisfèric is sure to remind you of a human eye.

Buy your ticket for the Hemisfèric online

The Principe Felipe Science Museum

It is quite simply the largest museum in the country! The Principe Felipe Science Museum extends over more than 42m000. It is divided into 2 floors on which you can learn more about various topics relating to life, technologies and their evolutions, space, the human genome, transport, etc. There is one of the largest Foucault pendulums in the world!
The museum wants to be interactive and its motto is “It is forbidden not to touch, not to think, not to feel”.

Buy your Principe Felipe Science Museum ticket online

The Reina Sofia Palace of Arts

Inaugurated in 2005, the Reina Sofia Palace of the Arts is one of the most impressive buildings of the architectural ensemble that is the city of sciences and arts.
The Palais des Arts and its futuristic boat shape houses various performance halls including: the main hall which can accommodate nearly 1400 people, making it one of the largest in the world; but also a 1490-seat auditorium, a theater hall and a lecture hall.

L’Umbracle

It is none other than a public garden. The Umbracle runs along the basin which adjoins the science museum. It constitutes a promenade of nearly 18m000 sheltered by 2 arches. There is a wide variety of plants from the region. This raised garden offers a splendid view of the science museum and its surroundings.

The Assut de l'Or bridge

Impossible to miss what is the tallest building in Valence, the L'Assut de l'Or bridge. This impressive harp-shaped bridge is reminiscent of the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin. With its 123 meters in height, its 29 cables and its white color, the bridge spans the old bed of the Turia and affirms the futuristic side of the city of arts and sciences.

The Agora

It is a square covered by an impressive structure over 80 meters high. Visible from afar with its blue color, it can accommodate nearly 6000 seats.
Major receptions and events take place there, as in 2003 and 2009 with the Valencia tennis open.

The Oceanogràfic

Inaugurated in 2003, the Océanogràfic is one of the most spectacular buildings in the city of arts and sciences in Valencia. The Océanografic is home to nearly 500 species of fish as well as reptiles and aquatic birds. With 45 animals and a total water volume of over 000 million litres, it is the largest aquarium in Europe and the only one to feature Belugas.
The Océanogràfic is divided into 6 spaces: the dolphinarium, the arctic, the penguinarium, the aviary, the sea lion, the reptiles.
The Oceanogràfic is one of the most visited places in Valencia with more than a million visitors each year. Just like the complex in which it is located, the Océanografic offers a modern design with in particular its two main buildings in the shape of water lilies.
Count a big half-day, see a whole day if you want to take your time. There are many restaurants and cafes to eat.

Buy your ticket for the Océanografic online

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The Botanical Garden of Valencia

The botanical garden of Valence is a 6-hectare park, open to the public, in which there are a large number of plant species. There are palm trees, greenhouses, aquatic plants, a herbarium and a seed bank.

Turia Park

The Turia Park is a real jewel of Valencia. A park that will make you want to live in Valencia. Before telling you about the park itself, a bit of history.

The name Turia comes from the river that crosses Valencia. At the time, it crossed the city along the walls of the old city. In 1957, a major rise in the waters of the Turia flooded most of the city of Valencia and caused extensive damage and the death of 80 people. The municipality therefore decides to divert the river for fear that a new flood will occur again. The river is diverted and its bed dried up. It is then a huge land that remains vacant on which various projects are imagined including the construction of a highway.
It was in the early 1980s that the construction of a public park began. Park which will be inaugurated in 1986. The park impresses with its dimensions. It is 200 to 300 meters wide and over 8 kilometers long.
The park is the real lung of the city and offers tourists and locals countless leisure activities with the presence of football and rugby pitches, an athletics track, children's play parks, numerous sports plans. water as well as two of the main places of the city: the biopark in the North and the city of arts and sciences in the South.
During your visit to Valence, take the time to stroll in this park, to walk there, to cycle there, or even to run there if you are sporty. The park attracts more than 7 million people each year.
The park is a pleasant way to get around the city and thus visit Valencia.

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Valencia Biopark

The Valencia Biopark is a kind of zoo mainly oriented towards Africa. Unlike many zoos, this park wants to be much more respectful of the animals it welcomes. A clear desire to recreate an environment as much as possible with the natural environment of these animals with natural fences such as waterways or trees. Many animals share space with other species, such as rhinos and zebras. The park is home to impressive species such as elephants, giraffes, hippos and even gorillas. The park also saw the birth of the first gorilla in captivity.
I recommend that you go through this place, especially if you are visiting Valencia with children. You can read our article dedicated to the visit of the Valencia biopark.

Valencia Biopark Ticket

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Valencia beach

Valence beach is an asset of the city. Even if the main tourist activities of the city are not oriented towards the beach, which is in a well separated area from the city center, it can be pleasant to go to this beach to enjoy either the sun and the the heat in spring or, on the contrary, the coolness offered by the sea in summer. The beach is very large and lined with restaurants, bars and small shops for several hundred meters. A great place to spend an evening.

To visit Valence in a pleasant way, you can opt for the use of self-service bicycles, which we will discuss shortly. It is a solution that you can choose to reach the beach, located about 6 kilometers from the hyper center of Valencia. It is also possible to reach Valence beach by metro via lines 4 and 6, stopping at the stops: Les Arenes or Eugenia Vines or Mediterrani. You can also opt for line 5 and the Neptú stop.

Many beaches surround the city of Valencia such as playa de las Arenas, the main beach, playa de Pinedo in the south, or playa pluzol, further north towards the town of Sagunt.

Valencia festivities

Valencia is a particularly festive city and there are many festivals and performances of all kinds, throughout the year.
Here are the main events that punctuate the life of Valencians

The Fallas of Valencia

Undoubtedly the biggest party in the whole community of Valencia. The Fallas take place every year at the beginning of March and last about twenty days.
During these 20 days, you will be able to attend many events starting with the Mascletàs which take place every day at 14 p.m. in Plaza de l'Ayuntamiento.
The Mascletàs are a truly impressive series of firecracker explosions that can be heard throughout the city.
During the Fallas, you will be able to contemplate throughout the city huge wooden and cardboard characters placed everywhere, these are the ninots.
These humorous, satirical characters are true works of art.
The last days of the Fallas are marked by a series of fireworks taking place in the Turia gardens and then the offerings of flowers, Place de la Virgen where thousands of flowers line the ground of the square.
The highlight of the show takes place on the last day of the Fallas where all the ninots, with the exception of the winner of the competition for the most beautiful ninot, are burned.
An unmissable party period in the city that should not be missed if you visit Valencia in March.

The tradition of fallas goes back many years, to the time when the carpenters, every year in the spring, took out and burned the "parots", pieces of wood used to hold the oil lamps used in winter.

The Great Fair of Valencia

Every year in July, and this throughout the month, the great fair of Valence takes place.
A month of festivity during which many events take place such as fireworks by the sea, street performances and concerts. During this period most of the museums remain open at night.
This festive month ends with the “Battle of the Flowers”.

Other festivities in Valencia

As other festivities, we can also mention:

• The feast of Corpus Christi: June 21 to 23
• The feast of Our Lady of the Distraught: Second weekend of May
• Easter
• Christmas and New Year celebrations: December 24, December 25, December 28 with "Los Saints Innocents", December 31 and especially January 5 with the feast of the "Wise Men".

The gastronomy of Valencia

The paella

You should know that Valencia has a unique gastronomy. Indeed, it is in this region that paella was invented. Paella, invented around the XNUMXth century, is Spain's most emblematic dish. King Franco having chosen it, among other things, because of its yellow (saffron rice) and red (tomato and red pepper) colors which recalled those of the Spanish flag. Impossible to visit Valencia without eating a good paella.

Where to eat a good paella?

First of all, you should know that to maximize your chances of eating a good paella, you can go to the El Carmen district, the Eixample or the unmissable Russafa district. Here are 5 good addresses for paella restaurants in Valencia:

• The Navarro restaurant, one of the most renowned in the city for its paellas. It is located in the city center of Valencia.
• The Flor de Valencia, located a little outside the city to the east of the Turia Park.
• Le Canela located in the neighborhood of Carmen.
• Casa Carmela, located along the beach in Valencia
• And finally El Racó de la Turia, located at the entrance to the Russafa district.

Horchata, a Valencian specialty

Another Valencian specialty, a drink this time, Horchata de chufa. Horchata de Chufa is a drink made from tiger nut (a tuber). This drink is drunk cold, sometimes even with crushed ice. It is a refreshing drink but very sweet! This drink is traditionally accompanied by a bread with chocolate inside: the fartons.
The unmissable place to drink a horchada de Chufa is undoubtedly “Horchateria de Santa Catalina” a house that has more than two centuries of existence in the manufacture of horchata.

How about ending with the best ice cream in the world?

Now let me tell you about a place you absolutely have to go to if you visit Valencia. Veneta, located very close to Valencia Cathedral, is an Italian ice cream parlor voted the best ice cream parlor in Spain. In addition, in 2015, one of its ice creams was awarded the title of best ice cream in the world! Just that! To have tasted it, I highly recommend it!

If you like ice cream, we also recommend the La Romana ice cream parlor not far from Plaza de la Reina. Here you can taste some of the best ice cream in town.

Practical advice for visiting Valencia

Where to sleep in Valencia?

Valencia is a relatively large city. Although it is possible to move around very easily (you will see this in the following paragraph), some neighborhoods are still to be favoured.
As in all major cities, I generally advise looking for accommodation in the most central areas of the city. As far as Valencia is concerned, these are: Ciutat Vella (the historical center of the city), L'Eixample (the extension in Valencian) as well as the Extramurs. The peripheral districts of the hyper center such as La Saïdia, El Pla Del Real can also be good choices, especially if your accommodation is located near the old bed of the Turia.
Do not hesitate to read our article dedicated to accommodation in Valencia to find out more about the neighborhoods in which to stay.

Looking for a youth hostel in Valencia?

If you are looking for a hostel in Valencia, here are two good addresses that I can recommend:

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  Russafa Youth Hostel

  Hostel located in the Russafa district (between Eixample and the historic district), the perfect location. It offers very reasonable prices at less than €20 in a 3-person dormitory. Possibility of opting for a room for 2 or 3 people. Rate, Pitch See rates
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  Center Valencia Youth Hostel

  Hostel located north of the historic city center less than 100 meters from Valencia's main square and the Turia gardens. Possibility to sleep in a dormitory or to book a double room with bathroom. Price, Pitch, Equipment See the prices

Looking for a hotel with good value for money in Valencia?

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  The Hotel Mediterraneo

  This hotel enjoys a very good location. It is located in the very center of Valence very close to the main square of Valence, its town hall and the shopping streets. The hotel offers breakfast as well as all the services of a top-of-the-range hotel. Location, Breakfast Check rates
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  Sweet Hotel Continental

  This establishment also offers a prime location for visiting Valencia. You can choose between single, double or triple rooms. The hotel also offers breakfast. Rate, Pitch See rates

Looking for an exceptional hotel in Valence?

Vincci Lys
This is a 4 star hotel located in the historic center of Valencia. This top-of-the-range hotel offers all the services expected for this type of establishment. The hotel has a neat and sober decoration, spacious rooms and a traditional breakfast of the region particularly appreciated by travellers. See prices

Getting around Valencia

Valencia is one of those big cities where it is particularly easy to get around.

Valencia Metro

First of all, it has 6 metro lines. These serve almost the entire city and allow you to reach the city center from the airport or to go to the beach. The metro bypasses the historic center of the city.
Tickets can be bought in the metro stations of the city.
If you plan to take the metro regularly, then take a look at the Valencia Tourist Card which gives you free public transport in the city, including to and from the airport.

Valenbisi bikes

Valenbisi is Valencia's self-service bicycle offer. It is one of the most important in Spain. It includes nearly 3000 bicycles and 300 stations spread throughout the city. It is possible to subscribe to the week or to pay for your trips individually. The use of bicycles is free for the first half hour.
The city of Valence being very well equipped with cycle paths, I highly recommend this mode of transport.
Do not hesitate to subscribe in advance to a subscription on the official Valenbisi website.

Things to know about Valencia

When is the best time to visit Valencia?

Valencia is a city that can be visited all year round. Its climate is particularly mild. Certainly the temperatures in summer (July-August) are a little higher but remain bearable with maximum averages around 30 degrees. We are far from the temperatures of certain cities in Spain such as Seville where they exceed 40 degrees.
The winter remains mild, around 16 degrees on average for maximum temperatures. Valencia enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year.
Not really the best time to visit Valencia, although the months of April – May – June as well as September – October will be ideal due to good temperatures and less frequentation.

How long does it take to visit Valencia?

Valencia is a relatively large city and if you want to visit the city without rushing while enjoying its park, bars and restaurants, then 3 days is a minimum for me.​

How many inhabitants does Valencia have?

The city of Valencia has 800 inhabitants, it is the third largest city in the country after Madrid and Barcelona.

What are the top places to visit in Valencia?

Here are the main things to do in Valencia:

• The place of the Virgin
• Saint Catherine's Cathedral
• Turia Park
• City of Arts and Sciences
• The Oceanographic
• The biopark
• Beaux-arts museum
• The Silk Exchange

My opinion on Valencia

Visiting Valencia was a wonderful discovery for me. It's a city that I had heard very little about, far from the most touristic main cities in Europe, Valence is nevertheless a city that deserves to be visited. I discovered a very pleasant city there, far from the crowds of tourists that one can meet in Rome, Venice or Barcelona. Turia Park is a true haven of peace in the heart of the city.
The city center of Valence with its countless small streets are full of small bars and restaurants, each one more pleasant than the other. Valencian gastronomy, with paella in particular, or more broadly Spanish with the famous tapas, invites you to travel.
Finally, I would add that the City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia really impressed me with its architecture and the content offered.
I strongly encourage you to visit Valence again, you will certainly not be disappointed with this stay.