12 Wonderful Things to Do in Valencia, Spain
Valencia is unquestionably my favourite metropolis in Spain and I used to be fortunate sufficient to reside there for two months, I’m certain you’ll like it too!
This city has all of it: a vibrant outdated middle, beautiful medieval buildings, a really radicated tradition, the stunning Malvarrosa Beach, and scrumptious meals (that is the house of Paella in spite of everything)! But a few of the foremost highlights within the metropolis are its loopy occasions, like the massive Fallas pageant.
With so many points of interest and issues to see and do, it’s exhausting to determine what to give attention to throughout your vacation in its extraordinary metropolis, so I made a decision to make your life simpler and write this information with the perfect issues to do in Valencia!
There is one thing for any style and traveler right here, so there’s no likelihood Valencia will allow you to down… you don’t consider me? Then begin trying out the perfect issues to do in Valencia proper now!
Let’s go!
If you’re in a rush
If you don’t have time to learn the entire publish, take a look at the highest excursions and locations to remain in Valencia:
Here are the primary issues to e-book upfront:
And listed here are the perfect accommodations: Marqués House Hotel (Luxury), L’Esplai Valencia (Mid-range), Helen Berger Boutique Hotel (Budget)
1. See the City of the Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences is a group of tremendous cool, trendy buildings designed by native architects (Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela) and constructed proper on the finish of the outdated Turia river mattress… a must-see!
In the City of Arts and Sciences, you will discover 6 distinct zones or buildings, surrounded by tranquil swimming pools, each providing various things.
If you need to study extra about this futuristic complicated, you may be a part of this guided tour of the spectacular City of Arts and the Sciences to step inside many buildings together with the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum and the Oceanogràfic, whereas they clarify to you about its development.
Now let’s see every constructing individually:
1.1 Experience the 3D cinema in L’Hemisferic
The Hemisferic constructing seems like an enormous human eye internet hosting a 3D panoramic IMAX cinema, tremendous fashionable with each locals and vacationers.
If you go to look at a film, you may be given 3D glasses with built-in audio system programmed to your personal language, so you may benefit from the film with out having to learn subtitles or making an attempt to know one other language!
Price: €8
1.2 Explore the Prince Philip Science Museum
If you need to find out about actually attention-grabbing scientific issues, you need to undoubtedly take a look at this museum, providing a number of completely different reveals at completely different instances of the 12 months. This can be a superb exercise to do with the household because it additionally presents many cool services for youngsters too!
Price: €8
1.3 Walk by way of the L’Umbracle sculpture backyard
L’Umbracle is a sculpture backyard internet hosting the Walk of the Sculptures: a stroll of native crops mixed with an outside artwork gallery with thought-provoking sculptures from modern artists.
The attraction is tremendous creative and is positioned on the roof of the constructing, so that you’ll additionally get a tremendous view of all of the buildings, swimming pools, and landscaped areas of the City of arts… and all of this for free, what else do you want?
1.4 Visit L’Oceanogràfic, the most important aquarium in Europe
The Oceanogràfic is the most important aquarium in Europe, internet hosting the primary marine ecosystems of the entire planet and the greatest water tunnel in Europe to stroll by way of (with sharks swimming a number of meters out of your face) so is unquestionably value a go to!
The constructing is split into a number of sections primarily based on completely different aquatic environments: Mediterranean, Wetlands, Temperate and Tropical Seas, Oceans, Antarctic, Arctic, Islands, and the Red Sea, and there may be even a Dolphinarium the place you may see a enjoyable dolphin present!
Price: €31.90
1.5 See a present at El Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía
This spectacular constructing, designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, is devoted to selling the performing arts of Valencia. In truth, the Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía is among the most interesting worldwide venues for theater, dance, opera, and music live shows… good if you wish to take pleasure in some spectacular reveals and occasions!
The worth adjustments relying on the present, take a look at the official website to see what’s on.
1.6 Catch an occasion at L’Àgora
L’Agora is the most recent constructing of the town of Arts and Sciences (with the form of an ellipse) and hosts occasions of essentially the most numerous nature, from conferences to conventions, live shows, or performances, and generally it’s even reworked into an exhibition space.
The agora can be used as a Club, largely for underground digital music, good if you wish to take pleasure in some loopy nightlife on the town… it was my favourite membership within the metropolis!
As with the Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía, costs change relying on the occasion, however there’s no official web site to e-book them. You might want to test the occasions on the City of Arts website.
2. Visit La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
La Lonja de la Seda is an impressive historic constructing positioned in entrance of the town’s central market (I’ll speak about that in #3), and an incredible instance of Valencian Gothic structure… it’s not by likelihood that it has been proclaimed a UNESCO website!
The title means “Silk Exchange” and it comes from its previous origins: the constructing was as soon as one in every of Europe’s foremost facilities for commerce and tradition, the place merchants from all components of the Mediterranean would come to alternate silk and make offers.
The Lonja de la Seda constructing is THE place if you wish to journey again in time and see some superb structure: from the twisting columns of the primary corridor to the unbelievable element of the vaulted ceilings and delightful ceramics.
The go to will take you round 1-2 hours and is free, or you may be a part of this guided tour to find the historic legacy of the silk commerce in València, going by way of the Silk Exchange, Silk Museum, and the Espai Seda restaurant!
3. Buy native meals on the central market
Right on the other aspect of the Silk Exchange, there may be the Central Market constructing. This is foodie heaven however it additionally options stunning historic structure!
In truth, right here you’ll discover greater than 400 small merchants, promoting scrumptious native produce at tremendous reasonably priced costs from chorizo to amón ibérico and manchego cheese.
PRO TIP: Don’t go away the market with out making an attempt a superb scorching chocolate with churros, an absolute should!
The market itself is split into sections: fish, meat, fruit and so forth… so you may simply discover what you’re searching for and is surrounded by many outlets, bars, and eating places in case you get bored.
And if you wish to study extra in regards to the Valencian delicacies, you’ll love the subsequent factor to do on my checklist, a paella cooking class!
4. Learn to cook dinner scrumptious genuine paella
What higher means of familiarizing your self with the Valencian tradition than studying how one can cook dinner its most conventional dish? Yes, I’m speaking about genuine and scrumptious Paella!
In this private cooking class, a local chef will carry you to browse the native markets and purchase contemporary produce, then educate you how one can put together the Valencian paella! But the perfect half is on the finish while you’ll be capable of benefit from the fruits of your labor accompanied by wine and sangria.
This talent is unquestionably the perfect memento you may take dwelling, and among the best issues to do in Valencia!
Price: €55
5. Take a strolling tour of the historic metropolis middle
The finest strategy to discover the historic metropolis middle of Valencia is to take a walking tour with a information who will clarify the attention-grabbing tales behind all of the cool points of interest of the historic metropolis middle (Casco Historico).
The tour lasts 1.5 hours and you’ll go to some well-known landmarks just like the Torres de Serranos (a small fortress which was the previous foremost entrance to the medieval metropolis) and Plaza de la Virgin. At every of the spots, you’ll get some historic perception and even have the possibility to affix a conventional craft workshop.
After the tour, I like to recommend going again to the favored Plaza de la Virgen as it’s the good place to only stroll round at night time or to take a break from the new summer time solar in the course of the day.
Simply take pleasure in a cool glass of horchata (probably the most fashionable drinks right here) in one of many many bars whereas doing a little folks watching, surrounded by a few of the most iconic buildings just like the Valencia Cathedral (which I’ll speak about subsequent) and the Torre del Micalet (Miguelete Tower).
You ought to undoubtedly climb the 207 steps of the Miguelete tower as you’ll get some superb panoramic views of the town! The effort is completely value it and it prices solely €2!
PRICE: €50
6. Travel again in time at Valencia’s Cathedral and see the Holy Grail
If you’re keen on historical past, seeing Saint Mary’s Cathedral with the Holy Grail is unquestionably among the best issues to do in Valencia, being 800 years outdated and completely unbelievable to see!
The Cathedral was constructed as a church originally and adjusted to a mosque in the course of the Moorish occultation, so it has renaissance, gothic, baroque and neoclassical particulars.
When you go to the cathedral you may see renaissance work by artists such because the Valencian, however the primary spotlight is for certain the Holy Grail: one of some chalices claimed to have been utilized by Jesus over the past supper, proper on the altar of the Holy Chalice Chapel.
Even if you happen to’re not a believer, the Holy Grail is unquestionably a must-see, plus the Cathedral hosts a set of 90 works of various types: gothic, renaissance, and mannerism, together with items by Maella and Goya… you’ve gotten lots to see right here!
You can go to the cathedral by your self or as part of this walking tour centered on the town’s artwork and structure.
Price: €8
7. Search for road artwork in Barrio del Carmen
Barrio Del Carmen is an emblematic neighborhood positioned in Valencia’s historic quarter (the Ciutat Vella), well-known for its quirky nightlight and having the best focus of road artwork murals within the metropolis.
If you’re a road artwork obsessed like me, this shall be your paradise: get able to lose your self within the cobbled little streets and seek for the beautiful colourful graffiti, which makes a cool distinction with the uncared for buildings’ partitions!
To discover the perfect spots, you even have the choice to affix this guided street art walking tour which can educate you in regards to the works of crucial Valencian and worldwide artists.
8. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia
If as an alternative, you’re keen on traditional artwork, you’ll love the Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia, positioned proper within the historic middle.
Fun Fact: This is the second-largest artwork gallery in Spain and the primary trendy artwork museum within the nation, providing artworks from the fifteenth century to the nineteenth century!
The museum is split into a number of rooms exhibiting artworks from completely different durations together with Gothic and Renaissance. It even has a room particularly devoted to the well-known Valencian painter Joaquín Sorolla and one other one devoted to Francisco de Goya!
The entrance to the museum is free, and a go to takes you round 2-3 hours to discover.
9. Enjoy the solar on Malvarrosa Beach
I’m certain one of many foremost issues you expect to do in Valencia is simply chilling on the seashore and splashing within the Mediterranean sea! Well, nice information, solely a brief drive from Valencia old-town you’ll discover the beautiful Malvarrosa seashore.
Malvarrosa Beach is a protracted and broad strip of golden sand that stretches alongside the town’s seafront. It has been awarded the Blue Flag for the numerous facilities it gives together with lifeguard towers, a medical station, ingesting fountains and showers, ramps, and footpaths.
Here you’ll additionally discover many eating places and bars on the beachfront promenade, the place you may retreat from the new solar and luxuriate in a chilly drink or chunk to eat (be aware that because it’s a extremely touristic space, costs will be dearer right here).
PRO TIP: Malvarrosa is an city seashore, so in order for you a extra pure setting to loosen up, you need to take a look at El Saler seashore, positioned a bit additional south of Valencia’s port, and quarter-hour from Valencia Old Town.
This white sand seashore stretches for two.6 kilometers south till the beautiful La Albufera Natural Reserve: THE place to take pleasure in rest and privateness, additionally good for a day journey! Another excellent place for seashores is the close by Alicante, only a 2 hours drive from Valencia.
Getting to Malvarrosa:
By automobile: The drive will take you quarter-hour and the beachfront parking is free.
By bus: Take on one in every of these bus traces: 1, 2, 19, 31, or 32 from Plaza del Ayuntamiento for ~half-hour and get off at Malvarrosa Beach station.
10. Relax at El Jardín de la Turia park
If you’re keen on inexperienced areas it’s essential to take a look at the superb astounding Jardin de la Turia, constructed across the mattress of the Turia river. This is the proper place to take a break from the town, the new solar, and luxuriate in some contemporary air!
The park lies in the course of the town and extends for 9 kilometers of unbelievable gardens, a pine forest, orange groves, palms, strolling/biking paths, fountains, and sports activities services… you can spend the entire day right here!
For these of you touring with kids, contained in the La Turia Park, you’ll discover Gulliver Park, impressed by the Gulliver’s Travels e-book, with little interactive figures on the bottom, slides, ramps, stairways, a skating space, and far more… your children will like it!
If you’re searching for extra distinctive issues to do in Valencia for households, I like to recommend occurring a hot air balloon ride to see the town from the sky. Your children will always remember this journey!
11. Celebrate las Fallas
Las Fallas will not be solely Valencia’s hottest celebration but in addition essentially the most colourful and noisy one in every of any vacation in Spain. Between 15 to 19 March, the town will get vigorous, music, and road events.
Las Fallas is supposed to mark the starting of spring and to have fun the patron St. Joseph’s Day on the nineteenth of March.
If you’re fortunate sufficient to be right here throughout this time, you’ll see the town vigorous, with “Ninots” (big satirical cardboard statues) making their means across the metropolis, huge bonfires on the night time earlier than the nineteenth, and La Mascletá, an ear-splitting firework show.
It could possibly be a bit overwhelming, however that is actually a must-see!
NOTE: Even if you happen to aren’t on the town in the course of the pageant, you may nonetheless go to the Museo Fallero the place they showcase greater than 80 figures from the annual Fallas pageant parades so you may nonetheless get an concept of its magic!
12. See the websites on a Bike Tour
Another cool means of discovering crucial streets, squares, monuments, and points of interest of Valencia’s historic middle is on this two-wheel guided tour, lasting 3 hours!
You will begin by pedaling downhill to the distinctive Turia Gardens till the Torres Serranos, after which go by way of necessary points of interest just like the Mercado de Colón, Gardens of the Old Hospital, Pillar Square, and the Quart Towers, and far more… test it out!
Price: €30
| 🤩 Range of actions: | Large |
| 👪 Family-friendly rating: | Medium |
| 🏛️ Best museum: | Museum of Fine Arts |
| 🎢 Top paid attraction: | Valencia Cathedral |
| 🚶🏽♂️ Best free exercise: | Las Fallas |
| 👧 Best attraction for teenagers: | L’Oceanogràfic |
| 🥟 Must strive meals: | Paella |
| 📅 How many days: | 4-5 |
| 🚗 Best day-trip | La Albufera Natural Reserve |
| 📍 Best space: | Old Town |
| 👶 Family-friendly rating: | Good |
| ✈️ Cost of touring: | Medium |
Where to remain in Valencia, Spain
If you need to have entry to all the highest points of interest and things to do in Valencia, you need to discover your lodging in Ciutat Vella, the Old Town. Check out these accommodations divided by worth vary, all positioned in Valencia’s central half:
Luxury (€150 and up)
Marqués House Hotel – This lodge is among the finest locations in Valencia for luxurious, providing actually elegant rooms, a few of them even together with a personal balcony with an incredible view of the town of Valencia!
Mid Range (€80 – €150)
L’Esplai Valencia – Modern decore in a phenomenal, renovated, listed constructing with unique options. What extra might you need in your keep in Valencia? With a central location, metropolis views, and free wifi, it’s exhausting to beat this mattress and breakfast.
Budget (as much as €60)
Helen Berger Boutique Hotel – If you’re trying to find an reasonably priced possibility, take a look at this lodge. Offering superb rooms within the central a part of the town, this is among the finest locations to remain on a funds in Valencia, Spain… test it out!
Frequently requested questions on issues to do in Valencia
🤩 What are the perfect issues to do in Valencia, Spain?
In Valencia, Spain, it’s a must to see the City of Arts and Sciences, go to the Valencia Cathedral and the Museum Of Fine Arts, providing artworks from the fifteenth century to the nineteenth century, plus benefit from the contemporary air at Jardin de la Turia.
👪 What are the perfect issues to do in Valencia, Spain for households?
The finest issues to do in Valencia, Spain, with the household are having fun with the new solar and sand of Malvarrosa seashore, seeing the town from the sky on a scorching air balloon, and visiting the BioParc Zoo, or trying to find the colourful graffiti in Barrio del Carmen’s little streets.
📅 What are the perfect issues to do in Valencia, Spain, in 3 days?
If you go to Valencia for 3 days it’s a must to see the Holy Grail within the Chapel of the Holy Chalice, search the road artwork in Barrio El Carmen’s little streets and learn to make Paella.
🥟 What are the perfect meals to strive in Valencia, Spain?
The finest meals and drinks to strive in Valencia are Paella, scorching chocolate with churros, the horchata, and sangria… strive all of them on the central market!
Conclusion
Congrats, you made it to the top of this intensive information about the perfect issues to do in Valencia!
With distinctive points of interest just like the holy grail, occasions just like the Fallas, nice artwork, and actions like scorching air ballooning, there may be actually lots to see and do right here!
I hope this publish will make it easier to to have an incredible vacation in Valencia, and you probably have any questions or solutions for me, please drop them within the feedback beneath, I’m trying ahead to studying all of them!
Enjoy your vacation,
Elena