Valencia
Spain
Why Valencia is a great destination
Valencia delivers sunlit culture, design-forward architecture and beach life with fewer crowds and better value—every bit as rewarding as the usual big-name stops.
- Vibe: Relaxed dynamism in a Mediterranean city that lives outdoors—cycle the palm-lined Túria Gardens, linger on terraces, then finish at the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, all without the big-city crush.
- Food & value: Authentic tastes at local prices—paella as a leisurely lunch in El Palmar by L’Albufera, mid‑morning almuerzo in no‑frills bars, horchata in Alboraya, and produce pilgrimages to Mercado Central.
- Neighbourhoods: Character over crowds—wander street‑art‑rich El Carmen, café‑filled Russafa, the colourful fishermen’s houses of Cabanyal, and village‑like Benimaclet for a true slice of local life.
- Culture & traditions: Gothic grandeur at La Lonja (UNESCO), the weekly Water Tribunal, and March’s explosive Fallas; beaches at Malvarrosa and Patacona add easy coastal downtime—all the culture, none of the overwhelm.
Who should go to Valencia?
Travellers who crave a blend of culture, coast and city comfort will feel at home in Valencia. It’s a sun‑kissed, walkable Mediterranean capital with big‑city energy but less stress (and fewer crowds) than Barcelona or Madrid. Come for paella and Gothic splendour; stay for design, beaches, bike paths and a year‑round festival buzz.
- History lovers: Wander 2,000 years from Roman roots to the Gothic Silk Exchange (UNESCO), Moorish legends and Civil War stories in a compact old town.
- Foodies: Feast on authentic paella by the Albufera, graze markets like the Mercado Central, and join locals for the sacred mid‑morning almuerzo.
- Architecture & design fans: Contrast golden‑age Gothic and Modernisme with Calatrava’s futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and striking street art in El Carmen.
- Active travellers: Cycle the car‑free Turia Gardens to the beach, kayak the Albufera at sunset, or run along long sands at Malvarrosa and El Saler.
- Nightlife seekers: Tap into terrace culture, indie bars in Ruzafa, beach clubs at the Marina, and a proud electronic scene with Ruta del Bakalao heritage.
- City‑breakers & families: Enjoy a safe, breezy, 15‑minute city where beaches, parks, museums and great value eating make short breaks effortless.
Who should go to Valencia?
Travellers who crave a blend of culture, coast and city comfort will feel at home in Valencia. It’s a sun‑kissed, walkable Mediterranean capital with big‑city energy but less stress (and fewer crowds) than Barcelona or Madrid. Come for paella and Gothic splendour; stay for design, beaches, bike paths and a year‑round festival buzz.
- History lovers: Wander 2,000 years from Roman roots to the Gothic Silk Exchange (UNESCO), Moorish legends and Civil War stories in a compact old town.
- Foodies: Feast on authentic paella by the Albufera, graze markets like the Mercado Central, and join locals for the sacred mid‑morning almuerzo.
- Architecture & design fans: Contrast golden‑age Gothic and Modernisme with Calatrava’s futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and striking street art in El Carmen.
- Active travellers: Cycle the car‑free Turia Gardens to the beach, kayak the Albufera at sunset, or run along long sands at Malvarrosa and El Saler.
- Nightlife seekers: Tap into terrace culture, indie bars in Ruzafa, beach clubs at the Marina, and a proud electronic scene with Ruta del Bakalao heritage.
- City‑breakers & families: Enjoy a safe, breezy, 15‑minute city where beaches, parks, museums and great value eating make short breaks effortless.
Top things to do in Valencia
Here are the unmissable highlights of Valencia—iconic sights and experiences that capture the city’s relaxed dynamism and Mediterranean soul. Tick these off for a perfect first taste of the city.
- Walk the 9 km Turia Gardens from the Bioparc to the City of Arts and Sciences at golden hour.
- Explore the Ciutat Vella: weave El Carme’s lanes, step into La Lonja de la Seda and climb El Miguelete.
- Visit Mercado Central for breakfast, then Ruzafa Market for a locals’ esmorzaret (almuerzo).
- Take a sunset boat on L’Albufera and stay for a wood-fired paella in El Palmar.
- Hike the Devesa–El Saler dune trails or the nearby Serra Calderona for big Mediterranean views.
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Top things to do in Valencia
Here are the unmissable highlights of Valencia—iconic sights and experiences that capture the city’s relaxed dynamism and Mediterranean soul. Tick these off for a perfect first taste of the city.
- Walk the 9 km Turia Gardens from the Bioparc to the City of Arts and Sciences at golden hour.
- Explore the Ciutat Vella: weave El Carme’s lanes, step into La Lonja de la Seda and climb El Miguelete.
- Visit Mercado Central for breakfast, then Ruzafa Market for a locals’ esmorzaret (almuerzo).
- Take a sunset boat on L’Albufera and stay for a wood-fired paella in El Palmar.
- Hike the Devesa–El Saler dune trails or the nearby Serra Calderona for big Mediterranean views.
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3-day Valencia itinerary
Day 1: Old Town icons, market life and the green riverbed
Ease into Valencia’s rhythm in the historic centre, where Roman, Islamic and Gothic layers sit within a stroll. Pace yourself: mornings are for markets, afternoons slow for siesta, and evenings stretch late on terraces.
- Morning: Duck into the Mercado Central by 9:00 for a real shop‐floor buzz (ask “¿quién es el último?” and let vendors choose your fruit). Pop across to L’Almoina to walk Roman streets beneath the city, then admire the Silk Exchange’s palm‑trunk columns next door; most municipal sites are free on Sundays.
- Midday: Climb the Miguelete for panoramic rooftops, then eat a menú del día nearby (good value, 13:00–16:00). Tip: in March, the daily Fallas mascletà explodes at 14:00 in Plaza del Ayuntamiento—stand on a side street, mouth slightly open to soften the pressure.
- Afternoon: Hire a bike and glide the 9 km Turia Gardens to the City of Arts and Sciences; it’s most photogenic in the late light. Note: many smaller churches and shops close ~14:00–17:00, so use the park time well.
- Evening: Drift through Ruzafa for a relaxed tardeo of vermouth, tapas and indie bars; book dinner after 21:00. Monday is a common museum closing day—save big exhibitions for another time.
Day 2: Sea air, horchata and a sunset paella on the lagoon
Today is Mediterranean to the core—beach morning, maritime streets at lunch, then rice country by sunset. Bring sunscreen, a hat and an appetite; in high summer, locals hit the sand early or late.
- Morning: Take tram or bike to Malvarrosa/Patacona for a paseo and a coffee by the sea (volleyball nets and wide sands make it lively but laid‑back). If you fancy a dip, swim flags rule—respect red/amber days and watch for jellyfish notices.
- Midday: Wander El Cabanyal’s colourful tiled façades and settle in for a seafood lunch; paella is a lunch dish only (book, and allow 45 minutes for proper rice). Tip: try clóchinas (local mussels) in season May–Aug.
- Afternoon: Hop to Alboraya for a glass of fresh horchata with fartons, or linger at the marina for breezy views. If the heat builds (July–Aug), retreat for a siesta before the golden hour.
- Evening: Bus 25 to El Palmar for a wooden‑boat ride on l’Albufera at sunset, then a traditional wood‑fired paella; reserve ahead, bring mosquito repellent, and carry cash. Last buses back fill up—pre‑check times or book a taxi return.
Day 3: Art, design and night‑time sparkle
Blend classic canvases with contemporary culture, then celebrate Valencia’s design flair. Museums open late in summer, and Friday/Saturday nights stretch well past midnight.
- Morning: Visit the Museum of Fine Arts for Sorolla’s shimmering coasts and Gothic retablos, then stroll to the Mercado de Colón for an elevenses orxata amid Modernista arches. Arrive soon after opening for calm galleries.
- Midday: Explore El Carmen’s street art and pocket‑plazas; squeeze into a bar for almuerzo (bocadillo, olives, a cremaet to finish). On Sundays, Plaza Redonda hosts collectors trading stamps and cards—a charming detour.
- Afternoon: Choose your flavour: the Centre del Carme’s ever‑changing contemporary shows, IVAM’s modern masters, or Bombas Gens for architecture plus exhibitions. Check listings—temporary shows are excellent and rotate often.
- Evening: Toast the trip with an Agua de Valencia at its spiritual home, then, in warm months, head to the open‑air L’Umbracle above Mya; in cooler months opt for live jazz or flamenco in El Carmen. Seasonal note: March nights during Fallas are street‑party central; July brings open‑air concerts in Viveros—book ahead.
Notes for all days: the Valencia Tourist Card covers public transport and discounts; markets run Mon–Sat mornings and are closed Sundays; paella is for lunch; August is quieter as locals decamp; beaches and parks are glorious in late spring and early autumn.
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Food and drink in Valencia
Valencia eats by the sun and season: market‑fresh produce, rice from L’Albufera and a sacred, unhurried midday rhythm. Expect simple recipes done perfectly and shared in lively markets, neighbourhood cafés and beachside bars.
- Paella Valenciana – wood‑fired rice with chicken, rabbit, garrofó beans and rosemary, born in the fields of L’Albufera; order at lunchtime and share from the pan. Best in traditional arrocerías or on sunny beach terraces.
- Esmorzaret (almuerzo) – the mid‑morning ritual: a hearty bocadillo with olives and peanuts, finished with a cremaet (rum‑kissed coffee). Lively, local vibe in no‑frills bars and market counters around 10–11 am.
- Horchata & fartons – iced tiger‑nut drink with airy pastries for dipping; naturally dairy‑free and refreshing. Sip in classic horchaterías or under the Art Nouveau arches of Mercado de Colón.
- Clóchinas (Valencian mussels) – petite, intensely flavoured mussels (May–Aug) steamed with lemon, bay and pepper. Best enjoyed shoulder‑to‑shoulder in bodegas and tapas bars near the port.
Eat like a local: Discover Valencia top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Valencia
Valencia eats by the sun and season: market‑fresh produce, rice from L’Albufera and a sacred, unhurried midday rhythm. Expect simple recipes done perfectly and shared in lively markets, neighbourhood cafés and beachside bars.
- Paella Valenciana – wood‑fired rice with chicken, rabbit, garrofó beans and rosemary, born in the fields of L’Albufera; order at lunchtime and share from the pan. Best in traditional arrocerías or on sunny beach terraces.
- Esmorzaret (almuerzo) – the mid‑morning ritual: a hearty bocadillo with olives and peanuts, finished with a cremaet (rum‑kissed coffee). Lively, local vibe in no‑frills bars and market counters around 10–11 am.
- Horchata & fartons – iced tiger‑nut drink with airy pastries for dipping; naturally dairy‑free and refreshing. Sip in classic horchaterías or under the Art Nouveau arches of Mercado de Colón.
- Clóchinas (Valencian mussels) – petite, intensely flavoured mussels (May–Aug) steamed with lemon, bay and pepper. Best enjoyed shoulder‑to‑shoulder in bodegas and tapas bars near the port.
Eat like a local: Discover Valencia top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Valencia
Choosing the right base in Valencia matters more than the hotel — each barrio has its own rhythm. Decide if you want medieval streets, café culture, or the beach on your doorstep; pick the vibe that matches your plans.
- El Carmen (Ciutat Vella) — atmospheric medieval lanes, street art and late nightlife; ideal for history lovers and night owls who don’t mind noise and cobbles.
- Ruzafa (Russafa) — creative, café-and-boutique scene with buzzing tardeo; perfect for foodies, design fans and sociable stays with easy walkability.
- Eixample & Gran Vía — elegant boulevards, great restaurants and quieter nights; suits families and first‑timers seeking comfort close to the centre.
- El Cabanyal & Malvarrosa — colourful seaside district by a wide sandy beach with tram links; best for beach days, relaxed vibes and runners using the Turia park.
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Where to stay in Valencia
Choosing the right base in Valencia matters more than the hotel — each barrio has its own rhythm. Decide if you want medieval streets, café culture, or the beach on your doorstep; pick the vibe that matches your plans.
- El Carmen (Ciutat Vella) — atmospheric medieval lanes, street art and late nightlife; ideal for history lovers and night owls who don’t mind noise and cobbles.
- Ruzafa (Russafa) — creative, café-and-boutique scene with buzzing tardeo; perfect for foodies, design fans and sociable stays with easy walkability.
- Eixample & Gran Vía — elegant boulevards, great restaurants and quieter nights; suits families and first‑timers seeking comfort close to the centre.
- El Cabanyal & Malvarrosa — colourful seaside district by a wide sandy beach with tram links; best for beach days, relaxed vibes and runners using the Turia park.
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Good to know before you go to Valencia
Getting around and planning in Valencia is straightforward: the city is compact, well signed and easy to navigate on foot, bike or public transport. A few local details (festival timing, late dining, day‑trip options) will help you plan stress‑free days. Here’s what to know at a glance.
- Affordability: Good value overall—expect a menú del día for €12–€18, dinner for two with drinks for €40–€60, coffee/beer €2–€3, and rooms from hostels €30–€60 to mid‑range hotels €80–€140 (higher at Fallas and in summer).
- Transport: Compact and flat, the centre is walkable and bike‑friendly (Valenbisi), metro/tram and buses reach beaches and neighbourhoods (airport–centre ~20 mins), day trips run by Cercanías/buses to Sagunto, Xàtiva, Albufera and coastal towns, with ferries to the Balearics and a car only useful for rural vineyards or flexible beach‑hopping.
- Language: Spanish and Valencian are co‑official and signage is bilingual; English is widely understood in hotels, museums and many restaurants, though a few basic Spanish phrases help in markets and smaller bars.
- Safety & comfort: Very safe and family/solo‑friendly with drinkable tap water; watch for petty theft in crowded old‑town streets, markets and on trams (especially during Fallas), and plan for summer heat with sunscreen, water and siesta‑time breaks.
- Crowds: Peak times are Fallas (1–19 March), Easter in the maritime barrios and late June–August beach season (higher prices and temps); April–May and September–October are sweet spots, and winter is mild and quieter apart from Christmas weekends.
Good to know before you go to Valencia
Getting around and planning in Valencia is straightforward: the city is compact, well signed and easy to navigate on foot, bike or public transport. A few local details (festival timing, late dining, day‑trip options) will help you plan stress‑free days. Here’s what to know at a glance.
- Affordability: Good value overall—expect a menú del día for €12–€18, dinner for two with drinks for €40–€60, coffee/beer €2–€3, and rooms from hostels €30–€60 to mid‑range hotels €80–€140 (higher at Fallas and in summer).
- Transport: Compact and flat, the centre is walkable and bike‑friendly (Valenbisi), metro/tram and buses reach beaches and neighbourhoods (airport–centre ~20 mins), day trips run by Cercanías/buses to Sagunto, Xàtiva, Albufera and coastal towns, with ferries to the Balearics and a car only useful for rural vineyards or flexible beach‑hopping.
- Language: Spanish and Valencian are co‑official and signage is bilingual; English is widely understood in hotels, museums and many restaurants, though a few basic Spanish phrases help in markets and smaller bars.
- Safety & comfort: Very safe and family/solo‑friendly with drinkable tap water; watch for petty theft in crowded old‑town streets, markets and on trams (especially during Fallas), and plan for summer heat with sunscreen, water and siesta‑time breaks.
- Crowds: Peak times are Fallas (1–19 March), Easter in the maritime barrios and late June–August beach season (higher prices and temps); April–May and September–October are sweet spots, and winter is mild and quieter apart from Christmas weekends.
Best time to go to Valencia
Valencia has a classic Mediterranean rhythm: spring and autumn are the sweet spots for warmth without the crush, while summer brings heat, beaches and late nights. Winters are mild and quieter (barring Christmas/New Year), with bright skies and fewer crowds.
- Spring (Mar–May): Mild–warm, blossom-scented days; busy and loud around Las Fallas (1–19 Mar); lively, festive vibe.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid; beaches and nightlife heaving, city sights busier by day (though many locals holiday in August); buzzy, late-night energy.
- Shoulder Season (Sep–Nov): Warm seas and sunny 20–28°C days; thinner crowds and easier bookings; relaxed, local-feeling pace.
Best time to go to Valencia
Valencia has a classic Mediterranean rhythm: spring and autumn are the sweet spots for warmth without the crush, while summer brings heat, beaches and late nights. Winters are mild and quieter (barring Christmas/New Year), with bright skies and fewer crowds.
- Spring (Mar–May): Mild–warm, blossom-scented days; busy and loud around Las Fallas (1–19 Mar); lively, festive vibe.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid; beaches and nightlife heaving, city sights busier by day (though many locals holiday in August); buzzy, late-night energy.
- Shoulder Season (Sep–Nov): Warm seas and sunny 20–28°C days; thinner crowds and easier bookings; relaxed, local-feeling pace.
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How to get to Valencia
By Air
- Valencia Airport (VLC, Manises) is 8–10 km west of the centre.
- Metrovalencia lines 3 and 5 run every 7–15 minutes to Xàtiva/Colón in 20–25 minutes.
- Taxi to the centre takes ~20 minutes; typical fares €20–€30 depending on traffic/time.
- Interurban bus 150 (Metrobus) links the airport with the centre in ~30–40 minutes (no service on Sundays/holidays).
- Ride‑hailing (Cabify, Bolt, FREE NOW) operates.
- Alternatives
- Castellón–Costa Azahar (CDT/CEJ): ~75–90 minutes by car/train to Valencia.
- Alicante–Elche (ALC): ~1.5–2 hours by car; frequent trains/buses to Valencia.
- Barcelona (BCN) and Madrid (MAD): major long‑haul gateways with fast train links to Valencia.
By Train
- Main stations
- València Joaquín Sorolla: high‑speed services (Renfe AVE/Avlo and OUIGO) to Madrid in ~1h35–1h50. Free shuttle connects with Estació del Nord (10 minutes’ walk).
- València Estació del Nord: central terminal for Euromed/Intercity and regional Cercanías.
- Key routes (typical fastest times)
- Madrid–València (Joaquín Sorolla): ~1h35–1h50, up to several trains/hour across operators.
- Barcelona–València (Estació del Nord, Euromed): ~2h35–3h15.
- Alicante–València: ~1h45–2h10 (Euromed/Media Distancia).
- Castelló/Sagunt/Gandia: frequent Cercanías/MD services.
- Booking: Renfe, Avlo, OUIGO (Madrid route), plus third‑party platforms. Seat reservations included on long‑distance/high‑speed.
By Coach/Bus
- Estació d’Autobusos (main bus station) sits by the Turia gardens; Turia metro station is a short walk.
- Operators: ALSA, Avanza, FlixBus and others.
- Typical journey times
- Madrid: ~4–4.5 hours.
- Barcelona: ~4–4.5 hours.
- Alicante: ~2.5–3 hours.
- Granada/Seville: ~7–10 hours (direct or via Madrid).
By Ferry
- Port of València has regular ferries to the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca; seasonal Menorca).
- Operators: Baleària, Trasmed (Grimaldi Group).
- Typical durations: Ibiza ~5–6 hours; Palma ~6–8 hours (service‑dependent).
- Access: Metro to Marítim station then tram/bus/taxi to the terminals; taxis are the simplest with luggage.
By Car
- Motorways
- A‑3 from Madrid (~350 km; ~3.5–4 hours).
- A‑7/AP‑7 Mediterranean corridor (toll‑free on most stretches) to Barcelona (~350 km; ~3.5–4 hours) and Alicante (~170 km; ~1.5–2 hours).
- Driving in the city
- The historic centre has many pedestrianised streets; use underground car parks or park on the periphery and switch to metro/tram.
- Consider park‑and‑ride at outlying metro stations for stress‑free access to the centre.
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