The 17 things to do in Valencia

Visit Valencia: the 16 best things to do and see in Valencia, one of the most beautiful cities on the Mediterranean coast!

Visit Valencia offers you the opportunity to discover a very sunny city of Spain, with a very “old Europe” style. Third largest city in the country, Valencia is full of spectacular curiosities, culinary specialties, interesting museums and pleasant events.

Cité de la paella, she has something to seduce all the travellers and surprise you at every corner of the street. To help you plan your stay, we listed the best things to do in Valencia for you!

1. The City of Arts and Science

If you're visiting Valencia, you can't miss discovering its City of Arts and Science. This place is surprising, first of all, by its exterior architecture and environment.

Composed of a set of state-of-the-art structures, reflective pools surround it and give it a futuristic, ethereal atmosphere. Take the time to admire it before visiting its exciting exhibitions.

The Cité des arts et des sciences de Valencia is home to many museums: planetarium, interactive museum on science, botanical garden, oceanarium and the Palais des Arts. You can't be bored!

Take advantage of your city visit to learn more about certain topics. And above all, enjoy this exceptional place, at the mouth of the Jardí del Túria .

2. L’Oceanogràfic

Among the attractions of the City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia is a museum that is particularly detached: the Oceananogràfic. This vast oceanarium in the form of nenuphar is certainly a must-see in Valencia!

Spreading on 10 hectares , it presents various marine habitats and species: marine mammals, cetaceans and pinnipeds, about 500 species of fish, reptiles and aquatic birds.

In particular, you can admire thorns, penguins, bits, dolphins and sea lions. The museum is discovered in a beautiful day, which will surely delight adults like children! This is a great activity to do with the family in Valencia.

3. La Cathédrale Sainte-Marie de Valence

Visit Valencia is not only discovering beautiful and exciting museums. The historic city is home to many cultural wonders and jewels.

Among them, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Valencia is of course a special place. This beautiful building combines several architectural styles: Renaissance, baroque and neoclassical, with a predominance of the Valencian Gothic style.

Built on an ancient mosque, its construction began in 1262, but it was modified until the end of the 18th century. But one of the most fascinating aspects of this cathedral is that it might house the Holy Calice, the relic of the cup used by Jesus Christ and his twelve disciples during the Cene.

4. The historic centre and the Barrio del Carmen

The Cathedral is located in the heart of the historic centre. It is obviously not the only wonder to discover in this neighborhood. Take the time to get lost in the maze of picturesque streets and streets of the city centre.

On the way, you can admire the sublime Basílica de la Mare de Déu dels Desemparats , the impressive Torres de Serranos or Quart towers, memories of medieval defenses of the city.

Between the two extends the Barrio del Carmen northeast of the old town. This neighborhood is probably the youngest, most bohemian and festive part of the city.

El Carmen date of medieval times. It was located outside the Moorish walls of the 11th century, but inside the Christian walls that rose in the 14th century. The old palaces were converted to trendy shops, restaurants and bars.

Calle de Caballeros , starting at Plaza de la Virgen , is known to house evenings until the end of the night! On the south side of the old town, also take a tour on the Plaza de Toros and admire the beautiful neo-mudejar arenas of Valencia! On the way, take the time to admire the magnificent town hall of Valencia.

5. Central Market

If there is a place not to be missed when visiting Valencia, it’s its Central Market! You will first enjoy the Art Nouveau design in metal and glass of the building. Although it dates from the beginning of the 20th century, the latter integrates perfectly with the historical architecture of this part of the old city.

But above all, this building is the paradise for gourmet food and gastronomy. It houses near 400 small traders , with artisanal products, farm or sea at accessible prices.

You're looking for a Spanish speciality like chorizo , handle or Jamaica ibérico ? So you have to go to this Central Market.

6. La Lonja de la Seda

In front of the Central Market, you can visit another must-see in Valencia: Lonja of the Seda . Classified as a UNESCO site, this majestic building of the late 15th century is considered a masterpiece of the Valencian Gothic architecture.

Inside, you can admire the delicate twisted columns of the main hall and the superb details of the vaulted ceilings.

For many, it is even the most beautiful monument of the golden age of Valencia, when the city was one of the main shopping and cultural centres in Europe. This "Soy Stock Exchange" was then the place where merchants across the Mediterranean met and were doing business.

7. Le Jardí del Túria

In 1957, the Turia River overflowed and caused significant damage to the city. The river was diverted and in the 1980s its river bed was transformed into 9 kilometres green space: the Jardí del Túria .

This beautiful park thus crosses the entire city and brings a fresh salvage air through the hot summer days.

If you come to visit Valencia, don't miss out on walking. You will discover beautiful gardens, fruits of several landscape architects. You will admire the paths lined with palm trees, beautiful pine trees, orange groves or fountains.

8. The Parque Gulliver

In the Turia gardens you will also find this amazing park, ideal place for families. The kids can feel like lilliputians here. There are slides, ramps and stairs to climb the Gulliver silhouette, lying as in the novel.

9. The beaches of Valencia

Valencia rests a few steps from the Mediterranean Sea. The Spanish city has two beautiful beaches that you can discover during your stay. After a few busy days visiting, you can relax, enjoy the sun and swim.

The first beach of the city, Beach of the Malva-Rosa , is located north of the port. extending over 1 kilometer , it is lined with a charming walk, with cafes and restaurants. Its warm and fine sand is ideal to rest and enjoy the sea for a day.

Further south you will also find several other beaches, the Platja de l’Arbre del Gos and Platja de Pinedo . These are less charming than the Malva-Rosa and we recommend you avoid them.

If you have the option, go south to the Platja del Saler . This beautiful sandy beach is located on the coast of the Albufera Natural Park. Quiet, almost deserted and untouched, it is surrounded by beautiful dunes and pine forests. It is a great place to relax, stroll and enjoy the sun.

10. A boat ride

Once you’ve reached the beaches of Valencia, you’ll find another must: the boat ride! Indeed, renting a boat in Valencia , you offer the possibility to discover the wonders of the Valencian coast while avoiding the tourist hustle. For example, you can sail along the coast to enjoy the beauty of the landscapes of Valencia.

If you do not have the boat permit, you can use the services of a skipper who will unveil the most beautiful corners of the area throughout the tour. With a bit of luck, you can even enjoy it to swim in the heart of magical places, the time of an unforgettable day with your loved ones.

11. The Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia

If you come to visit Valencia, don't miss discovering its Museum of Fine Arts located a few steps from the historic centre. In this magnificent 17th century building are housed in the collections of valencian and Flemish paintings. Art lovers, don’t make the impasse on this superb museum.

12. The Botanical Garden of Valencia

For a little quiet and green between two historical visits, you can go to the beautiful botanical garden of Valencia. Located a few steps from the historic heart of the city, this charming green space is ideal to rest between two visits. You can admire various species of palm trees and beautiful exotic plants.

13. Gastronomy

Visiting Valencia is also discovering its gastronomy and typical dishes. Among them, there is obviously the paella, Valencia being considered the capital of this delicious food. Many restaurants offer you to taste it, as La Pepica , The Riuà or Casa Carmela . You can also participate in workshops to cook your own paella and discover the well-kept secrets!

The city also has many other specialties, based on rice and fish, as well as many treats, such as the coca de llanda . The city finally has its own drink, the chufa orxata . Fresh, it is ideal to fight heat during the summer months. Enjoy your stay to taste all these specialties!

14. The festivals

Valencia is also known for its festivals. The most famous one takes place between 15 March and culminates on 19 March. This is the Las Fallas Festival which marks the beginning of spring. Hundreds of works of art in wood and composite materials painted in vivid colours then appear in the streets. They are then burned at night 19 March , during the Cremà .

The second major festival is not held in Valencia, but in the neighbouring town of Buñol. This festival La Tomatina takes place last Wednesday of August . It always ends with a gigantic battle of tomatoes and attracts many travelers!

15. The Bioparc Valencia

Located at the northwest end of the Jardí del Túria , the Bioparc Valencia is another must-see place in Valencia. extending over 8 hectares , this zoo has more 800 animals 116 different species. He specializes in African wildlife.

You can discover four biomes: dry savannah, wet savannah, equatorial forest and Malagasy rainforest. The visit is a great activity to do with family in Valencia!

16. Albufera Natural Park

In the south of Valencia lies the beautiful natural park of Albufera with its impressive lagoon of life and traditions. If you can, don’t hesitate to visit him during your stay. You can discover it during charming walks in a beautiful untouched nature. Des boat tours or observations local fauna are also possible.

17. Outdoor activities to be done in Valencia and around the city

Many outdoor activities can be done in Valencia or its surroundings. Intramuros, you can practice and discover , or . Valencia has, after all, beautiful beaches where you can practice various water sports!

In the surrounding area, you can also do , or even . Numerous gorges and rivers are located in the vicinity, and thus make great playgrounds for live water sports.

How to get to Valencia?

To reach and visit Valencia, you can take the plane or go there with your own vehicle. Valencia has an international airport serviced by airlines.

By plane

The aircraft is certainly the best option to reach and then visit Valencia. The city is only 2 hours away or less Paris , Lyon , Bordeaux , Toulouse or Marseille . Flights are provided every week and almost every day during the summer, according to your departure city.

To find your flights at the best price and with the best connections, we recommend using Ulysses ., an online comparison and one of our partners.

By car

Valencia is located in 6 a.m. de Perpignan and the French border. To reach this city, you will go along the entire coast, passing through Barcelona and Castellón de la Plana. You will take the highway in particular AP-7 and E-15 . This option is ideal for travellers wishing to make a road trip along the Catalan and Spanish coasts.

Once on site

To move to Valencia, you can count on an efficient public transport network. Even when you come with your own vehicle, you can park it in a parking lot and visit Valencia with public transport. Of course, having a rented vehicle or not is ideal to discover the surroundings of the city, including the Natural Park of the Albufera.

For public transport, several options are available: metros, buses, trams. The airport is well served by metro and bus. You will have no trouble getting your transfer from Valencia Airport to the city centre.

Where to stay in Valencia?

The third city of Spain, a tourist and dynamic city, Valencia does not lack hotels and accommodations at home. Many neighbourhoods are particularly recommended for a stay in the capital of paella.

To be close to cultural and tourist animation, we can only advise you to stay in the historic centre, Ciutat Vella and in particular Barrio del Carmen . But you can also choose to sleep in the neighborhoods Eixample , Benimaclet or Malvarrosa , to enjoy the beach.

To choose your hotel, we recommend using this Compare hotels online, also one of our partners. Guests can also find accommodation at home via Airbnb For example.