Valencia Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, offers a delightful mix of ancient and avant-garde. Explore the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, relax on sandy beaches, and savor traditional paella. Stroll through the historic Old Town and experience the vibrant festivals and nightlife.
With 321+ hand-picked places to explore, Valencia rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Here's our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for.
Must-See Attractions in Valencia
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Plaza de la Reina — a lively square perfect for a mid-afternoon coffee break and a view of El Micalet. Just as worthwhile is Plaza Redonda: a circular plaza in Valencia known for its lively market atmosphere and artisan shops. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias completes the picture: incorporating art, science, and nature, this architectural complex enhances any day spent in Valencia.
Plaza de la Reina
Valencia • Historic Squares & Plazas
A lively square perfect for a mid-afternoon coffee break and a view of El Micalet.
Plaza Redonda
Valencia • Historic Squares & Plazas
A circular plaza in Valencia known for its lively market atmosphere and artisan shops.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
Valencia • Famous Landmarks
Incorporating art, science, and nature, this architectural complex enhances any day spent in Valencia.
Mercado Central de Valencia
Valencia • Famous Landmarks
Ideal for food lovers and those interested in local culture, this market offers a lively experience.
Museums & Culture in Valencia
Galleries, museums and cultural landmarks for a deeper look at the city.
Top of most lists is Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados: located in Plaza de la Virgen, this Baroque church is essential to Valencia's religious identity. Locals will also point you to Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia — a striking modern architectural masterpiece dedicated to opera and music performances in Valencia. And for something different, there's Almoina Archaeological Center: explore ancient Valencia while walking among well-preserved Roman ruins at this archaeological site.
Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados
Valencia • Historical Sites
Located in Plaza de la Virgen, this Baroque church is essential to Valencia's religious identity.
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia
Valencia • Theaters
A striking modern architectural masterpiece dedicated to opera and music performances in Valencia.
Almoina Archaeological Center
Valencia • Historical Sites
Explore ancient Valencia while walking among well-preserved Roman ruins at this archaeological site.
Bombas Gens Centre d'Art
Valencia • Art Galleries
Ideal for art enthusiasts and culture seekers, this center features contemporary exhibitions in a historic setting.
Best Things to Do in Valencia
Activities and experiences to fill your days.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Food & Fun Valencia — ideal for culinary enthusiasts and groups looking to explore Spanish cuisine through interactive cooking classes. Valencia Beach Biking Tour earns its reputation too — enjoy a guided cycling experience along Valencia's stunning coastline with breathtaking beachside scenery. Round out the shortlist with Valencia Climb — a great way to break up your day in Valencia with indoor climbing for all skill levels.
Food & Fun Valencia
Valencia • Indoor
Ideal for culinary enthusiasts and groups looking to explore Spanish cuisine through interactive cooking classes.
Valencia Beach Biking Tour
Valencia • Outdoor
Enjoy a guided cycling experience along Valencia's stunning coastline with breathtaking beachside scenery.
Valencia Climb
Valencia • Sports
A great way to break up your day in Valencia with indoor climbing for all skill levels.
Valencia Skydiving Center
Valencia • Sports
The only skydiving experience offering panoramic views of Valencia's coastline and cityscape awaits thrill-seekers.
Where to Eat in Valencia
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with Café Infinito — ideal for families and casual diners seeking a relaxed meal in Valencia's Ruzafa district. Just as worthwhile is Karakala: authentic Korean dishes served in a warm, home-like setting in Valencia. Khambú completes the picture: start your day exploring Valencia, then recharge at this vegan spot focused on local ingredients.
Café Infinito
Valencia • Casual Dining
Ideal for families and casual diners seeking a relaxed meal in Valencia's Ruzafa district.
Karakala
Valencia • Asian Cuisine
Authentic Korean dishes served in a warm, home-like setting in Valencia.
Khambú
Valencia • Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
Start your day exploring Valencia, then recharge at this vegan spot focused on local ingredients.
Restaurante Ricard Camarena
Valencia • Fine Dining
Ideal for couples and food enthusiasts seeking a unique culinary experience in Valencia.
Valencia After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is 16 Toneladas: ideal for music enthusiasts seeking a gritty live performance experience in Valencia. Locals will also point you to Kaf Café — ideal for music lovers and those seeking a relaxed cultural experience in Valencia. And for something different, there's The Market Craft Beer: ideal for craft beer enthusiasts and casual groups looking for a relaxed night out.
16 Toneladas
Valencia • Live Music Venues
Ideal for music enthusiasts seeking a gritty live performance experience in Valencia.
Kaf Café
Valencia • Live Jazz Venues
Ideal for music lovers and those seeking a relaxed cultural experience in Valencia.
The Market Craft Beer
Valencia • Craft Beer Bars
Ideal for craft beer enthusiasts and casual groups looking for a relaxed night out.
Café Central
Valencia • Live Jazz Venues
A lively spot in Valencia's historic center for jazz enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Where to Stay in Valencia
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Caro Hotel — an architectural blend of Roman and Moorish styles in a 19th-century palace setting. Hotel Palacio Vallier earns its reputation too — ideal for couples and luxury travelers seeking a refined stay in Valencia's historic center. Round out the shortlist with Zalamera BnB — located on Calle Pelayo, this eco-friendly bed and breakfast focuses on sustainability and local experiences.
Caro Hotel
Valencia • Luxury Hotels
An architectural blend of Roman and Moorish styles in a 19th-century palace setting.
Hotel Palacio Vallier
Valencia • Luxury Hotels
Ideal for couples and luxury travelers seeking a refined stay in Valencia's historic center.
Zalamera BnB
Valencia • Bed & Breakfast
Located on Calle Pelayo, this eco-friendly bed and breakfast focuses on sustainability and local experiences.
Home Youth Hostel Valencia
Valencia • Hostels
In the historic district of Valencia, this hostel welcomes travelers seeking a social atmosphere.
Shopping in Valencia
Markets, boutiques and everything in between.
Start with Souvenirs Valencia — located in Plaza de la Reina, this shop offers a wide selection of traditional Valencian souvenirs. Just as worthwhile is Vintage Room Valencia: explore the eclectic offerings on Carrer de Sueca with a visit to this unique vintage shop. Santo Spirito Vintage completes the picture: discover a diverse collection of vintage fashion on Carrer de la Puríssima in Valencia.
Souvenirs Valencia
Valencia • Souvenir Shops
Located in Plaza de la Reina, this shop offers a wide selection of traditional Valencian souvenirs.
Vintage Room Valencia
Valencia • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Explore the eclectic offerings on Carrer de Sueca with a visit to this unique vintage shop.
Santo Spirito Vintage
Valencia • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Discover a diverse collection of vintage fashion on Carrer de la Puríssima in Valencia.
La Marina de Valencia
Valencia • Luxury Shopping
Located at Moll de la Duana, La Marina de Valencia offers upscale shopping with scenic marina views.
Parks & Green Spaces in Valencia
Room to breathe when you need a break from the streets.
Top of most lists is Ruta de los Molinos: calle Molino leads to a scenic hiking trail dotted with historic windmills and rich landscapes. Locals will also point you to Paraje Natural Municipal Les Rodanes — a natural retreat near Valencia, ideal for a day of exploration and wildlife observation. And for something different, there's Ruta de la Peña Cortada: explore a scenic hiking trail that merges natural beauty with ancient Roman history near Valencia.
Ruta de los Molinos
Valencia • Hiking Trails
Calle Molino leads to a scenic hiking trail dotted with historic windmills and rich landscapes.
Paraje Natural Municipal Les Rodanes
Valencia • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
A natural retreat near Valencia, ideal for a day of exploration and wildlife observation.
Ruta de la Peña Cortada
Valencia • Hiking Trails
Explore a scenic hiking trail that merges natural beauty with ancient Roman history near Valencia.
Ruta del Barranc de l'Infern
Valencia • Hiking Trails
Ancient stone steps built by Moors create a unique hiking experience on this challenging trail.
83 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Valencia that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Valencia list:
- Valencia Tapas and Wine Bus Tour· Bus
- Valencia Mindfulness Retreat· Bed & Breakfast
- Valencia Old Town Walking Tour· Walking
- Bodega La Aldeana 1927· Secret Foodie Spots
- Café de la Bici· Secret Foodie Spots
Planning where to stay in Valencia?
Our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide covers the best areas and hotels for every budget.
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