The Most Amazing Things to Do in Valencia Spain
Valencia is a southern Spanish coastal city known as the birthplace of paella as well as being famous for the futuristic-looking City of Arts and Sciences. It’s a fantastic place to go if you like warm weather, interesting architecture, a beautiful city, beautiful beaches and lovely parks. Below you will find the most amazing things to do in Valencia.This post is all about the most amazing things to do in Valencia Spain.
When we went, we were also surprised by how much cool street art there was. When I visit new places, I love to just wander along the streets and get lost to really feel the vibe of the place. Valencia is a great place to do this, especially in the El Carmen and Eixample neighborhoods.
Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity nestled along the Mediterranean coast. Whether you’re drawn to ancient architecture, lush green spaces, or cutting-edge design, this vibrant city offers something for everyone. One of the best places to start your journey is the city center, where landmarks like the Valencia Cathedral, believed to house the Holy Grail, and the nearby Plaza de la Virgen transport you back in time. Stroll through the Barrio del Carmen, a charming neighborhood brimming with historic charm, or marvel at La Lonja de la Seda, the 15th-century Silk Exchange and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to Valencia’s prosperous past as a trade hub. Don’t forget to visit the bustling Mercado Central, or Central Market, where vibrant stalls overflow with fresh produce, local delicacies, and the city’s famous orange trees.
For those seeking modern marvels, Valencia doesn’t disappoint. The City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex designed by Santiago Calatrava, is home to an impressive opera house, and a science museum—all worth visiting. Meanwhile, the sprawling Turia Gardens, carved out of a former riverbed, provide a serene escape from the urban bustle and lead to some of the best things to see in the city. Valencia’s coastal setting along the Mediterranean Sea also makes it ideal for beach lovers and food enthusiasts eager to savor authentic paella. From its rich historical tapestry to its contemporary flair, Valencia’s list of things to explore is endless, ensuring a memorable experience for every visitor.
This blog post is about the most amazing things to do in Valencia, where to eat delicious vegan food and where to stay in Valencia.
how to get around valencia
Getting around Valencia is easy and convenient, thanks to its well-connected public transportation system and walkable city layout. Here are the main ways to navigate the city:
1. Public Transportation
Valencia boasts an efficient metro, bus, and tram network, making it simple to reach key attractions like the City of Arts and Sciences, Playa de las Arenas, and Albufera Natural Park. The metro connects the airport to the city center and other areas, while buses operate extensively, including routes to Valencia’s Old Town and the beach. The Valenbisi bike-sharing system is another popular and eco-friendly option, with stations conveniently located throughout the city.
2. Walking and Cycling
Valencia’s city center and Ciutat Vella are highly walkable, with charming streets and landmarks like the Serranos Towers and Valencia Cathedral within easy reach. For longer distances, cycling is a great choice, especially with dedicated bike lanes running through the city and the Jardín del Turia. Renting a bike is affordable and allows you to explore Valencia at your own pace.
3. Taxis and Ridesharing
Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced, perfect for late-night trips or quick rides. Ridesharing apps like Uber, FreeNow and Cabify also operate in Valencia, offering another convenient option.
4. Car Rentals
If you plan to explore areas outside the city, such as the Albufera Natural Park or nearby towns, renting a car might be the best way to enjoy the surrounding countryside and coastal views. However, parking in the city can be limited, so use public transportation or taxis when staying in central Valencia.
No matter your choice, Valencia’s compact size and diverse transport options make it easy to discover the top attractions and hidden gems of this Mediterranean gem.
What to do in Valencia – the most amazing things to do in valencia spain
Ciudad de las Artes – this is such a COOL place to go! Ths is one of the main attractions in Valencia. The architecture is very futuristic and parts of it made me feel like I was on a Star Wars movie set. We explored the area and took photos with the famous buildings and signs. Next time I go back, I’m definitely going to go to a performance at the arts venue.
Mercat Central – this market is HUGE! My mom and I quickly entered and exited this market as we were overwhelmed by all the people, the movement and the sights/smells of meat. If you must visit, go early in the morning and during the week instead of the weekend. The architecture of the building is stunning – don’t forget to look up to see the paintings on the ornate ceiling.
main valencia plazas – the most amazing things to do in valencia spain
Plaza de la Reina – this is one of the main squares in Valencia and is just around the corner from Plaza de Ayuntamiento. As this plaza is surrounded by restaurants and the cathedral, it’s quite a lively area.
Plaza de Ayuntamiento – this is the most central and most important plaza in Valencia. It’s surrounded by gorgeous, unique buildings and a fun, interactive light installation in the middle. Check out the nearby Calle de las Barcas and have your camera ready – it’s a lovely palm-tree lined avenue which perfectly frames the vibrant, ornate buildings.
Calle de Fos – this is one of the main streets in the old city. While wandering around here, you are sure to come across some colorful street art.
Calle de La Paz – lovely street leading to Plaza de la Reina and a magnificent place to see the Modernist buildings nearby.
El Carmen neighborhood – this neighborhood is the most iconic in Valencia. It’s also the area where you will find the most amount of street art in such a condensed area. Valencianos seriously love their street art and I couldn’t get enough of it! Just wander around to see the vibrant street art – every corner has something new to see.
famous valencia bridge – one of the most amazing things to do in valencia spain
Puente Del Mar – this is one of the most attractive bridges with a lengthy back-story. Since the first wooden bridge was erected in the 14th century, there has been somewhat of a checkered aspect to this span due to flooding in the Turia river. It is now an atmospheric pedestrian route surrounded by a grand water feature and palm trees while statues of the Virgin Mary and San Pascual Bailon adorn it.
gardens in valencia – the most amazing things to do in valencia spain
Jardin de Monforte – while compact in size, this garden is delightful and impressive. It’s also a popular place for family and wedding photo-taking. The statues, greenery and resident cats make this garden a must-visit destination while in Valencia.
Jardins de Real – the weather in Valencia typically allows for many outdoor activities, including walking around parks.. I love spending time at local parks when I travel and this park, north of the touristy area, was fantastic. It’s expansive and full of lush greenery, statues, rose gardens, ponds and the Natural History Museum.
Museum of Fine Arts – next to Jardins de Real, this free museum has lots of religious art and then more contemporary art upstairs. The entrance is really cool!
Jardin de Turia – this exquisite park was a former river that was turned into a park after devastating floods caused Valencianos to move the river elsewhere. This 12 km long park has everything – soccer fields, rugby fields, bike trails, walking trails, areas for group exercise, kids playgrounds, even leading to the famous Ciudad de las Artes. It also expands under 18 bridges that lead to the central area of Valencia. We spent A LOT of time in this park as it led from our hotel to the main areas we wanted to explore. It was so fun to see everybody partaking in engaging activities in the park.
Cathedral of Valencia
The Catedral de Valencia, located in the heart of the city center, is a magnificent blend of Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque architectural styles. Renowned for housing the Holy Grail, it also offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast from its iconic bell tower, El Micalet.
popular valencia beach – one of the most amazing things to do in valencia
Playa de la Malvarrosa – oh wow! I’m so glad we went here. Not necessarily for the beach because it was nice, but a little polluted. I was more impressed with the neighborhood (El Cabanyal) that we walked through to arrive at the beach. El Cabanyal was known as a small fishing village behind the sandy Valencia beaches. The buildings here are really unique and feel very different from the rest of Valencia. Many of the buildings are covered in colorful tiles with eye-popping designs.
El Cabanyal neighborhood
Playa de las Arenas
Playa de las Arenas, located just a short distance from Valencia’s city center, is one of the city’s most iconic beaches along the stunning Mediterranean coast. This expansive sandy shoreline is ideal for sunbathing, strolls, or enjoying the soothing sound of waves. The beach is lined with a vibrant promenade filled with cafés, bars, and some of the best restaurants in Valencia. Whether you’re looking to relax under the sun or indulge in local foods, Playa de las Arenas provides the perfect combination of leisure and gastronomy.
In addition to its natural beauty, Playa de las Arenas is a lively hub for activities and events, making it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors. Water sports like paddleboarding, kite surfing, and sailing are popular here, while the nearby marina offers boat tours for those who want to explore the Mediterranean waters. The beach also boasts excellent accessibility, with well-maintained facilities and convenient connections via public transportation. Whether you’re visiting for a tranquil retreat or an active seaside adventure, Playa de las Arenas is a must-see destination that showcases the vibrant coastal charm of Valencia.
Where to eat
Jardin Urbano – really flavorful, creative food and don’t miss the dessert! Yum! There is also a small take away shop/grocery store with vegan items attached to this restaurant. We went back to get pastries for the flight and after eating the goodies, we wished we had ordered more croissants and pain au chocolat.
Khambu – fast food at its best. The food was delicious and the vegan message was on point.
La Mandragora – we didn’t get a chance to go here, but this is an activist hub with creative vegan dishes.
Lo De Ponxe en El Kinto – we also didn’t get a chance to go here as it was closed on Sunday and Monday. It comes highly recommended on Happy Cow.
where to eat in el cabanyal
Mestiza – this restaurant is on the way to the beach in the El Cabanyal neighborhood, right across the street from some alluring buildings. The dishes are creative and flavorful.
where to eat in eixample area
Cafe Madrigal – we went to this lovely restaurant the first night we were in Valencia. We ate on the adorable patio while delighting in all of the cute dogs going on their evening walks. If I lived in Valencia, I would definitely want to live in this charming neighborhood of Russafa/Eixample. The vibe is lively and feels like the creative area of Valencia.
Oslo – we didn’t get to eat here as they were completely booked on the day we went. Hot tip: make reservations!
Copenhagen – this is a delicious vegetarian restaurant with great vegan options. Look at the jackfruit tacos below – scrumptious!
my favorite food in valencia
Amberes Wine bar – so so good! This was the favorite place that we ate at. We thoroughly enjoyed the creative vegan tapas and wine pairings along with the sexy atmosphere. As we went at 8:00 p.m., we were the only ones in the entire place (Spaniards typically eat dinner at 9:30-10:00 p.m.).
Best Time to Visit Valencia
The best time to visit Valencia, Spain, is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasantly warm, and the city is alive with cultural events. March, in particular, is ideal for experiencing Las Fallas, Valencia’s world-famous festival featuring elaborate sculptures, fireworks, and lively street parties. The summer months can be too hot and humid to be enjoyable.
Fun paid experiences – the most amazing things to do in valencia
- Flamenco show and drink ticket – you can’t go to Spain and not go see a live Flamenco show!
- Hop On/Hop off Bus Ticket – highly recommended for your first day in Valencia
- Valencia Tourist Card – great for public transportation and to save at tourist attractions
- Really fun Valencia guided bike tour – next time I go to Valencia, I’m definitely doing this!
- Private guided tour of my favorite neighborhood, Eixample – highly recommended!
Where to stay in valencia
- Gorgeous 2 bedroom apartment right in the middle of old town – click here
- Fantastic location + pool/spa – click here
- Unbeatable + spacious location in old town- click here
- Budget-friendly + charming one bedroom apartment – click here
- Lovely apartment in my favorite Valencia neighborhood – click here
Final Thoughts on Valencia
No visit to Valencia would be complete without exploring Valencia’s Old Town (Ciutat Vella), where history comes alive amid beautiful buildings and lively local markets. Begin at the Serranos Towers, one of the city’s ancient city gates, which once formed part of the medieval city walls. A short walk brings you to Valencia’s Cathedral, built on the site of an ancient Roman temple, where you can see remarkable Baroque-style chapels and the fabled Holy Grail. Don’t miss climbing El Miguelete, the cathedral’s bell tower, for panoramic views of the city. Nearby, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, with its grand Town Hall and decorative arts, is an ideal spot to soak in the local atmosphere or enjoy a refreshing Agua de Valencia, the city’s signature cocktail.
For a mix of nature and innovation, head to the Jardín del Turia, a sprawling green space perfect for relaxation or a family outing to Gulliver Park. At its eastern edge lies the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, a futuristic city of arts boasting modern architecture and Spain’s top attractions. Beyond the city, the Albufera Natural Park offers a tranquil escape, with rice paddies, serene rice fields, and scenic boat rides that are the best way to experience Valencia’s connection to its culinary heritage, including its famous traditional paella (veganized, of course). From vibrant cultural festivals like the Las Fallas Festival to dynamic flamenco shows, Valencia offers an unforgettable blend of history, innovation, and local charm.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend items that we truly love!
THE 5 ITEMS WE WERE SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOR ALL OF OUR TRIPS:
- Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing because they are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for hikes.
- Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
- North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – Seriously, I wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
- Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack that we can easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
- Vegan Sunscreen – don’t forget to put on your vegan, all-natural sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays
This blog post was about the most amazing things to do in Valencia, where to eat delicious vegan food and where to stay in Valencia.
Bonus: Google map of all the places we went to in Valencia Spain
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